Day in history for October 14, 2004

1854 -- 150 years ago

A pike fish weighing 30 pounds and exquisitely cooked was served at the Island City Hotel today.

1879 -- 125 years ago

The Davenport boat racers, who were so badly beaten by the Rock Island Athletics, challenged Rock Island to another series of sculling races. Rock Island promptly accepted a week ago, but since then nothing has been heard from the Davenport crew.

1904 -- 100 years ago

A 10-year-old Moline boy confessed that he started the series of mysterious barn fires of recent weeks. The boy said, ''I just like to see the fire horses run.''

1929 -- 75 years ago

Rock Island merchants will discontinue the Mardi Gras festival they have sponsored annually. Instead, the retailers plan a series of holiday features for this fall and winter.

1954 -- 50 years ago

An Illinois Supreme Court writ, directing Rock Island County Circuit Court to dissolve an injunction restraining the city of Rock Island from placing a swimming pool in Long View Park, was received at the courthouse this morning.

1979 -- 25 years ago

At 74, Orville S. Bryan is the kind of guy people call colorful. He's spent 44 years as a one-man security service, catching over 350 burglars. He's patrolled on foot, bicycle and motorcycle, but now he uses an unmarked sedan, seven nights a week, to cruise around Rock Island businesses.

Back: Available days in October 2004