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Category Archives: Local History
He “Spoke for the Trees” of Davenport
What better way to celebrate Earth Day 2021 and the flowering of spring than to feature this charming addition to our collection, the “Therapeutic Chart for Street Trees,” by Philip Hunter Tunnicliff. According to the author’s foreword, the chart was … Continue reading
Happy Anniversary Davenport City Hall!
Last week we posted a selection of close-up images of a local building that is celebrating the 125th anniversary of its dedication this week. That building is Davenport City Hall. From the opening of the eleven construction bids on December … Continue reading
Happy Anniversary to ??
April 14th marks the 125th anniversary of this Davenport building’s dedication. Look carefully at these selections from interior and exterior views of the building. Can you identify it and tell us where it is located? Let us know! Hint: Not … Continue reading
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In Memoriam: Andrea (Pingel) Godke
We are heartbroken by the loss of our dear friend and co-worker Andrea Godke, who died this past Saturday, March 20, 2021, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Andrea Lea Pingel was born at 8:33 am on Tuesday, … Continue reading
St. Joseph’s Day
March 19th marks the principal feast day for St. Joseph, the husband of Mary and earthly father of Jesus. According to some sources, the feast day has been observed since either the 10th or the 14th century. The life of … Continue reading
Ashes to Ashes: Iowa’s First Cremation
The Davenport Crematorium, or the Fairmount Crematorium as it is more commonly known, was the first crematorium in the state of Iowa. Located at 3902 Rockingham Road on the grounds of Fairmount Cemetery, this historic crematory still stands. According to … Continue reading
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In Memoriam: 1918 Influenza Pandemic
Davenport photographer J.B. Hostetler photographed 22-year-old Amanda Ploehn and 18-year-old Wilma Barnes in the summer of 1918. Sadly, both young women died just a few months later during the Influenza pandemic. 270 residents of Davenport died as a result of … Continue reading
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Tagged Hostetler Studios, In memoriam, Pandemic, Spanish influenza epidemic, Women
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Becoming Iowa: The Saukie Indians and their Great Chiefs Black Hawk and Keokuk by Amer Mills Stocking
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
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Eugene Green and the Bethel A.M.E. Church Choir
In keeping with the theme for this year’s Black History Month The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity, and the broadcast of Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr.’s latest series The Black Church: This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song … Continue reading
The Tuskegee Institute Singers’ visit to Davenport
The reviews were overwhelmingly positive. “Delightful, splendid, pleasing and greatly appreciated” described the entertaining performances of the Tuskegee Institute Singers ensemble that traveled the globe in 1914 and 1915 promoting the mission and interests of Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. Musicians … Continue reading
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