Day in history for April 28, 2004

1854 -- 150 years ago

There is money to be made in raising flax. We believe it is considered a good crop for the seed alone.

1879 -- 125 years ago

The Sylvan Boat Club will send almost an entire new crew to the Keokuk races. Two of the Sylvans best men, it is feared, will be unable to row.

1904 -- 100 years ago

C.C. Swisher of Moline, Democratic party leader of this area, was pulled out of a train at Viola and was beaten insensible by four toughs. The motive for the attack is a mystery.

1929 -- 75 years ago

Rock Island YMCA track athletes placed first in Illinois and 15th in the nation.

1954 -- 50 years ago

The last of the steam powered locomotives in the Quad-Cities area, Burlington route engine No. 504, used in work as a yard engine, will retire tonight and will close another chapter in the fast decaying family of steam locomotives. Tomorrow a diesel powered unit will be on the job, doing the switching that has been faithfully accomplished by the 70-ton engine of the D-5 class over a period of many years.

1979 -- 25 years ago

A missionary of Rev. Sun Myung Moon's Unification Church was charged with theft by deception and unlawful use of weapons in Rock Island. Rock Island police say two members of the Korean-based church were seeking donations for the church and implying proceeds would benefit Rock Island's Youth Guidance Council. Both were arrested, but one was released later.

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