Day in history for October 3, 2005

1855 -- 150 years ago

Henry Farnam, president of the Chicago and Rock Island Railroad, was in town this morning.

1880 -- 125 years ago

The Rev. J.O. Hartzell, D.D., editor of the Southwestern Christian Advocate, New Orleans, preached at the First Methodist Church on ''Work of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the Southern States Since the War.''

1905 -- 100 years ago

The Rock Island City Council last night granted a petition that the saloons be closed regularly at midnight.

1930 -- 75 years ago

Mayor Chester Thompson called a meeting for the ''spreading of optimism'' in the city to combat the depression and designated 1,200 ''minute men'' to assist in plans. The meeting was to be held at the Fort Armstrong Hotel.

1955 -- 50 years ago

Production of toys ceased at the Strombeck-Becker Mfg. Company, Moline, today when an estimated 75 members of Local 23544, AFL bargaining unit, went on strike over new contract differences.

1980 -- 25 years ago

Gary Bordner, East Moline native, debuts as principal trumpet player for the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra this week. His talent for the trumpet was developed during his years in the East Moline public school system and it led him to major in music at Augustana College.

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