Day in history for May 23, 2004

1854 -- 150 years ago

Kit Atkinson says people need not hesitate to erect buildings for want of bricks, or lime, as he has on hand and will keep at his brick yard a constant supply of both.

1879 -- 125 years ago

The man who wanted a servant advertised for a ''middle-aged single woman'' doesn't understand why he has received no applications for the position.

1904 -- 100 years ago

That gas stove you have been thinking of putting in your home this summer has arrived. You will find it at the office of the People's Power Company on 17th Street, Rock Island.

1929 -- 75 years ago

Cigarette smoking by mothers was denounced by George D. Long, judge of Rock Island County court.

1954 -- 50 years ago

``He's having the time of his life here at home,'' states Mrs. Royt Brodie, mother of Rodney Dee Brodie, famed surviving half of Siamese twins born in Rock Island nearly three years ago. Rodney, who has undergone extensive surgery since his separation from his brother Roger about 18 months ago, is growing up like any other child with the exception that he has an incomplete skull. Roger did not survive the history-making separation surgery.

1979 -- 25 years ago

They're here. Right here in River City. Chokecherry trees. Seven of them. Smack dab on Metro Center Plaza, folks. Their sinister berries may already be forming to dirty the new aggregate sidewalks and lure messy birds to their branches.

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