The 1950 Census is here! Release day went smoothly and the OCR/AR indexing works about as well as expected. The results of our searches are below! We searched for some Davenport Public Library staff, the Mayor in 1950, and some other individuals of interest.
Library Staff in the Census
We looked for the Davenport Public Library’s Director, the Assistant Director, the Head of Extension Services, and the Children’s Librarian and were able to find them quickly using the search feature.
Davenport Public Library Director Elizabeth Martin (age 61) lived with her mother Margaret (age 83) at 1921 Elm Street.
1950 Census of Population – Iowa, Scott County, Davenport, E.D. No. 101-102, Sheet No. 16
Assistant Director Ruth Kellogg (age 40) lived with her mother Emma (age 68) at 55 Glenwood Avenue. Miss Kellogg resigned in September to become the library director at the Elkhart Public Library in Indiana.
1950 Census of Population – Iowa, Scott County, Davenport, E.D. No. 101-110, page 16
Our Children’s Librarian, Vira Blankenburg (age 50), and her husband William (age 61) were at 2807 Grand Avenue. William owned the Blankenburg Service station at 2020 East 5th Street.
1950 Census of Population – Iowa, Scott County, Davenport, E.D. No. 101-78, Sheet No. 71
Extension Department head (now called Community Outreach) Betty M. Coughlin (age 29) and her sister Marjorie (age 26) lived with their parents Tom (age 58) and Monica (age 60). Tom Coughlin owned the Guaranteed Used Cars dealership at 414 Main Street and Marjorie was society editor for The Daily Times newspaper.
1950 Census of Population – Iowa, Scott County, Davenport, E.D. No. 101-110, Sheet No. 17
Mayor Kroppach
We found Davenport mayor Arthur R. Kroppach (age 54) living at 418 West Central Park Avenue with his wife Ann (age 51), daughter Suzanne (age 24), and son James (age 18). Suzanne was the assistant society editor for The Daily Times newspaper.
1950 Census of Population – Iowa, Scott County, Davenport, E.D. No. 101-58, Sheet No. 13
What was going on in Davenport at the time the 1950 Census was taken? Here’s a look at some of the headlines from 1950.
Year in Review: 1950 Census Style
St. Elizabeth’s Fire
41 women died when a fire broke out at St. Elizabeth’s mental ward of Mercy Hospital on January 7, 1950. Check out this blog post for more information.
St. Elizabeth’s Fire
Davenport Municipal Airport
A 36-inch clear-green rotating beacon of “true light” was installed in Mt. Joy on February 12, 1950, signaling the opening of the Davenport Municipal Airport to air traffic.
Davenport Mayor Arthur B. Kroppach at Mt. Joy Airport Groundbreaking
Rock Island Argus. February 25, 1950.Rock Island Argus. September 13, 1950.The Daily Times. August 28, 1950.Davenport Democrat. October 10, 1950.The Daily Times. December 9, 1950.The Daily Times. August 1, 1950.
Pvt. Charles L. Abbott, age 17, reported MIA on July 20, 1950.
Cpl. James E. Hicks, age 32, was killed in action on November 25, 1950
Pfc. Richard E. Hoffman, age 17, was killed in action on September 3, 1950
Pfc. Charles W. Kline, age 18, was killed in action on September 30, 1950
Sgt. Kenneth E. Stevenson, age 20, was killed in action on September 27, 1950
Pfc. Robert Wheeler, age 18, was killed in action on August 15, 1950
ALCOA
The Aluminum Co. of America plant outside of Bettendorf increased production to fill war orders for making airplane parts. It employed about 1,750 people in 1950.
Measuring the width of an aluminum ingot prior to it being rolled into an aluminum sheet at a mill of Aluminum Co. of American (ALCOA)
Did you find your family in the 1950 Census? Were you able to find them using the OCR/AI indexing, or did you have to browse through multiple EDs to find them? Any big surprises? Let us know in the comments!
In celebration of Women’s History Month 2022, we continue our investigation of Davenporter Albert Nuckols’ extended family, this time with a focus on its women members.
Nuckols arrived in Davenport in 1854 as a single parent, his wife Anna having recently passed away. It is possible he entrusted his then four-year-old daughter Eudora’s care to another African-American family in the city. By the time she was twenty, still a student at Davenport High School, “Eudora Knuckles” was part of the household headed by barber James G. Garland. [1] Garland’s wife Caledonia may have raised Eudora alongside her own children, Walter and Virginie (Jennie) beginning as early as 1857, when the Garlands arrived in Davenport. Perhaps it was John H. Warwick, James Garland’s employer, who introduced the two families. Warwick was “the first colored man Albert met when he came to this city.” [2]
It was the younger women of the two families that brought the Nuckols and the Garlands even closer: Eudora married Walter Garland in 1873, with sister Jennie as her bridesmaid. [3] Seven years later, in 1880, Jennie Garland named her third son (with husband Willis J. Walker, also a barber) after Eudora’s father, Albert. By this time, Caledonia Garland had lost her husband (James G. passed away in 1872) and was living in her daughter’s home on Harrison Street. [1] Caledonia most likely contributed to the care of her three Walker grandsons.
Eudora Nuckols passed away at a young age (36, in 1886, leaving no children), as did her sister-in-law Jennie Garland Walker (39, in 1894). [4] By the turn of the 20th century, it would be the older generation of Nuckols and Garland women who maintained the connection between the two families. In 1900, Caledonia Garland was living in the family home with her two grandsons, Willis J. and Albert N. Walker, both of whom were working as railroad dining car cooks. She also had a lodger: a “washer-woman” from Kentucky named Emily Kanes. [5]
An “Emily Kane” was a witness to Eudora Nuckols’ last will and testament in 1886, [6] along with Caledonia Garland, and a petitioner in the case of Albert Nuckols’ estate noted the deceased “…left surviving him only a sister whose residence is at Davenport, Iowa.” [7] Could these three women be one in the same? It may be that Emily came to the city sometime after 1880, perhaps to find work and support from her brother after her husband’s death, or to help nurse her niece through an ultimately fatal illness. Then, after Albert’s death in 1889, she lived with Eudora’s mother-in-law and her brother’s namesake, her closest remaining relatives.
Or perhaps Emily Kanes lived in the Garland/Walker household earlier in the 1880s, assisting with child-rearing. She bequeathed part of her estate to Caledonia’s grandsons Willis J. and Albert N. Walker, “two boys,” she stated in her will, “whom I have brought up to manhood.” [8] Bert (Albert N.) Walker was the one who informed Scott County authorities of Emily Kanes’ death, and Willis arranged to have her body transported back to Versailles, Kentucky. [9]
The bond between the Nuckols and Garland families, forged in Davenport by two generations of women, finally broke with the passing of Caledonia Garland (1911) and Emily Kanes (1922); neither Willis nor Albert N. Walker married.
(posted by Katie)
[1] 1880 US Census for Davenport, Iowa.
[2] “Prince Albert,” Davenport Democrat-Gazette, February 1, 1889, page 4.
