Business & Commercial



Rock Island Savings Bank

Third Avenue & 18th Street  The Rock Island Savings Bank was brand new when this postcard was mailed in 1911—so new, in fact, that instead of using a photo as … [ Continued



Uptown Business District

14th Avenue at 38th Street As Rock Island grew and expanded up the bluff, small retail centers developed concurrently to serve the new residents.  Our Real Photo postcard showing 14th … [ Continued



Downtown, Looking Southeast

Once again, thanks are due to Shannon Hall for lending us a most intriguing Real Photo postcard of the buildings and rooftops of downtown Rock Island.  The presence of certain … [ Continued



Best Building

1701-1707 Second Avenue  In 1908 there were several new buildings being built in downtown Rock Island: the Safety Building, the London (Quad City Arts) and the Best Building as depicted … [ Continued



Bear Manufacturing – Automotive Safety Service School

21st Street & 5th Avenue  The Happy Bear—that’s what they called the impish critter who was the mascot and logo for the Bear Manufacturing Company a business which opened in … [ Continued



L. S. McCabe & Co. (Stern Center)

1713 Third Avenue For decades, McCabe’s Department Store was a downtown Rock Island institution.  With multiple locations, it became the standard for retail, even challenging larger chains with its customer … [ Continued



London Building

1715 Second Avenue  It’s not a pretty picture, this postcard captioned “Rock Island Fire.”  What was clearly once a beautiful building is in ruins, icicles hanging like curtains before gaping … [ Continued



Colman Florist

2754 12th Street It’s not uncommon for a young man to follow his father into the family business.  But when five generations of sons and daughters continue the family heritage, … [ Continued