Henry Farnam’s Life and Work Near the Mississippi

Posted on March 28, 2019 by SCblogger

The name Henry Farnam is not unheard of in this area. Mr. Farnam’s legacy and his influence was felt in the world of railroads, particularly the ever-growing network of railway lines spreading from the East.

He was born in Scipio, Cayuga County in the Finger Lakes region of New York. His parents, Jeffery Amherst Farnam (1773-1842) and Mercy Tracy (1775-1873), nurtured the study of mathematics and poetry in their young son. He utilized his knowledge by becoming a surveyor.  Through his employment as a surveyor, he worked on projects such as the Erie Canal west of Rochester, New York and the New Haven and Northampton Canal. Soon this canal was replaced by a more efficient railroad line in the 1840s.

Henry Farnam

During this time, he married Ann Sophia Whitman on December 1, 1839, in Farmington, Connecticut. Their young family grew with the birth of their children: George Bronson (1841), William Whitman (1844), Charles Henry (1846), Sarah Sheffield (1850), and Henry Walcott (1853).

In 1850, his work led him to travel to Illinois with his business partner Joseph E. Sheffield, an eastern financier. During this period, residents of the Tri-Cities began to succumb to railroad fever that was sweeping the nation.

In June 1845, a group of notable men from Davenport, Rock Island, and Moline met at Colonel George Davenport’s home to discuss the future of railroads and their cities. Their first hope was to establish a rail line from Rock Island to LaSalle. Unfortunately, they encountered challenges in raising funds which inevitably slowed their plans. After the funds were secured, Mr. James Grant, a Davenport attorney and former member of the Iowa Legislature, read of the work of Henry Farnam. The group set up a meeting with Mr. Farnam to discuss their plans.

Farnam and his partner endeavored to build the Chicago and Rock Island Railroad, a direct railway line from Chicago to Rock Island. Later this line would be known as “The Rock.” They successfully raised the funds and local support for this project. Not only was this rail line going to provide a route from Rock Island to Chicago, but it was also going to span the wide Mississippi River.

He visited Rock Island on February 22, 1854, to attend a gala dinner celebrating the completion of the Chicago and Rock Island Railroad.  Farnam announced, “‘Today we witness the nuptials of the Atlantic with the Father of Waters. Tomorrow the people of Rock Island can go to New York'” entirely by railroad in a span of 42 hours (Willard, John. “Henry Farnam Builds a Railroad”). Farnam was the president of this organization from 1854-1863.

Another momentous celebration of the bridge to the Mississippi occurred on June 5-10, 1854. This event is known as the Grand Excursion. More than 1,200 citizens, including politicians, artists, reporters, writers, and business leaders traveled from Chicago to Rock Island by railroad and traveled by a small fleet of steamboats up to St. Paul, the capital of the Minnesota Territory. On Saturday, June 10th when the excursion ended, Mr. Farnam young son, Henry Walcott was present with a golden cup to commemorate this event.

A selection of historical poetry featuring Mr. Farnam and the railroad by Dick Stahl, poet laureate of the Quad Cities from 2001-2003.

“Judge James Grant Recalls Catching Railroad Fever”

People around here call me Judge Grant. 
Born on a plantation
near Enfield, Halifax County, North Carolina.
Chapel Hill University graduate.
School teacher. At twenty-one,
I moved west with a restless country
to Chicago.  As a circuit judge 
for the sixth district of Illinois,
I rode on horseback
about three thousand miles a year.
Then I moved to a farm near Davenport, Iowa,
in Scott County, and rode a circuit.
The law’s my life; 
the bench and bar, my first love.
I’m mayor of the city-
Democrat in politics.
Settlers are moving in-
houses going up faster
than I can count
my growing library of law books.

Caught with railroad fever
with Ebenezer Cook, lawyer and banker,
and with those other luminaries
who gathered at Colonel George Davenport’s house
in early June 1845 to weigh
the idea of a railroad.

Elected first president
of the Rock Island and La Salle Railroad,
heard a lot of arguments about construction, 
grumblings from stockholders for results,
moanings about merely linking the Mississippi
with the Illinois River.

That’s when I heard Henry Farnam,
railroad builder from New Haven, Connecticut,
was in Chicago. Wanted to build
another railroad, they said.
We urged him to make a horseback survey
of our line. He came back
like a circle, eager to connect Joseph E. Sheffield,
his partner, in the project
and proposed a new charter for a direct line
from Chicago to Rock Island.

