Staff at the Richardson-Sloane Special Collections Department at the Davenport Public Library would like to wish everyone a Happy Valentine’s Day.
This Valentine’s house was built for the season in the old Conservatory at Vander Veer Botanical Park. Originally built in 1897, the Conservatory above was torn down due to age and structural issues in 1954. The currant Conservatory at Vander Veer sits on the same site and opened in November 1955.
The little cupid in front reminds us of our own Donatello reproduction frieze with dancing cherubs. We also wonder at the steam coming from the chimney and how that was achieved. This slide is from the Grover C. von der Heyde Collection that contains slides of the Vander Veer Conservatory from 1949 – 1954 plus wonderful outdoor scenery.
Monday, February 17, 2025 is Presidents Day. A gentle reminder that all branches of the Davenport Public Library and the Richardson-Sloane Special Collections Department will be closed. Looking for something to do? How about a masquerade party in honor of our first President and his wife? The photograph below was from a party thrown by William and Minnie Wiese in February 1900.
If you are able to recreate this party, we would love to see photographs!
(posted by Amy D.)
