UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA 
 LOS ANGELES 
 
 GIFT OF 
 
 Col, '-^len 7. J enks 
 
 y€*^.
 
 Rock Island Arsenal
 
 War's Greatest Workshop 
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 HISTORICAL, TOPOGRAPHICAL AND ILLUSTRATIVE 
 
 Its proven usefulness and limitless possibilities in time 
 of peace as well as when put to the test 
 
 Its romantic origin, its unimpregnable isolation, its limitless water power, its gradual development, 
 
 its fulfillment of the prophecies of its various administrative officers, its 
 
 magical response to the exigencies of war. 
 
 Published with the approval of the War Department by the 
 I Arsenal Publishing Co., of the Tri-Cities, Not Inc. 
 
 ' " 19 2 2
 
 K Libiaqr 
 
 WF 
 
 LU 
 
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 ACKNOWLEDGMENT 
 
 The publishers of this work wish to make grateful acknowledgment to Col. D. M. King, Commandant 
 at Rock Island Arsenal, to Col. Harry B. Jordan, his immediate predecessor, to Mr. H. L. Noth, 
 administrative assistant at the Arsenal, to Mr. John H. Hauberg, author of the chap- 
 ter on early Indian history, and to others, for invaluable co-operation and 
 courtesies extended in connection with the collection of data and 
 the preparation of material for publication, and also for 
 the privilege of reference to Mr. B. F. Tillinghast's 
 admirable work, "Rock Island Arsenal in 
 Peace and War", and to Col. D. W. 
 Flagler's historical records 
 of the earlier days 
 of the Arse- 
 nal.
 
 Maj. Grn. C. C. W illiams, Chiff of Ordna
 
 Foreword 
 
 N LAYING the ground plan for this story of Rock Island Arsenal, 
 the desire has been to weave into the fabric of material fact some- 
 thing of the spirit of romance which is so intimately connected 
 with its history. So, in the background of the picture, as viewed 
 through the long vista of the years, will be seen the Indian wig- 
 wams of a \anished people, the heroic figure of Chief Black Hawk, the 
 grim outlines of old Fort Armstrong, on a strategic point of the Illinois 
 shore, and glimpses of the Mississippi river, dotted with the war canoes of 
 the Sacs and Foxes. It is true that these things relate to a time far remote, 
 but they belong in the picture, nevertheless. 
 
 The l)uilding of Fort Armstrong in the year 1816, as a frontier post 
 of the United States army, is ^■ery properly regarded as the starting point 
 in the History of Rock Island x^rsenal, and as the opening of the four 
 periods in which its story may be told. Col. Lawrence superintended the 
 fort's erection, and he was retained on the Island in command of the Eighth 
 U. S. Infantry. This may be classed as the first epoch in the history of the 
 Arsenal. 
 
 In the second period of Arsenal history — that of development — it made 
 rapid strides under Gen. T. J. Rodman and Gen. D. AV. Flagler, embracing 
 the time covered by and immediately sulxsequent to the Civil A\'ar. 
 
 During the third period the Arsenal had its first real test of useful- 
 ness in the Spanish-American AA^ar, A\'hen Col. Stanhope E. Blunt was 
 commandant, and justified every hope of its founders. Succeeding Col. 
 Blunt was Col. Hobbs, now deceased. 
 
 Then came America's entrance into the AVorld AVar, in early April, 
 1917, with the Arsenal during this period first in charge of Col. George 
 AV. Burr, and then of Col. Leroy T. Hillman. Its activity during this time, 
 which may be called the fourth period in Arsenal development, is a matter 
 of history that finds no parallel in the world's annals, and at the time the 
 publication of this A\ork was undertaken Rock Island!* Arsenal was the 
 center of post-war activities under Col. Harry B. Jordan, as commandant 
 of the Arsenal, later succeeded Ijy Col. D. M. King in the same position. 
 
 As in modern journalism it is the custom to chronicle at the head of 
 a story the big e\ent, and to lead with it, although it may in reality come 
 last in chronological order, so the publishers of this volume deem it proper 
 to feature in the opening chapters the remarkable part played by Rock 
 
 523435
 
 8 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 Island Arsenal in the World War. In that struggle this great military 
 establishment fully demonstrated to the nation its supreme importance in 
 meeting the exigencies of armed conflict. 
 
 Briefly, then, this may be said to be the outline of the manner in which 
 the history of Rock Island Arsenal is covered in the story here presented 
 to the public. The results achieved for the nation in the face of the 
 gravest crisis the world has ever seen are in themselves the best arguments 
 for the continued support by congress of this great military plant. The 
 matter of location alone gives the Arsenal that pre-eminence which was 
 recognized by General Ramsey, United States Chief of ( )rdnance. in 1864. 
 when in his report to the War Department he said: 
 
 "After a careful study of the question of location, there is no position 
 which, to my mind, afifords so many advantages, and at the same time pre- 
 sents so few objections, as Rock Island, in the Mississippi river." 
 
 For many years its possibilities had been recognized by a few who 
 foresaw the part that location, manufacturing resources, distributive facil- 
 ities, and other factors might be made to play in a great national emergency. 
 Only the stress of actual war. however, could bring it the general recog- 
 nition that it always had deserved. When the gate of circumstance opened 
 it was revealed as the key to the military strength of the United States, 
 and its rapid development was promptly provided for. Not only was the 
 manufacturing plant greatly exi)anded, but storage facilities were mul- 
 tiplied many times over, so that now, in time of peace, it is enabled to 
 shelter complete equipment, immediately a\ailable. for an army greater 
 than was even thought of before the \\ orld War. 
 
 Besides being always ready to resume manufacture of war material 
 at full capacity within a few weeks, this Arsenal is supplied with standard- 
 ized tools and patterns designed to quickly transform many privately-owned 
 industrial plants from a peace to a war basis, 'i'lnis the foresight of the 
 founders has been fully vindicated. 
 
 And so, in the telling of this story, the last shall be i)laced hrst. gi\ ing 
 priority to that which transcends all that has gone before. The European 
 struggle supplied the acid test of the great Arsenal established by the 
 United States on the Mississippi river at Rock Island. Illinois, and opposite 
 the city of Davenport. Iowa, in 1862. and therefore deserves first consider- 
 ation in this volume. 
 
 Indicative of and bearing out the importance of this mid-western military 
 establishment, the official records show that from the day the United States 
 entered the World War, on April 7, 1917, until the Armistice was signed, 
 on November 11, 1918, the government authorized the expenditure at Rock
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 9 
 
 Island Arsenal of $108,955,974.07. Of this amount, due to the cessation of 
 hostilities, $19,612,133.48 was revoked, leaving an actual expenditure of 
 $89,343,840.59 by the Arsenal during the period of the war. In the total 
 expended in this period, $66,526,540.31 was devoted to the manufacture of 
 war materials and purchases for this purpose, this item also including $17,- 
 120,515.51 for labor; increased facilities, new machinery, alterations and 
 new buildings, $17,341,487.69; storage, temporary barracks, guard houses, 
 and other incidental buildings, $3,915,812.59; and Savanna, Illinois, proving 
 grounds, $1,560,000.00. 
 
 With the problem of reducing armament receiving the earnest consid- 
 eration of the nations, and indications pointing to the ultimate adoption 
 of a policy of material retrenchment in military expenditures, the question 
 naturally arises as to the probable effect upon future activities at Rock 
 Island Arsenal. 
 
 Main entrance gate at west end of Islantl.
 
 10 
 
 ROCK ISLAND A R S E N A L
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 11
 
 Location and Advantages 
 
 (^^^lOCK ISLAND ARSKNAL occupies an island in the Mississippi 
 ^np river lying on the Illinois side of the channel between Rock Island 
 - ^ and Moline, 111., and Davenport, Iowa. The tract comprises 896.62 
 ^-^ acres of almost level land, all but a small part lying well above high 
 '^-' ''^'^ ' , water mark. The name was derived from the island's bed of lime- 
 stone, into which the stream has cut on all sides, leaving projecting ledges 
 exposed to view. This stone not only adds a picturesque effect, but lying 
 near the surface, it furnishes an ideal foundation for the heavy construction 
 required in an institution of this kind. The natural beauty of the spot has 
 been commented upon from the days of the earliest white settlers. It is 
 exceeded at but few points in the middle west. 
 
 Being located on an island used almost exclusively for its purposes and 
 all owned and controlled by the War Department, the Arsenal is set apart 
 by nature from the surrounding c(»mmunity and is easily guarded and 
 singularly free of danger from maciiinations of enemy agents in time 
 of war. Its central location is of the utmost strategic value, since it is 
 practically inaccessible to an outside enemy from any possible point of 
 invasion, and it is in position to forward military supplies with equal 
 facility to all national frontiers, east, west, north, south. Its transporta- 
 tion resources include three great railroad systems that spread a network 
 over the middle section of the country, with through service to the Pacific 
 and direct connections to the Atlantic and (lulf coasts. These systems 
 have several local branches and there arc. in addition, lines tapping two 
 other trans-continental systems crossing tlic ri\er within a radius of 50 
 miles. 
 
 Water transportation facilities are e.xccptional. including the great 
 Mississippi and its navigable branches, giving access to the (lulf of 
 Mexico and much of the interior of the country, and canal connections, 
 about to be much inijjroved, oi)ening the way to the (ireat Lakes and thence 
 out to the sea. 
 
 Location of the Arsenal, in short, is such that ni.mufacturing may be 
 conducted and war equi])ment stored with a mininnnn risk, while, when 
 need arises, supplies may be distributed to all parts of the country with a 
 maximum of efTiciency and speed. 
 
 The Arsenal is practically a complete unit in meeting the nation's 
 military needs. Its storehouses contain everything, with a few exceptions, 
 that the soldier uses in modern warfare, and its shops make the vast
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 13 
 
 majority of the articles included. At no other place in the country is the 
 variety of production so broad and the output so extensive, when in full 
 operation. 
 
 As far as it is practicable to make it. the Arsenal is independent of 
 the civil community surrounding it. It has its own water power plant, 
 which is sufticient for ordinary needs. In an emergency it can buy power 
 in any quantity. There is also boiler capacity on the island sufficient to 
 meet present requirements, and wanting only installation of engines and 
 electrical equipment. Development of the water power has been largely 
 incidental with the government project for the improving of the Rock Island 
 rapids for purposes of navigation. The hydro-electric plant has a rated 
 capacity of 4,400 horse-power, while the eight steam boilers are capable 
 of developing 4,000 horse-power. The Arsenal has its own water and sewer 
 systems and a complete and modern fire fighting equipment, manned by 
 experts. Shipping facilities include no less than 15.6 miles of railroad 
 track, covering the shop and storehouse districts and giving means of 
 quick and economical handling of all materials. There are 23 miles of 
 of wagon roads. 9.4 miles of which are permanently improved. There are 
 quarters for the housing of officers and enlisted men, a hospital, cafeteria 
 and buildings for recreation and welfare work among both service men and 
 civil employes. 
 
 Facilities for testing field equipment made and assembled at Rock 
 Island Arsenal were made complete by the purchase and improvement of 
 an extensive tract for proving grounds. These lie near Savanna, 111., 60 
 miles north. The project was begun in 1917, and includes large storehouses, 
 erected since the World War, and used for housing vast quantities of 
 the heavier kinds of war material. 
 
 Rock Island, Illinois, is the Arsenal postoffice, and express, freight and 
 telephone business is also handled through that city. 
 
 Valuations placed upon the Arsenal, its equipment, and material stored 
 there run into large figures. Here are the latest estimates under the head- 
 ings given : 
 
 Permanent buildings $ 18,005,730.00 
 
 Temporary buildings 304,795.00 
 
 Machinery and equipment 19,627,709.00 
 
 Railroad trackage (including bridges) 3,571.500.00 
 
 Roads and walks (including bridges other than 
 
 • railroad) 300,000.00 
 
 Grounds (including all fences and improvements) 4,0(X),000.00 
 
 Sewer and water distributing system 1.301,600.00 
 
 Light, heat and power distributing system 1.457,(X)0.00 
 
 Military stores 299^235, 384.00 
 
 Stored raw material 11,485,132.(X) 
 
 Total $359,288,850.00
 
 Record During the World War 
 
 O adeiiualc idea df what Unck Island Arsenal aceomplislicd during 
 the World War can he i^ained trcni mere statistics. Neither can 
 the record of any one department, nor, indeed, of several depart- 
 ments, be taken as indicati\e of the extent of the aid s:iven the 
 ii^overnment ni its military effort. To start with, the new methods 
 of tight mg and the vastly increased scope of activities involved — all com- 
 ing with such sur])rising suddenness — found the Arsenal, like the rest of 
 ihe country, laboring under the handicap of unpreparedness. New ma- 
 chinery and to(ds, new manufacturing specifications, were required, and 
 new buildings were needed to meet the necessity of immediate expansion. 
 Under the fearful pressure of a great emergency activities were begun 
 or speeded up in a m^'riad of directions. \\'ith all jiossible haste the 
 force of workers was increased, ultimately reaching ten times the number 
 
 BiiUlinf; rl.-Htru.li.,n in llir (,,riM ..f „,allrii Irinilr luol. wlii.li i~ lu-ln^r |..,ii,.-.l iiil.. Ii.nul/.r -li.-ll-. 
 
 em])loyed normally before the war. Leaders were selected from among 
 the experienced and skillecl artisans already engaged in Arsenal ])r. iduction, 
 and thus was created the nucleus of the augmented organization. 
 
 Supplies already un hand and constantly being received from \arious 
 sources were distributed, experimental work conducted, standardized tools 
 made and forwarded to ])rivate manufacturers to enable them to turn out 
 war material, schools of instruction for workers in pri\rite factories and 
 also for soldiers untaught in the use of modern weapons were organized, 
 contracts let for a vast expansion of luanufacturing and storage facilities 
 at the Arsenal and a great deal of other work undertaken with the least 
 possible delay.
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 15 
 
 Obviously, it was impossible for maximum shop production to be 
 attained at once in all lines of work, and so the total output during the 
 war of some varieties of finished work may seem small. That, however, 
 is of minor importance. The significant fact is that the Arsenal was the 
 key to a great part of the military production of the country, organizing 
 and directing it and supplying its standards. Deprived of its aid, the 
 country would have required much more time than it took to get on a 
 war-producing basis. As a result of what was done during and immedi- 
 ately after the war, the Arsenal is relatively much better fitted than ever to 
 cope with any similar situation that may develop in the future. 
 
