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Author Archives: SCblogger
The Mysterious Airship of April 1897
The first mysterious sightings were reported in a Sioux City, Iowa newspaper article on February 3, 1897. Something was seen floating in the night sky by local citizens near Hastings, Nebraska. The object was described as lingering about 800 feet … Continue reading
Dr. Jennie McCowen’s “Women In Iowa” (1884)
What better way to celebrate both Women’s History Month and Iowa History Month than to highlight an historic essay about Iowa women written by a woman of Davenport, Iowa for a journal of Iowa history? “Women of Iowa” appeared in … Continue reading
Come Tarry A While: Special Collections on Display at All Three Locations!
The Richardson-Sloane Special Collections staff members designed four displays highlighting materials from its collection. Displays are scheduled to be at each library location throughout the year on a quarterly rotation. Each of the displays discussed below will be at that … Continue reading
Posted in Library, Local History
Tagged Davenport (Iowa), Davenport Public Library, displays, Local History, Resources
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Total Eclipse of the Sun: March 7, 1970
April 8, 2024 will be an exciting day in the Quad Cities as we are expecting the first solar eclipse in our area in 54 years. We are expected to get an 83.70% view of the full eclipse at 1:58 … Continue reading
Albert Nuckols: Two Views
We close out Black History Month 2024 with a comparison of two images of Davenporter Albert Nuckols (d. 1889). The first, dating from 1868 to 1870, conveys the Reconstruction hope for the participation of newly-enfranchised African Americans into United States … Continue reading
Posted in Local History
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UMVDIA Spotlight: Wolverine Orchestra in the Gennett Recording Studios, Richmond, Indiana
On February 18, 1924, eight men of the Wolverine Orchestra gathered together to record their music in Richmond, Indiana at Gennett Records. This Midwestern recording studio was founded by Starr Piano Company in 1917. It was active from 1917 to … Continue reading
Closed on Presidents Day
Sadly, no one we know has planned a “Martha Washington Party” as was held in February 1900 by Mrs. William Henry (Minnie) Wiese. We do hope your Presidents Day is a wonderful day. We look forward to seeing everyone when … Continue reading
Posted in Library
Tagged Library Closings, Minnie Wiese, Presidents Day, William Henry Wiese
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A Valentine for Special Collections
Love it! A timely Valentine’s Day surprise arrived this week at the RSSC Center, just as we were puzzling over our blog post about the holiday. It was a box of Valentine’s cards belonging to a Davenport girl! Frances Helen … Continue reading
Happy Retirement, Karen!
Another happy and sad moment for the Davenport Public Library and especially the Richardson-Sloane Special Collections Center. Karen O’Connor is retiring today, February 2nd, 2024 after 24 years and eight months of dedicated service. Karen started in Special Collections on … Continue reading
Winter Works
We salute all those who are working outdoors this snowy, icy, rainy January of 2024! Of the many projects undertaken by the Civil Works Administration in Scott County during the Great Depression, two of those directed by the Davenport Park … Continue reading
