Day in history for February 5, 2003

1853 -- 150 years ago

The mercury sank to 16 degrees below zero and the ice bridge across the Mississippi River was never better.

1878 -- 125 years ago

Thomas Saulpaugh, whom The Argus referred to as ``one of the best deer hunters in the west,'' left for Texas to be absent several weeks.

1903 -- 100 years ago

C.B. Baker of Rock Island and Miss Winnie Zudelwitz, Davenport, were married in the home of Rabbi W.H. Fineschriber in Davenport.

1928 -- 75 years ago

Cagers of Rock Island High defeated Galesburg 24 to 15, in a preliminary game on the Augustana court. Augie lost to Bradley in the final game, 34 to 29.

1953 -- 50 years ago

Moline High School pupils learned that organized truancy, like crime, does not pay. The 40 pupils who cut classes were reinstated on probation and only after they and their parents signed a promise containing a statement of five conditions. The part that hurt pertained to attendance at out-of-town basketball games.

1978 -- 25 years ago

What started as a practical joke nearly ended in death for a 6-foot boa constrictor. The snake, which was draped around the neck of a man chased from a Rock Island tavern and later arrested in Moline on a traffic violation, was abandoned in the owner's car for a few critical hours. The snake was finally fished out of the car by Niabi Zoo officials and is reported resting warmly at the zoo.

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