So another circuit starts.
I saw the first spade turned
on October 1, 1851, at Twenty-Second Street,
the south limits of Chicago,
for the working
Chicago and Rock Island Rail-Road. (Stahl 6-7)

“George Bancroft Toasts Henry Farnam”

I’m writing my History of the United States
without having seen much
of this country beyond the Atlantic coast;
now I’m exploring
the New West. No prince or potentate
ever hosted a thousand guests
over three thousand miles
of land and water
with such gracious splendor
as Henry Farnam. He is my American Aeneas;
his Grand Excursion, my epic
of adventure. The man inspires the soul
of a company, the chapter
of an age. I honor
his western thinking, straight as his run
of iron track. He rides on line
with his Rocket
to Rock Island, steaming
a course, like the sun.
He spreads warm hospitality
with every word. His energy splashes
like water cascading
the paddle wheel around Winona
and Wabasha and Red Wing.
His spirit is wide as Lake Pepin, his flair
for friendship close
as four steamboats lashed together,
their bands rising on the same high notes.
He and his family step together
across the platform
from one boat
to another. My pen’s as excited
as my new American spirit.
So here’s my toast
to you, Mr. Henry Farnam,
a master soul, one
who stands alone
in the history of excursions.
I’m writing history;
you’re making it. (Stahl 91-92)

“Henry Walcott Farnam Honor His Father”

I, Henry W. Farnam, being young in years, and wholly unaccustomed to public speaking, feel incompetent to discharge in suitable terms the duty imposed upon me on this interesting occasion. When I came on board this boat, it was farthest from my expectation to make a speech. All my wants may be confined within this little cup which you propose to give me. Its contents are a baby’s world-his universe. I give you my best smile of thanks for your kindness.

– Professor Alexander Twining’s words on behalf of Henry Walcott Farnam, awarded a golden cup.

Only my infant heart remembers
the tenor of his words
on the GOLDEN ERA.

The first time I saw the cup
sitting on your mantle in this library
I thought it was yours, but when you read
the engraving, I heard my voice
on the Grand Excursion.

When you handed it to me,
I could hardly hold it. I whispered
my own name, and I’ve heard
its soft echo grow
these many years.

This cup large as a bowl
holds a link to the past
and the future for our family.
It celebrates a golden time
for mother and you and my brother George.
Let it be passed down
as a remembrance.

I raise my glass to you, father,
and offer my best smile
as a toast. Here’s to
the master spirit of the Grand Excursion
and to the family Shakespeare.
Whether you’re building railroads
or reading poetry, you’re always ready
with all the right lines. (Stahl 97-98)

As his time in Illinois neared an end, he and his family applied for U.S. Passports to travel and live abroad. They lived in Europe for 5 years and during that time they visited the Holy Lands. They returned settling in New Haven, Connecticut. Farnam and his wife, Ann, live there for the rest of their lives contributing their time and wealth to Yale University.

Mr. Farnam left a lasting impression on the Quad Cities. His forward thinking helped to encourage travel and entrepreneurial growth in the West.

Join us in celebrating the work of Henry Farnam at the 16th Annual Farnam Dinner on March 28th at the Radisson Hotel at 5 p.m.

 

Bibliography

Wilson, James Grant and John Fiske. Appletons’ Cyclopaedia of American Biography. Volume: Vol. II New York: D. Appleton and Company, 1887, 410.

Beydler, John. “The Railroad Come to Town.”Archive.Today. accessed 18 March 2019.

Seeley, Mark. W. “The Grand Excursion of 1854.” Minnesota History (2004): 36-38.

Stahl, Dick. Mr. Farnam’s Guests. Midwest Writing Center, 2004.

U.S. Passport Applications, 1795-1925. Roll 116: 08 May 1863-17 Jun 1863, 1-4.

Willard, John. “All Aboard for Railroad History.” Quad-City Times. January 27, 2004.

Willard, John. “Henry Farnam Builds a Railroad.” Quad-City Times. January 27, 2004. page B1.

(posted by Kathryn)

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Women’s Entrepreneurial Spirit: The Home Cooking Company

Posted on March 22, 2019 by SCblogger

On March 15, 1894 a unique business filed for incorporation in Scott County, Iowa. Named the Home Cooking Company its intentions were for the manufacturing and supplying of food and confectionery. Stocks were listed at $20,000 with $1,500 to start operations.

The Davenport Democrat and Leader, March 15, 1894.

It opened at 221 Brady Street in Davenport as part bakery, part restaurant, and part take-out meals. A clever idea in the ever-growing city.

The unique part of the venture was the stockholders who developed the idea and put up the money. All were single never married women in their thirties.

These five women willing to chance their savings were:

Helen Mary Colville – Born November 1848 in Ohio. Died June 25, 1921 in Umatilla County, Oregon. Helen was also the president of the Home Cooking Company.

Elizabeth Lau – Born October 21, 1857 in Davenport, IA. Died September 20, 1930 in Davenport, IA. Elizabeth worked for the Javis & White Photography Company for many years along with the Home Cooking Company.

Kate V. Hooper – Born April 7, 1863 in Massachusetts. Died April 17, 1907 in Davenport, IA. She moved to the area as a small child, was educated in local schools, and became a schoolteacher until severe arthritis caused her to retire. It was about the time of her retirement she helped start the Home Cooking Company. Kate also helped start the Lend-A-Hand Club.

L. F. Bickford – Lile Frances Bickford was born in 1855 in New Hampshire. Died February 1932 in Deming, New Mexico. She moved to Davenport to become the first matron of the Clarissa Cook Home for Friendless Women. Lile also helped start the Lend-A-Hand Club before the Home Cooking Company. In the early 1900s, she moved to Deming to live with family. There, she helped start the local library.

