Day in history for July 15, 2004

1854 -- 150 years ago

The home of Postmaster A.F. Mast, Esq., Davenport, was robbed last night of $600 in gold. The Rock Island home of George M. Babcock was broken into. It's not safe to leave your house or store without somebody to watch it.

1879 -- 125 years ago

The steamer Alex Mitchell came up last night well loaded with freight and passengers.

1904 -- 100 years ago

F.C. Denkmann was reelected president of the Rock Island Board of Education. Carl Helpenstell was renamed treasurer and S.S. Kemble clerk.

1929 -- 75 years ago

Congressman John C. Allen promised to try to get the federal government to provide $5,000 emergency relief for Milan, which faces its third flood in nine days.

1954 -- 50 years ago

Mate, the dalmatian mascot at Davenport's Central Fire Station, seems to realize that carelessly thrown matches and cigarettes are fire hazards. When Mate sees a flaming match, burning cigarette or piece of paper ablaze on a floor or sidewalk he slaps at it with his paw until the fire is extinguished.

1979 -- 25 years ago

A Walcott, Iowa, man was arrested and charged for eating a Rock Island policeman's hat. Loran Lee Friedericks, 28, was arrested at the Chances Are Tavern, 2116 4th Ave., after he damaged a door frame there. Patrolman David Dale placed Friedericks in the back of his prowl car and returned to find his duty hat torn apart.

Back: Available days in July 2004