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Category Archives: Local History
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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New African American Genealogy Resources
Brand new to our collection: the first two volumes of D. C. Stricklin’s African American Genealogies from 1619 to the Present (SC 929.2 STRIC)! This unique resource presents biographies and standard genealogies (using the Register System) of more than 250 … Continue reading
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The Nuckols Family of Davenport
In celebration of this year’s Black History Month theme, “The Black Family,” we return to Davenporter of Note Albert Nuckols, this time exploring his family relationships. Many details of his life suggested by local newspapers articles have proven difficult to … Continue reading
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Tagged African-Americans, Black History Month, Dodge, Elam, Garland, Nuckols, Warrick
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Davenport High School: Making room for the Freshmen
By 1900, education was changing in Davenport, Iowa. The idea of continuing education past the 8th grade was becoming more accessible as stable work opportunities for adults meant their children did not need to leave school as early to help … Continue reading
Becoming Iowa: Iowa History 101
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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