eddy Magazine - FEBRUARY 2016

River Action strives to foster the

environmental, economic, and

cultural vitality of the Mississippi River and its

riverfront in the Quad Cities. More Inside:

: : New Museum Will Honor Bix

: : Parklets

: : River Views at the Figge

: : QC Native American Historic Sites

: : eddy Calendar

Denise Hollmer, local videographer, films for a documentary on First Bridge site alongside Andy McKay, Chief Photographer, WQAD TV.

C o n n e c t i n g p e o p l e t o t h e r i v e r

Cultural Vitality

Issue

Volume 6, Issue 1 | February/March/April 2016 A P U B L I C A T I O N O F R I V E R A C T I O N , I N C . w w w . r i v e r a c t i o n . o r g

Creative Place-makingFrom the time of our founding, River Action has strived to leverage the power of

the arts, culture and creativity to serve the river’s interest while setting an agenda for change and growth that builds character and quality of place. In other words, we see the river as a blank canvas on which to make a wave, change a life, or transform, and with this as our definition of creative place-making, have made it part of our organization’s mission statement.

River Action’s RiverWay Public Art, reconstruction of the first railroad bridge, and our education programs on the Channel Cat water taxi and riverfront reflect the diversity and river heritage that are ours alone; they define our region while distinguishing us on a global scale. With the broad range of approaches working here in the Quad Cities, we have chosen to showcase some of them in this edition of eddy Magazine. They came about with collaborations between non-profits, private investors, governments, artists, and citizen groups, and for that, we thank them. Hopefully, they will inspire more.

Around the world, shared interests have used creative place-making to transform communities and inspire positive investment and change. Because we have our own community assets, it’s essential we come up with place-based strategies that don’t copy what has been done elsewhere. The new Bix Museum at the River Music Experience points up the impact our unique art and culture have on the cultural scene. The new Quad Cities Live Month, April 1-30, 2016, will feature more than 100 events taking place at QC venues. This first annual event, created through a partnership with the Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau and area theatres, concert and performance venues, will help realize the Regional Opportunities Council Q2030 vision and its four primary themes: Cool Places, Creative People, Connected Region, and Prosperous Economy.

One of our articles this quarter shows what a little art and culture can do to the street scene with pocket parks. Some ideas seem a little peculiar, like outdoor reading rooms. At first you say, are people really going to want to sit and read a newspaper next to a busy street? But in Dallas, reading rooms are very popular. Some have little lending libraries. You build it, and they do come.

Sometimes, someone comes up with an idea for programming, (see the article on RiverStages), and then someone responds with design and production ideas such as live performances in galleries, the water taxi, and Riverine Walks, and it flourishes.

We are thirsting for help with artistic and cultural projects. People are always looking for places to gather and activities to participate in. You can live anywhere, but today, more people are looking for quality of life in their searches. “I can’t find any money” is a lame excuse. One can always find the money for a great project or program in a dynamic setting in the public realm on the Mississippi River! Curtains up on creative place-making in the Quad Cities!

February/March/April 2016 Volume 6 Issue 1

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KATHY WINE, Publisher / Executive DirectorBETH CLARK, Managing Editor, Milepost Ventures, LLC. JEFF VanECHAUTE/pi design, inc., DesignEILEEN SIPES, Calendar Editor

Contributing WritersTIM CHAMBERS, River Action Staff EILEEN SIPES, River Action StaffKATHY WINE, River Action StaffNATHAN SIPES, River Action StaffKATE KREMER, River Action StaffSTEPHANIE DRAGO, River Action StaffCURTIS ROSEMAN, Board Of Directors, Heritage Documentaries, Inc.TIM SCHIFFER, Figge Art MuseumLEAH ROGERS, Tallgrass Historians

Printing ServicesJOHNSON PRESS of AMERICA

© eddy Magazine and River Action, Inc., all rights reserved, 2016. Reproduction in any form, in whole or in part, without express, written permission, is prohibited. The views expressed herein, whether expressed as fact, fiction, opinion, advice or otherwise are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the ownership or management of this magazine. This magazine is sold with the understanding that neither it, nor River Action, Inc., its owners or managers, are engaged in rendering legal, accounting, tax, medical, technical, or any other advice, professional or otherwise. The publication of any advertisement does not reflect the endorsement of any products or services by the ownership or management of this magazine unless it is specifically stated in such advertisement and there is written approval for such endorsement. Those submitting manuscripts, photographs, artwork or other material to eddy Magazine for consideration should not send originals. Unsolicited manuscripts, photographs and other submitted materials must be accompanied by a self addressed, postage paid envelope in return of materials is requested. Return of materials is not guaranteed. eddy Magazine is published quarterly by River Action, Inc., 822 E. River Drive, Davenport, IA 52803 and is direct mailed to approximately 6,000 area homes and businesses.

eddy MagazinePublished by River Action, Inc.822 E. River Drive, Davenport, IA 52803563-322-2969www.riveraction.org

To Advertise: Contact Beth Clark 309-269-3455 or contact Deb Girard at [email protected]. For rates, ad dimensions and deadline information email [email protected]

To Subscribe or become a member of River Action: call 563-322-2969 or visit www.riveraction.org

Kathy Wine

Correction from the November Eddy MagzineIn our last article, the captions for two photos were switched. At right, are the pictures with the correct captions. Thank you again to both Emilio Ambasz and Associates Inc. and The Jerede Partnership, Inc., for allowing us to use their photos.

February/March/April 2016 | eddy Magazine 3

O u r M i s s i o n :River Action strives to foster the environmental, economic, and cultural vitality of the Mississippi River and its riverfront in the Quad City region.

