Day in history for July 23, 2004

1854 -- 150 years ago

We are watching with interest the great enterprise of Methodist churches to establish a North Western University in the vicinity of Chicago. The committee reports $249,659 in resources.

1879 -- 125 years ago

Third Avenue, between 17th and 18th Street, Rock Island, was macadamized yesterday.

1904 -- 100 years ago

When the Cedar Rapids baseball team beat Rock Island 12 to 0, manager Kohley Miller, displeased by a decision, threw the ball over the fence. Fined $5, he hit the umpire and was ejected from the game. It was a bad day all around for Rock Island fans.

1929 -- 75 years ago

Valentine Casier, 38, Moline, is the first victim of the present heat wave in the Tri-Cities. He was overcome while at work in a factory.

1954 -- 50 years ago

A barn was destroyed by fire at the Dale Sieben farm, 4 miles north of Geneseo, last night. Damages were estimated at $8,000. Ora Merriman, a neighbor residing about a half mile south of the Sieben farm, first noticed the fire and with the assistance of Danny Sieben, age 11, son of Mr. and Mrs. Dale Sieben, was successful in driving 140 head of hogs from the burning structure.

1979 -- 25 years ago

Fifteen prize rabbits valued at $200 were stolen in Moline. A witness told police they saw two or three female juveniles enter the yard of Jack Madden, 529 5th Ave., Moline, and walk off with the rabbits.

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