Category Archives: Local History

Davenporters of Note: E.S. Hammatt

Posted on September 8, 2019 by SCblogger

Edward Seymour Hammatt was born in Geneseo, Livingston County, New York on September 8, 1856, to Edward Rumney Hammatt and Eliza H. Phelps. He studied architecture at Lehigh University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. After he completed his studies, … Continue reading →

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Davenporters of Note: Betty Adler

Posted on August 30, 2019 by SCblogger

One hundred years ago this summer, Betty Adler was traveling through post-WWI Europe, sent by the Davenport Daily Times to “write special articles showing the effects of the war on the people of the allied countries” and “tell some of … Continue reading →

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The Skelley Girls

Posted on August 23, 2019 by SCblogger

In the early 1920s, two daughters of Mr. and Mrs. James Apollinaris Skelley twirled onto the stage. Ann and Monica, the youngest of the Skelley family, delighted in dancing and performing for the local community. The Skelley family was not … Continue reading →

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Woodstock Performers in the QCA

Posted on August 16, 2019 by SCblogger

This weekend marks the 50th anniversary of the Woodstock Music & Art Fair, 3 days of Peace & Music at Max Yasgur’s farm in Bethel, New York.  Many of the musicians who performed at the festival have also played in … Continue reading →

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Who Was George Davenport?

Posted on August 13, 2019 by SCblogger

The Richardson-Sloane Special Collections Department of the Davenport Public Library is pleased to present another installment in our ongoing Local History Lecture Series this coming Thursday evening, August 15th, at 6:30PM in the Large Meeting Room at the Main Street location. … Continue reading →

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Helen Van Dale: A woman of the criminal underworld Part II

Posted on July 31, 2019 by SCblogger

Please read Part I of Helen’s story here. Bold lettered headlines covered the front page of local newspapers on the morning of August 1, 1922 in Davenport, Iowa and Rock Island, Illinois. William “Bill” Gable, owner of a soft drink … Continue reading →

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MOONday

Posted on July 20, 2019 by SCblogger

Local newspaper coverage of the Apollo 11 moon landing and images in government document publications from the Federal Depository Library Program.      (posted by Cristina)

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Helen Van Dale: A woman of the criminal underworld Part I

Posted on July 11, 2019 by SCblogger

Most individuals living in the Quad Cities are familiar with the name John Looney. From his home base across the Mississippi River in Rock Island, Illinois, Looney created an illegal empire that included gambling, prostitution, protection money, and illegal alcohol … Continue reading →

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Mr. Feeney and Fireworks: The Prince of Punk

Posted on July 4, 2019 by SCblogger

Dazzling displays of pyrotechnics symbolize the sense of exuberance and patriotism felt on the fourth of July, also known as Independence Day. One family helped ensure the children and families of the Quad Cities celebrated with a colorful bang! In … Continue reading →

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Davenport’s First Police Matron: Annie E. Davis

Posted on June 28, 2019 by SCblogger

130 years ago this week, Davenport City Council hired Miss Annie E. Davis from Chicago, Illinois to be the first police matron for the city. On June 26, 1889, Miss Davis arrived in Davenport on an early morning train and … Continue reading →

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