P U B L I S H E R ’ S L E T T E R

Left: Namba Parks, Osaka, Japan (Photo Courtesy of: The Jerde Partnership, Inc. Design Architect; Photographer: Hiroyuki Kawano).

Right: The ACROS Green Terrace of Fukuoka, Japan (Photo Courtesy of Emilio Ambasz and Associates Inc.)

INSIDE THIS ISSUE 4 New Museum Will Honor Bix,

by Nathan Sipes

4 RiverWayStories, by Tim Chambers

5 First Railroad Bridge Documentary, by Curtis Roseman

6 Cultural Vitality

6 RiverStages Education Series, by Kate Kremer

7 River Views at the Figge, by Tim Schiffer

7 Writing the Bike Path (interview with Chuck Oestreich), by Kate Kremer

8 RiverStages Reading Series by Kate Kremer

10 Morman Hand Carts, by Leah Rogers

10 Henry Farnham Dinner 2016 by Eileen Sipes

11 Parklets, by Stephanie Drago

12 Native American Historic Sites in the QC, by Stephanie Drago

13 eddy Calendar: February, March, April by Eileen Sipes

New Museum Will Honor Bix— By Nathan Sipes

Eighty-five years after his untimely death, plans are moving forward on the Bix

Beiderbecke Museum and Archive Collection. Located on the lower level of the River Music Experience, Davenport, the museum will tell the story of his life and will feature exhibits including items once owned by Bix, such as his cornet and piano. The museum will also include photographs and letters written and received by the young musician.

Bix was an influential jazz musician and composer who gained fame in the 1920s partly due to his virtuosic improvisational ability and his remarkable tone. He was revered by his contemporaries and has been admired by jazz historians for decades. Bix’s short life served

as the inspiration for the fictional novel Young Man with a Horn (1938) and the 1950 musical drama of the same name.

The Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Society is responsible for organizing the effort to chronicle the life and accomplishments of the young jazz legend. The museum project cost is budgeted at $625,000, of which $200,000 has been raised. The exhibit is planned to open in 2017 in time for the annual Bix Beiderbecke Jazz Festival which draws worldwide music enthusiasts. If you would like to support this effort, you may send a fully tax deductible check to: Bix Beiderbecke Museum and Archive, PO Box 3052, Davenport, IA 52808.

RIVER AC TION UPDATE

RiverWayStories— By Tim Chambers

I love Saturday mornings. It is a time to decompress and disconnect from the stress of the previous work week, while at the

same time an opportunity to recuperate in preparation for the next. I always tell myself that I am going to sleep in until noon, but that never happens. Up at 7:30 am sharp, I put on a pot of coffee and look for something to read – a good book, newspaper, or maybe even the eddy Magazine. This time is sacred, obligation free and I find it is a great time to explore something new. Something I would otherwise not have time for, new knowledge. When good reading material is in short supply, more often than not, public, commercial-free radio offers this opportunity. If you are like me, tune in to WVIK’s (Quad Cities 90.3FM) “Weekend Edition”. In addition to the coverage of hard news and cultural stories, 8:34 am brings essays on our shared river environment, RiverWayStories. These three-minute on-air essays offer a wide range of river-related topics covering history, culture, environmental conservation, and recreation. RiverWayStories’ authors come from all walks of life – teachers, financial managers, professors, historians, engineers, civil servants, and of course river citizens. Whether it is about the history of Quad City bridges, river wildlife, or cycling in our community, tune in to explore our shared river environment and experiences. RiverWayStories is a collaboration between River Action and WVIK, made possible by The Singh Family Charitable Giving Fund.

Meet some of the Authors:

Robert Sinkler – Director, Water Infrastructure, The Nature Conservancy; Retired Army Corps Colonel, Rock Island District

Jerry Neff – Retired Alcoa; River Citizen and Author

Lisa Cleve – River Citizen

Olivia Dorothy – Associate Director of Mississippi River Management, American Rivers

Curtis Roseman – Professor Emeritus of Geography, University of Southern California

Beiderbecke with the Wolverine Orchestra in 1924

Kate Kremer – Director of Development, River Action

Stephanie Drago – Program Director, River Action

4 eddy Magazine | www.riveraction.org


RIVER AC TION UPDATE

Heritage Documentaries, Inc., a Quad City-based non-profit organization, is

producing a video documentary that tells the story of the first railroad bridge to span the Mississippi River. Completed in 1856, the bridge connected Rock Island, Illinois, with Davenport, Iowa. It was a key link in the westward expansion of the nation and its railroad network, which eventually spanned the continent in 1869.

The documentary explains how the location of the bridge, at the base of the Rock Island Rapids, was chosen and provides details on its construction using historic photographs and drawings. It features the dramatic story of a steamboat, the Effie Afton, destroying part of the bridge soon after it was completed and the subsequent court cases that pitted steamboat against railroad interests. It also describes the roles played by Abraham Lincoln, Robert E. Lee, and Jefferson Davis, who went on to national prominence.

To tell this story, on-camera interviews were conducted with knowledgeable experts, including historian Douglas Brinkley. “I’ve also added some human interest elements to the story, which I think helps round out the bigger issues,” said Julie Wine Johnston, the film’s writer and director. “We interviewed a descendant of a rapids pilot who testified in the trial as well as the great great grandson of one of the men who worked on the bridge using his team of horses to raise the falsework.”

Johnston and videographer Denise Hollmer who is shooting and editing the film say the project, which has taken over nine months to plan, research, write and shoot, is currently in post-production. “One of the most challenging aspects of this project is finding historic photos to show the details we want to include,” said Johnston.

