Day in history for December 10, 2004

1854 -- 150 years ago

As usual, The Argus, by printing an extra, provided readers with President Pierce's message to Congress in advance of other newspapers in this region.

1879 -- 125 years ago

Six children of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Titterington of Edgington have died of diphtheria within the last eight days. Thus their whole family has been taken away by the fell destroyer.

1904 -- 100 years ago

St. Joseph's Catholic Church is observing its 30th anniversary since its separation. Until 1874 the present English and German churches were under one pastor.

1929 -- 75 years ago

Rock Island schools will be dismissed at noon on the day Santa Claus and his reindeer lead a Christmas parade.

1954 -- 50 years ago

A 10-year-old Rock Island Girl Scout is the champion of the Little People's Christmas Coloring Contest sponsored by The Argus. She is Dixie Garver, 2907 30th St. Dixie will receive the top award of $15 in cash.

1979 -- 25 years ago

The worst fire in Illini Hospital's 11-year history Saturday destroyed about 5 percent of the 30,000 X-ray records stored in a basement corridor. No one was hurt and no patients had to be evacuated from the Silvis facility. Silvis Fire Chief Mike Leibovitz said he thinks a smoldering cigarette might have caused the fire at 5:11 p.m.

Back: Available days in December 2004