Day in history for August 3, 2004

1854 -- 150 years ago

The Chicago Democrat takes note of Rock Island's phenomenal population growth this year and says: ''Rock Island is outstripping Galena and ranging itself alongside Quincy as the second biggest city on the Mississippi.''

1879 -- 125 years ago

Matthew Murphy, a grain harvester who lost both legs when he fell under a train three weeks ago, died today.

1904 -- 100 years ago

Blown onto a sandbar, the excursion steamer J.S. was stranded for three hours last night off Linwood, Iowa.

1929 -- 75 years ago

A hundred persons attended a Communist meeting in Rock Island's Workingmen's Hall. The meeting was part of a world-wide demonstration of ''solidarity'' ordered by Moscow.

1954 -- 50 years ago

The future of the Mississippi Valley Fair, which this year will observe the 100th anniversary of the first fair in Scott County, was dependent upon the outcome of a bond sale campaign for the purchase of the West Locust Street fairgrounds.

1979 -- 25 years ago

Burglars stole jewelry and other merchandise from two downtown Moline stores overnight after breaking the front windows and raiding display trays. Goods valued at less than $1,000 were taken from Josephson Jewelers, 1514 5th Ave., according to manager Ed Freers, and costume jewelry was taken from the Fifth Avenue Boutique, 1628 5th Ave., said owner Rosemary Spaeth.

Back: Available days in August 2004