The documentary will be released later this year. For more information go to http://www.heritagedocumentaries.org

Documentary crew on location at the Davenport House on Arsenal Island near the site of the first railroad bridge across the Mississippi River. Local historian Gena Schantz is being interviewed about the involvement of community leaders in promoting this location for the bridge.

First Railroad Bridge Documentary— By Curtis Roseman, Board Member, Heritage Documentaries, Inc.

CULTURAL VITALIT Y


RiverStages Education Series — by Kate Kremer

This year, our Summer Education Series will build on the RiverStages Play Reading

Series (which will take place during the winter and spring) to present educational events and lectures designed to highlight the role of the humanities in taking action on climate change and other major environmental issues.

Between May 31 and September 3, 2016, we will present 56 lectures, with two “Channel Cat Talks” and two “Riverine Walks” taking place each week. Twenty-eight presenters from professional organizations throughout the Quad Cities will be involved, and in addition to our more traditional lectures on the ecology, wildlife and geomorphology of the Mississippi River, we will highlight cultural issues and humanities projects relating to the Mississippi watershed.

Among our humanities presenters will be Tyson Danner, artistic director of the Quad Cities Theatre Workshop, who will lead a guided tour of a rehearsal for the company’s river-themed

summer play; engineer Bill Ashton, who will present on the history and architecture of the Government Bridge; and Kathy Wine, who, in partnership with Leah Rogers of Tallgrass

Historians, will lead a tour of the history and artifacts associated with the first railroad bridge across the Mississippi. Other presenters will lead workshops in film, photography, and painting, as well as lectures on Native American history, Latino/a history and activism in the Quad Cities, and the literary history of Davenport. Select talks/walks will be Spanish- and sign-interpreted.

We have also invited a guest playwright, Rachel Jendrzewski, to stage a reading of her work and to present on her process, which is highly interdisciplinary, participatory, and often deals with environmental and social issues. In addition, we hope to commission several writers to develop “smartphone plays,” short radio dramas set in and around the Quad Cities. These plays will be recorded and uploaded to our website so that they can be accessed by pedestrians and patrons of the Channel Cat as they pass through the very places in which the plays are set.

Karen Anderson delivers a lecture on Native American history to passengers aboard the Channel Cat during the 2013 Summer Education Series.


CULTURAL VITALIT Y

River Views Inside (and Outside) the Figge — By Tim Schiffer

From the first Europeans who explored the interior of the continent to today’s

artists and writers, Americans have long been fascinated by the “Big River” – the Mississippi. From February 6 through May 21, the Figge will host a collection of sixty paintings, drawings, maps and other river-related works from the collection of the Muscatine Art Center, whose Musser Mansion is undergoing mechanical upgrades. Beginning with a rare map from 1680 by Nicholaes Visscher, the exhibition includes drawings made on the river by Seth Eastman in the 1830s, and paintings of the river from the 1850s to the present day. Also featured are paintings and prints of riverboats, along with a model of the paddlewheel River Queen, and early views of Muscatine, Davenport, Moline

KK: Can you tell us a little bit about your recently published novel, Sylvan Slough?CO: My new novel, Sylvan Slough, began with a drum and bugle corps, and an almost pre-European mystery, though dominating the book is a story of modern-day Quad Citians. One Fourth of July I was waiting in the parade lineup in Port Byron when I heard “boom lay, boom lay, boom lay boom.” It came from the Martin Luther King drum and bugle corps running into place behind me. The booming brought back to me the first lines of Vachel Lindsay’s old poem, “General William Booth Enters Into Heaven,” about the founder of the Salvation Army. What if a modern character ended his stay along the Mississippi River with a “boom lay, boom lay, boom lay boom?”KK: What drew you to Sylvan Slough as a setting?CO: I bike the slough path on an almost daily basis. It’s isolated, beautiful in parts, has an interesting history, and is located right in the heart of the Quad Cities. Why not locate a novel there – with a diverse group of people who also use the path as a regular part of their lives?KK: How are the characters connected to one another and to the Slough? CO: One of the major characters is a homeless man, whose history on the slough both repels and draws him to it. That history also involves a shipping clerk whose office overlooks the slough and allows him to study the people on the path almost to the point of obsession.

A romance occurs between a rising young banker and advertising executive who bike the path almost daily. The last major character is a Rock Island High School student who, besides skateboarding the path, has a family history involving the path’s mystery.KK: How do the history and ecology of the Mississippi River enter into the novel? CO: The book begins with the Sauk leader, Black Hawk, saying in his autobiography in reference to Arsenal Island, “A good spirit had care of it, who lived in a cave in the rocks immediately under the place where the fort now stands. . .We were particular not to make much noise for fear of disturbing him. But the noise of the fort has since driven him away. . .” In a way, the slough today is an apt metaphor for the changes that good spirit sensed. Our American quest took over a resplendent and uncompromised land. We turned a bucolic stream into an industrial backyard dumping ground and a mid-river island into an armored Defense installation. Each of the characters is haunted by this transformation of the sylvan place.KK: Where can we buy the book?CO: Sylvan Slough is available for $10 plus shipping from Amazon, and for $5 as a download on Kindle. To get a signed copy, email me at [email protected].

An excerpt from Chuck Oestreich’s Sylvan Slough:

The river. Flowing, flowing. Forever flowing.

The River inexorably flowing and changing,

constantly moving but not permanent.

Individual molecules of water move from rain

to snow to sea water. But the river remains the

same.

It ebbs and it floods. Yet it has a usual girth.

Eyesight, boating times, bridges; all confirm

that regularity. The river is the same – but it’s

constantly moving and changing.

On the surface, wind whips. Below, current

inexorably pushes and pulls. At bottom, silt and

mud edge slowly downward, clinging to the

bedrock but not making purchase, not staying.

The River – Flowing. Flowing, forever flowing.