 In the absence of anything more impressive to show how production 
 was accelerated, it is necessary to resort to figures relating to expendi- 
 tures and number of employes. 
 
 Analysis shows that during the period from August, 1914. when the 
 European nations began fighting, until xA-pril, 1917, when the United States 
 
 III 
 
 *^ ^ 
 
 > 
 
 isrnini 
 
 
 t * » » 
 
 iti-adv to be issue<l to the 
 
 entered the struggle, the total expenditures at Rock Island Arsenal was 
 $11,759,935.90, of which purchases amounted to $7,115,849.53 and labor 
 $4,644,086.37. The aAcrage monthly expenditure during this period was 
 $222,370.29 for purchases and $145,127.69 for labor, or a total average 
 expenditure for each of the thirty-two months preceding the entry of the 
 United States into the war of $347,497.98. 
 
 But in striking contrast to these amounts are the figures for the period 
 this country was in the war. The total amount then expended for purchases 
 and labor was $58,587,390.18, and this was divided thus: Purchases, $42,- 
 466,874.67; labor, $17,120,515.51. The average expenditure per month was 
 $3,077,861.05, and of this average $2,193,536.91 was for purchases and
 
 16 ROCK I S L A X D A R S li X A L 
 
 $884,324.14 for labor. It must be understood, however, that these figures are 
 for the manufacturing de])artment of the Arsenal, and do not include the 
 huge sums expended for labor and material by the construction companies 
 at work there. 
 
 For some time prior to the outbreak of the World \\'ar in 1914, the 
 employees at Rock Island Arsenal totaled approximately 1800 men and 
 175 women, the latter all office workers, typists and stenographers. From 
 that time until the spring of 1916 there was little tendency to increase 
 the number of workers, but the disturbance on the Mexican border started 
 increased activities at the Arsenal, and by July 1. 1916. there had been 
 added to the force about 100 men and 25 women, the latter still being 
 confined to clerical positions. From then until the United States entered 
 the war, employees were added at the rate of about 200 per month, and 
 on April 6. 1917. there were employed 3.600 men with 300 women office 
 workers. 
 
 High speed and maximum production then became the watchword, 
 and employees were added at a rate close to 250 or 300 each month. On 
 December 31. 1917. the total was 6.100 men. and 375 women office workers; 
 and on May 31. 1918. this total was increased to 8.926 men. and 450 women 
 office workers. As a new departure. al)out 100 women shop workers had 
 also been employed. The first of these were taken on May 20, 1918, and 
 when the Armistice was signed somewhere near 1,500 women were em- 
 ployed in the shops. 
 
 The following table shows the increase in the number of employees 
 during the war period : 
 
 Men Wdnien 
 
 August. 1914 1.800 175 
 
 July, 1916 1,900 200 
 
 April, 1917 3,600 300 
 
 January, 1918 6.100 376 
 
 May, 1918 8.926 450 
 
 July, 1918 10.268 572 
 
 August, 1918 11.244 722 
 
 September. 1918 11.899 902 
 
 October, 1918 12.342 1.227 
 
 November. 1918 13,361 1.417 
 
 Succeeding chapters deal in order with the detailed record of pro- 
 duction during the war, the construction jirogram made necessary by the 
 war's demand, manner in which workers were found and trained, the 
 military personnel and means taken to guard the Arsenal. 
 
 AMERICAX ARTILLERY THK MOST EFFECTI\'E 
 IN THE WORLD 
 
 Artillery developed by the United States Army Ordnance Corps, like 
 the small arm. has no equal in range and effectiveness. This was true during
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 17 
 
 the World War, and it is true today. Comparisons that may be readily com- 
 prehended are presented in the accompanying diagrams. Range of guns of 
 American, French and German make used during the war, and approximately 
 equal in bore and weight of projectile, are shown in light, medium and 
 howitzer types. Development of the American gun as represented in the 
 1920 4.7 model over the 1906 model, Avhich was the best we had during the 
 war, is also indicated. Carriages and other ecjuipment for all the American 
 guns included are made and assembled at Rock Island Arsenal. 
 
 COMPARISON OF LIGHT FIELD ARTILLERY 
 
 Weight of projectile — U. S. gun, 15 pounds; French gun, 12.2 pounds; 
 German gun, 14.96 pounds. 
 
 T snn. GUN li _ 
 — -=-^. 
 
 COMPARISON OF MEDIUM FIELD ARTILLERY 
 
 Weight of projectile — U. S. gun, 95 pounds; French gun, 95 pounds; 
 German gun, 86.9 pounds. 
 
 COMPARISON OF MEDIUM HOWITZERS 
 
 Weight of projectile — U. S. gun, 95 pounds; French gun, 95 pounds 
 German gun, 86.9 pounds.
 
 18 
 
 ROCK ISLAND A R S K N A L 
 
 DEVELOPMENT OF UNITED STATES FIELD GUN 
 
 W'cij^ht of projectile — U. S. model 1906. 45 iioiinds; U. S. model 1920, 
 50 pounds ; German gun. 36 pounds. 
 
 / 1 1 ^.-« -^^^^ 
 
 'B 1 1 n 
 
 jiiiiiiilli 
 
 1 » m- 
 
 Storehouse W-l above, an<l group of original shops below, rontrasling new and ol<l types of ronstruition.
 
 Main Items of Production 
 
 RINCIPAL articles manufactured at the Arsenal during the war 
 were artillery vehicles, recoil cylinders, artillery wheels, spoke 
 shoes and spoke shoe plates, artillery harness, arm repair chests, 
 rifles, loaded shells and personal equipment items, in addition to 
 test tool sets furnished to other manufacturing; firms throug-hout the 
 
 country. 
 
 The harness manufacturing department was the greatest and most 
 completely equipped in the world. Up to August 1, 1918, all the artillery 
 harness supplied to the United States forces was manufactured here. 
 Between April 6, 1917, and November 15, 1918, 24,212 sets of artillery harness 
 were manufactured and 74,207 sets were assembled. In 1920 the harness 
 department was taken out of the hands of the Ordnance Department and 
 placed in charge of the Quartermaster's Department, making necessary its 
 removal from this Arsenal. It was transferred to the depot at JeiTersonville, 
 Indiana. \Mth the coming of motorized artillery and transport, use of har- 
 ness and saddles has come to ])lay a relatively unimportant part in army 
 equipment. 
 
 Manufacturing of rifles was one of the principal industries at the 
 Arsenal. During practically the entire period in which this country was 
 involved in hostilities 3,500 men and women were employed in the small 
 arms plant. In that time there were manufactured or furnished as repair 
 parts an equivalent of approximately 113,670 rifles, model of 1903. High 
 water mark was reached in (Jctober, 1918, when parts sufticient to make 
 30,455 complete arms were made. 
 
 In round numbers, 790,000 complete sets of personal equipment for 
 the soldier were produced during the period of hostilities. The largest 
 single item was bacon cans, 1,512,190 of them. There were included 354,770 
 knives, 649,457 canteen covers, 858,344 haversacks and 400,256 pack carriers. 
 
 Among the larger items of production in heavier ordnance stores were 
 159 75mm. gun carriages. Unofficial reports also include 194 4.7-inch gun 
 carriages, six 3-inch gun carriages and two 6-inch howitzer carriages. Gun 
 caissons made numbered 121 and gun and forge limbers 446. There were 
 also 255 battery and store wagons turned out. This Arsenal furnished to the 
 Supply Department and to various other manufacturing concerns 264 4.7-inch 
 recoil cylinders, complete. The supply division and outside contractors 
 received from the Arsenal during this time 9,718 artillery wheels, all of 
 which were manufactured here. The same disposition was made of 218,650 
 spoke shoe plates, also produced at this place.
 
 20 
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 :^^ii|*^W 
 
 
 [iiiPlBL,,.., 
 
 
 i 
 
 w 
 
 AcrM and acres ol storehouses are packed with guns and carriages, the lighter parts being 
 racked up in tiers several deep.
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 21 
 
 There were manufactured and assembled during the period of hostili- 
 ties 13,241 arm repair chests, and 167,195 155mm. howitzer shells were loaded, 
 without adapters and boosters. 
 
 In March, 1918, two 75mm. gun carriages were manufactured. The 
 same number was turned out in April. In May production increased to 
 sixteen, in June to twenty, with twenty-two in July, twenty-three in August, 
 twenty-eight in September and forty-six in October. The 4.7-inch gun 
 carriages reached maximum production in September, when fifty-eight 
 were manufactured. Out of 194 which had been made at this Arsenal after 
 the declaration of war, 183 were turned out after January. 1918. 
 
 A comparative statement of production at this Arsenal during the last 
 year of the war indicates that at the time the armistice was signed the 
 establishment was just reaching a point where maximum production could 
 be attained. 
 
 Reduced to figures, the expenditures made at Rock Island Arsenal and 
 the work done during the war may l^e summarized as follows: 
 
 Appropriated for Arsenal $108,955,974.07 
 
 Revoked 19.612,133.48 
 
 Spent at Arsenal during war.... 89,343,840.59 
 
 Purchases and making war materials..... 66,526,540.31 
 
 Paid to labor _ _ 17,120,515.51 
 
 New buildings, machinery, etc... 17,341,487.69 
 
 Spent on Savanna Proving Grounds 1,560,000.00 
 
 Average monthly expenditure.. 3,077,861.05 
 
 Numl^er of employees August, 1914 1,975 
 
 Numl)er of employees, July, 1916 — 2.100 
 
 Number of employees November. 1918 14,778 
 
 Number of French 75mm. gun carriages made 159 
 
 Other gun carriages made..... 202 
 
 Forge limbers made 446 
 
 Battery and store wagons made 255 
 
 4.7 recoil cylinders completed 264 
 
 Artillery wheels made -. 9,718 
 
 Spoke shoes and spoke shoe plates 218,650 
 
 Sets artillery harness made 24,212 
 
 Sets artillery harness assembled 74,207 
 
 Arm repair chests 13,241 
 
 Rifles. Model 1905. made 113,670 
 
 155mm. howitzer shells loaded 167,195 
 
 Bacon cans made 1,512,190 
 
 Knives made 354,770 
 
 Canteen covers made 649,457 
 
 Haversacks made 858,344 
 
 Pack carriers made.... 400,256 
 
 Subscribed for bonds and war charities... $4,000,000.00 
 
 In addition to the usual work of the Arsenal involving the manufacture 
 and issue of stores, there devolved upon it at the outbreak of the war new 
 duties in connection with the education of prospective bidders on ordnance
 
 22 
 
 R ( ) C K 
 
 I S I. A X 1) A R S 1-. X A L 
 
 materials. The heavy demands made upon the government for equipment 
 occasioned l)y the rapid mobilization of troops necessitated the placing with 
 private manufacturers contracts for large quantities of personal and horse 
 equipments, with the manufacture of which the great majority of contractors 
 were unfamiliar. At the time the first contracts were placed over 600 
 persons, representing over 200 firms engaged in various activities, received 
 information at the Arsenal in person pertaining to ordnance material. 
 These firms were furnished over 1.000 samples and more than 20.000 draw- 
 ings, route sheets, assembly charts, etc., to aid them in the manufacture of 
 the equipment called for under their contracts. 
 
 \'arious schools, known as the Motor Instruction Section. Supply Sec- 
 tion, American Ordnance Base Depot in France, and Machine ( iun Section, 
 
 WALNLT FOR GLNST()C;KS IN STORAGt. 
 
 ey was made by the War Department while hostilities were in progress to discover all available sourres of siipplii 
 ■Inut. Seasoned walnut in quantities sufficient to equip millions of rifles is now on hand at Rock Island Arsenal. 
 
 were established at the Arsenal, to which were assigned many utihcers and 
 enlisted men for the purpose of receiving instruction in various duties to 
 fit them for work in the field or at the front. The number assigned throughout 
 the year varied, averaging, approxirrately, 1,2C0 enlisted men and 150 
 officers. 
 
 Aside from the actual work in the shops for the production of war 
 material, employees of Rock Island Arsenal hung up a record for war
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 23 
 
 service that has not been surpassed by any manufacturing plant in the country 
 in proportion to size. After the declaration of war they subscribed the 
 enormous sum of $4,000,000.00 to the various war charities and to the Liberty 
 bond issues. The bonds, of course, constituted the principal investment of 
 the workers, sales totaling $3,050,000.00. The Red Cross campaigns netted 
 more than $11,000.00, the Salvation Army $10,000.00 and the Allied war 
 drive 20,000.00. The sale of War Savings and Thrift Stamps, of which no 
 record has been kept, brings the total well over the four million mark. 
 
 f- 
 
 • 
 
 n 
 
 n 
 
 \j^ 
 
 Commandant's Headquarters.
 
 Vast Program of Construction 
 
 %^^ 
 
 OCK ISLAND ARSENAL was literally transformed by construc- 
 tion projects undertaken immediately prior to. during, and just 
 following the period in which this country was involved in the 
 kr^ World War. One familiar with the premises before that con- 
 flict would scarcely recognize them after the work was completed. 
 All cunstruction was done under high pressure, but most of it was of a 
 permanent character and detracts nothing from the impression of dura- 
 bility, as well as of architectural beauty and practical utility which the 
 institution always has given the visitor. 
 
 Several months before this country actually declared war, congress, 
 yielding to the urgent recommendations of the War Department, provided 
 for some minor extensions of the Arsenal plant. This work was only fairly 
 started when the country entered the struggle, and from that time until 
 after the close of hostilities the Arsenal grounds were literally alive with 
 construction forces of every description, and new structures sprang up 
 as if by magic. Work was done under contract, some on a lump sum and 
 some on a cost plus basis, with the exception of a number of storehouses 
 built by the Arsenal organization after the close of hostilities and needed 
 to shelter the immense quantity of war material returning from the armies 
 in France and from the training camps in this country. 
 
