Day in history for January 12, 2005

1855 -- 150 years ago

The Minnesotan says ''a gentleman from Rock Island drove 300 turkeys, some wild, some tame, to St. Paul and sold them for $2.50 to $3 apiece. We should like to know the name of the gentleman who could drive 300 turkeys from Rock Island to St. Paul.

1880 -- 125 years ago

The steamer Viola has come down the Rock Island rapids to do some towing for the Keokuk and Northern Packet Company.

1905 -- 100 years ago

The Rock Island YMCA is soon to have an orchestra, a feature of association activity which has not been known in Rock Island for several years.

1930 -- 75 years ago

Birtman Electric Company of Chicago has bought the Rock Island Manufacturing Company and will expand the factory.

1955 -- 50 years ago

M.C. Samuelson, a farmer of near Ophiem, left a note for his milkman ordering butter with a signed check, the amount and payee left blank. Samuelson complained to Sheriff George Nelson that his milkman left the butter as requested, but made himself the payee and put the charge at $250.

1980 -- 25 years ago

Mary Gustafson's Christmas present was something she had on her ''dream list.'' The gift from husband Glendon was one share in the Chicago Cubs baseball team. The certificate was accompanied by an official Cubs Christmas card.

Back: Available days in January 2005