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Tag Archives: Fires
“The Patch”: An Early Irish Neighborhood
In March, we see the glimmers of spring with new plant growth and holidays that allow us to reflect on the past as well as the future. Today is one such holiday that is as intertwined with American culture as … Continue reading
Posted in Local History
Tagged Celtic Heritage Trail, Disasters, East Davenport, Fires, Irish Americans, Local History, neighborhoods, The Patch
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Lost but Not Forgotten: A Brief History of the H. H. Andresen Residence, 726 West 6th Street
Although a suspicious fire destroyed the historic home at 726 West 6th Street in Davenport’s Gold Coast neighborhood last Thursday morning, it will not be lost to memory: sources available here at the Richardson-Sloane Special Collections Center preserve the story … Continue reading
The Origins of Davenport’s Friendly House
Friendly House has been serving the citizens of Davenport since 1896. With services such as childcare, an in-house food pantry, organized local outings, and events for seniors, Friendly House is a space specifically designed to aid and engage people of … Continue reading
The St. Elizabeth’s Tragedy: Part II of II
Please click here to read Part I. During the cold dark morning hours of January 7, 1950, St. Elizabeth’s, part of the Mercy Hospital Complex, had caught fire, placing 63 patients and 2 staff members in danger.* Before fire fighters and … Continue reading
A Sad Loss: Credit Island Lodge
On the morning of May 2, 2013, Davenport’s history suffered a sad loss: the historic Credit Island Lodge was severely damaged by fire. Blueprints in the Richarson-Sloane Special Collections Center show the original plans were designed by Clausen & Kruse Architects located at 910 Kahl Building* … Continue reading
The Davenport Fire Department: twenty-six years in the making
Whereas, the events of the past week have made it very manifest that a more expeditious method should be adopted of procuring water to extinguish fires than by hauling it in Casks on drays from the river; Therefore be it … Continue reading
Heat Wave: 1901
“Fair tonight and Wednesday continued warm”* A prosaic statement for sure, but warm failed to describe the conditions being dealt with by local individuals during the last two weeks of July 1901. Drought, heat and humidity controlled our area, and … Continue reading
The Davenport Glucose Works
Corn, as everyone knows, isn’t just for eating on the cob. The possibilities for corn products appear to be endless: ethanol, plastics, liquors, starches, packing material, fabrics—and of course, corn syrups. It seems like corn syrup has been part of … Continue reading
A Fire Engine by Any Other Name
Great excitement greeted the arrival of the month of March in 1866—and it wasn’t weather related! The citizens of Davenport were awaiting the arrival of their new fire engine with great anticipation. This wasn’t a simple hand pump type, but a … Continue reading
Posted in Local History
Tagged By Any Other Name Series, Davenport Fire Department, Fire King Engine and Hose Company, Fires, German Theatre, Hand Pump Fire Engines, Liberty Company, Liberty Steam Fire Engine and Hose Company No. 1, Mayors, Michael Donahue, Pilot No. 3 Engine, Steam Fire Engine, Volunteer Fire Companies
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Living Memory History: The Robin Hood Flour Mill Explosion
History is full of landmark events—world, national, local— which bring people together to compare notes: Did you see it? Did you hear it? What were you doing? Were you there? Those in downtown Davenport experienced their own landmark event around … Continue reading
Posted in Local History
Tagged Disasters, Fires, International Multifoods, Local History
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