[3] Daily Davenport Democrat, October 3, 1873.
[4] “Walker,” The Daily Times (Davenport, Iowa), August 13, 1894, page 4.
[5] 1900 US Census for Davenport, Iowa.
[6] Scott County [Iowa] Will Record No. 2, page 554, “Will and Testament of Eudora S. Garland.”
[7] Scott County, Iowa, Probate Case Packet No. 2830, Albert Nickols, March 8, 1889.
[8] Scott County [Iowa] Will Record No. 15, page 369, “Will of Emily Kanes.”
[9] Death certificate for Mrs. Emily Canes, Scott County, Iowa, filed September 8, 1922.
Davenport and the Quad Cities love celebrating St. Patrick’s Day and the month of March provides opportunity and hope for celebrating the coming of Spring and all things green. With that in mind, here are some of the March Mischief folks engaged in 100 years ago!
As always, the roaring twenties called for dancing!!
The Daily Times (Davenport, IA), March 15, 1922.
The Daily Times (Davenport, IA), March 16, 1922.
How about something for the younger set? A “Mixer” would be just the thing to meet up with a lucky leprechaun! Chaperoned, naturally.
The Daily Times (Davenport, IA), March 18, 1922.
Timeless green carnations are always a hit!
The Daily Times (Davenport, IA), March 15, 1922.
St. Patrick’s Day is always a great theme for a tea or card party! Everyone likes to be social!!
The Daily Times (Davenport, IA), March 4, 1922.
The Daily Times (Davenport, IA), March 13, 1922.
The Daily Times (Davenport, IA), March 18, 1922.
How about a spring carnival? That sounds like a good time!
The Democrat and Leader (Davenport, IA), March 16, 1922.
The Ancient Order of Hibernians and their ladies auxiliary provided an Irish program, naturally.
The Daily Times (Davenport, IA), March 8, 1922.
This wouldn’t be complete without an Irish toast!
For each petal on the shamrock
This brings a wish your way.
Good health, good luck, and happiness
For today and every day!
-Unknown
The Daily Times (Davenport, IA), March 16, 1922.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day for Richardson-Sloane Special Collections Center!
In our photograph collection, we digitized the photograph below picturing a group of workers from Zoller Brewing Company, located in Davenport, Iowa. The twenty-two men in work clothes including aprons are seen posing for a group picture from the 1930s. This image and many others are accessible to the public on theUpper Mississippi Valley Digital Image Archive, a digital collection consortium spanning institutions in Iowa and Illinois surrounding the Quad Cities.
The brewery these men worked for, at the time, was known as the Zoller Brewing Company. It began in 1935. In the article, “Brew First Legal Beer in 20 Years,” published in The Davenport Democrat and Leader on February 28, 1935, the newspaper reports that the Zoller Brewing Company began its operations to brew “Davenport’s first batch of legal beer in upward of 20 years” (“Brew First” 10 ). The brewery is located at West Third Street and Wilkes Avenue which is the former site of its predecessors, the Black Hawk Brewery and Malt House and the Independent Brewing Company. This new brewing company was “acquired and reconditioned thruout by the Zoller interests” (“Brew First” 10). Thus the brewery constructed in 1890 was revitalized with new equipment allowing its story to turn another page. The article provides specific details such as where the brew will be aged and most importantly for the reader, when it will be available for consumption. The president, Carleton S. Smith, shared that the beer was going to be perfect beer before a bottle is sold on the market. But the people of Davenport didn’t have to wait long before sipping this brew.
The Davenport Democrat and Leader (Davenport, IA), Feb. 28, 1935, 10.
The history of the Zoller Brewing Company and its land trace its origins back to 1865 to the first Blackhawk brewery founded by Julius Lehrkind. An unfortunate fate befell the brewery in 1871 and 1880 when it was damaged by fire. Mr. Lehrkind sold the land to the Zoller Family.
The Davenport Democrat (Davenport, IA), Mar. 5, 1880, 1.
The Davenport Democrat (Davenport, IA), Mar. 24, 1887, 1.
The Zoller Brothers, August, Ernest, and Charles, who had a history of being maltsters and owning a malt house/brewery as early as 1859, became the new owners of the Blackhawk Brewery, according to Randy Carlson’s The Breweries of Iowa. The brothers took on other rolls in the community as well such as constable and labors. They were listed as maltsters in the 1888-1889 city directory and were sometimes listed as A. Zoller and Bros. They resided in a suburb known as Black Hawk.
On February 17, 1890, The Daily Times announced the Zoller brothers’ new venture of building an “extensive brewery” roughly 44 by 72 feet in size. In the 1890 city directory, the brothers were listed at the proprietors of both the Black Hawk Malt House and the Black Hawk Brewery.
“New Enterprise,” The Daily Times (Davenport, IA), Feb. 17, 1890, 4.
Tracing the history of people and businesses in city directories and other resources can lead to a variety of discoveries and mysteries. From our research, we know that the brewery was located at 2d NW corner Davie meaning it was on Second Street on the northwest corner of Davie Street. In some city directories, it is list as 1802-1812 Second Street and later it was listed as 1801-1803 West Third Street. With the help of our Sanborn Insurance map collection, we can pinpoint locations and a time frame when those buildings were extant.
The location of this brewery has an added layer of mystery because in Randy Carlson’s The Breweries of Iowa, he states that the Zoller’s purchased Lehrkind’s Blackhawk Brewery in the Blackhawk district. This property was sold to the Davenport Malting Company in 1894 and then closed shortly after. The Zoller brothers then purchased land offered by the railroad located at 1801 West Third Street. We will have to research more to find evidence of these claims in resources from our collection. (Carlson 21-22)
This last address is where we know it to be from 1902 onward.
Third Street between Howell and Wilkes Street. from the 1910 Sanborn Insurance Map of Davenport.
Over the next couple of years, the young brewery faced a fire that caused extensive damage to the malt house totaling around 16,000 as well as a renaming to Independent Malting Company in 1896 according to city directories of the time. (“A Black Hawk Blaze” 1).
The Zoller brothers continued operating the Independent Malting Company until 1919 when it was last listed in the city directories. Ernest Zoller was listed as president, Charles was the vice president, and Fred was the secretary and treasurer. Production ceased due to prohibition.
From that time until 1934, the brothers engaged in other entrepreneurial endeavors such as the Independent Real Estate Company, the Independent Motor Truck Company, and the Independent Produce/Products Company. According to Carlson’s The Breweries in Iowa, “In September of 1934, Articles of Incorporation were taken out renaming the brewery The Independent Brewing Company” (Carlson 23). Unfortunately, the brothers struggled to reopen the brewery without outside assistance. In November 1934, they found three established breweries willing to invest: The Pfeiffer Brewing Co. of Detroit, Michigan; The Southwestern Brewing Co. of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and the Springfield Brewing Co. of Springfield, Illinois (Carlson 23).
