Day in history for February 17, 2003

1853 -- 150 years ago

The Rock Island City Council authorized the city marshal to destroy all dogs found running at large within the limits of the city without good and sufficient muzzles on their jaws.

1878 -- 125 years ago

It being Sunday, the Rev. George R. Palmer preached at the Fifth Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church on ``some thoughts suggested by Henry Ward Beecher's Chicago sermon.''

1903 -- 100 years ago

The Rock Island City Council last night voted in favor of the proposition to sell a city lot on 17th Street to Mrs. Anna Corcoran at her bid of $1,250.

1928 -- 75 years ago

The withdrawal of Anton Cermak, Chicago, leaves the gubernatorial field to Justice Floyd E. Thompson of Rock Island in the Democratic primary.

1953 -- 50 years ago

Roads which will form part of the Illinois route of a supersafe travelway from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico were named in the report of the Mississippi Scenic Parkway commission to Governor William G. Stratton. Illinois Route 80, through Cordova, Port Byron, Hampton and Silvis, would be part of the designated thoroughfare.

1978 -- 25 years ago

Three Burlington-Northern locomotives and 59 cars were derailed just north of Hillsdale along Ill. 2. No injuries were reported, but damage is estimated at more than $250,000. Damages include $20,000 to the track, $20,000 to the locomotives, and the rest to demolished freight cars.

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