Harriet (Hattie) P. Dalzell – Born May 3, 1863 in Davenport, IA. Died July 17, 1897 in Davenport, IA. Born and raised in Davenport; Harriet was a stockholder in the company. She never left her teaching job to run the business. She taught in the Davenport schools for over 20 years before her death.

The Home Cooking Company opened on May 12, 1894 with dinner served 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. was Ceylon tea, and from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. a New England supper.

By June 1894, the business appears to be doing successful trade as a notice was placed in the papers that due to high demand for service; any special dish orders needed to be made 24 hours in advance to allow time for them to be made and delivered.

The company seemed to consider all options for patrons. Bakery goods, restaurant meals geared towards local businessmen, picnic food in the summer, holiday dishes, and take home/deliver meals for a busy housewife.

The Davenport Democrat and Leader, June 28, 1894.

The Daily Times, December 22, 1894.

By the January of 1895, a cooking teacher was hired from Cincinnati, Ohio. Miss Emily Colling was a Philadelphia cooking school graduate who would teach cooking classes in the newly expanded upstairs portion of the Home Cooking Company.

The Daily Times, January 29, 1895.

Even by expanding into the upstairs floors of 221 Brady Street, the business was forced to close the first floor restaurant portion on April 1, 1895. The demand for baked goods and take home meals was overwhelming the space. Newspaper accounts stated the women hoped to find a more suitable restaurant space soon.

Newspaper advertisements in October 1895 indicate the business was still expanding, as more help was needed in different departments.

Suddenly, in April 1896 a new wanted advertisement appeared in The Morning Democrat.

The Morning Democrat, April 16, 1896.

It would appear the restaurant portion of the business was for sale. 

Miss Julia Dillon decided to purchase the restaurant business in June of 1896. She moved the Home Cooking Company restaurant to 315 Brady Street. Advertisements indicated while the address had changed, the concept of the business had not.

The Daily Leader, June 28, 1896.

The baking and cooking portion of the business expanded again with the opening of a household science department in December 1896. It was also announced that the President of the company, Miss (Helen) Mary Colville, would be retiring.

The Daily Times, December 5, 1896.

The first sign of trouble began in the spring of 1897 when department heads began to leave for other positions. This probably seemed unusual as the business seemed as popular as ever.

The Daily Times, March 8, 1897.

In May of 1897, the Home Cooking Company was officially sold to new owners. All original stockholders had retired from the business.

The Davenport Morning Star, May 5, 1897.

On November 29, 1897, the Home Cooking Company bakery and take-out business closed its doors without warning. Newspaper accounts listed poor business practices by the new owners as the reason the business ended. Almost immediately, an auction was held to sell off pieces to pay debts.

The successful business venture of five enterprising ladies was no more. One can admire the entrepreneurial spirit these women had. The long hours of baking and cooking in pre-air conditioned kitchens for not only a restaurant, but also producing take home meals as well.

221 Brady Street still stands in Davenport. Drive or walk by sometime. One can almost imagine the bustle of activity, the long hours, and the spirit that created the Home Cooking Company.

(posted by Amy D.)

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Iowa History Month: Historical and Literary Map of Iowa

Posted on March 16, 2019 by SCblogger

March has been declared Iowa History Month by Governor Kim Reynolds. Across the state of Iowans are encouraged to discover their state’s rich history through materials and stories collected by the many cultural and historical organizations.

In celebration of Iowa’s history, we are featuring the Historical and Literary Map of Iowa conceptualized and created by Davenport Public Library Staff. It is a colored map featuring “pictures of the old historical forts, early trails of the first settlers, the stage coach route of 1850, the first school and church, early railroads, settlements made by […] Iowa pioneers, the various explorations of Zebuon Pike, the Mormon trail, the Spirit Lake massacre, […] and the site of the three Iowa capitals” as well as two pictorial representations of legendary Native American figures (“Public Library Displays Iowa Map and Books, 28”). The minuscule drawings are dainty but show the diversity of life in Iowa from animals and plants to the people who lived here. 

This digital copy of the map is owned by the Geography & Map Division of the Library of Congress. Historical and Literary Map of Iowa. Vira E. Moran, Illustrator. Davenport: Davenport Public Library, 1934. Geography & Map Division, Library of Congress.

The map also indicates the birthplaces of eminent Iowa authors including Davenporters Arthur Davison Ficke and Susan Glaspell as well as birthplaces of other famous American such as William “Buffalo Bill” Cody.

The map was first mentioned in The Davenport Democrat and Leader on August 16, 1931, as being the library’s featured display at the 1931 valley fair.  In addition, the map was accompanied by a collection of one hundred historical books of Iowa and literature written by Iowa authors. Library staff members would be posted by the display to answer any questions fair attendees had about the books or map.

The map was designed and sketched by Vira E. Morgan, an assistant in the extension department, with the assistance of Miss Grace Shellenberger, a librarian. It is also noted on the extant copies of the map that Miss Kathryn P. Mier suggested creating the map.

