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Category Archives: Local History
In Memoriam: Liz Finkenhoefer
The Richardson-Sloane Special Collections Center has lost another selfless volunteer and dear friend upon the death of Elizabeth Finkenhoefer. Liz was a steadfast volunteer from the Scott County Genealogical Society. She brought her sparkling eyes to SC every week to … Continue reading
Thanksgiving Recipes from Local Cookbooks
In need of some last-minute inspiration for your Thanksgiving dishes? Try these recipes from the Richardson-Sloane Special Collection Center’s Local Cookbooks Collection (SC 641.5)! Kick off the festivities with The Farmer’s Bishop, an apple-orange punch sure to warm your guests … Continue reading
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Prost! Brewing History in Davenport: Thiedemann’s Brewery Tap
Breweries in Davenport and across the Quad Cities are experiencing a renaissance. As these businesses add themselves to the impressive list of local businesses, we are inspired to research some of the history of the breweries and other establishments where … Continue reading
Posted in Local History
Tagged Breweries, Davenport (Iowa), Local History, Thiedemann's
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WWI Veterans: Captain Comegys & Doctor Desmond
In honor of Veterans Day this year we are featuring 2 medical officers photographed by J.B. Hostetler in 1918. Joseph Parsons Comegys was born November 21, 1866, in Covington, Kentucky to Cornelius Parsons and Sarah Jane (Good) Comegys. His maternal … Continue reading
Posted in Local History
Tagged dentists, doctors, Hostetler Studios, Photographs, Veteran, Veteran's Day, veterans, World War I, WWI
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A Record Breaking Moment: The dance marathon of 1928
Doesn’t this ad make you curious? A dance marathon? How exciting! Dance marathons had been becoming more popular after World War I. What started off as little contests to see who could dance the longest and win a small prize … Continue reading
Posted in Local History
Tagged Col Ballroom, Coliseum, Contests, Dancing, Elizabeth Meyers, Lester Scheff, Marathon, Records
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The Circle of Life…and Deadly Intent
Recently a colleague used the phrase “going down the rabbit hole” and I laughed about it, thinking that happens a lot with family history research. In honor of October’s designation as Family History Month, here is a recent experience illustrating … Continue reading
Posted in Genealogy, Local History
Tagged Bombings, Lincoln Township, Murder, Mysteries, Schools
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Davenporters of Note: “Pete” Macías
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month we are featuring Pete Macías, who died on June 10, 2021, at the age of 102. Mr. Macías was interviewed by students at Smart Intermediate in 2006 for the Iowa Stories oral history project. … Continue reading
Becoming Iowa: Upper Mississippi: A Wilderness Saga by Walter Havighurst
2021 marks the 175th anniversary of Iowa’s statehood. On December 28, 1846, Iowa became the 29th state admitted into the Union. Commemorative publications, programs, and other events are planned by the Iowa Department of Culture Affairs and communities across the … Continue reading
Posted in Local History
Tagged #iowa175, authors, books, illustrations, illustrators, Iowa History, Mississippi River
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Dear Diary
Dear Diary, on September 22nd each year, we celebrate the way “you” help us document our lives. Diaries offer us a glimpse into how we change and remind us of events long forgotten. Diaries also offer a reference for future … Continue reading