 Much additional shop room was needed, and. all told, the additions to 
 the plant amounted to more than one and one-half millions of feet of floor 
 space, costing more than seven millions of dollars. Chief among the new 
 structures built for manufacturing uses were the artillery vehicle plant and 
 the artillery ammunition assembling ])lant. The former consists of a main 
 erection shop 120 .\ 605 feet, with three wings, each 80x200 feet, and all 
 four stories high. The latter is 360x400 feet, in three sections, one three 
 stories, one two and the other one story in height. The ammunition as- 
 sembling plant cost $2,093,000 and the artillery vehicle i)lant $2,225,000. 
 Both are of reinforced concrete construction. 
 
 As output increased, storage space. l)oth for raw material and com- 
 pleted goods, became totally inadequate, and steps were taken at once to 
 supply the deficiency. All told, nearly one and one-half million feet of 
 additional floor si)ace were provided at a cost of more than three millions 
 of dollars. Chief among these projects were thirty ammunition storehouses, 
 each 50x200 feet, and costing together $490,000; eight vehicle storage 
 buildings aggregating 452.500 feet of space and costing $865,000. and what 
 is designated as Storage Building W-I. which is 140x540 feet, six stories 
 high, and cost $1,560,000.
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 25 
 
 Of course much miscellaneous construction was necessary. A central 
 steam heating plant was built at a cost of $610,000. The hydro-electric 
 plant was enlarged and modernized at a cost of $748,000. Additional bar- 
 racks, offices, a cafeteria, hospital and other buildings, mostly of a tempo- 
 rary character, were provided. 
 
 The chronological order in which the various projects were undertaken, 
 names of contractors and other information in connection with them are 
 summarized in the following: 
 
 BUILDINGS AND PROJECTS SINCE 1916 
 
 In the fall of 1916 a high steel tank for the water supply of the Arsenal 
 Avas started by the Rock Island Bridge and Iron Works, but little was 
 accomplished before the next year, in February, when work was resumed. 
 The tank was completed November 22, 1917, although its use began on 
 September 25, 1917. 
 
 .1 llie lar".-st cf til. 
 
 January 8, 1917, a lump sum contract was awarded to the Heman Con- 
 struction Company, of St. Louis, for the erection of seven nitrate and eight 
 ammunition storehouses. These have stuccoed tile walls, steel trusses, 
 slate roofs, concrete floor and platforms and also necessary trackage. Work
 
 26 ROCK I S I. A X D A R S E X A L 
 
 started February 12. 1917. and on February 1. 1918. it was turned over to 
 the Stone & Webster Corporation, then engaged on other work on the 
 Island. This work was completed June 12. 1918. 
 
 About tliis time a temporary wire fence was erected around the Arsenal 
 shops, this work being installed by tlie ( )utside Department of the Arsenal. 
 
 January 6. 1917. a lump sum contract was awarded Lovell & Co.. of 
 Minneapolis. Minn., for the erection of one vehicle storehouse (now des- 
 ignated as Storehouse "I"), a concrete and steel construction building. 
 This was completed November 23. 1917. 
 
 April 14. 1917. the St. Paul Foundry Co. started work on an addition 
 to the steel lumber shed, let under a lump sum contract and completed 
 December 5. 1917. 
 
 April 16, 1917. the Ammunition Assembling Plant (Shop "M"), a re- 
 inforced Concrete structure, was started by the \\*estinghouse-Church-Kerr 
 Company. X^ew York, on a cost i)lus 10 per cent basis. This work 
 included, also, 13 storehouses for explosives, a T. X. T. loading building, 
 incinerator, railroad trackage and rt^ads. These l)uildings were partially 
 occupied on February 9. 1918. and beginning about February 15. 1918. a 
 battalion of the Tenth U. S. Infantry was tem])orarily quartered in the 
 ammunition assembling building, temporary plumbing having been installed 
 in the same. r)ther buildings erected l)y the Westinghouse-Church-Kerr 
 Company were : 
 
 Temporary P>arracks '"B" begun 9-24-17. completed 11-27-17 
 
 Temporary Barracks "C" begun 12-17-17, completed 1-15-18 
 
 Storehouse "B.\" begun 10-23-17, completed 11-30-17 
 
 Dry Kiln (Wheel Stock) begun 11- 5-17, completed 11-30-17 
 
 Dry Kiln ( Ciun Stock) begun 12-12-17. completed 7- 1-18 
 
 Temporary (iarage and Testing 
 
 Labratory .begun 2-15-17. completed 4- 4-18 
 
 Post Exchange and Y. M. C. A begun 4- 1-18. completed 4-23-18 
 
 This firm also installed the plumbing in the present Shops "B". "D". 
 and "F". which was comjjleted August 10, 1918. 
 
 Ma}- 9, 1917. Henry Kohlsaat started work on a non-commissioned 
 officers' quarters, of brick and wo(td. 
 
 The building of the assembling ])lant by the Westinghouse-Church- 
 Kerr Company necessitated the relocation of the street car track by the Tri- 
 City Railway Company, started June 12. 1917. completed October 31. 1917. 
 
 Barracks "A", started June 17. 1917. was completed |ulv 17. 1917. 
 This work was done by Arsenal forces. This building was later transformed 
 into a hospital for enlisted men. 
 
 June 21. 1917. Stone c^ Webster started building t>perations for the 
 Field and Siege Building (Shop "M"). a reinforced concrete structure, on
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 27 
 
 the cost plus 5 per cent basis, and made a record-breaking time in progress, 
 completing the work August 15, 1918. The building was partially occupied 
 December 19, 1917. This project includes a duct line from the old tunnel 
 to building. Other buildings built by Stone & Webster are: 
 
 B-D Connection Started 7- 1-17, completed 5-24-18 
 
 G-I Connection .....Started 9-17-17, completed 6- 1-18 
 
 H-K Connection Started 10-24-17, completed 5-24-18 
 
 A-C Connection ..Started 11-24-17. completed 7-14-18 
 
 Central Heating Plant ...Started 7-21-17, completed 7-31-18 
 
 Boilers placed". _ Started 11-28-17, completed 7-31-18 
 
 All these l^uildings were fire-proof construction, and the connections 
 were all stone faced to match the present Arsenal shops. August 15, 1917, 
 the first nitrate was shipped to this post, and this was unloaded by Stone 
 & Webster into an old storehouse, and later, by the same firm, unloaded 
 by trucks and chutes into the nitrate storehouses started by the Hemen 
 Co. and completed by Stone &: A\>1)ster June 12, 1918. 
 
 Typical shop inlerior, being the craneway in the field and siege building. 
 
 The Stone & Webster Co. also installed a new floor on the Moline 
 bridge, September 7, 1918, to September 22, 1918; built the Plating and 
 Tinning Shop, of fire-proof construction, starting March 18, 1918, com- 
 pleting August 1, 1918; Storehouse "MA", started December 13, 1917, 
 and completed April 9, 1918; Gun-Stock Dry Kiln addition, started June
 
 28 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 24, 1918, and completed December 3, 1918. This company also repaired 
 stone cornices, remodelled old coal shed into a paint shop, and did consider- 
 able plumbing and heating in all shops from time to time. 
 
 The contract for the erection of ati Ice Making Plant was awarded 
 the Frazier & Davis Co.. of Rock Island, on a lump sum contract; 
 started June 17. 1917. finished October 4. 1917. Tliis company later in- 
 stalled a new filtration bed. sedimentation basin, etc.. on a lump sum con- 
 tract, starting March 11. 1918. and finishing August 8. 1918. They also 
 placed new gas mains at various points, starting May 15. 1918, completing 
 August 6. 1918; remodelled the front of the fire station, starting August 15, 
 1918. completing October 15. 1918. i)lacing a new sidewalk and driveway 
 in connection therewith. 
 
 On June 25, 1917. the Artinir Neuman Co.. of Des Moines, Iowa, 
 started an addition to Stone Barracks on a lump sum contract, finishing 
 May 15, 1918. 
 
 The Central Engineering Co., of Davenport, Iowa, was awarded a 
 contract for sub-structure of the addition to the Water Power Dam, on 
 a unit price basis, started July 31, 1917. They were later awarded a super- 
 structure of brick and steel construction on a lump sum basis, started 
 August 5. 1918, completed December 2, 1918. They later contracted for 
 taking out the old cofiferdam and old dam. 
 
 On February 18, 1918. the Walsh Construction Company, of Davenport, 
 Towa, started on several projects under a cost plus 7 per cent contract: 
 
 Office Building No. 2 Started 4-18-18. finished 5-15-18 
 
 Bakery Started 4-22-18. finished 5-20-18 
 
 Civilian Hospital Started 4-23-18, finished 6-15-18 
 
 A\'ard and Isolation Hospital Started 4-23-18. finished 6-15-18 
 
 Remodelled Barracks "B" Started 5-17-17. finished 6-24-18 
 
 Remodelled Barracks "C" Started 6- 1-18. finished 7- 1-18 
 
 Remodelled Y. M. C. A Started 6- 1-18. finished 7- 1-18 
 
 Five Vehicle Storehouses Started 2-18-18. finished 9- 7-18 
 
 Concrete General Storage Bldg Started 2-18-18. finished 3- 1-19 
 
 With the excei)tion of the \'ehicle Storehouses and Cieneral Storage 
 Buildings, these buildings were of frame and of a more or less temporary 
 nature. 
 
 Before building operations could be made possible, it was necessary, 
 in most cases, especially at the southwestern and northwestern parts of 
 the Island, to clear the land from trees, as a large portion of these sections 
 were well wooded with trees ranging from three feet in diameter to brush 
 size. Also land levels had to be graded to suit conditions, roads had to be 
 built, and at many parts of the Island proper drainage facilities had to be 
 effected. Considerable excavating was especially necessary at the grounds 
 of the General Storehouse, W-L, as will be seen under that heading.
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 29 
 
 In general, Rock Island Arsenal is laid, as the name implies, on an 
 island of rock, crusted with its own disintegrated, eroded and finely 
 pulverized deposits, this intermixed with sedimentary organic substances, 
 mostly of a vegetable character. The rock, like that of nearly all of this 
 part of the United States, is a lime-stone, partially oolitic, but mostly 
 
 ^l„.|. li, .■,|u,|,|,.-,l r,„ ll„. 
 supplying steam 
 
 :i. 1,11.- nl ,f, iip.ralors. Brl,,w. .\,-w St.-aiu H.-alillf: I'lanl. li..u>.int: l.i.ll.- 
 nt in quantity and pressure to operate tlie niacliinery of the Arsenal, 
 serving as an auxiliary to the water power. 
 
 sedimentary, extremely finely grained. Outcrop of the rock has been en- 
 countered at nearly all parts of the Island, but an average of three feet of 
 excavation is necessary in order to reach its bed. At various parts of 
 the Island, especially the western part along Main a\enue. rock was not 
 encountered at over six feet depth of excavation, and in the south center, 
 near Storehouse "G", thirty foot tests were made to reach rock. This has 
 led, therefore, to the policy, for each project, of establishing rock grade at 
 the site of buildings by digging to or sounding rock. 
 
 The entire sewage from the Rock Island Arsenal is drained through 
 sanitary drains of vitrified tile, of concrete and of brick. At a point in 
 the basement of Shops "A" and "B" there is a 24-inch brick arched sewer
 
 30 ROCK 1 S L A X D A R S E N A L 
 
 extending east to the intersection of Shops "H" and "K", and all the 
 temporary barracks on East avenue, thence south on Fourth street to the 
 center of Fourth street and South avenue, where the laterals from Shops 
 "A", "C". "IC", "G". "I", Storehouse "A" and the main (iuard House are 
 connected. From this intersection the main 36-inch sewer is laid in a 
 diagonal line to the power house tail race, into which it empties about 
 100-feet south of the power house. It also takes the sewage from the 
 Truck (iarage and the Temporary Testing Laboratory. 
 
 In August of 1917 the Stone & \\'ebster Company constructed a 30- 
 inch vitrified tile sewer to the Artillery \'ehicle Plant, draining surface 
 water from the low ground around the I'owder and Fulminate Caves, the 
 sewage from the Ammunition Assembling Plant, the Central Heating Plant 
 and the new Cafeteria. This is a very good and properly constructed sewer, 
 all laid in a graded trench with iron-covered man-holes at intervals of 
 400 feet. 
 
 The west end of the Island is drained through a sanitary sewer in- 
 stalled in 1918 by the Walsh Construction Co. The sewage disposal from 
 the six-story Storage Building drains ofT to the northeast through a six- 
 teen-inch tile sewer and connects to the thirty-six inch just southwest of 
 the Connnanding Officer's quarters. Man-holes are provided in appropriate 
 places, with a perforated iron cover. 
 
 The ujjper or east part of the Island is drained by a surface drain 
 which empties into the water power ])ool about 3.000 feet from the Power 
 House. 
 
 The Steel Storage Building, built l)y Stone 6c Webster, is located at 
 the west end of the Field and Siege Building (Shop M). is a one-story 
 steel-framed building on concrete ff»imdation. and with an outside concrete 
 wall to the height of the lower window sills. The superstructure walls are 
 of hollow tile, plastered on the outside. The front walls of the building 
 are entirely of concrete, to match the architecture of the Field and Siege 
 Building as viewed from the Main avenue. The roof is of wood, supported 
 on steel trusses. The building is 107 feet wide and 322 feet long, with a 
 row of steel columns down the center. Two crane-ways are provided for, 
 running the whole length of the building, one on each side of the center 
 row of columns. 
 