In January 1935, articles of incorporation were filed to change the name to the Zoller Brewing Company at 1801-1803 West Third Street. The brewery’s president was Mr. Smith. They became a very popular beer and increased their distribution to a number of surrounding states. Throughout 1935, the Zoller Brewing Company was continuously found in the local newspapers. They advertised tirelessly. In April 1935, the brewery was ready to have the citizens of Davenport taste their beer. (The Daily Times 10)
The Daily Times (Davenport, IA), Apr. 30, 1935, 10.
The Davenport Democrat and Leader (Davenport, IA), Apr. 30, 1935, 6.
In 1936, the Zoller Brewing Company celebrated its first anniversary with much fanfare. The organization continued the successful sale of beer with some changes to administrative staff, but the Zoller family continued to be employees of the company.
The Davenport Democrat and Leader (Davenport, IA), May 1, 1936, 10.
1945 was another pivotal year for the brewing company. It changed its a name to Blackhawk Brewing Company with Stewart P. Porter as the president and treasurer, William F. Neumann as the vice president, Alfred Magnusson as secretary, Fred Zoller as assistant secretary, and R. M. Bush as general sales manager. The brewery was still located at 1801-1803 West Third Street.
We will continue the history of the Blackhawk Brewing Company in our next Prost!: Brewing History in Davenport blog post. Please enjoy these delightful Zoller Brewing Company advertisements that were run in the local newspapers.
The Daily Times (Davenport, IA), Feb. 16, 1935, 9.
The Daily Times (Davenport, IA), Apr. 30, 1935.
The Davenport Democrat and Leader (Davenport, IA), Oct. 13, 1935, 49.
The Daily Times (Davenport, IA), Dec. 14, 1935, 15.
The Daily Times (Davenport, IA), May 1, 1936, 8.
The Davenport Democrat and Leader (Davenport, IA), Mar. 20, 1938.
Bibliography
“A Black Hawk Blaze.” The Davenport Democrat (Davenport, IA), Apr. 17, 1893, 1.
Burggraaf, Mike R. The Saloon & Liquor Trade of Davenport, Iowa & Scott County 1836-1933. [Iowa?]: Unidentified, 2016.
Carlson, Randy. The Breweries of Iowa. Bemidji, MN: Arrow Printing, 1985.
The Daily Times (Davenport, IA), Apr. 30, 1935, 10.
Sanborn Map Company. Insurance Maps of Davenport, Iowa, Volume One. New York, NY: Sanborn Map Company, 1910.
Wilkie, Franc B. Davenport: Past and Present; including the Early History, and Personal and Anecdotal Reminiscences. Davenport: Luse, Lane & Co., 1858.
Herington Park in Davenport is a two-acre city-owned park with an address of 935 Brown Street. The park includes the area surrounded by Brown, Gaines, W. 9th, and W. 11th Streets. Neighborhoods with historic homes and families are nearby and downtown Davenport is just down the hill. This park offers open space to exercise, a playground for children, a basketball court, and a covered shelter shaded by nearby trees for a family outing or event.
This spot has been a park for a little over fifty years. Its history going back just about one hundred years ago will be the focus of this article. That is when this area became the site of a planned African-American settlement in the early 1900s.
On August 19, 1901, African-American businessmen organized the Negro Business League which was part of the National Negro Business League (NNBL) founded by Booker T. Washington in 1900. The purpose of the organization was for the support of the African-American community in association with the national organization.
The Davenport Morning Star, August 20, 1901. Pg. 8
On that August day, Albert B. Woods was elected chairman, Alexander D. Corbin was elected secretary, and W. B. Anderson was elected Treasurer. Alexander D. Corbin was also elected to represent the city of Davenport in Chicago at the gathering of the Colored Men’s National Business League on August 21st – 23rd.
By the end of October 1901, the Negro Business League purchased property near 8th and Harrison Streets for a cost of $4,000. The organization planned to build a three-story building on the lot with two store rooms on the first floor, four suites of rooms on the second floor, and two halls for meetings and entertainment on the third floor. The African-American community, fraternal organizations, and businesses would be welcome to use the space. The committee members compared their structure and its purpose to that of the Turner Society buildings in the German-American community.
Alexander Corbin was one of the biggest motivators during the fundraising for this project. Originally from Ohio and later Omaha, Nebraska, and Des Moines, Iowa; Corbin had resided in Davenport since about 1896. His business of plastering and wallpapering had become very successful in the few years he lived here. Corbin was actively involved with the founding of the local Negro Business League and newspapers spoke highly of his real estate ventures, philanthropy, and oratory skills.
By November 11, 1901, the Davenport Democrat and Leader reported that Corbin was already meeting with local ministers and men of prominence from the Tri-Cities and was securing their pledges for the new building with the project set to start when the weather warmed up in the spring of 1902. With $4,000 already pledged, the goal was set at $8,000 more. In the midst of the fundraising, the League was disappointed to learn that an adjoining frontage property that was part of their future development plan was sold to the Economy Rug Company for a new business.
The Davenport Democrat, November 11, 1901. Pg. 5
Fundraising continued into 1902 and early 1903 along with the usual League business and their benevolence initiatives. One of the big events during this time was Alexander Corbin being invited to speak on the subject of real estate at the national convention of the National Negro Business League in August 1902 in Richmond, Virginia.
In August of 1903, Alexander Corbin purchased lots 3, 4, and 5 in block 10 of the Forrest & Dillon’s addition. He also purchased a house on Gaines Street between 9th and 10th streets in January 1904. The last purchase adjoined the previous purchase from 1903. Other members of the Negro Business League were also purchasing property that adjoined Corbin’s during the same time period. Over time, the organization purchased six acres of land in the area surrounded by Brown, Gaines, W. 9th, and W. 10th Streets.
The Daily Times, August 19, 1903. Pg. 10
It wasn’t until June 1904 that the Negro Business League announced new building plans. Alexander Corbin applied for a permit to build a two-story frame building* on Gaines Street between Ninth and Tenth Streets. The League had decided instead of building a business/entertainment building it was more important for the African-American community to have respectable housing at a reasonable price. The apartment house was to be the first of several structures managed by the Negro Business League on those six acres.
The apartment building at 936 Gaines Street contained nineteen rooms. There would be apartments for five families and include a large kitchen, large hall, and smaller meeting rooms to be used by the African-American community and fraternal organizations. The building contained modern conveniences such as running water, bathrooms, toilets, and a coal furnace. Rent was to be made affordable with no rent during winter months for families who lived in the building the previous summer. The goal was to sell shares in the Negro Business League association to the public to help fund the building of other homes and cover expenses.
On Friday, August 26, 1904, the dedication of the first building in the new African-American settlement was held. Over 2,000 people from local cities came to celebrate the event. Speakers and singers addressed and entertained the audience. After the dedication, a barbeque was held with food being served in the new large dining room. The building would become known as Corbin Flats.
Davenport Morning Star, August 13, 1904. Pg. 6
Soon, a few small houses were built on neighboring lots as the community grew. Once again, modern amenities along with affordable rent were a priority in building the homes. Alexander Corbin, and his wife Rosa, resided in the neighborhood that they were helping to build. Members of the Negro Business League continued to solicit donations and sell shares to help support their endeavor.
