Tag Archives: Davenport (Iowa)

The Colored School Controversy

In August of 1857, Iowans ratified their State Constitution, including Article IX, which established a popularly elected state board of education authorized to provide “for the education of all the youths of the State, through a system of common schools” … Continue reading

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Gordon Van Who?

If you’re new to the Quad-Cities, you might hear someone point to a specific house, maybe a nice Craftsman-like bungalow down East Locust Street or a lovely Tudor in McClellan Heights, and say, “That’s a Gordon Van-Tine home.” And you … Continue reading

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The Annexation Vote of 1957

At the municipal election on November 5th, 1957, the citizens of Davenport voted on a proposal to annex two separate areas totaling 28 square miles to the City of Davenport. The first area covered 11 square miles west of the … Continue reading

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One hundred years ago: Davenport High School, Class of 1912

In June of this year, around 883 students graduated from our three Davenport high schools. In contrast, eighty-eight students received their diplomas from Davenport High School in June of 1912. It was one of the largest classes on record, and only … Continue reading

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One hundread years ago: Tyler School Class of 1912

On June 20, 1912, students from 12 grammar schools in Davenport received diplomas. Due to the large number of graduates that year, the classes were split in two groups. Students from Washington, Monroe, Van Buren, Tyler, Taylor and Lincoln schools had their program at 10:00 … Continue reading

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Mrs. Hilda Matthey: Civic Worker or Spy?

Hilda Amalia Mueller Matthey was born in Davenport on July 16, 1869 to Christian and Elfrieda Mueller. She married Dr. Heinrich Emil Matthey on March 3, 1890, at her parents’ home on 530 Ripley Street. They made their home at … Continue reading

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“Quietly Utilizing Our Total Ability”: The Davenport Quota Club

Quota Club International Incorporated was chartered on February 6, 1919 in Buffalo, New York. It was the first international women’s club and was made up of professional women. Quota is a Latin word that means “A share of one part … Continue reading

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When Davenport Marched

Davenport Civil Rights History The Davenport Civil Rights Commission recently put together a Walking Tour of Davenport, highlighting sites important to the development of Civil Rights in the city. Landmarks on the tour include businesses, churches . . . and … Continue reading

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Bird’s Eye View: The aerial photography of Phil Hutchison

Phil Hutchison was the chief photographer for the Davenport Daily Times, Times-Democrat and Quad-City Times for 30 years. He succeeded Joe Boll, who left the Times to become advertisement manager of the Bureau Farmer, in March of 1946. He took … Continue reading

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A Street by Any Other Name: Kimberly Road

The street known as Kimberly Road in both Davenport and Bettendorf was dedicated on December 14th, 1936. This road was an extension of U. S. Highway No. 6 and it passed through what at the time was the northern section … Continue reading

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