Day in history for July 11, 2004

1854 -- 150 years ago

Some of our citizens have suggested the propriety of preparing a hospital. It should be established near town where pure water and good air may be enjoyed and at a convenient distance for the attendance of physicians and nurses.

1879 -- 125 years ago

Levi Higgins, new proprietor of the hotel at Orion, is a guest at the Rock Island House.

1904 -- 100 years ago

One of the most unique, and at the same time popular and appropriate, souvenirs that yet has been designed in the interest of Rock Island takes the form of a silver spoon, the work and idea of Fred Bleuer, the jeweler.

1929 -- 75 years ago

A petition is being circulated for the city to convert the pioneer Dickson Cemetery, near Black Hawk State Park, into a park.

1954 -- 50 years ago

Rock Island's downtown street lighting system still is being hailed as one of the most modern in the nation six-and-a-half years after its completion. The Westinghouse Corporation, from which the lights were purchased, has named Rock Island as one of its model cities during the observance of the diamond or 75th anniversary of the incandescent light.

1979 -- 25 years ago

Librarians all over the Quad-Cities knew Charles Barton as one of their most regular patrons. But they say they were shocked when they learned police entered his Rock Island home and found more than 2,000 stolen books.

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