Day in history for September 30, 2004

1854 -- 150 years ago

Buildings, some of them very fine ones, are springing up like magic in Rock Island. From the boat yards at Dock Street to the rural Greenbush section and back to the bluffs the sounds of the ax, the saw, the hammer and the mason's trowel is heard everywhere. The prices on city lots are going higher every day.

1879 -- 125 years ago

Levi Higgins, the well-known Democratic Party leader at Orion, was a visitor in Rock Island today.

1904 -- 100 years ago

There are five cases of smallpox in Rock Island.

1929 -- 75 years ago

Millions of dollars were lost by speculators as the stock market fell abruptly once more, this time $8 to $35 a share.

1954 -- 50 years ago

A suitcase, chained and padlocked, containing $640 in travelers cheques and cash, was stolen from a parked auto in Rock Island's loop. George Ketterer, Keokuk, Iowa, said he was absent from his car for only about 20 minutes.

1979 -- 25 years ago

In recognition of her 47 years as manager of the Tri-City Symphony Orchestra, Elsie von Maur was presented with the Silver Baton Award during ceremonies Saturday at the Deere Administrative Center. Dignitaries included Louis Sudler, former Chicago Symphony board chairman; Erich Leinsdorf, guest conductor of the Chicago Symphony concert at Augustana College; and John Edwards, Chicago Symphony general manager.

Back: Available days in September 2004