An Interview with Chuck Oestreich:

Writing the Bike Path— Kate Kremer

and Fort Armstrong.The Figge will celebrate the exhibit with

numerous companion events, including a reading on February 4 at 7 pm of Susan Glaspell’s Inheritors, hosted by River Action as part of our RiverStages Reading Series. A public reception for the exhibition will be held on Saturday, February 6 at 2 pm, with remarks by Melanie Alexander, Director of the Muscatine Art Center, and Figge Executive Director Tim Schiffer. On March 24th, musician Ellis Kell from River Music Experience will share some of the music and history of the Mississippi, and writers from the Midwest Writing Center will read selected original works focusing on life along the Mississippi River.

This spring, the Figge will also be marking

its connection to the river with a one-minute film festival. Create your own (very) short film about what the Mississippi River means to you and enter it in the competition. All films will be made available for viewing online, and awards will be given to the top films in various categories during a ceremony on Thursday, May 12 at 6:30pm. Details will be available on the Figge website beginning February 6.

KK: And we’re thrilled to announce that you will also be reading from the book at our third RiverStages Reading, at which we will also present a reading of R.L. Richards’ play,

The Sylvan Slough – an entirely different work of art by a local writer about this remarkable place.

CO: Yes indeed – and I will have books available for sale and signing at that event as well.

CULTURAL VITALIT Y


In the lead-up to the Paris Climate Summit, a group of theater artists developed an initiative to raise awareness about the Summit’s urgent aim: the global reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Climate

Change Theatre Action featured performances of climate change-themed plays in communities all over world, reframing a global conversation in local, personal terms. Indeed, theater as an art form is particularly apt for exploring environmental issues: by requiring people to share a given space for a given time, it replicates, on a small scale, that much larger project of living together on Earth.

Inspired in part by Climate Change Theatre Action, River Action has developed an environmental/arts initiative of its own: the RiverStages Reading Series. Thanks to the support of the Iowa Arts Council – a division of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs – and the National Endowment for the Arts, River Action will partner with the Quad City Theatre Workshop to present six readings of plays offering insight into environmental issues faced by the Quad Cities and other communities along the Mississippi River.

The readings – which will be unmemorized and presented without costumes or sets – will feature local actors and directors and will be

performed at a variety of arts venues in an effort to spark collaborations between arts and environmental organizations and their often disparate audiences. Each reading will also feature a panelist who will lead discussions about the plays’ relevance to local issues.

The series will begin with a reading of Susan Glaspell’s Inheritors on February 4th at 7:00pm at the Figge Art Museum. Glaspell, a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, was born in Davenport in 1876, and launched her writing career here before moving with her husband to Greenwich Village. There, they founded the Provincetown Players and produced Glaspell’s groundbreaking work, along with that of other then-fledgling writers – including Eugene O’Neill, Theodore Dreiser, and Edna St. Vincent Millay. Glaspell’s Inheritors, which is set in Davenport, concerns a pioneer farmer who, disquieted by his violent “inheritance” of the land from the Native Americans, gives away his hilltop property for the establishment of a college. The reading will be directed by Aaron Randolph III.

On March 25th and 26th at 7:30pm at the Quad City Theatre Workshop, we’ll present readings of Anton Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard. Written in 1904, this remarkable play follows an aristocratic family on the verge of bankruptcy as they return to their family estate – with its large and storied

Earlier this year, Quad City Theatre Workshop collaborated with Dress for Success to present a staged reading of Love, Loss, and What I Wore. Featured below (clockwise from bottom left): are Angela Rathman, Susan Perrin-Sallak, Allison Collins-Elfline, Patti Flaherty, Dee Canfield, and Erin Churchill.

The RiverStages Play Reading Series— By Kate Kremer


cherry orchard – just before it is auctioned to pay the mortgage. Although the family is presented with many options to save their estate, they fail to act, and the play ends with the sale of the property to the son of a former serf, who regretfully cuts down the orchard to make way for a housing development. The play picks up many of the conservationist themes of Chekhov’s earlier work while also grappling with the seismic socio-economic shifts taking place in Russia with the abolition of serfdom. The reading will be directed by St. Ambrose professor Corinne Johnson.

On April 15th at 7:30pm at Bucktown Center for the Arts, we will present a reading of The Sylvan Slough, a play by St. Ambrose professor R.L. Richards, about a diverse group of people brought together by the Sylvan Slough. That evening, writer Chuck Oestreich will also read from his new novel, Sylvan Slough, an entirely independent work about the same local treasure. Paintings and drawings by local visual artists Pat Bereskin, Jason Frank, Dean Kugler, and Brad Bisby – many of which also take the river as subject and inspiration – will be on display.


The Mississippi & Missouri (M&M) Railroad and Mormon Handcart Expeditions — By Leah Rogers

Between 1856 and 1857, 2,071 Mormon* emigrants traveled through Davenport

on their way to Utah. At the time, Iowa City was the terminus of the rail line, which had just been completed when the Mormons embarked.

The Mormons began arriving in Iowa City on the Mississippi & Missouri (M&M) trains in May 1856. They then walked from the Iowa City depot to their first camp, near present-day Coralville, where they built handcarts to transport their supplies and those unable to walk.

Remarkably, these handcarts were pulled by the emigrants themselves, rather than by animals. Handcarts were less expensive and could be moved faster than loaded wagons with livestock requiring feed and water. Handcart companies could travel longer during

the day and cover greater distances. However, handcarts were not without their

disadvantages, the greatest being that they had to be pulled by people and the small carts could only accommodate the bare essentials. The carts also afforded no physical protection to the travelers. Although the companies had large tents to sleep in at night, during the day, travelers were exposed to the elements.

