Day in history for December 24, 2004

1854 -- 150 years ago

At VanSant's shipyards for winter overhaul are the steamers Greek Slave, Henrietta, Ben Campbell and J. McKee, and the ferry boats Iowa and Ione.

1879 -- 125 years ago

The county board voted to allow State's Attorney E.E. Parmenter $20 to purchase a telephone for his office, provided that he pay the balance of the costs of same.

1904 -- 100 years ago

Mrs. Esther Kale, a resident here since 1845, died in the home of her daughter, Mrs. W.H. Jordan, 225 4th Ave., Rock Island.

1929 -- 75 years ago

The Visiting Nurses Association of Rock Island entertained 133 children at a Christmas party.

1954 -- 50 years ago

One of the youngest traditions at Moline High School, the annual Line O' Type toy contest, is becoming a favorite affair with hundreds of students who participate. For the fifth consecutive year, the school assembled a large and varied collection of toys, which were distributed to needy children of the community.

1979 -- 25 years ago

The two massive stone fireplaces will once again hold the logs that spread warmth through the huge building when the Watchtower Inn at Black Hawk State Park reopens its doors next year. The building will house the newly formed Watch Tower Arts Center where the work of Quad-Cities artists will be promoted.

Back: Available days in December 2004