In the years following the fair, the Historical and Literary Map of Iowa made it into the local newspapers several more times. In many of the cases, Miss Mier was presenting about this map to various community groups including students of St. Katherine’s School.   An article published on April 18, 1933 in The Daily Times mentions Miss Mier’s presentation is to celebrate Iowa history week.

If you are interested in viewing this map, visit the Richardson-Sloane Special Collections Center to view the copy of this map in their Map Collection.

Bibliography

“Public Library Displays Iowa Map and Books.” Davenport Democrat and Leader (Davenport, IA), August 16, 1931.

(posted by Kathryn)

 

 

 

 

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The History of the Book Travels to Davenport

Posted on March 7, 2019 by SCblogger

The Richardson-Sloane Special Collections Center offers the Traveling History of the Book Exhibit for Quad Citizens’ viewing and hands-on learning fun from March 1 to April 13.  The exhibit features materials capturing the history of the book throughout different periods of time. In the spirit of all things books, we have selected books from our collection which enhance the diversity of book history.

Here is a sampling of the materials we have on display to pique interest:

Picture Books

Exhibit Collection

 

Little Fur Family by Margaret Wise Brown

This picture book was published in 1946. A unique feature of this book is that it was published with a fur cover as a sensory device for children to learn and feel comforted by something soft and cuddly.

Vellum Bound Books

2005-20 C.A. Ficke Collection

Phædri, Augusti Cæsaris liberti, Fabularum Æsopiarum libri quinque by Phaedrus

This book of Aesop’s fables was published in 1667 in Amsterdam. It is bound in vellum creating a more flexible binding. Throughout the book there are a number of engraved plates and artistic renderings.

Japanese books

2005-20 C.A. Ficke Collection

Buddhist Sacred Book

 

Over 400 years old and handwritten in Japanese, this book contains sacred Buddhist texts. The handwriting style is uniform and clean. The book was made in accordion binding style with paper boards.

Carousel Books

Exhibit Collections

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

 

This colorfully illustrated carousel, pop-up book has fanciful characters, shapes and landscape settings creating a 3-dimensional vision on Snow White and the seven dwarfs. The illustrator was Chris Conover, a native New Yorker. The book was published in New York by Platt & Munk Publishers in the 1980s.

The Traveling History of the Book Exhibit was created from the creative collaboration between the Iowa Center for the Book and the University of Iowa Center for the Book. The project is funded by a major grant from the Iowa Center for the Book Foundation. The people of Iowa can see this excellently crafted exhibit at any public libraries Iowa because any library can request this exhibit for their communities.

The University of Iowa Center for the Book began in 1986.  The Center for the book fosters “training in the technique and artistry of bookmaking with research into the history and culture of books”. This unit on the University of Iowa’s campus supports interdisciplinary studies relating to the book by offering a variety of degree options for graduate and undergraduate students.

The Iowa Center for the Book (ICB) is a program of the State Library of Iowa and an affiliate of the Library of Congress Center for the Book. Founded in 2002, ICB’s mission is to stimulate public interest in books, reading, literacy and libraries. ICB supports innovative initiatives across the state of Iowa such as All Iowa Reads and Letters about Literature. To learn more, visit their informational website: Iowa Center for the Book.  

The organization supporting this project is the Iowa Center for the Book Foundation, who provides financial support for the Iowa Center for the Book and its important outreach, building literacy in Iowa through creative and wide-reaching programs. The ICB Foundation began with State Librarian Mary Wegner, who recognized the need for funding to build the ICB’s literacy programs throughout Iowa. To learn more about the programs they support at the Iowa Center for the Book Foundation, visit their website.

We are thrilled to have this book history exhibit at our library and to be a part of the mission of these organizations.

If you are interested in learning more about the history of the book and handling the book models from the exhibit, visit the Richardson-Sloane Special Collections Center and The Library’s Event Calendar.

(posted by Kathryn)

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Davenporters of Note: Herman J. Zeuch and the Indian River Farms Company

Posted on March 1, 2019 by SCblogger

[1]

We made it through February 2019! Does the current weather have you dreaming of warmer climes?  Perhaps Davenport businessman Herman J. Zeuch felt the same in 1912 when he purchased 55,000 acres of land on the east coast of Florida. He and his partners in the Indian River Farms Company hoped “Tri-Cities” and other folks wanted to escape harsh winters–as well as make money as citrus-growers–a in a new agricultural community.  Advertisements in the Davenport newspapers invited prospective tract buyers on “Sunshine and Opportunity” excursions “….to spend a little time among the orange blossoms.” [2]

Ralph W. Cram visited the Indian River Farms settlement that by 1916 had developed into the town of Vero, Florida.  He reported on the drainage project that transformed “…section after section of marsh and saw grass land into the truck farms and citrus groves that were in Zeuch’s vision as he shooed away the ‘gators and tramped and waded the tract…” [3]

The promotional Indian River Farmermagazine, published at the company’s headquarters in the Putnam Building (W. 2nd Street, Davenport), was essential to the success of Zeuch’s efforts in Florida.