The first three companies left Iowa City by June and arrived in Utah in September, but two companies arrived late to Iowa City and did not leave until August, with disastrous results: in spite of dramatic rescue efforts, more than 200 people died.

Altogether, about 70 percent of Mormon handcart emigrants traveled through Iowa. By 1859, most of the handcart pioneers rode the train from New York City to St. Joseph, Missouri, where they traveled by riverboat to Florence, Nebraska before embarking westward.

The remnant M&M Railroad berm and trail now owned by River Action in Davenport was recently recorded as archaeological site 13ST315 during the Mormon Trails inventory update study conducted by Tallgrass Historians L.C., EarthView Environmental, Inc., the Office of the State Archaeologist for Pathfinders Resource Conservation and Development, and the Iowa Department of Transportation. The site is being recommended as eligible for the National Register of Historic Places for its significant associations, including the Mormon Handcart Expeditions.

* Mormons is a common way to refer to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or the LDS Church.

"Mormon Pioneer handcart statue" by Torleif S. Knaphus - Photo taken of the Handcart Pioneer Monument on Temple Square in Salt Lake City. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikipedia Commons.

"Mormon Hand-Cart Train - History of Iowa,” published in History of Iowa From the Earliest Times to the Beginning of the Twentieth Century by Benjamin F. Gue. A depiction of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints en-route to Salt Lake City. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikipedia Commons.

FEATURE STORY

Parklets — By Stephanie Drago

In a world designed for the automobile, it’s difficult to find space for pedestrians and cyclists in urban landscapes. With an increasing focus on active transportation and urban walkability as well as the popularization of bicycle and pedestrian culture, cities have become more interested in

implementing complete streets, making way for bike lanes and wide sidewalks. A way of giving back to pedestrians and cyclists is by reclaiming car designated zones, like parking spaces, for their use. The development of pop-up parks, or parklets, do just that.

Parklets are temporary structures that often fit within one or multiple parking spaces, providing a buffer between traffic and sidewalks. These tiny parks supply amenities such as seating, bicycle parking, public art, exercise machines, libraries, croquet, swings, and other types of recreation. In the end, creativity is the only limit to what can fit in a parking space or two. According to the San Francisco Parklet Manual, the presence of these parks encourage walking and bicycling by providing destinations and oases while commuting. They also strengthen the sense of community in an area by giving citizens a place to congregate, interact, and appreciate their city. When cities, merchants, neighborhood groups, or nonprofits develop parklets, they show consideration and support for pedestrian and bicycling culture.

According to Bison Innovative Products, although these parks are small, they are incredibly flexible, affordable, and mobile, meaning they can be easily removed and used in multiple locations. Temporary park structures provide easy installation as well as low maintenance costs. The fact that they are temporary can act as a way to test a zone’s potentially permanent conversion from automobile to pedestrian use. Not only can these parks exist in parking structures, but also in other under-utilized spaces and can be used to enhance existing parks and plazas.

River Action’s 2016 Ride the River wants to bring pop up parks to the Quad Cities. Currently, there are plans to design a park in Riverdale, with hopes that we can bring these urban oases to other downtowns as well.

2016 HenryFarnamDinner— By Eileen Sipes

The 13th Annual Henry Farnam Dinner will focus on the 200th Anniversary of Fort Armstrong.

Kris Leinicke, from the Rock Island Arsenal Museum, will talk about the Centennial Celebration in 1916. The main speaker for the evening will be Dr. Samuel Watson, Professor of History at the United States Military Academy, West Point. He is the author of two books on the Army on the Frontier, Jackson’s Sword: The Army Officer Corps on the American Frontier, 1810-1821 and Peacekeepers and Conquerors: The Army Officer Corps on the American Frontier, 1821-1846. Dr. Watson will speak about the Army presence at Fort Armstrong and how that Army impacted the local area, as well as regional and national impact not only in warfare, but also in creating stability and working to expand trade. The event will be held on Friday, March 18th at the Rogalski Center, 518 W Locust St, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, IA. Cocktails (cash bar) and displays begin at 5:00 p.m., Dinner 6:30 p.m. and program 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $40 per person or reserve a table of 10 for $375.00. Visit www.riveraction.org to purchase tickets online or phone the River Action office, 563-322-2969.

A Parklet in Haight-Ashbury, San Francisco, California (Photographer: Patricia Kouba)


FEATURE STORY


F E AT U R E S TO R Y

The Native American history of the Quad Cities tells a unique and powerful story of a people who thrived with this land and the

bounties and beauty it had to offer, until it was tragically taken away. The following is a short list of locations that highlight the significance of Native American history and culture in the Quad Cities and how it is still evident in our cultural landscape today.Saukenuk Village

For nearly a century, Saukenuk was the capitol of the Sauk nation, yielding one of the most prosperous Native American villages of its time. According to Ferrel Anderson of the Quad Cities Archaeological Society, the Sauk Nation had a maximum population of 6,000 and one fifth of that population was comprised of warriors, highlighting their strong militia. Along with this well-armed and mounted militia, food was plentiful with 800 acres in cultivation. Within Saukenuk, there were over 100 summer lodges enclosed in a brush palisade, and a council house sat on a large mound southeast of the village. Saukenuk, no doubt, was notable and vibrant with a rich culture in itself. The village was centered at 12th Street and 45th Avenue in Rock Island, Illinois west of Black Hawk State Historic Site. The Arsenal Island

