Day in history for May 13, 2004

1854 -- 150 years ago

The Argus said, editorially: ``With no bounds to the space back of Rock Island for the spread of the city and none back of Davenport, it is folly to advocate the sale of Rock Island, which must be preserved as the future site of a national armory and arsenal.

1879 -- 125 years ago

Grand celebration of the opening of the new Rodman Rifles armory and city hall will be held the evening of June 5. Tickets will be $2 each and supper will be extra.

1904 -- 100 years ago

John P. Newburg, Rock Island inventor, is selling stock at $5 each in his airship. He hopes to win a $100,000 prize at the world's fair. He is conducting his experiments on Carr's Island, between Rock Island and Milan.

1929 -- 75 years ago

Contracts for $60,000 worth of remodeling of the former Illinois Theater building have been let. The building, on the southeast corner of 2nd Avenue and 16th Street, Rock Island, will be occupied by Montgomery, Ward And Co.

1954 -- 50 years ago

The life savings of Mike Puente, 65, Bettendorf, have been stolen. A thief broke into Puente's room and stole $1,925 from a dresser drawer. Puente kept the money in his room, he said, because he doesn't trust banks.

1979 -- 25 years ago

International Harvester plants in East Moline, Rock Island, Canton and Memphis, Tenn., soon will begin manufacturing machinery to fully equip a farming commune in the People's Republic of China.

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