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Category Archives: Local History
The Davenport Levee: Come one, come all to the Owl Carnival!
With the creation of the Davenport Levee Commission in 1911 and the building of the seawall starting in 1912, life along the river front changed for Davenport citizens. Instead of a garbage filled area used mainly by boats loading and … Continue reading
Davenporters of Note: Jasper Eugene Wood
Jasper E. Wood was born July 27, 1901, in Monmouth, Jackson Co., IA to Everett and Elsie Gertrude (Preston) Wood. His parents divorced soon after and his mom remarried and moved to Tipton, Cedar Co., IA. In 1920 he was … Continue reading
Posted in Local History
Tagged biography, Labor Day, Labor Unions, Organizations--Labor Unions
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Davenport in Iowa City and Des Moines
In order to answer questions about the history of Davenport and its people, our reference staff might call upon resources outside the RSSC Center’s own collections and those of other historical organizations in the immediate area. The State Historical Society … Continue reading
SPECIAL EVENT!! SPECIAL EVENT!! #Iowa175 Celebration!!
#Iowa175 Celebration at The Library | MAIN this Thursday, August 19th from 4:30-7:30 PM, kicking off the Alternating Currents weekend with a fun event of history, music, and culture celebrating the 175th anniversary of Iowa’s statehood! This free event features … Continue reading
Posted in Library, Local History
Tagged businesses, Crafts, Davenport, Davenport Public Library, Iowa, Iowa History, Local History, Music, Special Events and Projects
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Ghost Towns of Scott County, Iowa: The town of Bethany
We must admit, our title may be a little bit misleading as the town of Bethany in Scott County, Iowa most likely should fall under the category of the town that never was. But the story of Bethany has inspired … Continue reading
Posted in Local History
Tagged Ghost Towns, Lizzie Jessen, Thomas Agar, Thomas McGovern, Town of Bethany
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A Pitbull’s Pedigree
Inspired by “Mr. Worldwide” Pitbull’s performance this weekend at the Great Mississippi Valley Fair we set out to find other notable Quad-City “pit bull” terriers. We found a nice photo of a registered pup owned by William Henry Gosch in … Continue reading
Posted in Genealogy, Local History
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The Amazons of Davenport
Earlier this month, local officials confirmed e-commerce giant Amazon’s plans to build a robotics fulfillment center west of the Davenport Municipal Airport. This is not the first time, however, an enterprise with the name “Amazon” has done business in this … Continue reading
Posted in Local History
Tagged Amazon, Frank W Smith, period dress, pickles, vinegar, William Smith
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Food Fantasies
Do you associate particular foods with specific events or places? I was watching the Wimbledon tennis tournament and immediately wanted strawberries and cream. Viewing the John Deere Classic golf tournament on TV made me recall the delicious pork chop sandwiches … Continue reading
Pie Eating – Davenport Playground Style
Almost 60 years ago, 40 youngsters with empty stomachs prepared for a contest of feasting upon desserts of apple, cherry, boysenberry, or pineapple. We found this playful article while we were doing research and knew we had to write about … Continue reading
Summer Living: The Summer Porch
We’ve been enjoying cool breezes the past two days after a streak of hot and humid Midwestern weather. This unexpected cool down has brought many of us outside to enjoy the fresh air away from our air conditioned homes. All … Continue reading
