Tag Archives: Davenport

The Fire Fighting Advance that Wasn’t

Posted on April 20, 2009 by swesson

In 1899, Davenport was a growing city.  This concerned those responsible for public safety, not only because the city was growing out, but because it was growing up.  From a fire department’s point of view, higher buildings mean higher fires—and in … Continue reading →

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Not Exactly Neighborly: The City Hospital Fire of 1860

Posted on March 24, 2009 by SCblogger

Every city experiences growing pains along the way, and Davenport, Iowa is no different.  As population and businesses grew during the nineteenth century the city began to adapt.  Davenport’s city council realized early on that two medical facilities to treat … Continue reading →

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Bridge Appreciation and the Diary of Benjamin F. Gue

Posted on March 16, 2009 by SCblogger

While walking my dog along the Duck Creek Bike Path recently, I stopped on the little bridge that crosses the creek near our house and listened to the ice creaking and cracking as it was thawing. That brought to my … Continue reading →

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Happy 106th Birthday, Bix!

Posted on March 10, 2009 by swesson

As we could not confirm that Bix Beiderbecke ever recorded the “Happy Birthday” song, we present for your listening pleasure,  ‘Singing the Blues” by Trumbauer’s Orchestra.* May we recommend 1:25-1:40?  That right there would be the sound that lives on.**   ___ * … Continue reading →

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Save the Date: Genealogy Night at the Library!

Posted on March 9, 2009 by swesson

Never seem to have enough time to explore your family tree? Do you wish the Davenport Public Library were open a little later on the weekends so you could get all of your research done? Your wish has been granted! … Continue reading →

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Heads Up! March SCIGS Meeting

Posted on February 24, 2009 by swesson

The next Scott County, Iowa, Genealogy Society (SCIGS) meeting is on March 2 (this coming Monday) at seven p.m.  The meeting is at St. Paul Lutheran Church (2136 Brady Street). Non-members are welcome to attend.  Gene Eiklor will be speaking about … Continue reading →

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Review: Outside In : African-American History in Iowa, 1838-2000

Posted on February 9, 2009 by swesson

Race is a part of all Americans’ history because we all have assumptions about it that affect how we relate within and across racial lines.  For that reason, Outside In is a book for all Iowans, not just African-Americans.* Outside-In … Continue reading →

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Urban Recycling–Davenport Style

Posted on January 26, 2009 by swesson

The Burtis House was built in 1857 on east 5th Street in downtown Davenport.  Billed as the biggest hotel in Iowa, the Burtis was perfectly positioned to take advantage of the passenger trains coming over the first railroad bridge across … Continue reading →

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Living Memory History: The Blizzard of ’79

Posted on January 19, 2009 by swesson

Anyone living in the Quad City region is probably happy that the week of January 11 – 17, 2009 is now over. With temperatures in the minus 20’s (Fahrenheit) at night (and during the morning commute) and the highs barely … Continue reading →

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A Capital Theater!

Posted on December 22, 2008 by SCblogger

Children arising early with noisy glee. Presents opened to joyful laughter. Special breakfasts, brunches, and of course the traditional dinner.   Christmas 1920.   Along with all the happiness of the day was the excitement of the thought of going … Continue reading →

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