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Category Archives: Local History
National Black Business Month
August is National Black Business Month, and this week’s blog celebrates Black-owned businesses active in Davenport at three different points in its history. The earliest African American proprietor in the city was likely barber James Hanover Warwick. His freedom purchased … Continue reading
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Tagged #blacklivesmatter, African-Americans, black business month, businesses
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Remembering those who perished
Ann Riepe Anna M. Dittmer was born on January 13, 1930 in Davenport to Peter H. and Ethel L. (Danson) Dittmer. She graduated from Davenport High School in 1947 and was co-editor of the school newspaper and activities editor of … Continue reading
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Davenporters of Note: Albert Nuckols
Of the many tributes to U.S. Representative and civil rights leader John Lewis appearing since his death, particularly moving is the video clip Henry Louis Gates, Jr. posted from his “Finding Your Roots” television program, in which Lewis tearfully reacts … Continue reading
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The Rock Island Centennial/Master Sgt. Stanley Talbot Memorial Bridge turns 80!
On July 12, 1940, a modern, four-lane highway bridge was dedicated and opened to traffic. This bridge was named Rock Island Centennial Bridge. Its structured design supports the “present day high speed passenger and transport traffic” and serves not only … Continue reading
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Tagged Bridge, Bridges, Centennial Bridge, Stanley Talbot Memorial Bridge
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QC Life in the New Normal Writing Project: Phase I
2020 has been a chaotic year for all of us. Each person has had their life disrupted in some way from working from home, not being able to see loved ones, and so much more. At the beginning of the … Continue reading
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Sane & Safe Fourth: Doll Buggy Parades
“Even today, after a century and a quarter of national progress, we find the ideals of the Declaration of Independence still unrealized. The great woman’s movement is teaching us that women come within a proper construction of that document and … Continue reading
Davenport Fire Department: The Seagrave Hose Truck 1913
We would like to celebrate with the Davenport Fire Department. On June 20, 2020, the Fire Department announced the addition of a new Truck 1 into their fleet. This new fire truck replaces one purchased in 1996. This, of course, … Continue reading
“Juneteenth” in Davenport and the Quad Cities
Today is Juneteenth. The increased interest in the experience of African Americans since the abolition of slavery, occasioned by the renewed call for racial justice in these times, means that many of this year’s celebrations are focused on educating the … Continue reading
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Tagged #blacklivesmatter, African-Americans, Emancipation Proclamation, Juneteenth
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Happy 150th Birthday, Schuetzen Park!
Today celebrates 150 years since the dedication and grand opening of Schuetzen Park, primarily used by Davenport Schützen Gesellschaft. On June 12, 1870, a public festival beginning with a parade at 9:00 a.m. from the old Turner Hall located at … Continue reading
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A Tale of Two Members from the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 26
Over this past Memorial Day, we have been reflecting on people who served and supported their country during peace and war times. In our Archive and Manuscript Collections, we have many collections that recall and record personal and organizational accounts … Continue reading
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