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Category Archives: Local History
A Holiday Gift for Mr. LeClaire
So what do you buy yourself for the holidays when you own nearly the whole town? While that is a question few of us will ever have to ponder, it was probably a yearly dilemma for Antoine LeClaire by the mid-nineteenth … Continue reading
Posted in Local History
Tagged Antoine LeClaire, LeClaire House, Marguerite LeClaire
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Alexander Clark of the First Iowa African Infantry
Who would have thought that a man from the small town of Muscatine, Iowa, would have been the first person to offer to raise African American troops to serve in the Iowa regiment during the Civil War? First, one probably … Continue reading
Posted in Local History
Tagged African-Americans, Alexander Clark, Civil War, First Regiment Iowa African Infantry
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What’s in a Name? The Annie Wittenmyer Home
On November 16, 1865, one hundred and fifty orphans arrived in Davenport to take up residence of the newly established Soldiers’ Orphans’ Home. Over the years, evolved and expanded over the years as the original residents grew up, eventually accepting … Continue reading
Posted in Local History
Tagged Annie Wittenmyer, Annie Wittenmyer Home, Iowa Soldiers' Orphans' Home, place names
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The Annexation Vote of 1957
At the municipal election on November 5th, 1957, the citizens of Davenport voted on a proposal to annex two separate areas totaling 28 square miles to the City of Davenport. The first area covered 11 square miles west of the … Continue reading
Just Shelved: Family Trees, Hoosier Histories, and a Generous Legacy
Donald and Marietta Southwood were both long-time supporters of our Special Collections Center. They worked countless volunteer hours indexing and organizing resources and assisting patrons with their research. Mrs. Southwood passed away April 1, 2005, and Mr. Southwood followed on … Continue reading
Posted in Genealogy, Library, Local History
Tagged Donald Southwood, Just Shelved, Marietta Southwood, new resources, Resources
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Local History Film Screening–and More!
As part of our 30th anniversary celebration, we will be having a special screening of local history film footage from our Archive & Manuscript Collections. The films will be shown this Saturday, October 20th at 1:30pm in the Film Room, … Continue reading
Unique State Historical Society of Wisconsin Resources Shared at SC Anniversary Conference
As part of Special Collections’ 30th Anniversary celebration we are having an all day genealogy and local history extravaganza this Saturday Oct 20. For those of you interested in genealogy, or if you’re just looking for things to do in … Continue reading
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Oct 14 Genealogy Night Cancelled
Due to low registration our fall Genealogy Night even has been cancelled. Remember, in addition to our regular hours, Special Collections will be open for Genealogy and Local History research on Sunday, November 11 from 1-4PM. Please contact Special Collections … Continue reading
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October 20 Celebrate History! 30 years of the Special Collections Center at the Davenport Public Library!
Join Jim Jacobsen of History Pays! Historic Preservation Firm for his 2:45 presentation on the Civil War Rendezvous Camps of Davenport including Camps McClellan, Kearney, Jo Holt, Hendershott, Herron, and Roberts/Kinsman. Utilizing maps, drawings and meticulous research, Jacobsen ties together … Continue reading
