Author Archives: swesson

The September Project

Since 2004, libraries across the world have organized events about freedom and issues that matter to their communities during the month of September. This grassroots project favors free over fee, public over private, and voices over silence. Throughout the week of … Continue reading

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Ode to Oakdale

 One of the difficulties in locating death records in Iowa is that they did not exist prior to 1880.* This means that roughly fifty years worth of ancestors passed away in our state without leaving behind that vital (if you’ll pardon … Continue reading

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A Veteran’s View: Robert Rubley

 In 2001, our own Karen, along with several volunteers, began interviewing local residents for a World War II/Korean War Oral History Project.  Our Oral History Collection now includes the war-related stories of 74 veterans, former civilian workers, and even a war bride or two. … Continue reading

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The Best Excuse Ever for Being Late.

If you are planning to visit the libraries of Davenport later this week, please note that all locations—including the Main Street location, which houses our Center—will be opening late this Friday (July 31). Doors will open at 1 pm, instead … Continue reading

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Racing the Fire: A Close Call for Davenport

“The district where the destruction was complete and which this morning is an area of smoking heap of charred embers is about a third of a mile square and can best be seen from the grounds of St. Katherine’s Hall … Continue reading

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The Next Best Thing to Calling Upon Santa Claus*

This post might be a little late for the Fourth of July, but since all the fireworks won’t be used up until at least the end of this week, the following ode to a purveyor of these fantastic, explosive creations … Continue reading

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KSTT: “Someplace Special”

On July 7, 1946 the radio waves of the Quad Cities changed forever when KSTT went on the air for the first time with a one hour introductory program.  No one knew this dawn to dusk operation would soon become … Continue reading

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Ding, ding, ding, went the Trolleys . . .

In our Special Collections Center, we have hanging on our wall an enormous double photograph showing the southern view from the corner of Third Street and Brady in 1938 and in 1952. The two photographs, separated by only 14 years, … Continue reading

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Socialists and Swimming Pools

Most people find the building of a swimming pool to be an exciting time; waiting for the project to be completed and the weather warm enough to swim in the clear water. Today, Davenport has many city and private pools … Continue reading

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Milestones in local databases

For those of you who  are statistically oriented, we’re very happy to announce that, thanks to dedicated volunteer Janet Greenlee, the 1925 Iowa Census index on our website now includes 9000 names of Scott County residents. The index to the microfilmed Iowa … Continue reading

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