Views of Rock Island, Illinois
This postcard was an inexpensive production. The publisher simply compiled miniature black-and-white versions of other Rock Island postcards. One can assume this was a bargain for the purchaser as well, who received ten different pictures for the price of a single postcard. The selection indicates which buildings and structures were considered interesting, important or salable … [ Continued
Reynolds Engineering
5th Avenue at 38th Street This Real Photo postcard from about 1926 shows the home of Reynolds Engineering and Manufacturers. Thanks to Richard Iverson for sharing this rare postcard. Some of the material in this article comes from a 1967 interview with long-time president of Reynolds Engineering Company, Mr. Harold Brown, found in the Rock … [ Continued
Harper House Hotel
2nd Avenue & 19th Street It opened to wide acclaim with an elaborate banquet in February 1871. And according to an 1877 County Directory, “One of the oldest residents of Davenport, a citizen whose interests are in that city, said ‘The Harper House is a better advertisement for Rock Island than three times the money … [ Continued
Parade & Stable on Third Avenue
Third Avenue West from 17th Street In 1908, Rock Island was home to the annual statewide conclave of the Knights Templar, a Masonic organization that claims roots in the Crusades. The Knights began arriving on Monday, October 12. The following morning at 11, an estimated 1200 to 1500 Knights marched through downtown and nearby residential … [ Continued
