Day in history for May 16, 2003

1853 -- 150 years ago

An advertisement appeared in this paper announcing that the Spalding And Rogers circus will present a show at Rock Island on board the ``Floating Circus'' at 2 and 7 p.m. May 26. Prices of admittance: Dress circle (all arm chairs), 50 cents; family boxes (cushioned seats) and gallery, 25 cents.

1878 -- 125 years ago

The Rodman Rifles held an outdoor drill last night and marched like regulars.

1903 -- 100 years ago

Harry Bray of Quincy and Charles Schneider of Rock Island were elected grand councilor and grand sentinel, respectively, of the Illinois grand council of the United Travelers at a meeting in the Odd Fellows Hall today.

1928 -- 75 years ago

Indictments in 23 prohibition violation cases again were certified to county court.

1953 -- 50 years ago

The new Rock Island terminal of the Dohrn Transfer Co., kingpin of them all, is being officially opened today. Located at 26th Avenue and 5th Street, the massive terminal, costing in excess of $300,000, has been called the trucking gateway to the northwest. Attending the open house ceremony tonight will be Quad-Cities civic and business leaders as well as customers of the Dohrn firm which has headquarters in Rock Island.

1978 -- 25 years ago

Investors say they will build a $40 million rail and barge terminal on the Mississippi River near Clinton that could provide enough traffic to keep the river open during the winter.

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