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Category Archives: Local History
Poetry and Politics: Scott County, Iowa, 1896
In recognition of April as National Poetry Month, we look to a Davenport newspaper’s use of a famous German poem to make a point about Scott County voters in early 1896. Heinrich Heine’s Die Lorelei recounts the legend of a … Continue reading
The Early Policewomen of Davenport
On this final day of Women’s History Month, in keeping with the National Women’s History Project’s 2016 theme, we honor Davenport women in public service. Those who worked for the Davenport Police Department over 50 years ago are in our view … Continue reading
Davenporters of Note: William Charles Cribbs
William C. Cribbs was born in Monroe, Arkansas on October 11, 1927, the son of Opal (Hudson) and Booker Cribbs. He grew up Buffalo, Iowa, where his father worked for the Dewey Cement Company. The family moved to Davenport in the … Continue reading
Posted in Local History
Tagged African-Americans, bill cribbs, Civil Rights, Davenporters of Note, Sports, w.c. cribbs, william charles cribbs
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St. Patrick’s Day 1904: Change A-Brewing
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Many of us celebrated locally this past weekend by attending the 31st Annual Grand Parade. It is the only St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the United States to take place in two states – Illinois and … Continue reading
Bethel A.M.E. turns 150!
The Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Davenport is celebrating their 150th birthday! The November 30, 1865 issue of the Davenport Daily Gazette published the first of many articles focused on the church. The note said that a group of African … Continue reading
Aiming for Success: Davenport High School Girls’ Rifle Club
In March of 1927, 10 girls from Davenport High School formed the Girls’ Rifle Club. Under the direction of Mrs. F. C. Strohbehn, they practiced for a year at a shooting range located in the basement of the closed Adams School, 7th … Continue reading
Buffalo Bill Cody: Birthday Boy
Buffalo Bill. It’s a name that conjures images of the Wild West: cowboys on horseback, wide open spaces, a sky that goes forever, great gun battles, leather with fringe, the list goes on… The best part about Buffalo Bill, though, … Continue reading
Posted in Local History
Tagged Actors, Buffalo Bill, LeClaire, Wild West, William F. Cody
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Going Local for African-American History Month 2016
Delve into the rich history of the African-American community in Davenport with these resources available from the Richardson-Sloane Special Collections Center: Oral Histories An oral history of the Black population of Davenport, Iowa. Davenport, Iowa : Palmer Junior College, c1979. … Continue reading
Jewels of the Mississippi for Valentine’s Day
Need ideas for what to give your sweetheart for Valentine’s Day this year? Take inspiration from the jewelry adorning these lovely local ladies from a hundred years ago, photographed by J. B. Hostetler’s studio in Davenport.
Posted in Local History
Tagged 1910s, earrings, Fashion, Hostetler Studios, jewelry, necklace, pearls, pendant, Photographs, Portraits, rings
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Remembering Lorraine Duncan
Special Collections would like to recognize the passing of Vada “Lorraine” Duncan who has been a loyal and generous supporter of the local genealogy community. She passed away in January, just a bit shy of her 95th birthday. Lorraine was … Continue reading
Posted in Genealogy, Library, Local History
Tagged Genealogical research, SCIGS, Scott County Iowa Genealogical Society, volunteers
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