The Arsenal Island was once rich with fruits and nuts and was seen as a garden for the Sauk and Meskwaki. Its waters, at the foot of rapids, were exceptional for fishing. In Black Hawk’s early life he reported spending much of his time on the island. The prosperity of this island was attributed to a good spirit who blessed the land, making the Arsenal sacred. According to Black Hawk, this spirit had the wings of a great

swan and was seen watching over the island. It dwelled in a large cave which is situated immediately under where Fort Armstrong now stands. The Sauk made a point to never disturb the spirit and allowed it to live peacefully on the island. Once the Americans came, and began building Fort Armstrong, the noise from the construction drove the spirit away. After this, the great swan spirit was not seen again, and it is said that a bad spirit took its place. The cave systems along the Arsenal have since been flooded by the lock and dam and the vanishing spirit symbolized a bad omen for the Sauk, Meskwaki, and the sacred land. A Riverway art piece now stands near Fort Armstrong to commemorate the great swan spirit’s story and Native American History in the area. The Black Hawk Treaty

According to Anderson, the provisions of the 1804 Articles of Capitulation permitted the Sauks to live on ceded lands until they were sold. In 1829 their land was purchased, and the Sauks (under Black Hawk’s leadership) resisted removal until they were driven from

their village in 1831 when it was burned by the Illinois Militia. In 1832, Black Hawk and about 1600 followers returned to Illinois from their winter hunt to live as guests of the Winnebago in Prophetstown, Illinois. The Governor of Illinois assumed their return was aggressive and did not hesitate to attack Black Hawk and his followers. This incident started the Black Hawk War, leaving the Native Americans defeated. After the war, the Black Hawk Treaty was signed, which ceded all lands in Iowa 50 miles from the Mississippi River. The signing of this treaty took place off 5th and Farnam Street in Davenport, Iowa, representing another grim site for the native people who once called this land home. A plaque exists near LeClaire Park, in memory of this event.

Historic Native American Sites in the Quad Cities — By Stephanie Drago

e d d y C A L E N D A R

eddy Calendar and inspire musicians, and music appreciators. www.revrobertjones.com/robert_jones_as_lead_belly

Wine & Art – Valentine’s Gifts with a Japanese FlairThurs., Feb 11, 6-8pm, Figge Art Museum, Davenport, $20 per person, figgeartmuseum.orgJapanese artist Anna Ito will teach you how to create a one-of-a-kind Valentine card and ornament using a brush calligraphy technique. Your creations will be the perfect gifts for that certain someone! Enjoy a special evening learning about Japanese art, culture and more.

Ballet Quad Cities - Love StoriesFri & Sat., Feb 12, & 13, 7:30pm, Scottish Rite Cathedral, Moline, Sponsored by The Planning CenterAppealing to all ages, this performance captures the soul and spirit of our dancers. Old and new ballets will be performed, and guarantee you will fall in love again….with Ballet Quad Cities!

Afterglow party at The Planning Center on February 13. For more information, 309-786-3779.

Kayaking Skills ClassSaturdays, Feb 13, March 5, 5:30-7:30pm, North Family YMCA, www.saukenuk.orgThis is an annual event hosted by the YMCA and taught by members of the Saukenuk Paddlers. You will learn basic kayaking skills in the nice warm water of the Y’s indoor pool. This is a great way to be intro-duced to the sport. The boats and all gear will be provided by members of the club. If you are already a paddler this would be a good time to work on your roll or other skills. Y members pay $20, non-members pay $40. For more information and to reserve your space, contact James Browning, 563-391-7771.


FebruaryFrozen Fat Fondo FestSaturday, Feb 6, 11am-2pm, Credit Island Park, DavenportJoin FORC in a fat biking challenge ride along the banks of the mighty Mississippi on Credit Island. Ride solo or as a 3-person relay team. See who can crank out the most laps in 3 hours around a challenge filled course. Stick around after the main event for a healthy dose of shenanigans! www.qcforc.org

Nature HikeSat, Feb 6, March 5, April 2, 9-10am, Nahant Marsh, 4220 Wapello , Davenport, 563-323-5196Join our naturalists for a guided hike around the Marsh. Hikes will be offered the first Saturday of the month and are a great way to experience the chang-ing seasons at the Marsh. Trails are mostly flat terrain making this guided hike perfect for everyone. Grab your binoculars or camera and explore the wonder of the wetlands! Adult non-member $7, Member $5, Child non-member $5, Child member $3.

Basic BirdingSundays, Feb 7, 14, 21, and 28, St. Ambrose University, DavenportCome and learn about the birds of our area. Topics include bird identification, habitat requirements, how to look at birds and where to go. Register on line at Communiversity or contact Quad Cities Communiversity at (309-794-7259)

Breakfast Nature ClubFirst Friday of each month, 8-9am, Nahant Marsh Education Center, DavenportLearn the secret life of wildlife during this monthly class at Nahant Marsh. Each month we will explore the characteristics and adaptations of a group of local flora and fauna.

A continental breakfast with coffee, juice, and tea is included in the fee. Feel free to bring your own cof-fee mug or travel container. Participants are encour-aged to join in a “coffee talk” after and share stories of wildlife encounters and anything nature related. Cost: $5. (includes presentation & continental breakfast, coffee, and juice) To register please call 563-323-5196 or by going to www.nahantmarsh.org.

2nd Wednesday BirdingWednesdays, Feb 10, March 9, and April13, Marquette Landing, Davenport, 8amWe will choose different locations in the Quad City Area to bird each week, showcasing the diversity of birding sites in the area. Any questions, contact Dick Sayles (563-676-9616).