 The new Cafeteria building is of frame on concrete foundation, 96 
 feet by 256 feet, and contains a men's dining room at the east end, 
 ladies' dining room and officers' dining room at the west end. and kitchen 
 and store room in the center. It is designed for serving meals on the 
 cafeteria plan. A small cellar for storage is provided. The building is 
 constructed with 6-inch studding, sheathing and drop siding and has a 
 monitor 32-feet wide down the center. The floors are maple. The inside 
 walls are finished with yellow pine sheathing and the ceiling with wall
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 31 
 
 board. At one end there is a cement floor porch 20 feet by 40 feet, en- 
 closed, for the sale of candy and cigars. The service ecjuipment was furnish- 
 ed by Albert Pick Co., of Chicago, but was installed by Stone & Webster, 
 Avho also installed the plumbing and heating. The electric lighting was 
 also installed by Stone & Webster, and a refrigerator plant for cooling 
 three boxes — meat, dairy and vegetable, and drinking water — has been 
 installed in the basement. About 2000 feet of dining tables were assembled. 
 All the kitchen, refrigerating and service counter ecjuipment was bought 
 
 ■JSKi^|p>«^ 
 
 *—- ff ■ ■ ■ B Bags 
 
 .11 iB 
 
 Shop L is also an imposing structure. Here are two views of it. 
 
 by the government and installed by Stone & Webster. The building re- 
 quired approximately 275,000 board feet of lumber. Work was started 
 October 1, 1918, and the first meal was served January 6. 1919. 
 
 The Parkerizing Plant is a frame building with concrete floor on 
 concrete foundation, 36 feet wide by 76 feet long. Work was started 
 August 22, 1918, and completed October 17, 1918. 
 
 The first duct line built by Stone tS: Webster at the Arsenal ran from 
 the present service tunnel near East avenue, along the south side of the 
 old shops, and west to the new boiler house to Shop M. This duct line was 
 built to provide the light and power to Shop M and to the Ammunition 
 Assembling Plant south of the boiler house. The line consists of eight 3|/2-
 
 32 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 inch fibre duct, encased in concrete, with manholes approximately 300 feet 
 apart. Branches from this duct were constructed into the rear of the 
 south shops, where transformers were installed by the government. The 
 second duct line consisted of a continuation from the government service 
 tunnel west of Shop *'K", around the north side of the north shops, with 
 branches into the courts of the north shops, where transformers were also 
 to be installed. Cable was installed in these ducts so that high tension 
 current could be brought close to the shups. where it was to be transformed. 
 This work was com})leted during the summer of 1918. 
 
 A new concrete tunnel 4 feet by 4 feet 6 inches, containing an 8-inch 
 high pressure line and a 4-inch return line and 1 '/2-inch drip line, was 
 constructed b}- Stone t^ Webster from the Central Heating Plant to the 
 new W'arehinise \\'-I on Main avenue, to supply steam for heating that 
 building. This tunnel is ai)pr()ximately 1360 feet long. 
 
 A new S3stem of water mains for hre protection was designed by the 
 Maintenance Department at the Arsenal during the summer of 1918. This 
 system is designed for high pressure service (215 lbs. per square inch), 
 which is obtained by the installation of two pumps at the new Hydro- 
 Electric Power House. This system consists of class "F" cast iron water 
 pipes, ranging from 14 inches to 6 inches, and runs from the Power House 
 north along East avenue to Main avenue, west on Main avenue to a point 
 about 300 feet west of the Davenport gate. At the junction of Main and 
 West avenue there is a branch running north to the new temporary ottices 
 and a branch running south to connect with the present main at the Nitrate 
 Storehouses and the Ammunition Assembling Plant. There is also a main 
 south of the south shops from East to \\'est avenues. At the junction of 
 Main avenue and East avenue there is a branch running to the Hospital. 
 From the main south of the south shops there is a branch running to the 
 dry kilns. There is also an extension north from the main on Main avenue 
 running along the west side of the new warehouse, and extensions around 
 the Artillery \'ehicle Storehouses and the new Steel Warehouses north of 
 Main avenue. 
 
 The Main avenue line has also been extended, as contemplated in 
 the original scheme, to point opposite the old Arsenal Building. Ap- 
 proximately 19,600 lineal feet of pipe has been installed, and there are more 
 than 70 hydrants. All mains are laid so that there shall be a minimum of 
 five feet covering over the top. 
 
 The (jeneral Storage Building W-I was erected by Walsh Construction 
 Company. Plans and specifications were prepared by the Supply Division 
 of the Ordnance Department at Washington. D. C. This building covers 
 a ground area of about 96.000 square feet (including platforms) and has 
 a cubical content of about 5,496,000 cubic feet. No special difficulty was 
 encountered in the purchasing or delivery of materials. The arrival of
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 33 
 
 material being sufficiently in advance of work started not to delay normal 
 progress of work. Excavation was started March 4, 1918. The floor level 
 of the first floor was established about eight feet below the natural grade, 
 in order to obtain proper track grades. A most unusual condition of rock 
 grade was found, beds of shell rock, sometimes of considerable length 
 and thickness, were frequently encountered imbedded in clay, and very 
 accurate tests had to be made to determine whether bed rock had been 
 reached. The construction is reinforced concrete four-way flat slab, wnth 
 steel sash and frames. It is equipped with five elevators and one suspended 
 tray elevator, furnished by the Link-Belt Company, of Chicago. Provisions 
 were made for two other elevators. A feature of the building is the 
 three stationary spiral chutes, ten feet in diameter, carried from top floor 
 
 Artillery Vehicle Storehouses, covering many acres of gruuml near west end of the Islanil. 
 
 to first floor. This building cost twenty cents a cubic foot and $2.33 per 
 square foot of ground area. The plumbing and electrical work was in- 
 stalled by sub-contractors of the 'Walsh Construction Company, and the 
 heating was let under an emergency form of contract to the Henry Ewinger 
 Plumbing and Heating Company, of Burlington, Iowa, the Arsenal furnish- 
 ing the material. 
 
 OTHER BUILDING OPERATIONS 
 
 Vehicle Storage Buildings. — Plans and specifications were prepared 
 by the Supply Division, Ordnance Department, at Washington, D. C. 
 These buildings each cover an area of about 54,500 square feet, with the 
 exception of Number 9, which covers about 44,200 square feet of floor 
 area. Excavation was started September 15, 1918. The footings are of 
 rock, from three to seven feet below the surface, but no tests were made 
 as to whether the rock was bed rock or shell rock, as struck at the General 
 Storage Building W-I. These buildings cost about 12>^ cents per cubic 
 foot and about $1.99 per square foot of ground area. They are one-story 
 structures built of brick, wooden posts and griders and rafters. 
 
 North and South Avenue Paving. — Plans and specifications were pre- 
 pared by the Rock Island Arsenal Construction Department from sug-
 
 34 R O C K 1 s L A X D ARSENAL 
 
 gestions and data <^i\eii hy the Portland Cement Association, which co- 
 operated with the Arsenal by having a representative on the work during 
 a large part of the time. North avenue paving was already started before 
 the Construction Division took charge, and was. therefore, not rei)orted 
 with South avenue. Cost accounts were, however, handled by the Walsh 
 Construction Company as one job for the two avenues. 
 
 Motor Truck Ciarage. — Plans and specifications were prepared by the 
 Rock Island Arsenal Construction Department engineering forces, and 
 were completed about July 2, 1918; rock was struck close to the surface 
 on the north end. During the process of excavation, it was deemed 
 necessary to alter the position of the building as originally staked out. 
 and an extra of $565.00. ccnered by specifications, was allowed the contractor. 
 An extra of $175.00 was also allowed for column spirals, making the total 
 cost $32,000.00. This building has a ground area of 7.000 square feet and 
 a cubic area of 206.500 cubic feet. About 90 per cent of the material for 
 this building was bought locally. The remainder, steel frame work and 
 steel sash, was obtained from the Illinois Steel Company. Jacksonville. 
 Illinois, and the David Lupton Sons Company. Philadelphia. Pennsylvania. 
 
 Three steel frame warehouses were authorized in January. 1919. These 
 buildings are located adjacent to the vehicle storehouses on the north- 
 western part of the Island. Owing to the fact that a numljer of the former 
 Arsenal war workers were deprived of their j)ositions on account of the 
 signing of the Armistice, it was decided to erect these buildings with 
 Arsenal workmen, thereby giving emi)loyment to o\er three hundred and 
 sixty men at one time. These buildings ;jvere erected more econom- 
 ically than if let under a cost plus type of contract, as no overhead or 
 purchasing expense was necessary, this work being handled by the Purchas- 
 ing and Time Division of the Arsenal. 
 
 These warehouses were originally intended to be erected in France 
 for war purposes, and all the steel was fabricated and cut to the proper 
 lengths with all holes for connections drilled, and all that was necessary 
 was to erect the buildings in place. 
 
 WATICR SUPPLY. (IAS MAINS. ETC. 
 
 During the summer of 1918, to meet the demand for more filtered 
 water, there was installed a new filter bed, which has a capacity of 500,000 
 gallons of water per day. This gives now a total supply of 1,500,000 gallons 
 of filtered water i)er day of 24 hours. There was also installed at the filter 
 plant a high tank, which has a capacity of 300.000 gallons of water, and is 
 one hundred and twenty feet high from the ground line. All of 
 the water system is now supplied from this new high tank, which gives a 
 constant pressure of 55 lbs. at the base. 
 
 During the summer of 1918 a new ice plant, which has a 10-ton 
 refrigerating capacity, was jnit in service. The ice plant was used
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 35 
 
 principally for cooling drinking water to supply all the shops through 
 sanitary bubbling fountains. 
 
 During the summer of 1918 it was found, on account of the rapid 
 expansion of production in the shops, that the gas main supplying city 
 gas for furnaces, hardening, etc., was not large enough for the demand. 
 The old gas main location was from the Forty-second street bridge. Rock 
 Island, and through the new Nitrate Storage building site. This was 
 considered dangerous, in addition to its being too small. An allotment was 
 made to install a new 6-inch gas main from the Forty-second street bridge 
 in Rock Island, following the street car track around to the east of Shop 
 
 Kiiijioiai) Office Building No. 2. Il was necessary to provide quarters for hundreds of extra office workers during 
 the war. This is one of the buildings erected for that purpose. 
 
 "G" and then north to Shop "H". After this was completed the Arsenal 
 was then in a position to take care of all the furnaces that were required. 
 This gas is furnished by the Peoples Power & Light Company, of Moline, 
 and is metered in each shop. 
 
 In June, 1917, there was installed in the west wing of Shop "F" one 
 Sullivan high pressure air compressor. Previous to this time there were 
 only two small air compressors in service. These not being large enough 
 for war work, it was necessary to greatly increase the air capacity. There 
 were also installed in Shop "M" one high pressure Worthington air com- 
 pressor of 2500 feet capacity and one low pressure Worthington compressor 
 of 2800 feet capacity. It was found during the summer of 1918 that it 
 would be necessary to move the low pressure machine from Shop "M" 
 to Shop "F" to supply enough air for the additional furnaces installed in
 
 36 ROCK ISLAND ARSE X A L 
 
 this building. After this was done there was plenty of air to take care 
 of all requirements. 
 
 There are eight 500 horse power Babcock & Wilcox boilers, ar- 
 ranged in batteries of two units each. The eight boilers are served by 
 one stack. 12-foot inside diameter, and extending 210 feet above the grates. 
 The working steam pressure of the boilers is one hundred and fifty 
 pounds, and there are four four-inch Ashton safety valves on each boiler. 
 set at 150 pounds. Each boiler has 5.080 square feet heating surface. 252 
 four-inch tubes and 108 square feet of grate surface. 
 
 PROTECTIXE LIGHTING 
 
 A series incandescent light circuit was installed on the fence surrounding 
 the manufacturing shops and storehouses — one circuit for the Nitrate Store- 
 houses and one circuit for the Ammunition Plant. The illumination is such 
 that a guard patroling the fence is able to see the entire length, which is, 
 in some cases. 2.000 feet, approximately. Flood lamps were placed on the 
 power house, lighting the river on both the north and south sides. The 
 avenues are lighted with a series incandescent light circuit, eighty candle 
 power lamps being installed eA^fery two hundred feet. 
 
 "^or inter-communication between the various shops and departments, a 
 tiiree hundred line two-wire local battery automatic telephone ex- 
 change has been installed. This system not only takes care of the manu- 
 facturing shops and storehouses, but affords communication between the 
 outlying guard houses, pumping station and power houses. 
 
 An electric time system was installed in many of the departments, wliich 
 takes care of the job cards of the employees t)n piece and day work; 
 electric time recorders are also used for employees, registering their time 
 of arrival and departure. 
 
 An electric signal system, which consists of klaxons installed in each 
 =hop. are controlled by the master clock through a series of relays. These 
 klaxons are sounded automatically for the working hours of the shops. 
 
 On June 30. 1912. the following roads were in use on the reservation: 
 8.88 miles of macadam. 11.61 miles of cinder, 0.57 mile of taroid. 
 
 At the end of the fiscal year 1916-1917 the following roads were in 
 use: 5.27 miles macadam. 11.61 miles cinder. 4.21 miles taroid. 
 
 Roads on reservation in March. 1919, consisted of: 8.85 miles macadam, 
 5 miles taroid, 6 miles concrete, and 6.33 miles cinder. 
 
 At the beginning of the war there was 3.13 miles of railroad trackage 
 on the reservation. During the year 1918 approximately 16 miles of 
 finished track was laid, all light rails in the old tracks having been re- 
 placed with 80-pound rgils, switch lights installed, etc.
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 Z7 
 
 SUMMARY OF CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS COMPLETED AT 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL SINCE APRIL 7, 1917 
 
 Name of Project 
 
 Type of Construction 
 
 Purpose 
 
 
 
 Cost 
 
 Steel Water Su 
 Tank 
 
 ppiy 
 
 Steel, 300.000 gals, capacity 
 
 Water supply 
 
 % 
 
 21.400.00 
 
 Ice-Making Plant 
 
 Brick and concrete 
 
 Ice for shops 
 refrigeration 
 drinking wa 
 system 
 
 and 
 
 for 
 
 t er 
 
 
 24,500.00 
 
 Non -Commissioned 
 ficers Quarters 
 
 Of- 
 
 Hollow tile, stuccoed 
 
 Quarters for 
 Commissioned 
 ficers 
 
 Non- 
 Of- 
 
 
 10.600.00 
 
 Toilet Addition to Stone 
 Barracks 
 
 Stone building with reinforced 
 floors, slate roof 
 
 Toilet facilities for 
 Ordnance person- 
 nel 
 
 32,500.00 
 
 30 Nitrate and Ammuni- 
 tion Storehouses 
 
 Hollow tile, concrete construction. 
 Each building o0'x200'. Steel 
 trusses 
 
 Storage of sodium 
 nitrate and artil- 
 lery ammunition 
 
 490.000.00 
 
 Artillery Vehicle Store- 
 house 
 
 Reinforced concrete construction 
 2-story and attic; 53'xl40'. 
 
