Day in history for January 31, 2003

1853 -- 150 years ago

The Rock Island city council has adopted an ordinance setting a fine of $5 for any person who permits any horse or other beast of burden, or vehicle of any kind, on any sidewalk in the city.

1878 -- 125 years ago

Lew Benedict's minstrels gave a performance last evening at Dart's Hall.

1903 -- 100 years ago

It was announced that Postmaster Thomas has been granted permission to establish two sub-stations in Rock Island.

1928 -- 75 years ago

Fred A. Berglund was elected president of the Merchant's Credit Association of Rock Island.

1953 -- 50 years ago

Once a showplace for steam-engine repair of the Rock Island Lines in Silvis, the roundhouse which was erected in 1903, one year before the Silvis Shops were constructed, will be torn down next month. The 96-foot turntable includes 40 engine stalls. The railroad replaced all steam engines with diesel units Nov. 1.

1978 -- 25 years ago

Whiteside and Henry Counties are still digging out from the snowfall and the 50 m.p.h. winds that swept the area last week, leaving snowdrifts 9 and 10 feet deep. Whiteside County highway superintendent James Schoenhard said two county roads still have 9 foot snow drifts limiting travel to one-lane traffic. He said so much snow has accumulated in the county that ``there's no place to put it anymore.''

Back: Available days in January 2003