Mississippi Valley Blues Society Presents Rev. Robert B. Jones, Sr.Thursday, Feb 11, 5:30pm (show at 6pm), RME Hall, FREE ADMISSION, all ages welcome The River Music Experience (RME) exists to give Quad-City residents and visitors opportunities to experience America’s music, and most especially the music of the Mississippi River, through live music performances and programs which nurture, educate

Valentine Indoor Music and Moonlight WalkSun., Feb 14, 6:30-8:30pm, Watch Tower Lodge, Black Hawk State Historic Site, Rock Island. Featuring a stroll outside on a luminary-lit trail. Too cold outside for the walk, come into the Lodge and keep warm by the fire with fresh donuts and juice/cider or hot cocoa. Music will be provided by Just4Fun. Drew Nagle will call the contra-dancing. FREE. Singles, couples & family friendly. (309-788-9536) or www.blackhawkpark.org. This event is sponsored by Black Hawk State Historic Site in cooperation with Citizens to Preserve Black Hawk Park Foundation – education out-reach for Black Hawk State Historic Site since 1972.

Daytrotter DownsThurs-Sat, Feb 18, 7pm - Sat, Feb 19, 11:30am A gathering of the next thoroughbreds in music to cele-brate Daytrotter’s 10th anniversary!! See the next Kanye West, the next Vampire Weekend, the next War On Drugs, the next Alabama Shakes right here in the great state of Iowa, right here in Davenport. Daytrotter, one of the world’s foremost prognosticators and curators of musical talent, is bringing 25-30 of the brightest new talents in the world to one of America’s greatest river towns for three days of intimate and thrilling musical excitement. Do not miss this once in a lifetime opportu-nity to say you saw THEM when! http://www.daytrotter.com/#!/content/nrn/daytrotter-downs/2016.htm

Hunting, Fishing, and Outdoor Show 2016Thurs - Sun, Feb 18–21, QCCA Expo Center, 2621 4th Ave, Rock IslandFrom boats and tackle to decoys and gear, it’s an Outdoors Show with seminars and presentations from big name fishing professionals. Bring the family to Kids Kamp with a real trout pond, minnow races, and archery. Adults $8, Children 6 yrs-16 yrs $1, under 6 yrs Free. Friday is Senior Day, anyone over 65 $6.00 from 12:00 noon - 5:00 p.m. 309-788-5912, www.qccaexpo-center.com

River Action’s Environmental Book ClubTuesday, Feb 23, 7pm, River Action office, DavenportDiscuss The Legacy of Luna: The Story of a Tree, a Woman and the Struggle to Save the Redwoods by Julie Hill. Meetings are open to the public and meet at the River Action office, 822 E. River Dr, between Tremont and Federal Streets. For more info, please call 563-322-2969.

QCCA Expo Center – RV & Camping ShowFri-Sun, Feb 26-28, 2621 4th Ave, Rock Island, 309-788-5912, www.qccaexpocenter.com

Final Fridays at Bucktown Center for the Arts Friday, Feb 26, 6-9pm, 225 E 2nd St, DavenportBlack History Month exhibit

Quad City Audubon Society Field TripSaturday, Feb 27, 7am, Wildcat Den, near Muscatine, IASaturday Field Trip to Wildcat Den and surrounding area for possible early spring migrants and winter birds. Usually a beautiful, but possibly very cold late winter

e d d y C A L E N D A R


walk in the woods. This trip will meet at Buffalo Shores at 7:00 AM. Possible steep trails. Any questions, contact Dick Sayles (563-676-9616).

MarchWine & Art – Spring Celebration – Acrylic Painting with Emily MajeskiThurs, March 3, 6-8pm, Figge Art Museum, Davenport, $20 per person, figgeartmuseum.orgIn ancient times, the blossoms on fruit and nut trees were considered sacred, holding the promise of life and abundance. For us, the bursts of color are a reminder of the eternal cycle of fresh starts, a recurring miracle of spring and new beginnings, offering the promise of sustenance as the year ripens. Join us for an evening of painting as we celebrate spring inspired by Van Gogh’s magical painting, Branches of an Almond Tree in Bloom.

Kayaking Skills ClassSaturday, March 5, 5:30-7:30pm, North Family YMCA, www.saukenuk.orgThis is an annual event hosted by the YMCA and taught by members of the Saukenuk Paddlers. You will learn basic kayaking skills in the nice warm water of the Y’s indoor pool. This is a great way to be introduced to the sport. The boats and all gear will be provided by members of the club. If you are already a paddler this would be a good time to work on your roll or other skills. Y members pay $20, non-members pay $40. For more information and to reserve your space contact James Browning, 563-391-7771.

St. Patrick’s Society Grand Parade XXXISaturday, March 12, 11:30-1pm, IL & IA Quad Cities parade routeStarts in Rock Island, crosses the Centennial Bridge and ends up in downtown Davenport. For more informa-tion on the parade visit www.stpatsqc.com

CanoecopiaFri-Sun, March 11-13, Alliant Energy Center, 1919 Alliant Energy Way, Madison, WICanoecopia is the largest paddlesports consumer event in the world, with over 250,000 square feet of kayaks, canoes, Stand Up Paddleboards, outdoor equipment and clothing. canoecopia.com

Sierra Club Program Meeting - A 486 Mile Hike on the Colorado Trail - Tony SinghMon, March 21, 6:30pm, Moline Public Library, 3210 41st St, Moline, ILMeet in the Bronze Room of the library. sierraclubevg.wordpress.com.

River Action’s Environmental Book ClubTuesday, March 22, 7pm, River Action office, DavenportDiscuss Countdown: Our Last, Best Hope for a Future

on Earth? by Alan Weisman. Meetings are open to the public and meet at the River Action office, 822 E. River Dr, between Tremont and Federal Streets. For more info call 563-322-2969.