 Storage 
 veliicU' 
 
 .f artillery 
 
 31.330.00 
 
 Artillery Ammunition 
 Assemlily Plant 
 
 Keinforced concrete construction. 
 3C0'x400'; north section, 3 
 stories : east section. 2 stories ; 
 west section, 1 story; basement 
 under entire building 
 
 Assembly of artillery 
 ammunition 
 
 2,093,000.00 
 
 Wheel Stock Dry Kiln 
 
 Keinforced concrete and hollow 
 tile construction, 105'x207'. Con- 
 tains 27 Tiemann type kilns 
 
 Gun Stock Dry Kiln 
 
 Keinforced concrete and hollow 
 tile construction, 105'xll5'. Con- 
 tains 11 Tiemann type kilns 
 
 Drying wheel stoclv \ 
 
 Drying and season- 
 ing of gun stocks 
 
 Three (3) Lumber Slieds 
 
 Steel frame, slate roof ; each shed | 
 approximately 40'x240' I 
 
 S t o r a g e of gun 
 stocks and wheel 
 stock material 
 
 The cost of 
 these three 
 p r o j e cts is 
 approximate- 
 ly panneeoo.oo 
 
 Addition to Gun Stock 
 Dry Kiln 
 
 Keinforced concrete and hollow | 
 tile construction, 105'xl."i2'. Con- | 
 tains 17 Tiemann type Ivilus | 
 
 Drying and season- 
 ing of gun stocks 
 
 % 127.000.00 
 
 Artillery Vehicle Plant 
 
 Keinforced concrete construction. 
 Consists of Main Erection Shop 
 120'xU05', 4 stories ; 3 wings 
 each S0'x200', 4 stories and 
 basement ; and one story Forge 
 Shop, KJO'xlGO' 
 
 Manufacture of field I 
 artillery material I 
 
 4 Shop (Connections | 
 
 Keinforced concrete <'onstruction, 
 with stone veneered walls. Each 
 building GO'xOO', 2 stories, attic 
 and basement 
 
 Additional manufac- I 
 
 turing space. Small | 
 
 arms, harness, field | 
 
 artillery material, | 
 
 etc. 1 
 
 300.00(1.00 
 
 Central Steam Heatinj 
 Plant 
 
 Keinforced (oucrete construction. | Ileatiuf 
 containing eight 504 H. P. water building 
 
 tube boilers, automatic stokers, 
 etc. Stack 210' high, 12' dia. 
 
 of shop I 
 
 610.000.00 
 
 Steel Storage Building | 
 
 Keinforced concrete and hollow 
 tile construction, 10G'x320' 
 
 Storage of steel used 
 in nninufacturing 
 operations 
 
 173,000.00 
 
 Tinning and Plating 
 Shop 
 
 Keinforced concrete construction, 
 5O'xl0O' 
 
 Tinning and plating 
 of articles manu- 
 factured in E(iuip- 
 ment vShop 
 
 23,000.00 
 
 Storage Building W-I 
 
 iSlonolithic concrete construction 
 with flat slab floors and roof. 
 140'x540', (i stories 
 
 General storage 
 
 1,560,000.00 
 
 Eight Vehicle Storage 
 Buildings 
 
 Briclv exterior walls, mill con- 
 structed roofs, concrete floors 
 with ;'i5 feet concrete platforms. 
 (7 buildings 115'x.500' and one 
 l)uildiiig 115'x400') 
 
 Storage of artillery 
 vehicles 
 
 S65.000.00 
 
 Motor Truck Garage | 
 
 Keinforced concrete construction, 
 l)ric]< walls, flat roof supported 
 on steel trusses, 70'xl00', two 
 stories 
 
 Storage and repair 
 of motor trucks 
 
 35,500.00 
 
 Addition to North Lum- 
 ber Shed 
 
 Light steel frame and slate roof 
 construction, 3(i'xl40' 
 
 Storage of lumber 
 
 7,534.00 
 
 Office Annex No. 1 
 
 Temporary frame construction. 
 30'x!)0'. three stories 
 
 Additional office 
 space 
 
 IS, 000. 00
 
 38 
 
 ROCK ISLAND A R S K N A L 
 
 SUMMARY OF 
 
 R( 
 
 CONSTRUCTION PROJFXTS COMPLKTRD AT 
 )CK ISLAND ARSKNAL— Continued 
 
 Naiiu> 
 
 of 1 
 
 •rojcrt 
 
 Type of Coiistrtictioii 
 
 
 I'UI 
 
 pose 
 
 Tost 
 
 Barracks 
 
 •A- 
 
 
 Temporary fniiiu' constriK-tioii. 
 xl47' 
 
 20' 
 
 Ilolisiii;: 
 Scliool 
 
 OnliiaiKe 
 liersoiinel 
 
 5.500.00 
 
 Barrack.s "B" ami "C" 
 
 Temporary frame eoiistriK'tioii. | 
 (ISarracks "H" aeeoiiimodates | 
 -IVJ men and ISarracks ■■('" ae- 
 eommodates K>5 men I I 
 
 Iloiisintr Orilinnwe 
 Srhool personnel 
 
 74.tM)0.00 
 
 Hea<l(|iiarters for Casiinl 
 Militar.v I'ersonnel 
 
 Temporary frame eonstrn<-tion. 
 4:{'.\ !.-.()' 
 
 Headquarters bnild- 
 intr for Ordnance 
 School Commis- 
 sioned |>ersonnel 
 
 Kecreation Knildin;; and 
 Tost Kxchanjre 
 
 Temporary frame construction, 
 :{.S'.\14(!' 
 
 I'(»st exclian^re and 
 recreational (piar- 
 ters 
 
 11.5(K).0« 
 
 First-Aid Hospital 
 
 Temporary frame construction, 
 44'x77' 
 
 First-aid treatment 
 of civilian cases 
 
 !l.200.00 
 
 Isolation Hospital 
 
 Teinponiry frame construction. 
 
 Isolation cases 
 
 3.000.00 
 
 Hospital Ward and Is- 
 olation Ward 
 
 Temporary frame construction, 
 standard hospital ward units; 
 each ll.'4'xl50' 
 
 llospit.-il ward de- 
 sitrned for ireneral 
 c;ises and isolation 
 ward for care of 
 cont.-ifjious diseas- 
 
 . 
 
 
 
 es 
 
 
 
 22.t>00.0(l 
 
 Lal)or:itorv for Motor 
 Truck Testinsr 
 
 Temporary 
 71'x100' 
 
 fninie construction. 
 
 Testiu}! 
 trucks 
 tors 
 
 of 
 and 
 
 motor 1 
 trac- 1 
 
 17.700.00 
 
 Office Buildinjr No. 2 ■ 
 
 Teniporar.v 
 main liu 
 win>rs ea( 
 
 frame construction, 
 ihlinjr 42'xl.".(!'; two 
 h 4:i'xOS': :i stories 
 
 I n c r e a 
 space 
 
 s iiifr 
 
 office ! 
 
 1 
 
 r.1.000.00 
 
 Barracks •D" 
 
 Temporary frame construction, 1 Housing hattalion of 1 
 4:{'xl4()'. two stories 1 10th Infantry sta- 1 
 
 ' tioned at Rock Is- | 
 1 l.ind Arsenal for 
 1 KUiir.l purposes | C.O.OOO.OO 
 
 I'arkerizing Plant 
 
 Temporary frame construction, 
 with concrete Hoor, 7(i'x:i(;' 
 
 I'arkeriziny: coinpoii- , 
 ents of I". S. Ititle. j 
 Cii\. .30 ! 9 700.00 
 
 Cafeteria Building 
 
 Temporary frame construction, 
 !)(!'x25(i'. Concrete foun<lation 
 with maple Moors 
 
 Facilities for servintr ! 
 lunch to Arsenal | 
 employees !)3.0(X).00 
 
 5 Temporary Store- 
 houses 
 
 Temporary fr.inie construction. I 
 
 size of linildin;rs as follows: 
 
 OO'xCOO' 1 storv (.MA) 
 
 (iO'x.")04'- 1 slorv (BAI 
 
 60'x372'— 1 story (KA) 
 
 60'x3.")2'— 1 storv (<;a» ' 
 
 52'xl47'— 1 storv (AA I | 
 
 (ieneral storajre pur- 
 poses 
 
 •i Steel Warehouses 
 
 Steel frame const ruci ion, corru- 
 jrated sheet metal sidin;;, pre- 
 I>ared roof, cinder Hoor. Eacdi 
 liuildiiifr 240'x.'i(M)' 
 
 Gener;; ■ sU)raj;e pur- 
 poses 
 
 250.000.00 
 
 Kxtension of Hydro- 
 electric I'ower riant 
 
 Superstructure is n hrick build- 
 injr, 30'x233'. Extension con- 
 tains ei;rht 420 II. V. turbines, 
 direct connected to 40."> K. V. A. 
 Kenerators and 2 I'.Hi II. 1'. tur- 
 bines, direct connected to 130 
 kilowatt generators 
 
 I ncreasin^r p o w e r 
 supply 
 
 74S, 000.00 
 
 ARSENAL'S M.\NUI^\CTUR1N( i C.XrACrrV 
 
 With its greatly increased capacity llie Arsenal, of course, is prepared 
 to play an even more important part in future wars, if any occur, than it 
 has in the wars of the past. In order to ascertain just what may be expected 
 of it as a manufacturing plant, a close study of its resources has been made 
 and the results are summarized in tabular form, as here appended. With 
 diversified output the individual items may not seem so im])osing, but 
 should attention be centered upon a relati\cly small number of the more
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 39 
 
 essential articles of war equipment the output will run into large figures. 
 The following ingenuously arranged tabulation gives in most concise form 
 all available information pertaining to possible rate of production of the 
 various items with the existing facilities: 
 
 "A" — Facilities installed expressly for production monthly of the fol- 
 lowing: 
 
 (1) 360 75mm. gun recuperators 
 
 (2) 40 3" A. A. gun recuperators 
 
 "B" — Production units for simultaneous production per month of ap- 
 proximately : 
 
 (1) 4 155mm. or 4.7" gun recuperators 
 
 (2) 4 155mm. howitzer recuperators 
 
 (3) 4 155mm. gun carriages (without recuperators) 
 
 (4) 4 155mm. howitzer carriages (without recuperators) 
 
 (5) 6 4.7" gun carriages (without recuperators) 
 
 (6) 10 75mm. gun carriages (without recuperators) 
 
 (7) 4 155mm. gun carriage limbers 
 
 (8) 4 155mm. howitzer carriage limbers 
 
 (9) 6 155mm. howitzer caissons or limbers 
 
 (10) 6 4.7" gun caissons or limbers 
 
 (11) 10 75mm. gun caissons or limbers 
 
 (12) 10 battery and store wagons, Model 1917 
 
 (13) 10 75mm. forge or store limbers 
 
 "C" — The production units for the items listed in paragraph "B", if 
 devoted to one item, could produce a maximum quantity of that item as 
 follows : 
 
 4 155mm. ur 4.7" gun carriages with recuperators and limbers 
 
 4 155mm. howitzer carriages with recuperators and limbers 
 
 40 4.7" gun carriages, Model 1906 
 
 75 75mm. gun carriages. Model 1916 
 
 250 75mm. gun limbers or caissons 
 
 250 Battery and store wagons. Model 1917 
 
 250 Forge or store limbers. Model 1902 MI 
 
 "D" — Tools, jigs, fixtures, patterns and gauges in store at this Arsenal 
 available for issue to contractors for a monthly production of: 
 60 155mm. gun material 
 200 155mm. howitzer material 
 100 4.7" gun material 
 360 75mm. gun material 
 40 3" A. A. gun material 
 
 Note: By "material" is meant comiilele e<inipinent for carriages, caissons, limbers, battery 
 and store wagons, forge aiul store liml)ers, reels, carts, tools and accessories, pertaining to the 
 calibre mentioned.
 
 40 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 *'E" — Simultaneous production per month of: 
 
 30,000 U. S. rifles, Model 1903 
 
 6,000 Browning automatic machine guns, Model of 1917 
 12,000 Browning automatic rifles, Model of 1918 
 
 Note: The machinery for these two units is at Kock Island Arsenal but not yet installed, 
 the above fijjures is the estimated possible production only, slmuld installation be acctunplished. 
 
 "F" — Simultaneous production per month of: 
 
 100,000 mess equipment — canteens, cups, meat cans, etc. 
 
 3.000 arm racks, Model 1920 
 
 250,000 tin containers for 75mm. ammunition 
 
 13,750 hardware for rolling targets 
 
 27,500 hardware for sliding targets 
 
 20.000 (1) 6" cartridge storage cases 
 
 13,750 (2) 8" cartridge storage cases 
 
 13,750 (3) 10" cartridge storage cases 
 
 11,250 (4) 12" cartridge storage cases 
 
 Note: ('apacity limited on (:irtridj.'e sturajre cases as above to (li and either one of (2). (31 
 or (4) simultaneously. 
 
