Author Archives: SCblogger

We Salute Our Volunteers!

Posted on April 21, 2009 by SCblogger

  Yesterday, the Davenport Public Library gave a reception to thank library volunteers for all that they do.  Those volunteers who could attend included many of the wonderful people who help our Special Collections Center .     What do Special Collections … Continue reading →

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The Fire Fighting Advance that Wasn’t

Posted on April 20, 2009 by SCblogger

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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Mission Accomplished: Census Mortality Schedules

Posted on April 14, 2009 by SCblogger

A few weeks ago, we mentioned the addition of two new indexes to our collection of searchable databases.  One of these was the Mortality Schedules for Scott County, Iowa. Mortality Schedules are the section of each Federal Census that provides … Continue reading →

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Guilty Pleasures: Genealogy Blogs

Posted on April 13, 2009 by SCblogger

Blogging is huge right now, and genealogy blogs are booming. Although our little blog hasn’t made one of these lists yet, some very thought provoking ones have. So next time you have a few minutes, you may want to do … Continue reading →

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In Defense of Ordinary Ancestors

Posted on April 6, 2009 by SCblogger

“An Authority said not long ago that there are only 40 or 50 American families that are in any way entitled to the insignia of nobility, but you cannot get the average American who has made money to believe that.  … Continue reading →

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Probate Records: Exempt from Execution

Posted on March 30, 2009 by SCblogger

Probate records are very popular with genealogists, and no wonder.  Probates basically tell the story of who got what and what it was, which is always interesting, and to this end, it includes an heir list and an inventory of … 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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Now Available: Two New Online Indexes

Posted on March 23, 2009 by SCblogger

We are pround to announce that our searchable Local Index Databases  have increased by two! The anticipated index for the  Civil War Enlistment Papers is now up and running.  As you may recall, these papers are for the men who volunteered for the … 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 SCblogger

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.** ___ * From … Continue reading →

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