Henry Farnam Dinner, 13th Annual Quad Cities Friday, March 18, Rogalski Center, St. Ambrose University, Davenport, IACocktails (cash bar) and displays 5pm, Dinner 6:30pm and Program 7:30pm. Tickets are $40 per person; reserved table of 10 is $375. Invitations will be mailed in early March to those who received invitations last year. For reservations, go to www.riveraction.org or for more information call River Action at 563-322-2969.

Environmental Film Fest, 11th Annual Eddy Award Winning Saturday, March 19, Olin Center, Augustana College, 733 35th St., Rock Island, ILAdmission is FREE although donations are accepted. Doors open at 11am. For film information and direc-tions, check out www.augustana.edu/environmen-talfilmfest. For more info about Eagle View Group, Sierra Club check out http://illinois.sierraclub.org/eagleview, or contact Kathryn Allen at [email protected]. The public is welcome to attend any or all of the films being screened at the festival. Refreshments will be available.

Quad City Audubon Society Field TripSaturday, March 19, 7am, Lock and Dam 13Saturday Field Trip to Lock and Dam 13 (Thomson Causeway). This trip we will be looking for return-ing waterfowl and spring migrants. Meet at Brothers Restaurant in Rapid City, IL at 7:00 a.m. This trip will offer a full day option. Any questions, contact Dick Sayles (563 676-9616).

Final Friday at Bucktown Center for the ArtsFriday, March 25, 6-9pm, 225 E 2nd St, DavenportWomen’s Art History Month

Pick up a ‘Retain the Rain’ Rain Barrel for April showers!!! Rain Barrels hold 60 gallons, and come with a diverter, mosquito netting, and spigot, all for $75! River Action, 822 E River Dr, Davenport, or riveraction.org.

AprilQUAD CITIES LIVE MONTH (April 1-30, 2016)Join in on the fun during an entire month of live performances across the Quad Cities! Concerts, plays, Broadway, dance, comedy and more can be found at more than 100 events taking place at various venues during the month of April.

Discover the exciting live entertainment scene in the Quad Cities by experiencing performances by talented musicians, singers, comedians, actors, and dancers. Classical music, rock, blues, folk, big band and other

For over 30 years River Action has been dedicated to connecting people to the river. Our supporters help us to improve the quality of water that flows down the river. They help us to instill a love of the river through encourag-ing participation in many activities that involve the river. Plus, River Action encourages educational programs that help our residents better understand river related issues and concerns.

Complete and mail in the form below to 822 E. River Drive, Davenport, IA 52803

or go to: www.riveraction.org

and click on membership!

Connect With Us

engage

celebrate

With each NEW or renewed membership you will receive discounts on educational programs, a FREE subscription to the eddy

Magazine, and (while quantities last) a 2016 calendar featuring images by Heidi Brandt

Fine Art Photography.

learn

2016 River Calendar2016 River Calendar2016 River Calendar

www.riveraction.org

With each new membership you will receive discounts on educational

programs, a FREE subscription to eddy Magazine, and (while quantities last) a

2016 calendar featuring images by Heidi Brandt Fine Art Photography.

musical stylings will delight your ears. Comedy and burlesque shows will bring laughter to your evenings, and wonderful plays and a ballet performance will keep you applauding for more.

This is the first annual Quad Cities Live Month and was created through a partnership with the Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau and area theatres, concert and performance venues. A complete list of all events taking place will be up on www.quadcitieslive.com.

QCCA Expo Center – Flower & Garden ShowFri-Sun, April 1-3, 2621 4th Ave, Rock Island, 309-788-5912, www.qccaexpocenter.com

Quad Cities Audubon Society Field TripSaturday, April 9, 7am, Cones Marsh, IASaturday Field Trip to Cones Marsh, this trip is to some of the most spectacular of the year. We could possibly see Trumpeter and Mute Swans, large flocks of Snow Geese, Sand Hill Cranes, many assorted diving and dab-bling ducks, and shorebirds. It’s early spring and this is the place to be! We will meet at Buffalo Shores at 7:00 am. Any questions, contact Dick Sayles (563-676-9616).

Sierra Club Program Meeting – Oil Trains – Gerri SongerMon, April 18, 6:30pm, Moline Public Library, 3210 41st St, Moline, ILMeet in the Bronze Room of the library. sierraclubevg.wordpress.com.

River Action’s Environmental Book ClubTuesday, April 26, 7pm, River Action office, DavenportDiscuss Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer. Meetings are open to the public and meet at the River Action office, 822 E. River Dr, between Tremont and Federal Streets. For more info, please call 563-322-2969.

River Action’s Fish & Fire Fundraiser and Friendraiser

Friday, April 22, Modern Woodmen Park, Davenport, IAThis annual catfish fry com-bines fundraising and friends. Bid on dozens of silent auc-tion items, enjoy the dinner and entertainment, and be a part of the 17th Annual Eddy Awards Presentation – awards given to those in our community who go against the current to get things done. For more information or to register go to riverac-tion.org.

Final Friday at Bucktown Center for the ArtsFriday, April 29, 6-9pm, 225 E 2nd St, DavenportApril in Paris featuring Impressionistic Art

Ballet Quad Cities - Russian FairytalesSaturday, April 30, 1:30 & 7:30pm, Adler Theatre, Davenport, 309-786-3779

Ballet Quad Cities and Orchestra Iowa complete the grand triptych of Stravinsky’s greatest ballets. Petrushka is the story of a puppet come to life, who must con-front unexpected emotions of love and jealousy. Emily Kate Long makes her debut as an emerging choreogra-pher. The Firebird is an ancient Russian fable where the magic of the firebird helps two lovers reunite. It is rare to see these Stravinsky ballets performed together, as the choreography is taxing to even the finest dancer. The athleticism of our dancers will astound you.

eddy Magazine - FEBRUARY 2016

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