Day in history for April 14, 2005

1855 -- 150 years ago

Davenport, by a majority of 10, elected a Maine Law candidate. Most of the aldermen chosen also are in favor of forbidding the sale of alcoholic liquors.

1880 -- 125 years ago

Frederick Paulding, in ''The Merchants of Venice,'' filled an engagement in Harper's Theater.

1905 -- 100 years ago

Rabbi W.H. Rinescriber, lecturing under auspices of the Tri-City Press Club, referred to Russia as ''a giant gone mad.''

1930 -- 75 years ago

Mrs. Ada Brackett Schwatka, widow of an Arctic explorer, died in her Rock Island home.

1955 -- 50 years ago

A cold bolt of lightning, which struck the residence of Mr. and Mrs. George W. Roberts, 606 18th St., Rock Island, about 7:15 last night caused an estimated $300 damage. The lightning caused no fire but ripped a hole in the roof, splintered rafters, damaged a chimney and melted asphalt shingles together.

1980 -- 25 years ago

It started at 3:38 this morning when a low pressure system moving north collided with a cold air mass sweeping eastward across the Plains states. And by mid-morning about four inches of snow buried spring flowers, closed interstate highways and delayed air and ground traffic in the Quad-Cities. Another one or two inches is expected this afternoon.

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