It appears things began to slow down in building new homes around 1906. In October of that year, Rosa Corbin filed for divorce from Alexander. Soon after the divorce, Alexander began to spend more time in his former hometown of Omaha. He opened a new business there as a contractor, paper hanger, and painter. He later expanded his business into Des Moines, Iowa before moving to Chicago, Illinois where he died on November 4, 1926. Corbin had been a motivating force behind fundraising, real estate, and building new homes.
Problems arose as the properties had been purchased in various League members’ names. Some sold their properties while others found themselves sued by builders or businesses if the League did not have the money to cover the building or materials costs. By 1914, it appears the organization had refocused in a different direction away from the settlement plan.
The Davenport Democrat and Republican, March 24, 1905. Pg. 10
The houses and the apartment building were sold numerous times over the years. Starting in the 1930s, several of the smaller structures were torn down due to age and condition. Some lots remained empty while others had new homes built on them. In February 1963, the apartment building built by Alexander Corbin was demolished after being condemned by the City of Davenport. The property sat empty.
With the flood of 1965, Davenport’s riverfront garbage dumps were unusable. The City created emergency garbage dumps that April in local neighborhoods on properties the City-owned. One dump was located on a City property at 11th and Gaines Street adjoining the former settlement lots. Residents protested and in May 1965 the dumping ended. In June 1965, Resolution 28,249 proposed by Alderman Larry Herington was passed resolving that no further dumping would be allowed at the 11th and Gaines Streets site, and the property would be given to the Park District.
Times-Democrat, May 11, 1965. Pg. 9
During this time, a decision was made to replace the City playground named Goose Hollow which was located right across Gaines Street from the Settlement lots. Goose Hollow was a small playground surrounded by athletic fields owned by the Davenport School District. The Parks Department rented the fields to be used for their recreation programs. A new location would allow for a larger playground and space owned and managed by the City of Davenport.
Times-Democrat, March 8, 1967. Pg. 43
The City of Davenport spent several years from the late 1960s into the 1970s purchasing the former Settlement lots that adjoined the old garbage dump (which had been reclaimed as a playground) to create the park that exists today.
Unfortunately, we have not been able to locate any pictures from the African-American Settlement. We would love to see anything that may exist from this important part of Davenport’s history.
*Other descriptions of the building say three-story. We wonder if the structure had a raised basement that might be confused in appearance with three stories.
(posted by Amy D.)
Sources:
Ancestry.com
Minutes of the Board of Park Commissioners of the City of Davenport, June 4, 1952.
Davenport Morning Star, August 31, 1901. Pg. 9
The Daily Times, September 12, 1901. Pg. 5
The Daily Times, September 30, 1901. Pg. 8
The Daily Times, October 30, 1901. Pg. 5
The Democrat Democrat, November 11, 1901. Pg. 5
Davenport Morning Star, December 17, 1901. Pg. 7
The Democrat Democrat, December 17, 1901. Pg. 4
The Daily Times, January 15, 1902. Pg. 6
The Daily Times, April 22, 1902. Pg. 2
The Democrat Democrat, April 22, 1902. Pg. 7
The Daily Times, August 20, 1902. Pg. 4
The Daily Times, August 19, 1902. Pg. 10
The Democrat Democrat, January 3, 1904. Pg. 14
The Democrat Democrat, April 22, 1904. Pg. 7
The Democrat Democrat, June 19, 1904. Pg. 6
Davenport Morning Star, August 13, 1904. Pg. 6
The Democrat Democrat, August 26, 1904. Pg. 4
Davenport Morning Star, August 28, 1904. Pg. 7
The Daily Times, January 13, 1905. Pg. 3
The Davenport Democrat and Leader, March 24, 1905. Pg. 10
The Davenport Democrat and Leader, May 25, 1905. Pg. 9
The Bystander (Des Moines, Iowa), September 4, 1914. Pg. 1
We’ve been uploading thousands of images from our Hostetler Studio glass negative collection to the Upper Mississippi Valley Digital Image Archive since 2004! Yes, thousands of images ranging from the mid-1890s through the mid-1920s. Did we mention thousands of images yet?
The latest images we’ve been working on are from the WWI era (1918) and we’ve definitely noticed a transition towards 1920s styles and fashion. Not only are the clothing, jewelry, and hairstyles changing, but the poses have changed as well. The photographer is moving away from head-and-shoulders profile shots to more captivating compositions. The subjects seem to be more comfortable in front of the camera, not as stiff and severe as they were in photographs from earlier in the decade.
Here are a few examples of some beautiful people captured by J.B. Hostetler at his studio, 208 Brady Street in Davenport.
George W. Scott Jr.Duella (Soderstrom) RyanFelix O. Dupont & Edmond E. HommelErnest Miller “Mex” HendersonGertrude (Schindhelm) SchmittFritz A. ClaussenMatilda (Quinn) WoodViolet (Shaw) BruinsGrace (Exline) Kauffman CondaCharles & Margaret (Anthony) MooneyMargaret (Hickey) Coffee BrowningFlorence (Freistat) LeePortraits by J.B. Hostetler, Davenport, Iowa, 1918
George W. Scott Jr.
George W. Scott Jr.’s WWI Draft Registration Card lists his birth as February 9, 1896, in Davenport and his work as a clerk for the Tri-City Railroad Company. Based on information in his obituary, published in the Times-Democrat on June 1, 1964, George Scott died May 28, 1964, in Wakefield, Michigan.
Sue (Soderstrom) Ryan
The Rock Island Argus newspaper on September 15, 1919 announced that Miss Sue Soderstrom of Moline was engaged to Harold Ryan. As all other articles refer to her as Duella, we assume that Sue may have been a nickname. Based on information in her marriage announcement, published in the Moline Dispatch on September 19, 1919, Miss Duella Soderstrom married B. Harold Ryan at her parents’ home, 1141 Fourteenth Street in Moline. Her obituary, published in the Moline Dispatch on July 20, 1964, states that Mrs. Duella Ryan was born February 15, 1898, in Moline to Mr. and Mrs. Emil Soderstrom. She was a member and past president of the East Moline American Legion Auxiliary and a member of the Short Hills Country Club and the East Moline Woman’s Club.
Felix O. Dupont & Edmond E. Hommel
Based on information in the 1918 Davenport City Directory, Felix O. Dupont worked as a repairman at the Rock Island Arsenal. The Davenport Democrat on February 4, 1919, Felix C. Dupont and Edmond E. Hommel of 122 Park Lane had both returned from service. Soon after, the Davenport Democrat on February 24, 1919, reported that Felix O. Dupont entertained at a farewell party for Edmund E. Hommel of the S.A.T.C., formerly of Boston, who enlisted in the Merchant Marine.
Felix O. Dupont’s WWI Draft Registration Card states he was born on January 1, 1889, in Worcester, Massachusetts. We find from his obituary, published in the Salt Lake Tribune on July 6, 1971, that Felix Oliver DuPont went on to marry Ellen Carrington on May 25, 1937, in Salt Lake City. He was a retired salesman for the Purity Biscuit Co. and a veteran of WWI.
