This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!
This newspaper page contains 24 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Moline Review Dispatch
Location
Moline, Illinois, United States of America
Date
Feb 13, 1903
Page
1
A massive blaze in the Tri-Cities cartridge plant caused extensive damage and prompted city firefighters to battle the flames. Fire crews report widespread destruction and note the incident as one of the costliest blazes in local history. Authorities assess the cause and total losses as investigations continue.
A massive fire at Rock Island Arsenal Storehouses caused the loss of about 415000 with no insurance. Officials urge immediate congressional emergency funds to replace the burnt storage and reconstruct a larger, more fire resistant facility. The blaze likely started in the elevator shaft amid electric wiring and smoky materials.
A severe fire swept a large arsenal storehouse on the island as flames spread rapidly from the southeast corner to the far end. The blaze cut electricity and, temporarily, the water supply, forcing steam pumps to restore water for six lines of hose and neighboring buildings.
Major Blunt announced at noon a hurried inventory showing a loss of about 1.915 million dollars including 3500 cavalry and artillery sets, 5000 infantry sets, 16 Gatling guns, 2250 Krag rifles, 2.25 million small arms cartridges, field and siege gun parts, and three years of army equipment with no insurance.
The report describes force needs after a warehouse fire at Storehouse K where ammunition storage exploded. Major Blunt notes three arsenal storehouses remain with thousands of sets destroyed, while bullets and shells hurled through shattered windows and one man finds a stray bullet. The south wall collapsed an hour after ignition, sending smoke and cinders as others walls stayed intact.
Major Blunt ordered immediate cooperation from Rock Island and Davenport fire crews after a major fire at the arsenal. Davenport Hook and Ladder No 3 and Rock Island Central Hose wagon joined, with five men under Chief Hastings. The combined effort saved adjacent buildings as hoses and the arsenal steamer operated, delivering water under heavy pressure.
A vast blaze towers sixty feet above as ammunition detonates for two hours, producing a continuous rattle like a brutal infantry battle. The noise reaches the western half of Moline and forces shouting to communicate, while civilians sense danger amid heavy death-dealing ordnance.
Firefighters battled a fierce blaze near a row of lumber piles east of a burning building and a long wood shed used to protect better grades. Sparks and heat threatened adjacent shops 150 feet away while crews kept water on the fronts to prevent ignition. The breeze dictated spark trajectories, but flames were contained by continuous hose flow and cooling efforts.
Rapid flames trapped workers as they abandoned attempts to salvage contents. The blaze endangered 2,250,000 cartridges stored inside and forced evacuation after early efforts to move crates of Krag Jorgenson ammunition failed amid extreme heat.
Investigators reveal the boxes contained volatile contents as flames broke out across the street. Fire crews aimed a full hose on the fronts, soaking the boxes and contents until completely drenched.
As a massive fire raged on the island, sightseers from Moline flooded trains bound for the site. Guards refused entry without night passes, lining the bridge and riverbank with crowds while officials kept spectators out to avoid interference and accidents.
The Storehouse, built in 1883 and described as fireproof with stone walls and steel pillars, burned at the Arsenal Row site south of the main avenue. It housed most shipments and fire supplies, with loading platforms along railroad tracks on both sides. The blaze spread rapidly due to wooden floors and unobstructed drafts, while other warehouses remained intact.
Major Bunt states there is no plan to enlarge the Arsenal's force though congress may fund new materials and a replacement building. While many supplies were lost, the overall stock remains sufficient for most items, with only some needing accelerated production. Once the new building funds arrive, stone masons and builders will be required.
Directors of the Kewanee Cambridge Geneseo Railway Co meet at the Harper House Rock Island to approve raising capital from 100000 to 850000 A power house at Cambridge and a modern roadbed with grades under 2.5 percent are planned Engineer W H Schott outlines cost and earning prospects and says work will begin early in spring with teams visiting three connected cities The project aims to boost coal production and improve coal rates for Cambridge Geneseo and Kewanee residents this coming winter and beyond.
A new panel of petit jurors for circuit court service was drawn and must report on March 9. Names include Edwin Roberts and John Blazer from Black Hawk, plus jurors from Buffalo Prairie Edgington Moline Rock Island Rural South Moline and others with numerous listed members.
Capt W T Rawson and Lieut of the Rock Island militia report Adjutant General irith promised a sufficient rent allowance to close remodeling of the Armory for Naval Reserves and Company A. A second story will rise over the gun room and the main building’s third story will serve as a club room for both groups.
Officials from Kemp Burpee Mfg Co of Syracuse are in the city to inspect sites for a new factory either here or in East Moline. They are accompanied by Business Men's Association leaders and are considering a location after a favorable prior visit. The company makes manure spreaders and employs 125 workers, with products sold through Deere & Co. branch houses.
Camp 29, MWA of Rock Island elects delegates to county camp. Delegates instructed to back a suitable rate readjustment rather than the committee plan. Delegates include Dr J F Myers, J F Cramer, Dr C T Foster, Wm Hartz, S Mattison, W P Quayle, C J Searle, C O W Hawes, H M Shriver, G A Johnson, JOT McCullough, B M Els, H AL Beek, C FE Hodgson, T McLean, H F Lamp, E Wilcher, J C Davenport, Sh Ohgze, J FE Larkin.
Delegates and alternates for the county convention on April 1 were elected by Abe Lincoln Camp No 153 MWA. Delegates include J oH Skinner Henry Tress Chas Bloemsma Will Hadean G W Freeland Fritz Hadean Edwin Smith CS Albertson Chas Proessing Henry Krambeck Con Ryan C Quilty G M Skinner with Alternates W C Bennett Hes Smith Eugene Skinner C A Landstrom Steve Eiker WA Cornbrooks J Roeschmann f E A Johnson Ed Brown John Swim John Carlson H R Albrecht Wm O Arnberg.
Farmer from near Joslin in Zuma township, Frank E Sheppard, buys the George H Edwards home at 2521 Sixth Avenue in Moline. Crompton arranged the deal, confirming Sheppard will reside there in the near term.
Committees representing shop men and physicians met Tuesday evening to discuss doctors fees. Physicians Arp Dunn Beal Whiteside and Gardner were present along with shopmen Johns Hintz Lucklum Beck and Ransom. No amicable settlement reached though possible. Statistics from twenty two cities show average call price 1.68 and office visit 78 cents. A full report will be published soon from thirty four cities with only two charging a lower rate. Doctors agreed to drop the 26 dollar fine against physicians charging less than the rate table.
The Moline Building Association conducts its annual election with directors present at the meeting held Wednesday. Officers or candidates include Richard Payton and other association members, while the proceedings focus on board leadership.
Leaders meet with Mr Johnston to select a site for the planned opera house and appoint a committee to push the proposal. The group aims to advance Johnston’s plans and secure support from local business interests for the relocation.
The group discussed renting a hall at $50 yearly for twelve meetings and approved a $25 reception fund. By-laws were amended to broaden aims to boost manufacturing in Moline East Moline and nearby areas. Plans emerged for a 1200 seat $40 000 theater with potential 11000 to 1220 openings and sale strategies.
We want people to find what they are looking for at NewspaperArchive. We are confident that we have the newspapers that will increase the value of your family history or other historical research. With our 7-day free trial, you can view the documents you find for free.
People find the most success using advanced search. Try plugging in keywords, names, dates, and locations, and get matched with results from the entire collection of newspapers at NewspaperArchive!
You can also successfully find newspapers by these browse options. Explore our archives on your own!
Browse by location and discover newspapers from all across the world.
Browse by date and find publications for a specific day or era.
Browse old newspaper publications to find specific newspapers.