Masthead of the Indian River Farmer, Vol. 2, No. 5, April 1914

We have searched in vain for copies of this publication and other materials that might help us tell more of Herman J. Zeuch’s story. Please contact the Richardson-Sloane Special Collections Center if you have any further information!

(posted by Katie)

——————————————————————————————-

[1] A portfolio of cartoons as published by the Davenport Times 1912-13. Davenport, Iowa: Davenport Times, 1913.

[2] Davenport Daily Times, Dec. 21, 1912.

[3] Cram, Ralph W. “What Davenporters Are Doing in Florida.” Davenport Democrat and Leader, Feb. 27, 1916.

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Mayme A. Clayton’s Afro-American Rare Book Collection

Posted on February 25, 2019 by SCblogger

In celebration of African American History Month 2019, we are highlighting one of the Richardson-Sloane Special Collections Center’s microform holdings: the Afro-American Rare Book Collection.  It is comprised of 152 works — many first editions — written by or about African Americans in the 19th and early 20th century. The books were selected for reproduction in 1976 from the collections of the Western States Black Research Center by its founder and director, the remarkable Mayme A. Clayton (1923-2006).

Clayton began collecting in the 1960’s while working as an academic librarian in Southern California. Deeply committed to documenting the African American experience in the United States, she traveled widely to find materials of all sorts. In addition to rare and out-of-print books, she purchased documents, photographs, prints, films, sound recordings, artifacts, and artworks with her own funds.  Researchers of all ages were welcomed to view materials in the renovated garage behind her home in the West Adams neighborhood of Los Angeles.  Thanks to the assistance of her son, Avery, Clayton’s collection was rescued from unstable conditions, relocated to the former Los Angeles County Superior Courthouse in Culver City, California, and renamed the Mayme A. Clayton Library and Museum following her death in 2006.

The microfiche cards represent just a fraction of the estimated 30,000 rare books Clayton amassed over her 45-year collecting career.  Since the publication of the Afro-American Rare Book Collection in 1977, it grew to include such treasures as a signed first-edition copy of Phillis Wheatley’s Poems on Various Subjects Religious and Moral (1773). 

Interestingly, the microfiche collection itself has become quite rare.  The Davenport Public Library is the only repository in the state of Iowa, and one of very few in the country, to have preserved this resource.  Although many of these titles and editions have been digitized and made available online through other sources in recent years, the particular item from Clayton’s library may only be viewed on a microfilm reader such as those here at the Center.

Researchers can discover the individual titles included in the collection by searching the DPL catalog by the series “Afro-American Rare Book Collection.”  Better yet, we invite you to peruse the Index to the Afro-American Rare Book Collection by holding it in your own hands! Compiled by Clayton herself, it is organized into author, title, and subject indexes. The title index is an especially useful guide: the entry for each work includes a synopsis. Authors such as Charles Chesnutt, Frederick Douglass, Paul Dunbar, Soujourner Truth, and Booker T. Washington are represented; also included are many slave narratives, abolitionists’ writings, and works of fiction, poetry, history, religion, and philosophy.

The Afro-American Rare Book Collection is the featured resource on the RSSCC’s new LibGuide, “African American History Resources in Special Collections.”

Learn more about local African American history this Wednesday evening as the library presents “Black History: The Fight for Civil Rights in Davenport,” a lecture by Latrice Lacey, Director of the Davenport Civil Rights Commission.

Interested in rare books? Special Collections hosts The Traveling History of the Book Exhibit beginning this Friday, March 1st.

(posted by Katie)

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Davenporters of Note: Leedon Hart

Posted on February 16, 2019 by SCblogger

Leedon Hart was born on March 4, 1838 in Gallatin, Sumner County, Tennessee, to Anderson Hart and Parthena Jefferson. During the Civil War, he served in Company B, 60th Infantry of the U.S. Colored Troops. He married Juda Hart, his first wife, on April 14, 1866 in Sumner County, Tennessee. 

The Harts were one of the first African American families to settle in Davenport, first appearing in the Davenport City Directory in 1873. One of the reasons for selecting Davenport may have been because William, Leedon’s brother, had settled in Davenport around 1867. 

This City Directory page shows Leedon’s brother James’ employment and residency, Davenport, Iowa, City Directory, 1873

The couple had three children: William (1869 – 20 Sep 1927), Jenette/Genevieve/Mrs. James Christenia/Mrs. Bates (Feb 1874 – 16 May 1953), and Arthur (25 Dec 1875 – 03 Aug 1953). As the family was adjusting to their new life in Davenport, Juda died sometime between 1876 and 1880.

The census record below shows Leedon with his children after Juda passed away.

