Day in history for August 16, 2004

1854 -- 150 years ago

We are in a dried up state, that is, so much of us as has not oozed away. Ghostlike people are wandering around with pitchers and pails, hunting for wells not dry.

1879 -- 125 years ago

Brakeman John Carrigan of the Western Union Railroad fell under a train at Port Byron. His right leg was terribly crushed.

1904 -- 100 years ago

The mayors of the Tri-Cities, McConochie of Rock Island, Skinner of Moline and Phillips of Davenport, will be the speakers at the Labor Day celebration to be held at Grand Isle Sept. 5.

1929 -- 75 years ago

Mayor Chester Thompson today forbade Communist party meetings on Rock Island streets, but a party organizer said one would be held tomorrow at 2nd Avenue and 18th Street. Red speakers harangue Farmall workers each noon.

1954 -- 50 years ago

John Powers, Jr., of Rock Island, the Quad-City area's entry in Sunday's annual All-American Soap Box Derby at Akron, Ohio, was on his way back home today, without the laurels of a champion but with a host of pleasant memories.

1979 -- 25 years ago

International Harvester enjoyed record-breaking net income and sales during the first nine months of 1979 and the third quarter, which ended July 31. Strong sales of the IH axial-flow combine made at the East Moline plant and the newly introduced ''2 Plus 2'' tractor made at the Rock Island Farmall plant helped build the increase.

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