Day in history for November 11, 2004

1854 -- 150 years ago

Monday night a great prairie fire began in Drury precinct and raged furiously all Tuesday, compelling farmers to work unceasingly to save their buildings and crops. Much fence and many haystacks were destroyed.

1879 -- 125 years ago

Mrs. John Whitsitt of Preemption, blind for four years, has been cured of cataracts by an unusual operation. She has recovered her sight entirely.

1904 -- 100 years ago

August E. Lamp and Henry Edwards are on a committee to iron out differences between boss barbers and the barbers' union. A neutral third party will be named.

1929 -- 75 years ago

Thousands of people watched an Armistice Day parade in Rock Island and the dedication of a beacon for aviators. The light is on top of the water tower in Reservoir Park.

1954 -- 50 years ago

Miss Shirley DeTaeye, civics and history instructor at John Deere Junior High School, Moline, spoke to the Moline Kiwanis Club on ''Teachers of Tomorrow.'' Miss DeTaeye said all teachers of yesterday, today or tomorrow needed to understand their students, have knowledge of their subject, have enthusiasm for their field and must work hard to be good teachers.

1979 -- 25 years ago

Two Rock Island Lines rail cars carrying corn derailed at 1st Street, Moline, at 1 p.m. Sunday, blocking the main rail lines until 1 a.m. today.

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