Year: 1880; Census Place: Davenport, Scott, Iowa; Roll: 364; Page: 562B; Enumeration District: 274

Leedon Hart married Katie Dodge on March 17, 1881 in Rock Island, Illinois. Catherine “Katie” Dodge was born in April 1866 in Mineral Point, Iowa County, Wisconsin, to Toby Dodge and Eliza Walters Jones. Mineral Point was the territorial capital of the Wisconsin Territory. The couple had 9 children:

Anna Belle/Mrs. Abraham Mitchell (17 Dec 1888 – 23 Nov 1967)
Eva/Mrs. Addison Wilson (05 Nov 1888 – 01 Jun 1967)
LeRoy (19 Mar 1893 – 11 Dec 1951)
Raymond (18 Dec 1894 – 11 Sep 1952)
Florence/Mrs. Walter Harvell/Mrs. Charles Scott/Mrs. Fred Acosta (02 Jun 1899 – 21 Feb 1968)
Dorothy/Myrtle/Mrs. Charles Robinson (13 Oct 1902 – 19 Jun 1932)
Albert (ca.1903 – 24 Mar 1951).

Leedon and his family remained residents of Davenport. On July 15, 1910, Leedon died in Davenport, Scott County, Iowa. Seven years later, Katie passed away on January 27, 1917 in Davenport. They are both buried at Oakdale Cemetery.

The Daily Times 24, no. 189 July 16, 1910): 6

 

The Daily Times 31, no. 36 January 27, 1917): 7

(posted by Cristina)

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#ColorOurCollections Coloring Book & The Work of Patrick J. Costello

Posted on February 7, 2019 by SCblogger

This week marks the always anticipated #ColorOurCollections Week started by The New York Academy of Medicine Library in 2016. #ColorOurCollections is a week-long coloring fest event at the beginning of February that supports the exploration and connections between libraries, their collections, and their communities.  Institutions from around the world share free coloring content created from materials in their collections. The Richardson-Sloane Special Collections Center has had the immense delight to participate in this campaign since 2018.

Our 2019 coloring book features the enchantingly historical sketches by the talented artist, Patrick J. Costello. Many of his works were featured in the publications of Focus on Family magazine, Landmark Sketchbook, and Legends of Our Land, originally found in the Times-Democrat and the Quad City Times newspapers.  He also taught art workshops to  community members as well as owned his own art gallery and frame shop, Costello’s Old Mill in Maquoketa, Iowa. 

 As we were picking out what to select for this year’s coloring book, we researched the man behind the sketches. 

Patrick Costello’s senior photograph. Davenport High School (Iowa), Blackhawk, 41 (1958): 51

Patrick James Costello was born February 13, 1940 in Omaha, NE to Martin J. and Margaret (Birkel) Costello. He graduated from Davenport High School in 1958, where he became interested in painting. He earned accolades for a conservation poster for a contest supported by the Davenport Garden Center as well as a second place award for a Halloween display. He uses his surrounding environment including his community and nature to inspire his artistic endeavors. 

“His Next Canvas-A Canvasback.” Times-Democrat (Davenport, IA) March 23, 1958.

After returning from San Fernando, California, where he and his wife, Joan resided for their first years of marriage, Patrick worked as designer for the Davenport Times-Democrat’s FOCUS on Family magazine section from the mid 1960s through the mid 1970s. The community discovered he was more than just an excellent illustrator. In the article below, Tracy, one of Patrick and Joan’s twin daughter, celebrates his hobby of collecting antiques. 

Times_Democrat-Landmark Sketchbook_Sun__Mar_8__1970_82

Times_Democrat-Focus on the Family_Sun__Jul_7__1968_Cover

His delightful illustrations were featured in the publications Landmark Sketchbook, Legends of Our Land, and the Davenport City Government annual reports for 1969 and 1970.

Times_Democrat-Landmark Sketchbook_Sun__Mar_8__1970_79

In 1978, he purchased and restored a 1867 stone grist mill in Maquoketa, Iowa, which became Costello’s Old Mill Gallery. The mill was renovated with authentic details of an original water wheel and interior woodwork all in oak. His gallery was recognized as an institution for wildlife art and framing. 

“A Collection of Art.” Quad City Times (Davenport, IA), Aug. 11, 2002.

Patrick’s passion for painting is still going strong. Patrick is a member the Sonoma Arts League in Arizona. Some of his paintings have been turned into jigsaw puzzles.

Check out this year’s coloring book on the New York Academy of Medicine’s #ColorOurCollections site for Richardson-Sloane Special Collections Center, Davenport Public Library Coloring Book 2019

We also have it available on our blog: #ColorOurCollections-The Richardson-Sloane Special Collections Center.

If you want to check out more coloring pages, follow this link: #ColorOurCollections

Bibliography 

“Costello’s Old Mill Gallery.” Quad City Times (Davenport, IA), Nov. 23, 1979, 5.

(posted by Kathryn & Cristina) 

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Cholera Scare of 1873

Posted on February 4, 2019 by SCblogger

Cholera was not a new visitor to Davenport in 1873. A few short years before in 1866, Davenport suffered from an outbreak of cholera. The spread of cholera, as mysterious as it was at the time, has a simple explanation: the water. Before water was identified as the tool that transmitted cholera, there were several theories of how cholera spread. The predominant belief was that cholera spread through unpleasant, unhealthy smells or miasmas. Odoriferous air or vapors were believed to have noxious effects on those who breathed it. This theory dates back to the Middle Ages and persisted until the middle of the 19th century.