 "G" — Simultaneous production of either (1). (2j or (3) of each unit 
 at the same time per month : 
 
 5,625 (1) wheels. 56" complete 
 
 3,750 (2) wheels, 58" complete 
 
 2,750 *( 3) wheels, 50" and 60" complete 
 37,500 (1) packing boxes 
 
 90,000 (2) cartridge storage case shipping covers 
 18,750 (3) bobbing targets 
 
 15,000 (1) chests for Browning automatic rifles or machine guns 
 13,750 (2) rolling targets, complete • 
 
 7,500 (3) carpenter's chests 
 
 7,500 (1) arm repair chests 
 
 7,500 (2) sliding targets, complete 
 
 5,625 (3) saddlers' chests 
 
 "H" — Simultaneous production of (1) and either (2) or (3) at the same 
 time per month : 
 
 75,000,000 (1) target pasters 
 
 600,000 (2) paper targets 6'xlO' 
 900,000 (3) paper targets 6'x6' 
 
 175,000 (1) bayonet or bolo scabbards. Model 1910 
 60,000 (2) saber scabbards. Model 1913 
 
 Either (1) or (2) can be manufactured simultaneously with other parts 
 at this Arsenal, but facilities for the necessary cloth and leather w^ork
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 41 
 
 thereon are available to complete a maximum of only 7,500 of either per 
 month. 
 
 "K" — Special machine tools, not installed, which, with addition of 
 standard tools, will permit of manufacture in addition to the facilities now 
 available as in "A", "B", "C", and "D" above: 
 
 300 155mm. howitzer recuperators per month 
 80 155mm. gun recuperators per month 
 
 INCREASE OF STORAGE SPACE 
 
 Among the striking changes the World War brought to Rock Island 
 Arsenal was the increase of storage space from 545,000 square feet on 
 March 31, 1917, to 948,000 square feet on February 28, 1918, with corres- 
 ponding cubical contents of 12,250,000 feet. 
 
 The functions of the storage section of the Arsenal, during the war, 
 embraced activities which controlled sixty warehouses, located in various 
 parts of the Island, containing approximately 1,764,837 square feet of 
 
 Slurphouse VI, showiiif; method of storing artillery. 
 
 Storage space under roof, in addition to oil storage space totalling 417,357 
 gallons. This storage ranged from newly constructed modern warehouses, 
 with elevators, box conveyors and gravity conveyors, to temporary platforms 
 roofed in. Some of the major items in use embraced 2,000 feet of gravity 
 conveyors, seven locomotive cranes, four tractors, twenty trucks and trail- 
 ers, and one shop mule.
 
 42 
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSE N A L 
 
 The volume of incoming and outgoing freight from July 1. 1919. to 
 June 1. 1920. is shown in the following summary: 
 
 Cars received 9 280 
 
 Cars shipped 2,485 
 
 Cars transferred 2.727 
 
 Total tonnage in pounds 555.404.304 
 
 Government bills of lading received 10.254 
 
 Commercial bills of lading received 3.149 
 
 Bills of lading forwarded 10.700 
 
 Shipments 12,710 
 
 Number of pieces 631,685 
 
 The gradual increase in storehouse activities at the Arsenal may be 
 thus summarized : For the calendar year of 1916 the shipments averaged 
 approximately 780, representing a monthly average of 8,000 pieces, weighing 
 450 tons. In February. 1918. a total of 2.300 shipments were made, weighing 
 3.383 tons and comprising 85.000 pieces. In April. 1918. this had increased 
 to 3.406 shii)ments. consisting of 59.796 pieces and weighing 18.312.000 
 pounds. 
 
 Building done since the early part of 1918 has more than doubled the 
 amount of storage space, so that there are now about two million square feet 
 available for the sheltering of war material, manufactured and in the raw 
 state. The following table gives the designation of existing storage struc- 
 tures, the use for which they were intended, and the capacity: 
 
 Nitrate and .\inmuiiilion Storehouses.
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 43 
 
 STORAGE SPACE AT ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 Bulldinj 
 
 V-1 
 V-2 
 V-3 
 V-4 
 V-5 
 V-6 
 V-7 
 
 v-s 
 
 V-9 
 
 V-10 
 
 V-11 
 
 V-12 
 
 V-14 
 
 V-15 
 
 W-1 
 
 AA 
 
 X-1 
 
 X-2 
 
 X-3 
 
 X-4 
 
 X-5 
 
 X-6 
 
 X-7 
 
 X.-8 
 
 X-9 
 
 X-10 
 
 Y-1 
 
 Y-2 
 
 Y-3 
 
 Y-4 
 
 Y-5 
 
 Y-6 
 
 Y-7 
 
 Y-8 
 
 Y-9 
 
 Y-10 
 
 Z-1 
 
 Z-2 
 
 Z-3 
 
 Z-4 
 
 Z-5 
 
 Z-6 
 
 Z-7 
 
 Z-8 
 
 Z-9 
 
 Z-10 
 
 A-1 
 
 L-4 
 
 L-5 
 
 L-6 
 
 L-7 
 
 L-8 
 
 L-9 
 
 L-10 
 
 L-11 
 
 L-12 
 
 L-13 
 
 L-14 
 
 L-15 
 
 L-16 
 
 B-A 
 
 G 
 
 1st floor 
 2ncl floor 
 
 3rd 
 
 4th 
 5th 
 ()th 
 
 1st 
 L'lid 
 3rd 
 4th 
 
 1st 
 I'lid 
 
 floor 
 floor 
 floor 
 floor 
 4 
 
 floor 
 floor 
 floor 
 floor 
 2 
 
 floor 
 floor 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 3 floors 
 
 1st floor 
 
 2iid floor 
 
 3rd floor 
 
 Type of Material 
 
 N'ehicle storage 
 ^'ehicle storage 
 Tractor parts 
 Vehicle storage 
 Vehicle storage 
 Tractor parts 
 Vehicle storage 
 Vehicle storage 
 Vehicle storage 
 Vehicle storage 
 
 Tank, tractor and vehicle storage 
 
 Artillery gun stock blanks 
 
 Vehicle storage 
 
 Vehicle storage 
 
 Miscellaneous spare parts for artillery 
 arms 
 
 Artillery and small arms 
 
 Artillery and small arms 
 
 Artillery and small arms 
 
 Artillery and small arms 
 
 Artillery and small arms 
 
 Artillery and small arms 
 
 Tools, jigs and flxtures 
 
 Tools, jigs and flxtures 
 
 Tools, jigs and flxtures 
 I Tools, jigs and flxtures 
 i Tools, jigs and flxtures 
 I Dies 
 I Dies 
 I Dies 
 I Small arms ammunition storage 
 
 Cal. 30 rifle storage 
 
 C'al. 30 rifle storage 
 
 Sodium Nitrate storage 
 
 ]\Iotor storage 
 
 Tools, jigs and flxtures 
 
 Rifle storage 
 
 Motor storage 
 
 Cal. 30 rifle storage 
 
 Miscellaneous Mark VIII tank material 
 
 Mark VIII transmissions 
 
 Cal. 30 rifle storage 
 
 Fireworks hand grenade storage 
 
 Small arms ammunition storage 
 
 Sodium nitrate storage 
 
 Sodium nitrate storage 
 
 Sodium nitrate storage 
 
 Sodium nitrate storage 
 
 Sodium nitrate storage 
 
 Small ;irms ammunition storage 
 
 Cal. 30 rifle storage 
 
 Sodium nitrate storage 
 
 Cal. 30 ritle storage 
 
 Sodium nitrate storage 
 
 Rifle storage 
 
 Rubber tire storage 
 
 Ivubl)er tire storage 
 
 Small ai-ms ammunition storage 
 
 Rubber tire storage 
 
 Mark VllI transmission storage 
 
 Smokeless powder magazine 
 
 Primer and fuze magazine 
 
 Primer and fuze magaziiie 
 
 High explosive magazine 
 
 High explosive magazine 
 
 High exi)losive magazine 
 
 High explosive magazine 
 
 High explosive magazine 
 
 High explosive magazine 
 
 High explosive magazine 
 
 High explosive magazine 
 
 High explosive magazine 
 
 High explosive magazine 
 
 High explosive magazine 
 
 Inert storage 
 
 Spare parts for tank 
 
 Spare parts for tank 
 
 Spare parts for tank 
 
 Spare parts for tank 
 
 and small 
 
 Capa- 
 city in 
 Square 
 P''eet 
 54,300 
 54,300 
 54,300 
 54,300 
 54..300 
 54.300 
 54.300 
 54.300 
 42,(»00 
 120,000 
 130,000 
 130,000 
 21.720 
 32,.")S0 
 
 fiS,000 
 08,000 
 (iS.OOO 
 08,000 
 (iS,000 
 (58,000 
 
 15,075 
 15,075 
 15,075 
 15,030 
 
 7,081 
 
 7,592 
 
 9,500 
 
 9,500 
 
 9,500 
 
 9,500 
 
 9,500 
 
 9.500 
 
 9,500 
 
 9,500 
 
 9,500 
 
 9,500 
 
 9,500 
 
 9,500 
 
 9,500 
 
 9.500 
 
 9,500 
 
 9.500 
 
 9,500 
 
 9..500 
 
 9.500 
 
 9,500 
 
 9..500 
 
 9..500 
 
 9.5011 
 
 9,. ".(10 
 
 9..">00 
 
 9.."'.00 
 
 9,."i()(( 
 
 9,.jOO 
 
 9.500 
 
 9,500 
 
 2,400 
 
 377 
 
 234 
 
 25 
 
 100 
 
 100 
 
 504 
 
 504 
 
 504 
 
 504 
 
 504 
 
 504 
 
 504 
 
 504 
 
 27,500 
 
 10,294 
 10,294 
 10,294
 
 44 
 
 ROCK I S L A X D A R S E N A L 
 
 STORAGE SPACE AT ROCK ISLAND ARSl'AWE— (Continued) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Capa- 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 city in 
 
 nuiMiiit: 
 
 Floor 
 
 T\ pf 
 
 of Material 
 
 
 
 
 Square 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Feet 
 
 G-A 
 
 ^1 
 
 Spare parts F. \V. I). 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 12,728 
 
 1 
 
 S floors 
 1st floor 
 liiid floor 
 ;{ril floor 
 
 Spare parts F. W. 1). 
 Spare parts F. \V. I). 
 Spare parts F. \V. 1). 
 Spare parts F. W. 1). 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 7.132 
 7,132 
 7,132 
 
 K 
 
 4 floors 
 1st floor 
 2iul tloor 
 Srd floor 
 4tli floor 
 
 Uetnriied flelil stores 
 Uetiuiieil lield stores 
 Ketunit'd (iidd stores 
 liotiiriied lield stores 
 l{etiiriie(( tii'Id stores 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 15,075 
 15,075 
 15,075 
 15,075 
 
 K-A 
 
 i-( 
 
 lletliriied field stores 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 14,650 
 
 MA 
 
 1 
 
 Ueturned field stores 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 33,230 
 
 Shop "A" 
 
 4 floors 
 
 Miscella neons material 
 
 for 
 
 manufac 
 
 taring 
 
 shops 
 
 
 .J 
 
 1st floor 
 
 Miseella neons material 
 
 lor 
 
 maiuifat 
 
 turiug 
 
 sh 
 
 jps 
 
 43.701 
 
 
 'Jin\ floor 
 
 Miscellaneous material 
 
 lor 
 
 mannfac 
 
 turintr 
 
 shops 
 
 4."$,910 
 
 
 :{r(l floor 
 
 Miseella neons material 
 
 tor 
 
 mannfaetnrinjjT 
 
 sh 
 
 ips 
 
 .*}8.349 
 
 
 4th floor 
 
 Miseella neons material 
 
 lor 
 
 mMiHifa< 
 
 tnrinjr 
 
 sh 
 
 >ps 
 
 40.404 
 
 Arsenal Biiililiiijr 
 
 4 floors 
 1st floor 
 •Jii.l n.Hir 
 .-.rd tl • 
 
 Inert storajre 
 Inert storajro 
 Inert sforajjre 
 In<'rt storajre 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 0.500 
 !»..">00 
 !)..5()0 
 
 
 4tli tl.M.r 
 
 IniTt storajre 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 0..500 
 
 y' 
 
 
 /I r^N "' 
 
 
 Arsenal cmiiliiyfs partiripaling in Librrly day relebralion. Nov. 11. 1'<IH.
 
 Expansion of Shop Personnel 
 
 N the 13th of June. 1921, the President, in commenting upon the 
 present National Defense Law, made the foUowing statement: 
 "Our present National Defense Law establishes an economical and 
 democratic military policy thoroughly consistent with our national 
 traditions. It provides for a small regular army, to be augmented by 
 great citizen forces in the event of national emergency. This is our tradi- 
 tional military policy. But, whereas in the past these larger war forces have 
 been extemporized after the occurrence of an emergency, the new law wisely 
 provides that the frame work of their organization shall be established 
 and developed in time of peace, in so far as this is practicable, through the 
 voluntary services of patriotic young men. The Army of the United 
 States, as defined in the new law, comprises the Regular Army, the National 
 Guard and the Organized Reserves. Every patriotic citizen should en- 
 courage the de\elopment of these forces, each within its proper sphere." 
 
 In line with the policy expressed above, the Arsenals of the United 
 States, whose function is the creating of war material, should in time of 
 peace likewise be developed, in order that they may be prepared to meet the 
 emergencies of war. That this doctrine of development has been pursued, 
 is evidenced in the steady growth of the Rock Island Arsenal. In the 
 years immediately preceding the Spanish-American War some manufactur- 
 ing was done, but it was small in amount and the manufacturing plant was 
 of limited capacity. 
 
 In the emergency incident to the outbreak of war with Spain the 
 necessity for increasing output at once became apparent, and every energy 
 was strained to satisfy the demand. The plant was largely increased at that 
 time, but arrangements were not entirely satisfactory, and at the close of 
 hostilities a well-considered i)lan for the development and expansion of 
 the manufacturing plant was laid down. At that time only two of the 
 ten great shops in the Armory and Arsenal rows were utilized for manufac- 
 turing purposes. Under the plan of development which followed in later 
 years seven of the ten shops were, at the outbreak of the World War, fully 
 equipped with machinery and apparatus. 
 
 Recent strides in further expansion of facilities of the plant evidenced 
 the perpetuation of the adopted policy of development, and today the plant 
 as it stands represents a permanent national investment. 
 
 Of no less importance in the scheme of plant development is that of the 
 expansion of the Arsenal working force. It has been the practice of the 
 past, at the outbreak of war, to expand the small peace-time organization
 
 46 
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 into that of a great non-professional war-time producing unit. The situa- 
 tion presented by the World War is recent enough to permit this expansion 
 being visualized, but in order that this conception may be more clearly 
 developed, a statement concerning the civilian personnel will not be amiss. 
 
