Day in history for May 23, 2005

1855 -- 150 years ago

Rock Island residents gathered at the town hall to celebrate the first six months of gas-type light in the city.

1880 -- 125 years ago

The Rev. F. Doran, Colona, preached at the First Methodist Church.

1905 -- 100 years ago

An order was posted at shops abolishing the Saturday afternoon half-holiday.

1930 -- 75 years ago

In a record special election vote, the proposition to levy a mill tax to establish a municipal airport in Moline was defeated by the narrow margin of 212 votes.

1955 -- 50 years ago

Two Quad-Cities men filed suit today for $500,000 damages and an injunction to restrain a Bloomington company from using a drink dispensing device the plaintiffs claim they invented. Herbert M, Lowry, Rock Island, and John E. Martin, Moline, are plaintiffs in the suit filed in Rock Island County Circuit Court.

1980 -- 25 years ago

A Rock Island man has been named the state's best apprentice carpenter. Mark Greenleaf, 26, of 4244 14th St., won the Illinois State Apprentice contest in Springfield. He will represent the state in national competition in Cincinnati in mid-October.

Back: Available days in May 2005