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Tag Archives: Local History
First National Bank of Davenport: 150 years of memories and architecture
This June marks the 150th anniversary of the founding of the First National Bank of Davenport. Although it is no longer with us, its legacy lives on in the architecture of the building that stands at 201 West Second Street. … 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
The Weekly Outlook: featuring Miss Susie Glaspell
The July 25, 1896 issue begins to get more titillating as Banks’ POINTS OF VIEW segment berates the condition of the Scott County Jail, calling it an “abomination”, and stating it is “alive with vermin, many of these large enough … Continue reading
Posted in Local History
Tagged Local History, newspapers, Susan Glaspell, The Weekly Outlook
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The Fire Fighting Advance that Wasn’t
In 1899, Davenport was a growing city. This concerned those responsible for public safety, not only because the city was growing out, but because it was growing up. From a fire department’s point of view, higher buildings mean higher fires—and in … Continue reading
Posted in Local History
Tagged Davenport, Davenport Fire Department, Grain Elevators, Iowa, Local History, Peter M. Gilloley
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Bridge Appreciation and the Diary of Benjamin F. Gue
While walking my dog along the Duck Creek Bike Path recently, I stopped on the little bridge that crosses the creek near our house and listened to the ice creaking and cracking as it was thawing. That brought to my … Continue reading
Posted in Local History
Tagged Benjamin F. Gue, Davenport, Diaries, Iowa, Local History, Mississippi River, Primary Sources
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Review: Outside In : African-American History in Iowa, 1838-2000
Race is a part of all Americans’ history because we all have assumptions about it that affect how we relate within and across racial lines. For that reason, Outside In is a book for all Iowans, not just African-Americans.* Outside-In … Continue reading
Posted in Local History
Tagged African-Americans, Black History Month, Davenport, Iowa, Local History
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Urban Recycling–Davenport Style
The Burtis House was built in 1857 on east 5th Street in downtown Davenport. Billed as the biggest hotel in Iowa, the Burtis was perfectly positioned to take advantage of the passenger trains coming over the first railroad bridge across … Continue reading
Posted in Local History
Tagged Burtis House, Crescent Lofts, Crescent Macaroni, Davenport, Davenport Lofts, Iowa, Local History, urban recycling
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Living Memory History: The Blizzard of ’79
Anyone living in the Quad City region is probably happy that the week of January 11 – 17, 2009 is now over.With temperatures in the minus 20’s (Fahrenheit) at night (and during the morning commute) and the highs barely breaking … Continue reading
Posted in Local History
Tagged Blizzard of 1979, Davenport, Iowa, Local History, snow, Weather Records
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A Capital Theater!
Children arising early with noisy glee. Presents opened to joyful laughter. Special breakfasts, brunches, and of course the traditional dinner. Christmas 1920. Along with all the happiness of the day was the excitement of the thought of going … Continue reading
A Grand Opening
A noon day parade. Flowers sent from the garden of movie star Ginger Rogers. Big executives in town. Search lights across the sky . An American Legion band furnishing a musical background. What was happening?? Why, everyone was getting ready … Continue reading