In an attempt to reduce the effects of miasmas, many towns and cities enforce Nuisance Acts or advisement to rid their homes, streets, and rivers of materials that caused foul smells, and Davenport was no different. In many of the articles, there were statements about cleaning up dwellings, streets, and alleys. In addition to cholera’s mysterious spread, it also was confusing because of its various names. There were three names or types of cholera: Asiatic Cholera, Cholera Morbus, and Cholera. To make the situation even more confusing, some of the reported cases were not diagnosed as “real cholera” because they were cases of illnesses with similar symptoms to cholera. 

“The Cholera Scare.” Daily Davenport (Davenport, IA), June 7, 1873.

By the 1850s, there were more scientific answers to the cause and spread of cholera. In the article, “Cholera: The Subject Discussed in the British Medical Association,” the author relates contemporary thoughts on the mitigation and transmission of cholera. Dr. John Snow, a scientist from England, was attempting to prove how cholera was being spread through its victims because he noticed cases of cholera springing up in neighborhoods formerly untouched by cholera. Through his studies, he realized the connection was the consumption of water contaminated by feces of infected persons. 

Daily Democrat, September 17, 1873, page 2.

An article further link water to the spread of disease. “Water and Disease.” Daily Democrat (Davenport, IA), Sept. 4, 1873.

Although the cases of cholera did not reach epidemic numbers, Davenport citizens felt its effects. Articles in the Daily Democrat express the deep sorrow at the loss of citizens young and old. Some of the stories were more elaborately described than others, such as, “Taken Away in His Youth,” an article about a twenty-year-old man named, Christopher Brown. 

Death of Christoper Brown. “Taken Away in His Youth.” Daily Democrat (Davenport, IA), Aug. 29, 1873.

The bodies of the deceased were treated in various ways. Some were buried per the family’s wish and other were cremated to prevent the spread of the disease. 

“Death’s Doings.” Daily Democrat (Davenport, IA), Oct. 7, 1873.

Even though many articles about the cases of cholera in Davenport stated no need to become alarmed, they did warn to be vigilant about cleanliness. Another way people of Davenport could protect themselves were the various tonics and supplements advertised in the Daily Democrat. Many used suggestive descriptions of cholera and its effects.

Dr. McCabe’s Renowned Medicated Blackberry Brandy. “Cholera.” Daily Democrat (Davenport, IA), Aug. 29, 1873.

“The Great Disinfectant.” Daily Democrat (Davenport, IA), Jun. 1, 1873.

“Starch. Kingsford’s Oswego Corn Starch.” Daily Democrat (Davenport, IA), Nov. 29, 1873.

“The King of Cough Remedies, Case’s Compound Syrup of Tar.” Daily Democrat (Democrat, IA), Jul. 24, 1873.

 

This cholera remedy uses ingredients like camphor, red pepper, peppermint, and a commonly prescribed medicine of opium. The success rates of these remedies are unknown. During the 18th century, modern medicine’s treatment of infectious diseases improved through scientific advances. 

Cholera did appear in Davenport again, however, through means of better sewer systems and waste disposal the spread was mitigated. In the late 1800s, concerned citizens appealed to the City Council to allow them to install sewers and drainage systems. Below are letters from our Davenport City Council Papers collection.  

 

 (posted by Kathryn)

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The Old/Original Antoine LeClaire Homestead/Residence/Treaty House/Railroad Depot

Posted on January 25, 2019 by SCblogger

Researching the home built by Antoine LeClaire on the site of the Black Hawk Treaty is quite a challenge.  There have been at least 3 different buildings in Davenport called “The LeClaire House.” There’s LeClaire’s 2nd home, the mansion built in 1855 and still standing at 630 E 7th Street, and The LeClaire House Hotel, the first hotel in Davenport, built in 1839 on 2nd Street, now site of The Current ~ Iowa.

To be clear, we’re talking about “Antoine LeClaire’s old residence,” “Antoine LeClaire’s Treaty Site Home,” “The Old LeClaire Homestead,” “The Antoine LeClaire Home,” “The Old Antoine LeClaire House,” or “Antoine LeClaire’s Original House,” as it has been variously called in the history books and newspapers.

The house was restored, rebuilt, and moved several times.  By the time the Rock Island Railroad had it restored and presented to the D.A.R. to use a historic site in 1925, there was nothing left of the original home built by LeClaire in 1833. 

From it’s original location at the site of the Black Hawk Treaty to it’s final location on the grounds of the Davenport Public Museum, here’s a timeline of events with pictures and maps: 

1832 Sep 21 – Treaty with the Sac & Fox tribes signed. Chief Keokuk set aside a section of land on which the treaty was signed and gave it to Marguerite & Antoine LeClaire on condition that they build their permanent home on the site.

