Day in history for February 17, 2005

1855 -- 150 years ago

Other papers are taking up the suggestion of The Argus that railroads should have foresight enough to have horses and sleighs ready to carry the mail when snowdrifts stop the trains.

1880 -- 125 years ago

Lumbermen of Rock Island, Moline, Davenport and Muscatine will buy a steamer to help pass rafts of logs down the Rock Island rapids. J.M. Gould, Moline, was elected president of the Lumbermen's Association, with Capt. Sam VanSant of LeClaire, vice president.

1905 -- 100 years ago

The hot tamale wagon evil was discussed by the Rock Island City Council. Aldermen said there were too many hot tamale wagons using the streets for business purposes.

1930 -- 75 years ago

Farmall Works will increase its production from 200 tractors daily to 250.

1955 -- 50 years ago

The present Rock Island Federal Building, which will be traded to the city of Rock Island for Spencer Square, site of a proposed $2,000,000 federal building, is valued at $150,000. The exchange of the building and the square will be on an even basis.

1980 -- 25 years ago

Joshua Grafton, Moline, will be first on the ballot for the nomination of Illinois delegates to the 1980 Republican convention in Detroit. Grafton, 20, is a student at the University of Illinois.

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