Day in history for February 18, 2002

1852 -- 150 years ago

Investigation shows there is much difference in the size of salaries paid governors. The governor of California gets $10,000 a year, the governor of Rhode Island only $400 per year.

1877 -- 125 years ago

Tom Thumb, the famous dwarf, rode through the streets of Moline today, drawn by midget horses that were driven by a tiny coachman.

1902 -- 100 years ago

Banker Phil Mitchell has offered to sell to Rock Island on easy terms the former armory building, which is being leased as city hall. The price asked is $17,000.

1927 -- 75 years ago

Among automobiles sold in Rock Island and on display at the auto show in the Fort Armstrong Hotel are the new models of Erskine, Paige, Chandler, Peerless, Auburn, Reo, Essex, Jordan, Oakland, Star, Flint and Overland. The cheapest new car is a runabout, at $390.

1952 -- 50 years ago

The Sammy Kaye Show, without a box-office handicap, last night packed Davenport Masonic Temple to the walls, the crowd overflowing into the streets. Hundreds of ticket holders, including The Argus reviewer, were turned away as much as a half-hour before the show began. Complaints were rampant. Hundreds of gate crashers were blamed for the confusion.

1977 -- 25 years ago

The 200-room Fort Armstrong Hotel, Rock Island, has been purchased by Stan Schiller, Davenport, a partner in the Clayton House motel chain. No purchase price for the Rock Island downtown landmark was revealed.

Back: Available days in February 2002