Day in history for February 28, 2005

1855 -- 150 years ago

Chicago police arrested a counterfeiter who had enough bogus money in his carpetbag to start a bank. He had counterfeit Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Ohio and Tennessee greenbacks. Chicago says the man is from Rock Island, but actually he once was a respectable businessman in Davenport, where he kept a dry goods store for two years.

1880 -- 125 years ago

Fine fresh bass may be purchased in Rock Island for 10 cents a pound.

1905 -- 100 years ago

In Springfield, the house committee on elections voted to seat George A. Cooke, who won in a recount over the apparent winner, George W. McCaskrin, in this 33rd senatorial district.

1930 -- 75 years ago

Fire from the explosion of an acetylene torch, which was being used by a workman, caused a fire which did $75,000 damage to the Capitol Theater, Davenport, at 10 a.m. today.

1955 -- 50 years ago

Rock Island police about noon today sped on an emergency call to 21st Ave. between 35th and 36th Sts. It stemmed from a report that a young girl was stuck in the mud and efforts of adults to free her were unsuccessful.

1980 -- 25 years ago

Strombeck Manufacturing Co., a 69-year-old family-owned Moline firm, has been sold. Chicago Cutlery Co. of Minneapolis purchased the long-time producer of custom-wood products.

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