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Author Archives: SCblogger
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
When Davenport Went Electric
At 6:00 pm on Saturday, September 19, 1891, The Davenport Gas Company flipped a switch to turn electric lights on for the first time in the city of Davenport. Perceptions of electric light varied amongst the Davenport citizens. Many marveled … Continue reading
The Davenport Bank & Trust Co. Building – A 13th floor oasis
On this Friday the 13th with a Harvest Moon expected in the evening, it is easy to think of superstitions. One we thought about earlier today was the superstition of taller buildings retaining or removing the number thirteen associated with … Continue reading
Posted in Local History
Tagged Davenport Bank & Trust Building, Penthouse, Superstitions
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Davenporters of Note: Betty Adler
One hundred years ago this summer, Betty Adler was traveling through post-WWI Europe, sent by the Davenport Daily Times to “write special articles showing the effects of the war on the people of the allied countries” and “tell some of … Continue reading
Posted in Local History
Tagged Adler Family, Belgium, Betty Adler, Davenport Daily Times, France, journalists, Women, World War I
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The Skelley Girls
In the early 1920s, two daughters of Mr. and Mrs. James Apollinaris Skelley twirled onto the stage. Ann and Monica, the youngest of the Skelley family, delighted in dancing and performing for the local community. The Skelley family was not … Continue reading
Posted in Local History
Tagged 1920s, Ann Skelley, Charleston Dance, Dances, Monica Skelley, Rock Island Arsenal
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Woodstock Performers in the QCA
This weekend marks the 50th anniversary of the Woodstock Music & Art Fair, 3 days of Peace & Music at Max Yasgur’s farm in Bethel, New York. Many of the musicians who performed at the festival have also played in … Continue reading
Who Was George Davenport?
The Richardson-Sloane Special Collections Department of the Davenport Public Library is pleased to present another installment in our ongoing Local History Lecture Series this coming Thursday evening, August 15th, at 6:30PM in the Large Meeting Room at the Main Street location. … Continue reading
Posted in Genealogy, Library, Local History
Tagged Colonel George Davenport, displays, lectures, LibGuides, Rock Island (Illinois)
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Helen Van Dale: A woman of the criminal underworld Part II
Please read Part I of Helen’s story here. Bold lettered headlines covered the front page of local newspapers on the morning of August 1, 1922 in Davenport, Iowa and Rock Island, Illinois. William “Bill” Gable, owner of a soft drink … Continue reading
Posted in Local History
Tagged Crime, Dimples Lee, Eula Elizabeth Lee, Eula Wonders, Helen Van Dale, Irvin Wonders, John Looney, Lawrence Pedigo, Prohibition, Tom Cox, William Gable
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Summer 2019 Internship Experience
This summer, The Richardson-Sloane Special Collections Center had the wonderful opportunity to have Tyler Watts, a senior at St. Ambrose University, intern with us. He is interested in a career in the library and museum profession. During his time in … Continue reading
