Category Archives: Library

In Memoriam: Loren “Ted” Sloane

It is with great sadness we bid farewell to Loren “Ted” Sloane, our benefactor and one-half of the genealogical research power couple he and wife Alice Richardson made. Yet it is with great joy we remember his dedication to the … Continue reading

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In Memoriam: Sgt. Frankie Wilson

We are deeply saddened by the loss of our friend and volunteer Frankie Wilson, who passed away on November 25, 2020, at the University of Iowa Medical Center in Iowa City. Frances Edna Wilson was born August 4, 1955, in … Continue reading

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In Memoriam: Patricia Till

We are saddened to hear of the passing of long-time Davenport Public Library employee Pat Till. Ms. Till died Friday, January 10, 2020 at Genesis Medical Center in Davenport. Patricia Emily Till was born July 22, 1949 in Davenport to … Continue reading

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Exhibit: The 1920s

For our first exhibit of the year, we are taking a look back at life in Davenport a century ago. What kinds of books were children and grown-ups checking out from the library? What were the people attending the symphony … Continue reading

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Happy Birthday, Judge John Forrest Dillon

John Forrest Dillon was born in Washington County, New York on December 25, 1831. His family moved to Davenport in 1838 when he was 7 years old. He attended Father Pelamourgues’ school at St. Anthony’s Church until the age of … Continue reading

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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

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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

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Davenport Transport: A Journey Down Memory Lane

This past Tuesday evening, June 18th, local historian and collector Merle Vastine treated the audience at the Main Street library to stories inspired by selection of images from his vast private collection as part of “True Tales of the Quad … Continue reading

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“Libraries = Strong Communities”: DPL in April 1919

As our way of celebrating National Library Week (April 7-13) here at the RSSC Center, we are looking at examples of how the Davenport Public Library of one hundred years ago fits well into 2019’s theme: “Libraries = Strong Communities.” In … Continue reading

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Iowa History Month: Historical and Literary Map of Iowa

March has been declared Iowa History Month by Governor Kim Reynolds. Across the state of Iowans are encouraged to discover their state’s rich history through materials and stories collected by the many cultural and historical organizations. In celebration of Iowa’s … Continue reading

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