Day in history for May 17, 2000

1875 -- 125 years ago

A wagon driven by John Oswald broke an axletree while crossing the street car track near Mitchell And Lynde's Bank, Rock Island. The load of white lead was capsized.

1900 -- 100 years ago

Collins brothers were awarded the contract for the erection of the proposed L.S. McCabe block on Third Avenue, Rock Island.

1925 -- 75 years ago

Taking a prohibition topic for his oration, Isador Katz of Rock Island will represent Augustana College in the state oratorical contest.

1950 -- 50 years ago

A $50,000 blaze destroyed a large dairy barn near Rapids City yesterday afternoon just 15 minutes before a 20-head Holstein herd was to be turned in for the evening's milking. Ward Snyder, tenant on the farm owned by Charles Shuler, Jr., of Davenport, was in the barn getting ready to bring in the cows when the fire started. The fire apparently was caused by defective wiring.

1975 -- 25 years ago

No doubt about it. Red, white and blue are the colors for 1975 and 1976. Even for wedding colors, chosen by Lauri and Dale Spriet of Moline. ``We didn't really think about choosing the bicentennial colors until later,'' said Lauri. She also admitted that at first the idea of red, white and blue was ``kind of shocking'' for her husband Dale.

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