1833 Spring – Original home erected at 5th & Farnam, on the spot where Gen. Scott stood during the treaty. Antoine’s nephew Joe said the house was built of hewn logs, then boarded over, was 1 ½ stories, with 3 gables, and 3 rooms upstairs (for Joe LeClaire, servants, and a guest room).  LeClaire’s own writings describe it as having 3 rooms on the 1st floor that were 20 square feet each, so the house was 60 feet long: “It looked like a bungalow with great caves and quaint little dormer windows and portico in the front and rear.”

1853 Sep 01 – LeClaire gave the home to the Mississippi & Missouri Railroad to use as the first depot west of the Mississippi. The home was occupied by Benjamin F. Carmichael, the railroad contractor.

1855 Dec 07 – The house was converted into a passenger depot by the Mississippi & Missouri Railroad.  A platform was built between the house and the track.  The depot had a room for ladies, another for gentlemen, and a third for the use of the freight agent.

1856 Jul 26 – The New Freight Depot was built in the garden of the LeClaire House/Passenger Depot.

1866 Jun 12 – The Chicago, Rock Island,and Pacific Railroad Company in Iowa (Pacific No. 1) was incorporated “for the purpose of purchasing, acquiring, and owning the railroad now built by the Mississippi and Missouri Rail Road Company, together with all and singular the railway lands used and occupied for right-of-way.”

1871 Dec – The new Government Bridge changed the line of the road through the city and necessitated the removal of the passenger depot. A newspaper article from October 26, 1872 states that the LeClaire’s old residence was only used as a passenger depot for “…a year or so, when the present passenger depot took its place.”

1872 Dec 09 – A newspaper article on this date states “…before many days tracks will occupy the space once occupied by the old passenger depot.”  Contractor Louis Arnould moved it to the rear of 418-420 W. 5th Street, on an alley near 5th & Scott Streets. The roof was replaced; a new foundation, basement, and second story attic were added, leaving only the upper portion intact.  There were several efforts at restoring and rebuilding in later years.

1923 Oct 03 – A resolution of intention to condemn the house was passed by the Davenport City Council.  Mrs. Dorothea Vollmer, the owner of the house, asked that the action be delayed.

1925 May – Restored by the Rock Island railroad and moved to 5th & Pershing Streets. Col. Edgar R. Harlan, curator of the Historical, Memorial, and Art Department of the State of Iowa (which merged with the State Historical Society in 1974), supervised the move. The Central Engineering Company of Davenport rebuilt it “…as nearly as possible to its original condition…” and presented it to the Hannah Caldwell Chapter of the DAR.

1944 Oct – Moved to the lawn of the Davenport Public Museum at 7th and Brady Streets.  This building was only 38 feet long and the timbers were cut with a circular saw (per Des Moines architect in 1857).

1965 Jan – Razed at the same time as the Davenport Public Museum building.  What was left was an upstairs addition to the original LeClaire “Treaty House” at the turn of the [20th] Century.

 

(posted by Cristina)

References

Daily Iowa State Democrat 26 July 1856: 3.

“Burtis House Memorial to Congress.” Daily Davenport Democrat 23 December 1871: 1.

Downer, Harry E. History of Davenport and Scott County Iowa: Illustrated. Vol. 1. Chicago: S. J. Clarke, 1910. 2 vols.

“First Home Built In Davenport by Antoine LeClaire Still Stands.” The Daily Times 5 February 1916: 12.

“First Railroad Station West of Mississippi and Home of Antoine LeClaire Saved by City Council.” The Daily Times 3 October 1923: 11.

Hayes, William Edward. Iron road to empire: the history of 100 years of the progress and achievements of the Rock Island lines. New York: Simmons-Boardman, 1953.

“LeClaire House Being Moved.” The Democrat and Leader 4 October 1944: 2.

“Railroad Items.” The Daily Davenport Gazette 7 December 1855: 3.

“Re-Enact City’s Founding in LeClaire Memorial Dedication.” The Davenport Democrat and Leader 24 May 1925: 22.

“Restored LeClaire Home Stands as Memorial to First Davenport Citizen.” The Daily Times 25 May 1925: 4.

“Sanborn Fire Insurance Map from Davenport, Scott County, Iowa.” 1910-1950. Library of Congress. Map. <https://www.loc.gov/resource/g4154dm.g02624195002>.

“Sanborn Fire Insurance Map from Davenport, Scott County, Iowa.” 1892. Library of Congress. Map. <http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.gmd/g4154dm.g026241892>.

“The City In Brief.” Daily Davenport Democrat 9 December 1872: 1.

“The First Railroad Station in Davenport Was the Original Antoine LeClaire Homestead.” The Davenport Democrat and Leader 20 July 1924: New Home Edition.

“The Oldest House In The City Of Davenport.” The Davenport Democrat 20 September 1903: 5.

“Uncover Lost Secret Of Old LeClaire House.” Sunday Times-Democrat 24 January 1965: 3D.

Wilkie, Franc B. Davenport, past and present. Davenport: Luse, Lane & Co., 1858.

 

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