Day in history for March 3, 2004

1854 -- 150 years ago

The new railroad has inspired the building of many new homes and places of business in Geneseo. That town now has three well-kept hotels.

1879 -- 125 years ago

M.S. O'Neill returns from Kansas speaking in glowing terms of the soil and climate there. Those in search of western farms are urged by O'Neill to try Kansas.

1904 -- 100 years ago

River men are counting the days until the ice goes out and steamboat travel and log rafting resume.

1929 -- 75 years ago

Slight improvement is noted in the condition of Earl Mart, 11, who was hurt while coasting.

1954 -- 50 years ago

Fire in the laundry building at St. Anthony's Hospital, Rock Island, this morning caused an estimated $2,500 to $3,000 damage to a large electrical and steam pressing machine. Hospital employees said the blaze flared up while a kerosene-soaked sheet was being run through the machine to clean off caked starch from the previous day's usage. Spontaneous combustion was listed as a possible cause.

1979 -- 25 years ago

Someone pulled a stinking trick on the Eagle Discount Supermarket No. 120. Health officials say the unpleasant odor that filled the store came from a skunk scent gland. Store officials disagree claiming the stink started in a refrigerator compressor. When the unpleasant odor filled the store at 4011 23rd Ave., Moline, somebody called the fire department.

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