Edmund Edward Hommel’s WWI Draft Registration Card shows he was born February 15, 1898, and worked as a specialist at the Rock Island Arsenal. Based on information in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs BIRLS Death File, Edmund F. Hommel died December 18, 1988.
Ernest Miller “Mex” Henderson
Based on information published in the Davenport Democrat and Leader on July 14, 1918, Ernest Miller “Mex” Henderson, son of Charles R. Henderson, of 227 Forest Road in Camp McClellan was home on 10 days’ furlough from Fort Sheridan. His obituary, published in the Dayton (Ohio) Daily News on November 7, 1969, states that Ernest M. Henderson retired in 1962 from General Motors after 34 years.
Gertrude (Schindhelm) Schmitt
Based on information in the 1920 Census Gertrude Schindhelm (age 22) lived in Oxford, Jones County, Iowa, and worked as a public school teacher. Her marriage announcement, published in The Daily Times on October 6, 1927, states Gertrude H. Schindhelm married Clement J. Schmitt in Houston, Texas. We found in the Texas Death Records that Gertrude Schmitt was born May 21, 1900, in Oxford Junction, Iowa, and died May 31, 1967, in Houston, Texas.
Fritz A. Claussen
Based on information in his World War I Draft Registration Card, Fritz A. Claussen was born December 11, 1895, in Davenport and worked as a Clerk at the Rock Island Arsenal. The 1920 Census found Frederick Claussen (age 24) living with his mother Bertha (age 58) at 2215 West Second Street in Davenport and working as an electrician at the Rock Island Arsenal. His marriage announcement, published in The Daily Times on July 18, 1929, announces that Fritz A. Claussen married Miss Edythe Frances Taylor at the First Lutheran Church in Moline. Based on information in his obituary, published in the Sunday Times-Democrat on December 17, 1961, Fred Claussen had been employed as a maintenance man by McLaughlin Body Co. for 11 years, was a veteran of World War I, and a member of the East Moline American Legion Post No. 227.
Matilda (Quinn) Wood
Based on information in the 1920 Census, Matilda M. Wood (age 27) was the wife of Albert M. Wood (age 28) and they lived with Albert’s parents in Moline. Matilda’s obituary, published in The Daily Dispatch on January 12, 1949, states that Matilda Louise Quinn was born May 7, 1893, in Columbus, Ohio. She married Albert M. Wood on January 8, 1913, in Moline and she died on January 11, 1949, in Denver, Colorado.
Violet (Shaw) Bruins
Based on information in the Iowa Birth and Christenings Index, Viola Marion Shaw was born on June 10, 1899, to George M. Shaw and Julia (Eggers) Shaw. A wedding announcement, published in the Davenport Democrat and Leader on November 20, 1919, reported that Thomas J. Bruins married Miss Violet Marion Shaw, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George M. Shaw of 1708 Summit Avenue. The Iowa Marriage Records indicates that Thomas J. Bruins, son of J. Bruins and Grace Rerkas married Violet Marion Shaw in Davenport. Based on information in the 1920 United States Census, Thomas and Violet Bruins were living at that time with her parents, George M. and Julia Shaw, and her brother, George R. Shaw. The Daily Times, on September 18, 1942, reported that Thomas J. Bruins was a patrolman for the Illinois State Highway Police. On November 18, 1869 the The Moline Daily Dispatch stated that Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Bruins celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Thomas Buins’ obituary, published in the Times-Democrat on March 25, 1970, stated he was born in Morrison, Illinois, was a retired employee of Robinson Hardware in Rock Island, and a veteran of World War I. Based on information in her obituary, published in the Moline Dispatch on July 3, 1988, Violet Bruins was born June 12, 1899, in Iowa. She had been employed at Petersen Harned Von Maur Department store. She was buried in Pine Hill Cemetery in Davenport. See also Image 17195.
Grace (Exline) Kauffman Conda
Based on information published in the Rock Island Argus on October 2, 1918, Mrs. Grace Kauffman and Louis Conda, both of Moline, were licensed to wed in Rock Island County. The Moline Dispatch reported on October 11, 1968, that Mr. and Mrs. Louis Conda were married on October 3, 1918, in Moline. Based on information in her obituary, published in The Daily Dispatch on October 20, 1982, Grace Exline married Louie Conda in 1918 in Davenport, They had been in the restaurant business 40 years, owning and operating several Moline establishments.
Charles & Margaret (Anthony) Mooney
Based on information in their marriage announcement, published in The Daily Times on May 27, 1918, Miss Margaret Anthony of Rock Island married Mr. Charles Mooney of Davenport. His obituary, published in the Times-Democrat on May 15, 1970, stated Charles L. Mooney owned the Mooney Plumbing & Heating Co. and was also full-time stage manager and electrician for the RKO Orpheum, Davenport. Based on information in her obituary, published in the Quad-City Times on February 27, 1983, Marguerite K. Mooney died at Mercy Hospital and is buried at Pine Hill Cemetery.
Margaret (Hickey) Coffee Browning
Based on information in her first marriage announcement, published in the Davenport Democrat and Leader on November 10, 1919, Miss Margaret Hickey, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. D.J. Hickey married Homer H. Coffee, son of Dr. and Mrs. O.W. Coffee in Chicago. Based on information in her second marriage announcement, published in the Davenport Democrat and Leader on December 30, 1926, Margaret Hickey Coffee, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. D.J. Hickey married Joseph H. Browning of the Ambassador Hotel, Los Angeles, California. Her obituary, published in the Davenport Democrat and Leader on October 14, 1946, stated Margaret Hickey Browning was the daughter of Dennis J. and Sarah Cecilia Hickey. She was born in Davenport on May 23, 1898, and graduated from the Villa de Chantal in Rock Island and St. Mary’s college in South Bend, Indiana.
Florence (Freistat) Lee
Based on information in the 1918 Davenport City Directory, Albert W. and Florence A. Lee lived at 922 Kirkwood Boulevard. The Davenport Democrat and Leader on May 9, 1918, reported that Mrs. Florence Friestadt Lee, violinist, arranged a program with Miss Freda Schricker, pianist, in the studio of Mrs. Alice Dufton Atwill on East Second Street. Based on information on Find A Grave, Florence A. Freistat Lee was born November 21, 1886, and died May 18, 1956. She is buried at Oakdale Cemetery.
In celebration of this year’s Black History Month theme, “Black Health and Wellness,” we tell the stories of three African American healthcare providers who practiced in Davenport: General Houston, Charles William Bates, and Robert Shannon Taylor, M.D.
We have elsewhere discussed aspects of General Houston‘s eventful life; by the early 1890s he was known in Davenport primarily as a celebrated “chiropodist.” A writer for the Davenport Weekly Republican described an individual engaged in the profession as one “who removes unnatural protuberances from that part of the anatomy most directly contiguous with Mother Earth.”[1] In other words, a modern podiatrist.
