Day in history for September 20, 2004

1854 -- 150 years ago

A channel has been put through Campbell's chain in the Rock Island rapids of the Mississippi River so that there never will be less than four feet of water for navigation.

1879 -- 125 years ago

William Lee Jr. was appointed mine inspector for Rock Island County for the ensuing year.

1904 -- 100 years ago

Spreading of the rails was blamed for the wreck of a merchandise train of the Rock Island Lines at 38th Street. Seven cars were derailed.

1929 -- 75 years ago

H.H. Cleaveland, Illinois Director of Public Works, will address the convention of the Illinois Association of Insurance Agents.

1954 -- 50 years ago

The Bonnie Lassies, a corps of baton twirlers under the direction of Bonnie Groves, Rock Island, placed second at a National Baton Twirlers Association contest at Fulton. Members of the newly organized corps range in age from 14 to 16. They practice weekly in Moline.

1979 -- 25 years ago

The old Hofson House at 804 11th Ave., Moline, was leveled yesterday to provide room for a parking lot for visitors to Butterworth Center, the Deere-Wiman House, and the Rock Island County Historical House. The old home was the former Episcopal manse, and was purchased from the Episcopal church by the William Butterworth Memorial Trust.

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