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Tag Archives: World War II
In Honor of Our Quad-City Veterans
On this Veterans Day 2023, we invite you to explore our collection of interviews with local men and women who served in the United States military during World War II and the Korean War. With support from the Riverboat Development … Continue reading
Dear Diary
Dear Diary, on September 22nd each year, we celebrate the way “you” help us document our lives. Diaries offer us a glimpse into how we change and remind us of events long forgotten. Diaries also offer a reference for future … Continue reading
The Great Pin-Up Contest of 1944
We learn something new every day in Special Collections. This week’s fun discovery was the City of Davenport had a ship named after it in World War II and that ship inspired a local Pin-Up Girl contest here on the … Continue reading
75th Anniversary of Invasion of Normandy
June 6, 1944, marks an important turning point for the Allied powers in the European Theatre. 75 years ago the beaches of Normandy were host to thousands of armed forces from the United States, Britain, and Canadian tasked with defeating … Continue reading
Posted in Local History
Tagged Invasion of Normandy, Oral History, World War II, World War Two
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The World War II Homefront: A December test
While researching an upcoming blog, we came upon a reminder of life during World War II in Scott County we wanted to share with you. The evening of December 14, 1942 was important for people living in the State of … Continue reading
Posted in Local History
Tagged Blackouts, Office of Civilian Defense, World War II, World War Two
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Build A Better Davenport: Gordon-Van Tine and the World War II Housing Boom
This week we are continuing with the Davenport Public Library’s Summer Reading Program theme of “Build a Better World” by exploring the Richardson-Sloane Special Collection Center’s resources and records of local architects, developers, planners, construction companies, and building material suppliers. … Continue reading
Posted in Local History
Tagged #buildabetterdavenport, #historyholders, Build a Better World, construction, Gordon-Van Tine, Homefront, housing, World War II, WWII
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75 Years Ago Today: The Attack on Pearl Harbor
Sunday, December 7th, 1941 was a cold morning in Davenport. The morning newspaper was focused on the tense talks between the United States and Japan. No one knew that life was going to change dramatically at 7:53 a.m. Hawaiian … Continue reading
Posted in Local History
Tagged John B. Lakers, Pearl Harbor, World War II, World War Two
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In Their Own Words: D-Day
In 2001, our Special Collections Center was privileged to conduct oral history interviews with several area World War II veterans and others who were personally connected to the War, both home and abroad. On this 70th anniversary of D-Day, we … Continue reading
Living History Photos: Aluminum Drive July 24 – 25, 1941
While looking through our collections this week we came across this picture labelled “National Defense Program” Aluminum Drive – July 24 -25, 1941 We thought we would we share the memory. The photo appears to be of Boy Scouts and … Continue reading
A Veteran’s View: Harold Labonte
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 … Continue reading
