Day in history for August 15, 2004

1854 -- 150 years ago

Mr. W.A. Nourse of Moline is at the Island City Hotel today with one of his sewing machines. He will be at W.E. Potter's Shoe Store in Davenport tomorrow and invites the ladies to be present and witness the operation of the machine.

1879 -- 125 years ago

Deputy County Clerk Reid has concluded his report of the number of births in the county for the last thirteen months. The total number is 948.

1904 -- 100 years ago

After a lady offered to give $1,000 if the association's debt is wiped out by the end of 1904, the Rock Island YMCA arranged a campaign.

1929 -- 75 years ago

Rock Island Mayor Chester Thompson proposed a new plan for opening and paving 11th Street. His plan would retain street car service on 11th Street.

1954 -- 50 years ago

A recent announcement by the Rock Island Lines that it was the first American line to order one of the new lightweight Talgo passenger trains highlights recent progressive moves on the 8,000-mile railroad.

1979 -- 25 years ago

Coast Guard pollution investigators say Rock Island Arsenal is the ''suspected violator'' behind two oil spills in the Mississippi River within 30 days. Arsenal officials say the spills ''were accidental-type things'' involving small quantities that left ''no visible environmental damage.'' Both of the spills were in Sylvan Slough, where a storm sewer empties near the Arsenal's power dam.

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