Houston had formerly worked as a barber in the city, between 1870 and 1876. [2] A 1893 newspaper advertisement indicates he practiced both professions together. He promised “corns, bunions, ingrowing nails, removed without pain,” with “ladies’ work a specialty” in his “tonsorial” (hairdressing) parlors at 420 Brady Street. [3] The “human corn sheller” told a Davenport Democrat reporter that he had “extracted more corns than any other living corn doctor and has never yet caused a sore foot.” When asked exactly how many, Houston replied, “‘…bushels and bushels of them, hundreds and thousands and tens of thousands…” and added, “If they were seed corn they would be enought to sow several hundred acres of land…'”[4]
And how did the formerly-enslaved Houston become a chiropodist?
“‘My hellish master, Dr. Lem Smith, did me one good thing which he was not aware of at the time. He provided me with a living in after years, for it was he who taught me chiropody. I was taught this so that I could look after the members of his family and not for any benefit it might have proved to me.'” [4]
Houston practiced from his home at 1806 North Street (now part of Kirkwood Boulevard in East Davenport) until his death in 1910. This photograph shows him wearing his signature silk hat.
Charles “Charlie” William Bates learned chiropody in a different manner: he completed a training course either under Mrs. Alice Thompson of Muscatine, or, according to his obituary, the American School of Chiropody in Chicago. [5] He was granted a professional license, and in 1924 announced the opening of his office at his home on 406 Clark Street in West Davenport. [6] Perhaps as proprietor of a shoeshine parlor in town since 1911, Bates had developed a deeper interest in the care of the feet. Perhaps he wished to follow in the footsteps, so to speak, of General Houston the generation before: Houston’s Perry Street office in 1903 included a shoeshine and bootblacking service performed by an assistant. [2]
Dr. C. W. Bates, Davenport Democrat and Leader, August 24, 1950, page 17.
Bates was involved in a number of business ventures, including as a drycleaner and a job printer. He was the founder of the Tri-City Herald (March 1914 to February 1917), “…the first newspaper owned and controled by colored people in the three cities.” [7]
At least two of Charles and Sadie Bates’ five sons also became chiropodists: Charles W. Bates II and Stanley Blair Bates. The two had planned to open a practice together in Rock Island after returning from the Second World War. Sadly, though, Charles II died in 1948 from tuberculosis contracted while serving in the U.S. Army in England. [8] Newspaper evidence suggests that Stanley continued to maintain an office in the Manufacturer’s Trust Building in Rock Island and a residence on Esplanade Avenue in Davenport through the 1950s.
Stanley Blair Bates, Blackhawk, Davenport Central High School Yearbook, 1938
Dr. C.W. Bates, II, The Daily Times, March 15, 1948, page 8.
Davenport’s first Black physician was Robert Shannon Taylor, M.D. A graduate of the University of Nebraska and Creighton Medical College in Omaha, he was also known as an exceptional football player. Taylor’s admission to the Scott County Medical Society in October 1915 was delayed by two years because a faction opposed “…opening the door of the scientific body to the colored brother of the profession.” [9] He maintained his status in the Society and served the Davenport community from his offices on Harrison Street until his retirement in 1973.
Quad City Times, February 15, 1973, page 4.
No doubt there are many Black women in Davenport and the Quad-Cities serving as midwives, nurses, and caregivers of many sorts in the early 20th century yet to be discovered.
(posted by Katie)
1. Davenport Weekly Republican, November 12, 1901.
2. “A Davenporter with a History,” Davenport Weekly Leader, March 6, 1903, page 7.
3. The Daily Times (Davenport, Iowa), August 30, 1893, page 4.
4. “Well Known City Types,” Davenport Democrat, May 10, 1908, page 16.
5. The Daily Times (Davenport, Iowa), March 15, 1948, page 8.
6. The Daily Times (Davenport, Iowa), September 15, 1924, page 11.
7. “Colored People to Have Paper,” The Davenport Democrat and Leader, March 6, 1914, page 3.
8. The Daily Times (Davenport, Iowa), March 15, 1948, page 8.
9. The Davenport Democrat and Leader, January 7, 1915, page 11.
What is a Calico Ball you ask? I did too when I came across this in a May 1883 local newspaper.
“Rock Island Briefs.” Daily Davenport (Davenport, Iowa), May 21, 1883, 4.
Turns out, a Calico Ball (alternately referred to as a Calico Dance or Party) stems from an 1855 New York City event in which women were encouraged to wear a dress made of simple calico which would be donated for the benefit of the poor after the party. When the New York Times ran the story, the idea caught on quickly and copycat dances quickly moved westward.
The first notice I could find locally was in January 1857.
The Daily Iowa State Democrat (Davenport, Iowa), Jan. 8, 1857, 3.
So now we have frocks and flannel! According to the January 10th issue, “The calico ball came off in good style last Thursday night, and we sincerely hope that the efforts of our young friends have placed the poor in more favorable circumstances.”
It seems Calico Balls evolved over time. By 1869 in Burlington, Iowa attendees were invited to the affair with “invitations printed on calico, the ladies wore calico dresses, the gentlemen wore calico neckties, the supper tables were covered with calico and everything corresponded with the occasion…”
(Davenport Democrat Thursday, April 8, 1869 p1)
Here is a broadside I found on the internet advertising a Calico Dress Ball.
The Acquisitions Table: Calico Dress Ball!
In March 1874 a Calico Party was given in Eldridge Hall with the directive “Ladies and gentlemen must appear in calico.” There was a call in December 1875 by a newspaper editor making a plea for a Christmas or New Year’s Eve calico dance for the poor.
The Davenport Democrat (Davenport, Iowa), Dec. 4, 1875, 1.
The call appears to have gone unheard.
A Los Angeles Herald item on May 6, 1881, shared the following notable rules:
1. Every lady must appear in calico, having a necktie or rosette made from the same material.
2. This remnant must be enclosed in an envelope [presented at the door upon entering].
3. Each gentleman accompanied by a lady will receive a check.
4. Gentlemen holding checks will be entitled to draw for an envelope.
5. Each gentleman will choose the partner whose dress corresponds with the remnant in his envelope.
It seems the common ingredient to all the events was dancing, refreshments and late nights/early mornings. It seems to have become less frequently about fundraising and more about the fun. Any reason would do, even Washington’s birthday! Here is a dance card cover found on the internet followed by a 1906 Davenport event at the Turner Hall!
Liberty Hall Calico Ball on February 22.
“A Calico Party at Turner Hall.” The Davenport Democrat and Leader (Davenport, Iowa), Feb. 18, 1906, 12.
The last local notice I found was from May of 1910 when the Mutual Protective League members were invited to a calico dancing party at Prosperity Hall after a short business meeting. Ladies were requested to wear a calico dress and bring a calico tie of the same goods. Them men were to wear the ties and at the time of the grand march, those wearing the matching calico were to be partners.
So, there you have it! Perhaps this theme will prompt someone in Davenport to once more celebrate all things calico and have a ball raising funds, celebrating an event, or maybe just enjoying some dancing and refreshments while we wait for cold days and pandemics to pass.
