Day in history for July 20, 2005

1855 -- 150 years ago

A strong force is now at work placing the great crib in the river for the draw to rest upon. Few people have any idea of the magnitude of the pile till they go and see it.

1880 -- 125 years ago

A party of 42 glass blowers and their families picnicked at the Watch Tower. On the return trip, the neck chain on the horse broke, the big wagon went into a ditch and Sam Schields was badly injured.

1905 -- 100 years ago

In accordance with action taken in Springfield, the Republicans planned to convene at Bushnell Aug. 24 and nominate a candidate for Congress.

1930 -- 75 years ago

The British government declined an invitation by the French government to meet in France and discuss the advantages of an European Federation of Nations.

1955 -- 50 years ago

Doors of the Sturtevant Dairy trucks were broken open and ice cream and milk were stolen from the vehicles in the company parking lot at 15th St. and 5th Ave., Rock Island.

1980 -- 25 years ago

David C. Smith is an enterprising young man. Bankrolled by his father and another photographer, the 14-year-old youth recently opened a professional darkroom, Quad-City Custom Photo Lab, in the garage of his Davenport home.

Back: Available days in July 2005