 The manufacturing work in the shops is in charge and under the control 
 of officers who are specially educated and trained for such duty. The work 
 is carried on by civilian employees recruited from residents in the neigh- 
 boring cities of Davenport, Iowa, and Rock Island and Moline. Illinois. 
 These employees are selected men ; are protected in the permanency of their 
 employment by the Civil Service laws, and are uncjuestionably unequalled 
 by any body of men to be found in similar vocations. But few industrial 
 concerns in the country manufacture at a single establishment the variety 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 W omen workers in the elolh ilepartmenl, photographed shortly before the Armistice was signed. 
 
 of articles which the Arsenal is called upon ttj produce, and in few plants 
 can be found vocations of so diversified a nature. Under (iovernment em- 
 ployment they have the benefit of clean, well lighted, well heated and com- 
 modious shops, with all sanitary conveniences. Tliey have Saturday half- 
 holiday, with pay. in the summer months. They have thirty working days' 
 leave, with ])ay. each year, and when disabled for more than thirty days, 
 through injury received in the course of em]:)loyment. are granted full pay 
 for the time absent from work on account of such injury; if in the classified 
 service, they are jjensioned on arriving at retirement age. provided they 
 have a maximum of fifteen years' service to their credit. The rule of the 
 Government is to pay the same hourly rate of wage as that which prevails 
 in the vicinity for similar work. 
 
 Surely the conditions surrounding the employees at Rock Island Arsenal, 
 in respect to conveniences, conditions of work, leave ^privileges, compensa- 
 tion for injury and rate of wages, cannot be equalled by that of any other 
 body of men in the vicinity. That these circumstances are appreciated, is 
 indicated by the large number of em])loyees of long service included in 
 the file of its workers. A large number have records of from twenty-five 
 to thirty years, and the larger proportion of employees have been at the
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 47 
 
 Arsenal ten years or more. Records of long and steady employment speak 
 more for working conditions and contentment than pages of argument 
 could do. 
 
 ^Vhile the conditions cited redound to the benefit of the employees, 
 the Government, in turn, benefits through the morale of the organization 
 which such conditions engender. Continuity of employment makes toward 
 perfection of workers in the line of their endeavor. Through close and long 
 association in the manufacture of ordnance they become skilled in the art 
 of its specialized manufacture and acquire a technique of inestimable value 
 as a factor in increased production. This is especially true in the manu- 
 facture of small arms. Recognition of this fact by the ()rdnance Depart- 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 _ 
 
 ■ »?^^ c- \ 
 
 V 
 
 M 
 
 ^5o ■■ ^.Bl 
 
 Jifl 
 
 k 
 
 ll^^Bwi, 
 
 
 dMS 
 
 lE3HlK9ii9liaSl 
 
 R^H 
 
 M 
 
 ^H 
 
 
 
 
 
 ^1 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 
 .\ [ 
 
 i 
 
 
 -^^ 
 
 c-^ 
 
 1 
 
 
 m 
 
 Of course the Arsenal workers had a band, and it was a good i 
 
 ment can lie found at the time the manufacture of small arms was 
 first undertaken at Rock Lsland Arsenal. Workmen skilled in the 
 manufacture of the rifle, to the number of three hundred, were trans- 
 ferred from Springfield Armory at the expense of the Government to in- 
 augurate the work of rifle manufacture at this Arsenal and to school 
 new employees in the manufacturing processes in connection there- 
 with, owing" to the dearth of skill at the Arsenal in this line of manufacture. 
 
 In a large sense this is the duty which devolves upon the nucleus of 
 the peace-time organization of the Arsenal when war is imminent, and this 
 process of expansion, carried on at the outbreak of the late war, enabled 
 Rock Island Arsenal to quickly attain a maximum production to meet the 
 demands of the army in the field. The force, which consisted of approxi- 
 mately three thousand employees at the outbreak of the war, was expanded 
 to a force numbering approximately fourteen thousand. This expansion, 
 although gradual, covered, in reality, a remarkably short period of time. 
 The responsibility rested upon the Employment Department to determine, 
 from statements of capabilities of applicants having no well defined trade,
 
 48 
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 such as machinist, carpenter, etc.. the particular duty for wliich the pros- 
 pective employee was best adapted; after selection, appointment and actual 
 trial in the shops, it oft-times developed that employees possessed capa- 
 bilities which justified their selection for other and perhaps more important 
 work, differin^:^ widely from that for which they were originally selected. 
 The duty of imparting to the inexperienced the knowledge of shop practice 
 that enabled him to perform efticiently one or several of the many shop 
 operations with which charged, and the co-ordinating of his duties into that 
 of a well-organized prt>ducing unit, was the task which fell to the more 
 experienced employee of the Arsenal peace-time force. 
 
 No less complex in its nature was the problem of demobilization of the 
 vast working army upon cessation of hostilities. Many workers who. at the 
 outbreak of the war. prompted solely by the sjjirit of loyalty, had left their 
 regular lines of emi)h)yment to assist in the ))ro(luctiiin campaign at the 
 Arsenal, returned to their chosen vocations upon the signing of the Armistice. 
 In the process of elimination of those that remained, the more efticient were 
 retained, '('he gradual rcsuni])ti(in of peace-time manufacture and produc- 
 tion required, naturally, very heavy reductions to bring the working force 
 within the proj^ortions allowed the Arsenal under its reduced ap])roj)ria- 
 tions. In making these reductions the established policy of the War De- 
 partment was followed, and all reductions were based on etiiciency. con- 
 sideration, however, being given those of the force whose military service 
 entitled them to preference. 
 
 Interior of machine shop.
 
 Military Personnel 
 
 ROM a small and comparatively unknown military post a few years 
 ago, Rock Island Arsenal has come to be recognized all over the 
 country as one of the leading Government posts. A large military 
 personnel is unnecessary, because of the isolated position and 
 natural topographical advantages. 
 
 At the beginning of hostilities in 1917 the post had ten officers and 
 an ordnance detachment of 89 enlisted men, six enlisted men in the Medical 
 Department and three enlisted men in the Quartermaster's Corps. This force 
 was gradually increased by authorization of the Chief of Ordnance, until 
 at the conclusion of the fighting in Europe there were 76 ordnance officers 
 and 169 enlisted men. In addition, there were six medical officers, with a 
 detachment of 45 enlisted men, and three officers of the Quartermaster's 
 Corps, with 48 enlisted men. 
 
 The following is the roster of officers stationed at Rock Island Arsenal 
 for duty at the date of the signing of the Armistice: 
 
 ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT 
 
 Colonel LeRoy T. Ilillman (Commanding (Jfficer.) 
 
 Lieutenant-Colonels Lloyd G. McCrum, Emil Tyden. 
 
 Majors Horace C. Sykes, Robert L. Messimer, Thomas Kirk, Rupert 
 L. Penny, Robert L. Streeter, C. K. Boettcher, Lorenze B. Somerby, 
 Milton D. Campbell. 
 
 Captains Henry A. Brown, Charles G. Kaelin, Hammond W. Whitsitt, 
 Albert R. Chandler, Ernest M. Gross, \\'illiam G. Noth, Francis H. French, 
 Max Steinhauer, Francis S. Day, Norman B. Scott, Richard S.- Hosford, 
 John J. Berry, Charles A. Barton, John B. Thompson, Robert H. Fulton, Jr., 
 Newman M. Marsillius, Ernest Mosman. \'ictor A. Stibolt, Harry B. Knowl- 
 ton, Clifi:'ord B. Langstroth, Joseph S. Stringham, S. W. Burford, Walter 
 C. Hull, Louis Carson, Leo. C. Smith. 
 
 First Lieutenants Charles P. Tymeson, M. M. Smith, G. Jules Polhemus, 
 Hulbert D. Bassett, Edgar M. Webb, William D. Lacey, Clarence F. MacKay, 
 Elmer L. Kyle, Sam Lewis, Robert G. Meyler, John O. Powell, Edward C. 
 Blackwood, Charles P. Skinner, W. A. Gately, J. Reed Lane, Urban J. 
 Rockcastle, Robert C. Black, Robert C. Mitchell, Charles H. Tharp, Albert 
 W. Davis, Robert F. Peelle, John M. Metzger, Edward R. Kent. E. S. 
 Russell, P. R. L. Hogner.
 
 50 
 
 R 
 
 () C K ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 r^f 
 
 Col. Lerov T. Hillman. deceased. Commandant at the time of the 
 signing of the Armistice.
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 51 
 
 Second Lieutenants Frank J. Vonachen, Herman J. Hutkin. Walter 
 Latt, Donald F. Smith. Charles R. Martin, H. S. Francis, G. C. Jefferson, 
 C. J. Rafinski. Philip N. Wright, Paul Keachie, Harry A. Wilson, E. S. 
 Higginbotham. 
 
 MEDICAL DEPARTMENT 
 
 Major Chester H. Clark. 
 
 Captains George G. Parlow, Elbert E. Cone, Walter E. Hunt, Fred 
 F. Sprague. 
 
 First Lieutenants U. S. Boyer. Otto Kolar (Dental). 
 
 QUARTERMASTER CORPS 
 
 Captain James L. Cireene. 
 
 Second Lieutenants Clifford Martin. Thomas F. Drummy. 
 
 ATTACHED 
 
 First Lieutenant E. C. Wright. Philippine Scouts (Retired) 
 
 Local interest attaches to the fact that in addition to those residents 
 of the Tri-Cities whose names appear among those listed above as serving 
 at the Arsenal at the time of the signing of the Armistice, the following 
 officers, commissioned from civil life either during the earlier stages of the 
 Avar or while undergoing a course of instruction preparatory to overseas 
 duty, were stationed at the Arsenal : 
 
 Major Ordnance Reserve Corps — Alfred LaMar. 
 
 Captains Ordnance Reserve Corps — A. D. Ficke, R. A. Gregory. J. M. 
 Hassett, Harry Hoisington, W. J. Larson, A. W. Mitchell. Leon Mitchell, 
 H. G. Roberts, O. H. Seiff'ert, C. F. Skinner. Wm. B. Spears, George \\'. 
 Thompson, J. A. Utts. 
 
 First Lieutenants Ordnance Reserve Corps — G. Decker French, E. R. 
 Guyer, Emil H. Hass, C. E. Pingle. 
 
 Second Lieutenant Ordnance Reserve Corps — M. K.AIcPhail. 
 
 Troops drawn up to witness presentation of faithful service badges to old employes.
 
 Civilian and Military Gnard 
 
 DXR of the most striking features at Rock Island Arsenal during 
 the period of the war was the careful and et'ticient manner of 
 guarding the government property by means of both ci\il and 
 %^iF iii'l'tary guards on and about the Island. 
 
 Trior to the declaration of war the shop guard consisted of four 
 
 civilian guards and four soldiers, the latter members of the permanent ord- 
 nance detachment of the regular army. 'I'hese were known as "key men." and 
 reported by means of clocks at various points in the shops. 
 
 Immediately after war was declared, howexer. means were taken to 
 protect the property and equipment, and a high wire enclosure was built 
 
 Ko, k K-lamI Arsenal Military Drill r<ir|.-. 
 
 around the shops, the main storehouses, and the oil houses. Nine more 
 civilian guards were employed to patrol the main gates and the west railroad 
 gate. Admission to the wire enclosure could then only be secured by the 
 presentation of the proper pass. 
 
 
 
 usLiLL. 
 
 
 r^HoCBttEM'ft^f " 
 
 
 
 •^^^'.■*l •^"^^■Ml^W^I^^WI ^*^. 'i' ■ 
 
 Rock Inland Arsenal Women ^ 
 
 i.orps.
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 53 
 
 At the time the gate guards were employed, sixteen more civilians were 
 placed as shop guards and given posts around the shops to patrol. A sergeant 
 of the ordnance detachment was placed in charge of these guards. 
 
 In March, 1917, Companies A and F, 6th Illinois Infantry, were ordered 
 to the Arsenal for outside guard duty; they continued to guard government 
 property until Fel^ruary, 1918. when the 1st Battalion of the 10th United 
 vStates Infantry was assigned to this duty in their stead. The battalion 
 
 Fire fighting force assembled before headquarters. 
 
 numbered approximately 1,000 men and patrolled all the Island outside 
 the enclosure, establishing thirty-two posts where a sentry was on duty all 
 the time. These posts included the pump house, railroad bridges, magazines, 
 power dam, and other places of importance. In the meantime, many other 
 civilian guards and members of the ordnance detachment were assigned to 
 escort all civilians whose business required their presence inside the en- 
 closure, and a traffic scjuad was organized from the detachment to handle the 
 enormous flow of pedestrians and vehicles to and from the Island in the 
 mornings and evenings. 
 
 During the first week in August, 1918, the Headquarters 5th Batallion 
 and Companies B, C and D, United States Guards, relieved the Tenth Infantry 
 from this duty. The guards comprised twenty officers and about 450 men.
 
 54 
 
 R n C K 1 S L A N D A R S I-: N A L 
 
 This org^anizatioii was increased later liy a company of the Twentieth United 
 States Infantry. 
 
 PR()Ti-:CTK)N AGAlxXST FIRK 
 
 Prior to January 1. 1918, the fire de])artment at the Arsenal was entirely 
 inadequate for the protection of the huge amount of property and many 
 buildings, and all members of the department were cixilian employees from 
 the shojjs, under the direction of the master mechanic, the entire personnel 
 comprising fi>rty men. On January 1, 1918. two men were employed as 
 drivers of the pumping machine. 
 
 About April 1. 1918. authorizatitui was given for the reconstruction of 
 the department, and an exi)erienced hreman was assigned as chief. Twenty 
 men were subsequently employed. The double platoon system was placed in 
 effect, and a full equipment of the most modern motorized hre-hghting ap- 
 paratus replaced the obsolete types formerly in use. A high pressure water 
 system was built and an electric alarm system installed. Fortunately, no 
 serious fires occurred, due principally to the propaganda of the safety de- 
 partment and constant efforts and inspections by the fire marshal and chief. 
 