As we perused our digitized images on the Upper Mississippi Valley Digital Image Archive, we wondered how many images of siblings we had in our collections. We are highlighting a sample of them below.
These images feature the Coan or Coon siblings. Based on information in the 1910 census it seems possible this is Catharine Coan, age 18, daughter of William and Mary Coan of Clinton, Clinton County, IA. Her siblings were Isabelle and Folwell.
These images are of the Finkelstein sisters. Based on information in the 1910 United State Census, Beatrice, Esther, and Tillie lived in Rock Island with their parents, Abraham and Ida, and their siblings, Morris, Henry, Israel, and Leo.
Based on information in the 1925 Iowa State Census, Beatrice was living in Davenport with Edward I. Wolfson. Based on information published in the Daily Times on May 25, 1955, Mrs. Wolfson (Beatrice Finkelstein) died at age 71 in Rock Island, Illinois. She was born on December 31, 1884 to Abraham and Ida Morris Finkelstein in Russia. She came to the United States in 1896. She married Mr. Wolfson on December 25, 1922 in Rock Island. She was associated with her husband’s clothing store and was a member of Temple Emmanuel, the Tri-City Jewish Center.
Based on information published in the Daily Times on July 2, 1920, Miss Esther A. Finkelstein married Earl Sarazan of Kansas City, Missouri on July 1, 1920. Based on information in Vermont Marriage Records, Esther Sarazan married David Finkelstein on March 14, 1943. This was her second marriage; she had divorced Earl. Based on information in Vermont Death Records, Esther A. Finkelstein was born March 22, 1891 in Lithuania and died December 7, 1945 in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. Based on information published in the Daily Times on December 10, 1945, Mrs Esther Finkelstein died at the age of 54 in St. Johnsberry and had three children with Earl Sarazan.
Based on information published in the Times-Democrat on October 24, 1967, Mr. and Mrs. Maurice B. Kelinson celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with their two sons, Marvin and Norman. Based on information in her obituary, published in the Times-Democrat on February 15, 1969, Tillie Finkelstein was born in Poland and came to the United States in 1904. She married Maurice B. Kelinson in Rock Island on October 14, 1917. Based on information published in the Times-Democrat on March 28, 1970, a monument in memory of Tille was unveiled at the Tri-City Jewish Cemetery in Davenport. She died February 14, 1969.
This image depicts the McLaughlin siblings. Based on information in the 1910 and 1880 federal census it seems likely these are the children of James B. and Ella McLaughlin. Left to right the siblings and their ages in 1910 would be Carl W. (32), Bessie (30), Gertrude (26), Vida (24), Marna (20), and Ed (17).
These images feature the Murphy siblings. Based on information in the 1900 Davenport city directory and the federal census for Rock Island County, Illinois in 1900 and 1910 it seems likely these are the children of Timothy A. and Mary Murphy. The eldest is Madeline, age 9 in the 1900 census. Grace, age 1 in the 1900 census is on the right side of the group. Baby Laurence was born after the June 1900 census as he is listed as age 9 in the April 1910 census. Timothy A. Murphy was a lawyer residing in Rock Island, Illinois.
This image features the Whalen brothers. Based on information in the 1920 United States Census, Edward and Arthur were the sons of Sarah Whalen. They also lived with their siblings, William and John. Edward was employed as an office clerk and Arthur was employed as a stenographer. Based on information in his WWI Draft Registration card, Arthur Bernard Whalen was born on August 22, 1893 in Davenport. Based on information published in The Daily Times on August 5, 1918, Arthur and Edward Whalen visited Mrs. Sarah Whalen, their mother, on their furloughs. Arthur was stationed at Camp Dodge and Edward was stationed at Great Lakes naval training station. Based on information published in The Daily Times on February 14, 1923, Mr. Arthur B. Whalen married Miss Ellen Hart in Chicago on February 13, 1923. At this time, he was employed as a director of an orchestra. Based on information published in The Daily Times on October 4, 1952, Arthur B. Whalen died on October 1, 1952. He was buried at the Holy Family Cemetery. Based on information published in The Davenport Democrat and Leader, Edward R. Whalen was born on May 2, 1891 in Davenport. He married Margaret Kearney in Danville, Illinois on June 20, 1937. He died in Chicago due to a car accident. He was buried in Danville.
This image montage features the Wyman siblings. Mr. Wyman is listed as age 52 in the 1910 federal census. Research indicates there is a good chance this is a montage of Wyman siblings, four of whom appear in image X793. Those four are believed to be Fred Wyman, E. Louise (Wyman) Hayward, Mary B. (Wyman) Pierce and Charlotte E. (Wyman) Breed. The identities of the other three siblings are likely Joseph Wallace Wyman, David Frank Wyman, and Mason Eugene Wyman. These would be the children of Daniel and Anna (Phelps) Wyman.
We hope this inspires you to look at images of siblings in your family or to take a snapshot with your siblings for the future generations.
It has been 14 years since we started writing blogs for our Special Collections Department. After all these years, it is still exciting when you come across an interesting story from our past. This week’s blog was intended to go in a different direction until I stumbled upon not only a local “character”, but one whose recipe was so enjoyed that it lingered for years after his passing.
Louis Schauder became a local entrepreneur during his years in Davenport. His specialty, besides great stories, was his Hungarian goulash. And like all great characters of the past, Louis had a fabulous story about his journey to Davenport and that special goulash recipe.
Louis “Louie” Shauder was born in Baden, Germany on May 11, 1838. He always said he journeyed to the United States with his brother in 1854 at the young age of 16 years old. As Louis told it (and it was repeated in local newspapers), he first settled in Saginaw, Michigan where he became Chief of Police. Then it took his fancy to move to Cincinnati, Ohio where he became a restauranteur. Finally, he found is way to Davenport where he stayed.
Louis was always described in newspaper accounts as a large, burly man. He was somewhat unkempt and lacking in truly refined social graces. But underneath the gruff exterior was a kind man. Maybe the gruff exterior was suited for being a Police Chief, but it may not have helped when opening a small restaurant in Cincinnati. Louis claimed no prior experience running such an establishment, but he still decided to give it a try. Business was slow until the night a clergyman wandered into his restaurant.
The mysterious clergyman was from Hungary. It was raining heavily that evening and the man was drenched. Not only was he completely wet, but the man was without any money. He was waiting, he explained to Louis, for money to be sent to him. He was not affiliated with a church to help him out. Things were difficult. He only needed to wait a few days for the money to arrive.
Louis, with his kind heart, not only let the clergyman come in to dry off and fed him, but took him in as well. The clergyman stayed with Louis as he waited for his money. The money finally arrived after several days. In his gratitude, the clergyman thanked Louis by sharing one of his possessions – a recipe for Hungarian goulash.
Soon after, Louis left Cincinnati and settled in Davenport, Iowa. He brought with him the delicious recipe that had been gifted to him. Davenport residents fell in love with the goulash and made Louis so successful he never left Davenport.
How much of Louis’ story is true?
