Day in history for February 14, 2003

1853 -- 150 years ago

A company of engineers under the direction of Mr. Brayten is engaged in making a preliminary survey of the Island of Rock Island, and of the Mississippi River, preparatory to locating the site of a bridge.

1878 -- 125 years ago

Capt. Ben Conger of the Diamond Jo was telling many friends here of a new boat under construction for this line at Dubuque. He claims it will be the finest stern wheel boat ever seen on the upper river.

1903 -- 100 years ago

F.C. Denkmann and H.H. Cleaveland were home from a trip taken to the northern lumber region.

1928 -- 75 years ago

Justice Floyd E. Thompson, Rock Island, announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for governor of Illinois.

1953 -- 50 years ago

Mrs. Mary Baker, proprietor of Baker Furniture Co., 1615 5th Ave., Moline, announced her retirement and simultaneously the end of the oldest retail furniture firm in Moline. Together with her husband, Samuel J. Baker, who died May 27, 1948, she started the business in a small shop on 3rd Ave., Moline, 41 years ago. Since his death, she has been the sole owner and one of the few women heading commercial concerns in the city.

1978 -- 25 years ago

William F. Williams, Davenport, and Barton J. Toohey, formerly of Davenport, have received the Meritorious Civilian Service Medal of the U.S. Army Armament Material Readiness Command (ARRCOM) at the Rock Island Arsenal.

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