Day in history for October 4, 2003

1853 -- 150 years ago

It is expected that Mr. Farnam will soon let the contract for building the railroad from Davenport to Fort Des Moines; and also, as soon as the surveys are completed; from that place to the Missouri River.

1878 -- 125 years ago

Barbed fencing has claimed another life. John Montgomery of Bowling lost a valuable colt when it became entangled in the wire.

1903 -- 100 years ago

Dr. and Mrs. J.R. Hollowbush left for Rochester, Minn., in the hope of bettering Mrs. Hollowbush's health.

1928 -- 75 years ago

Judge Floyd E. Thompson pledges action to solve the flood relief problem and develop waterway transportation.

1953 -- 50 years ago

June Haver admitted today that her attempt to be a nun has probably ended. The ex-movie queen earlier had insisted her departure from the Sisters of Charity School at Xavier, Kansas, was a temporary leave of absence, and she could return ``as soon as my strength permits.'' But today she told the United Press: ``I just physically am not able to do it.''

1978 -- 25 years ago

A ``substantial'' number of Moline policemen called in sick and stayed away from work today as a deadlock continues over a new contract. ``Just about everybody, with the exception of administrative people, stayed home,'' Mayor Lawrence Lorensen said this morning. ``The sick calls started coming in around 10 p.m. Sunday night,'' Police Chief Nial Hogeboom said this morning.

Back: Available days in October 2003