We did find Louis living in Saginaw, Michigan around 1860. He married Johannah Stehmann there on November 15, 1860. We believe Johannah and possibly two young children passed away in the 1860s leaving Louis a widower with one young daughter named Anna.
He married Ida Young about 1870 in Davenport, Iowa. They appear to have known each other in Saginaw, Michigan. Did one follow the other to Davenport?
1870 is also the same year we find Louis mentioned in the local city directory as Lewis Shoder who owned a saloon at 6 W. Front Street. Louis, Ida, and Anna are also found in the 1870 U.S. Census living in Davenport as well.
By 1873, Louis owns a boarding house east of Main Street. In 1876, he is listed as the proprietor for the Schauder’s Hotel at 126 W. Front Street. From this address he would spend the next 34 years as a hotel owner, saloon owner, and restaurant owner.
Louis’ large stature would play a part in his success. In those early days of Davenport, businesses on Front Street faced a tough crowd as the nearby Mississippi River brought in rowdy crews from boats. Louis is found in several newspaper reports successfully defending his establishment from a disreputable patron who had had a little too much to drink.
Davenport Democrat, December 14, 1875. Pg. 1
He also is credited with opening the first Orchestrion Hall in the city around 1873. Reports of the day suggested it cost between $6,000 – $7,000; though we have not confirmed that price. We were able to confirm that he did run the Hall from the 126 W. Front Street address. In 1883, the hotel received a makeover with the organ being replaced with a newer model and art by artist John Cameron adorning the walls. The grand re-opening even featured his famous Turtle Soup. Turtle Soup?
Davenport Democrat, August 1, 1880. Pg. 1
We learned there were two specialties Louis’ establishments served over the years. His “grand” Turtle Soup was frequently mentioned in early advertising. While not as well-known today, Turtle Soup was popular on restaurant menus in the nineteenth century.
But soon, the Hungarian goulash replaced the Turtle soup at Schauder’s Hotel. This much celebrated dish was served thick, not thin like soup, with a large piece of rye bread on the side. No mention of noodles or potatoes as found in German goulash or other versions of Hungarian goulash.
Davenport Daily Republican, October 10, 1897. Pg. 6
As the years passed, river boat traffic slowed on the Mississippi River and was replaced by trains rolling through Davenport. The clientele changed as well on the river front. Crowds of rowdy deck crews were not seen as much while railroad passengers visited the Schauder’s Hotel. The fight against alcohol gained public support and by 1910 the aging Louis Schauder closed his hotel and saloon and kept only the restaurant open.
Davenport Democrat and Leader, October 3, 1909. Pg. 14
Louis had spent years fighting against prohibition, frequently losing his alcohol license and serving fines as he fought the new laws being passed in Iowa. He and Ida purchased a home at 1533 W. High Street and lived there starting in 1906. Ida died in 1913. Louis remarried for the third time in 1914 to Roseline Wolney.
Even though his restaurant was still popular, Louis finally retired in 1913 after the death of Ida. Many local restaurant owners tried to buy his goulash recipe (one was rumored to have offered $200 for the popular recipe). Louis declined selling his in case he might ever want to use it again one day.
It wasn’t until the Davenport Democrat and Leader published the news on January 24, 1916 that the public was let in on a secret. Louis Schauder did not sell his Hungarian goulash recipe. Instead he gave the recipe to fellow restaurateur, Albert Ohlsen. Hand picked by Louis, Albert not only was given the recipe, but Louis personally taught him how to prepare it. The recipe was now Albert’s to use.
Louis Schauder died days later on January 30, 1916 at his home. He was buried at Fairmount Cemetery in Davenport next to Ida.
Davenport Democrat and Leader, January 31, 1916. Pg. 12
Albert kept the recipe secret as well. Serving it as the cook at Maehr’s Restaurant, Ohlsen’s Café, Mac’s Tavern, Ohlsen’s Open Door, Saddle Club & Barn, and lastly Riefe’s. Locals would flock to have a dish of Schauder’s Hungarian Goulash and remember the burly man with tall-tale stories.
The Daily Times, August 29, 1929. Pg. 12
As for the recipe, we did find an article in The Daily Times from July 24, 1957. Mrs. Alice Widigen gave the recipe to the newspaper. She told the reporter that she received it from an aunt who said it was Schauder’s recipe. Could it be the one?
Mrs. Widigen mentions she had added to it. Looking at the recipe the first thing we noticed was the ketchup. Ketchup, or Catsup, in the late 1800s was much different from modern ketchup. Early ketchup was used as a sauce and not a condiment. It originally included many of the spices mentioned in the recipe. So, if anything might have been added in, we think it might be the ketchup. We had a differing opinions pertaining to the use of tomatoes which could have been increased as well by Mrs. Widigen. Sadly, we will never know.
As for Louis Schauder, we have learned a little of his story through research. Part of the challenge in documenting his travels before Davenport is the many ways Schauder may be spelled. Did Louis ever move to Cincinnati and open that little restaurant? Did a poor, wet clergyman really wander in and gift him with the Hungarian goulash recipe that people in Davenport would love for years?
In the end, maybe some stories are best unsolved. But we still wish we had the recipe for Shauder’s Hungarian Goulash.
(Posted by Amy D.)
Resources:
Ancestry.com
Davenport City Directories
Davenport Democrat, December 14, 1875. Pg. 1
Davenport Democrat, June 8, 1876. Pg. 1
Davenport Democrat, December 18, 1877. Pg. 1
Davenport Democrat, August 1, 1880. Pg. 1
Davenport Democrat, March 25, 1883. Pg. 1
The Morning Democrat, January 19, 1896. Pg. 1
Davenport Daily Republican, October 10, 1897. Pg. 6
Davenport Morning Star, November 7, 1897. Pg. 6
Davenport Democrat and Leader, April 12, 1904. Pg. 6
Davenport Weekly Republican, June 23, 1904. Pg. 7
The Daily Times, January 2, 1908. Pg. 6
The Daily Times, April 30, 1909. Pg. 7
Davenport Democrat and Leader, September 19, 1909. Pg. 7
Davenport Democrat and Leader, October 3, 1909. Pg. 14
Davenport Democrat and Leader, July 3, 1913. Pg. 15
Davenport Democrat and Leader, January 5, 1914. Pg. 13
Davenport Democrat and Leader, January 21, 1916. Pg. 11
Davenport Democrat and Leader, January 24, 1916. Pg. 14
Davenport Democrat and Leader, January 31, 1916. Pg. 12
The Daily Times, December 31, 1927. Pg. 24
The Daily Times, December 31, 1928. Pg. 27
The Daily Times, August 27, 1929. Pg. 3
The Daily Times, August 29, 1929. Pg. 12
Davenport Democrat and Leader, January 4, 1931. Pg. 5
Davenport Democrat and Leader, October 25, 1934. Pg. 10
The Daily Times, December 16, 1936. Pg. 4
The Daily Times, November 22, 1950. Pg. 5
Davenport Democrat and Leader, November 7, 1954. Pg. 55
