Day in history for January 27, 2004

1854 -- 150 years ago

Teams are busily engaged on both sides of the river hauling cakes of ice cut from the river to fill the ice houses. A much better article can be obtained now than towards spring.

1879 -- 125 years ago

The teams crossing between Davenport and Rock Island on the ice average $3 to $4 a day, carrying passengers at 10 cents each. At night the sleigh fare is 25 cents.

1904 -- 100 years ago

Delivery of parts for a new bridge over Rock River at Milan may be expected about March 1, Mayor McConochie said. The city of Rock Island owns and maintains the Rock River toll bridges.

1929 -- 75 years ago

Miss Eulalia Hermann, 16, of Rock Island, won first place in piano auditions conducted by the Tri-City Symphony Orchestra.

1954 -- 50 years ago

Davenport police officers took into custody five ``vagrant'' Mallard ducks after an excited citizen reported the rollicking quintet were splashing about in a gutter in front of 2214 Elm St. The green headed characters were turned over to the humane society.

1979 -- 25 years ago

Two gifts will pay the major share of building costs for a bridge between Moline Public and Lutheran Hospitals. Low bids on various phases of the construction job total slightly more than $537,000. The $250,000 pledged by the John Deere Foundation and the $150,000 pledged by the Moline Foundation means the two hospitals will have to pay only about $137,000 to complete the bridge.

Back: Available days in January 2004