Day in history for February 18, 2005

1855 -- 150 years ago

The Argus is the oldest daily newspaper on the Mississippi, between Burlington and Galena; has the largest circulation; and has been designated as the official city and county newspaper for legal advertising.

1880 -- 125 years ago

Charles Gray's hack was stolen while he was in the Harper House. The hack was found today near the bluffs on 17th Street. The wheels, springs, and other parts were distributed along the road.

1905 -- 100 years ago

Capt. Walter Blair of the steamer Helen Blair sends word from Paducah, Ky., that he has bought a steamer there for the excursion trade here.

1930 -- 75 years ago

Eight men seek the Republican nomination for sheriff, four seek the GOP nomination for treasurer. Only one man seeks a Democratic nomination for a county office.

1955 -- 50 years ago

Flames fed by chemicals destroyed the roof and the top floor of the $750,000 Wallenberg Hall of Science at Augustana College late yesterday afternoon. Preliminary estimates of the fire loss are $75,000 to the building and $50,000 to valuable laboratory contents.

1980 -- 25 years ago

A thief, apparently an Elvis Presley fan, stole about 50 albums from a van parked in front of the owner's Rock Island home. Lonnie Key, 1502 42nd St., estimated the albums worth at $300.

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