Central High School - Blackhawk Yearbook (Davenport, IA)

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i ii n D L A C K M A W K I 6 YEARBOOK For years, of course, there was no bridge. No railroad for the mails. Antoine LeClaire. himself did bring It in his own coat tails. Now D. C. Eldredge, Methodist. In spring time of the year. Did bid his friends come to his home. A preacher there to hear. Antoine LeClaire. the first church built. As Catholic devout. ‘Twas in the center of the town. Four acres land about. The Presbyterians built a church In eighteen thirty-nine. Then came the Congregational And others in short time. September of eighteen-forty The citizens did rule That a stoc company be formed To build a public school. The town was in Wisconsin 'till In thirty-eight, they say. They changed it all and made a state. And called it Iowa. Since Davenport and Rockingham Were rivals then, and hot. Each thought its town should be the seat Of the new county Scott. To Davenport the honor came In February thirty-eight. Thus it has been Scott's county seat Up to this very date. The bridge was made eventually. And railroad, as you know. Crossed over it past LeClaire's house Which was then the depot. The house still stands, though old and drab. Reminder of that time; Today it's marked in reverence As an historic shrine. The river men hated the bridge. They tried to burn it down. That was the reason Lincoln came With Douglas to the town. It was a most historic trial A real test case, it seems. To find if they could henceforth bridge The navigable streams. The first newspaper of the town Was called Iowa Sun And Davenport. Rock Island News Of three it did forerun. The first graveyard was filled too soon. For life was cruel and hard: Some years, one out of every ten Went to his last reward. Among the early burials Was Doctor Emerson. The master of Dred Scott, the slave. Who famed decision won. November fourth, old papers state. The town had quite a thrill. For to Antoine LeClaire's house came The J ind Prince De Joinville. One hundred years have passed since then; LeClaire and Davenport. With spirit brave and true, these men Have made a city port. Today we praise these honored names. The men who l neui no fears: We hope to k P their spirit still As years roll into years.