Day in history for May 25, 2004

1854 -- 150 years ago

The first of the new $3 gold pieces have arrived. One side has an Indian head, the other side bears a wreath of wheat, corn, oak leaves and acorns.

1879 -- 125 years ago

The decision has been made to light all the main streets of Washington with electric lights.

1904 -- 100 years ago

The Rev. R.F. Sweet, rector of Trinity Episcopal Church, has resigned because of ill health.

1929 -- 75 years ago

The cornerstone of the Scottish Rite Cathedral in Moline was laid at impressive Masonic ceremonies.

1954 -- 50 years ago

A U.S. Appeals Court rejected an Illinois doctor's contention that the draft of doctors is unconstitutional. The court refused a writ of habeas corpus to free Dr. William R. Bertelsen of Moline and Neponset from the Army. Bertelsen is serving as a private at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, because he refused a commission.

1979 -- 25 years ago

A wide-bodied DC-10 jetliner crashed into a fireball Friday seconds after takeoff from Chicago's O'Hare International Airport in the worst air disaster in U.S. history. There were no survivors. The death toll was set by American Airlines at 272, 259 passengers, three crew members and 10 flight attendants. Flight 191, bound for Los Angeles, lost a left wing engine and veered to the left as it took off from runway 32-R. It came down almost in the middle of three mobile home parks 1 1/2 miles from the field.

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