 Chemical Fire Truck ready for action.
 
 Post- War Activities 
 
 WORK PERFORMED BY ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL FOR OTHER 
 DEPARTMENTS OF THE GOVERNMENT 
 
 A provision in the Act of July 11, 1919 (PiU)lic No. 7, G6th Congress), reads as follows: 
 "That no part of the moneys appropriated in each or any section of this Act shall be 
 used or expended for the purchase or acquirement of any article or articles that at the 
 time of the proposed acquirements can he manufactured or produced in each or any of the 
 Government Arsenals of the United States for a sum less than they can be purchased or 
 produced otherwise." 
 
 HE purpose of the inclusion of the abo\e provision in legislation 
 was to provide for placing with the Ordnance Department orders 
 for supplies by the Supply Bureaus concerned which could be 
 manufactured by Arsenals cheaper or to better advantage than they 
 could be procured from other sources. Prior to its adoption 
 the large, spacious shops of the Arsenal, with their machines and shop 
 appliances and facilities capable of producing work more diversified in 
 character than that of any other government Arsenal, had been utilized 
 almost exclusively in the manufacture of ordnance with the procurement 
 of which the ( )rdnance Department was charged. 
 
 In order to accomplish the ol)ject of the above Act, and to co-ordinate 
 the work between the (Ordnance Department and the bureaus concerned, 
 there was estal^lished in the office of the Chief of Ordnance an Arsenal 
 Orders Branch, through which medium the Arsenal receives information and 
 data concerning the requirements of other bureaus and has opportunity to sub- 
 mit quotations on articles for which inquiries are sent out. Bids sub- 
 mitted in answer are assured the same consideration as to price and time of 
 delivery as are those from other bidders. 
 
 The Arsenal has received 92 orders as a result of bids, 72 from the 
 Ordnance Department and 20 from other departments. Of the circulars 
 received, over 90 were returned on which no quotations were submitted, 
 due to the fact that in many cases they called for small quantities of items 
 of commercial manufacture for which it would have been hopeless for the 
 Arsenal to attempt to compete, as they were items included in the regular 
 output of commercial plants. 
 
 The diversified nature of the work which the orders involved will be 
 noted from the statement that the work performed covered torpedo parts and 
 forgings for combustion flasks for naval torpedo stations, Bebout weirs for 
 use on the Ohio river dam, emergency gates for the United States Engineer 
 Department, bomb racks and demolition bombs for the Air Service, and 
 mail bags and straps for the Post Office Department. 
 
 The Arsenal, however, under instructions from the War Department, 
 must confine its operations to manufactures for which its machinery and
 
 56 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 equipment is adapted, and is not permitted to acquire additional machinery 
 for the purpose of further invading the commercial field. 
 
 The production attained at the various Arsenals and by the industrial 
 plants throughout the country engaged in the manufacture of munitions 
 of war naturally found the government, upon cessation of hostilities, with 
 vast quantities of ordnance stores of every description, both in finished 
 and partly finished state, on hand, together with large quantities of com- 
 ponents. 
 
 The most serious handicap in the manufacture by private concerns of 
 war munitions in the World War was their unfamiliarity with the highly 
 specialized business of manufacturing munitions, and if the Arsenal is to 
 develop in times of peace the technique acquired through developing types 
 of weapons, it is essential that it be given orders sulticient to maintain its 
 organization to meet this end. 
 
 The estimating section of the Arsenal during the fiscal year ending 
 June 30, 1921, submitted through the channel mentioned above, and other 
 government departments, approximately 300 estimates or bids. A list is 
 given below of the different departments, with number submitted in each 
 case, for which estimates were made : 
 
 Ordnance Department 174 
 
 Navy Department 18 
 
 Treasury Department 1 
 
 Post Ofiice Department 8 
 
 Railroad Administration 1 
 
 Panama Canal 1 
 
 Geological Survey 3 
 
 Lighthouse Service 3 
 
 Engineer Corps 18 
 
 Interior Department 18 
 
 Signal Corps 4 
 
 Agricultural Department 1 
 
 Land Office 1 
 
 Air Service 9 
 
 Government Printing ( )ffice 1 
 
 Quartermaster Department 9 
 
 THE MARK \"III TANK 
 
 \\'hen. in the spring of 1919. the Rock Island Arsenal received an order 
 to assemble 100 Mark \'III tanks, it was not only the largest order ever 
 received in the history of the .-\rsenal. but it involved the most new problems. 
 
 Practically all of the components of the tank required in the assembly 
 were shipped to the Arsenal. The principal parts consisted of the heavy 
 structural pieces — i. e. armor plate, angle iron, steel girders and channels, 
 together with a large quantity of equipment, such as tools. Hotchkiss guns,
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 57 
 
 camouflage nets, water cans, bird cages, food cans, telescopes, periscopes, 
 festoon lamps, semaphores and various other sundries purchased from the 
 British Government. The balance of the required material was manufac- 
 tured by various outside contractors in the United States, and included 
 Liberty motors, transmissions, compound clutches, petrol tanks, radiators, 
 electrical equipment, and front control units. 
 
 Construction on the first of these tanks was started July 1, 1919, and 
 the last tank was completed and ready for road test June 5, 1920. making a 
 total of 286 days to complete the 100 tanks. 
 
 The Mark VIII tank is a fighting tank weighing about 40 tons when 
 fully equipped and manned. It carries a complement of eight men — one 
 
 The Mark \III tank. Th.- i.j.Kr !■. a-.-.Tiil.l'- on.- Iiuri.lii-<1 of thcs*- ponil(>roiis fightiiij!; machines, received in the spring 
 of 1919, was the largest ever undertaken at the Arsenal. The task was completed in 286 days. 
 
 in the engine room and seven in the fighting compartment. The seven men 
 consist of the officer in command, the driver and five gunners, two of the 
 gunners manning the 6-pounder Hotchkiss guns and three the Browning 
 machine guns. Storage capacity is provided for 200 rounds of 6-pounder 
 ammunition and 20,000 rounds of calibre 30 ammunition. 
 
 IMPROVEMENT OF GROUNDS 
 
 During the period of the war only such repairs to the roads had been 
 made and labor in the upkeep of the grounds expended as was found to be 
 absolutely necessary. The activities carried on in connection with the 
 Arsenal's construction projects had left the grounds adjacent to many of 
 the new buildings in an unsightly condition. The vast quantities of war 
 material turned in from the field and from abandoned plants had. because of 
 lack of covered storage space, to be piled in the open in scattered areas 
 about the Arsenal. 
 
 The clearing of these sites, the disposing of the serviceable and un- 
 serviceable material; the construction of new roads and drives; the repairing 
 and resurfacing of many of the permanent roads (the most notable of which 
 was that of Main avenue from the main gate to West avenue) ; the removal 
 of the flagstaff, formerly occupying the center of Main avenue at its junc- 
 ture with West avenue, to its present location in front of the Administra-
 
 58 
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSE N A L 
 
 tion building. I)ut out of the line of traffic ; the replacing by monolithic walks 
 of many of the earlier types of flagstone walks, which had become broken 
 and sunken; the planting of trees and shrubs; the laying out of a j)ark for 
 the recreation of Arsenal employees; the extension of the exterior lighting 
 of roads and buildings, including the placing of lights on the clock tower 
 of the old Arsenal building at the lower extremity of the Island, and many 
 other improvements have since been completed to restore the Island to its 
 former beauty. 
 
 With the advent of war. precautionary measures which the government 
 was obliged to take with resjject to protection of its ])lant and propertv. to 
 
 J..:..... ,.. 
 
 the end that its capacity to i)ro(luce fighting material might not be curtailed, 
 compelled the AX'ar Department to close the Arsenal to visitors, and where 
 heretofore general admission to holders of passes had been granted to visit 
 the Island, it became necessary to revoke the privilege and limit the admis- 
 sion to those only having business on the Island; the shops and that area 
 of the Island which was given over to manufacturing purposes was enclosed 
 in a high non-climbable wire fence, and the regulations with respect to ad- 
 mission within this enclosure were rigidly enforced. \\ ith the signing of 
 the Armistice the restriction with resj)ect to passes imposed as a result of 
 the war were remcjved ; and while at this government ])ost strict regulations 
 are necessarily enforced, passes are generally issued to residents and visitors 
 to the Tri-Cities who a])ply for same and who may desire to avail themselves 
 of the privilege.
 
 Savanna Provinp; Ground 
 
 HE purchase of approximately 13,000 acres of land for a proving 
 ground near Savanna, Illinois, was made possible under an appro- 
 priation of $1,500,000 authorized by an Act of Congress on June 12, 
 1917, and work on this valuable adjunct to Rock Island Arsenal 
 was pushed early after the United States entered the World War. 
 
 It was contemplated that this tract be used for proof-firing gun car- 
 riages manufactured at the Arsenal, some sixty miles distant, but upon the 
 signing of the Armistice, immediate need for gun carriages having ceased, 
 the Savanna project was used as a storage depot for the vast quantities of 
 ordnance stores manufactured at the Arsenal during the war. 
 
 In the purchase of the Sa\anna lands, the United States had the services 
 of Hugh E. Curtis, of Rock Island, Illinois, and others, through whom 
 options were secured from the owners, and the sales were consummated 
 
 Tractors and tanks in field awaiting permanent storage. This picture, taken in June, 1919, shows but a small 
 part of the equipment brought to Savanna after the war. 
 
 upon acceptance by the government. Out of a total of 13,146 acres, costing 
 $890,209.15, only 320 acres were purchased direct by the government, and 
 condemnation proceedings w^ere necessary in the acquirement of ten acres 
 that could pot be obtained in any other way. 
 
 After the Savanna land purchase there remained from the appropriation 
 made by Congress approximately $600,000, and this was expended in con- 
 structing necessary quarters, barracks, firing points, power house, store- 
 houses, roads, and sewage system.
 
 60 
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 It will be realized to what extent the Savanna site was used for a storage 
 depot from the statement that at the heo:inning ^f the fiscal year 1920 
 artillery material was beiny; received at llie rale of forty carloads a day. 
 No covered storage was available, and the material was parked in the open, 
 there being something like fifteen acres of this on hand July 1, 1920. To 
 care for the material it was necessary to construct forty storehouses, each 
 96 bv 400 feet, to house artillery and tractors. 
 
 Quarters of Commanding Officer at Savanna proving ground.
 
 War With Spain 
 
 N 1898 Rock Island Arsenal had its first real test, and it was not 
 found wanting. At the outl:)reak of the AVar with Spain, in April 
 of that year, the extent of the country's unpreparedness may be 
 judged by the fact that this Arsenal, though employing only 500 men 
 and having less than one-fifth of its shop floor space utilized for 
 manufacturing i)urposes, yet was first of all the arsenals of the country in 
 size, number of employees, variety of work performed, amount of output 
 and monthly payroll. Inevitably, then, upon this Arsenal fell a proportion- 
 ately large share of the work of equipping the suddenly augmented fighting 
 forces of the nation. 
 
 Rock Island Arsenal, fully outfitted with machinery and completely 
 manned, it had been estimated, should be able to equip and maintain an 
 army of 750,000 men, but the spring of 1898 found it with a capacity of not 
 more than one-fifth of its estimated maximum output. Congress had not 
 appropriated sufficient funds to place it in a state of readiness for such an 
 emergency. Nevertheless, it did not fail to do all and more than was ex- 
 pected of it. 
 
 The plant, which up to that time had been large enough merely to 
 supply the small army maintained in time of ])eace, quickly expanded to 
 meet the increased demands occasioned by the rapid growth of the military 
 forces. Additional machines were installed wdiere possible, and where 
 hand labor only was involved in the shop operations the great floor space 
 available in the vacant buildings was promptly filled. There was no time, 
 and, indeed, there was no need for further shop or storehouse construction. 
 In six months the crisis was passed. 
 
 The number of employees, which on March 1, 1898, numbered less than 
 500, quickly increased until a maximum force of approximately 3,000 was 
 attained, with an expenditure of $175,000 per month in wages. 
 
 The old shop and oftice forces were made the nucleus of the larger 
 organization, thdse especially fitted for leadership being advanced to more 
 responsible positions and given the task of organizing and training the 
 inexperienced help taken on in such large numbers. 
 
 The extent to which the Arsenal was developed to meet the emergency 
 then existing may be realized by stating that the department producing the 
 cloth equipment, which, before the Spanish-American War, operated but 
 fifteen machines, was expanded until sixty machines were used to turn out 
 the product. The shop which at its maximum was producing before the war 
 300 tin cups and 125 meat cans per day, and in which no facilities for the
 
 62 
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 manufacture of canteens existed, when hnally deNcloped, was capable of 
 Turning out 3,000 tin cups. 6.000 meat cans, and 4.000 canteens per day. 
 
 All shops and departments were expanded in like proportion, and 
 although the force was operated continuously twenty-four hours per day, it 
 was necessary to augment the Arsenal's output l)y purchases from private 
 manufacturers of large quantities of completed articles of infantry, cavalry 
 and horse equipments, delivered in finished condition ready for issue to the 
 
 Interior of Wooilworking Shop, aliovc; bi-low, interior of Armon, . 
 
 field. With the procurement of these articles, entailing- the pre])aralinn of 
 specifications, inviting of bids, making of awards, and the placing of the 
 orders, the Arsenal was charged. In many cases the contractor performed 
 only one certain operation in connection with llie C(ini])lete ecjuipment. such 
 as covering with leather of the saddle tree and the wooden stirrups, the 
 trees and stirrups for which were manufactured and furnished the contractor 
 by the Arsenal.
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 63 
 
 As was the case later, during the World War, the Arsenal found much 
 to do in organizing and directing private manufacture of materials needed 
 by the army, in assembling complete sets of equipment from parts obtained 
 here and there and adding the final touches to make them ready for use. 
 
 Orders for large quantities of raw materials were placed, as the limited 
 capacity of the Arsenal, operating on a peace-time basis, resulted in only 
 .1 moderate quantity of materials for orders then in progress being on hand. 
 1 he magnitude to which the purchases grew under the stimulus of war to 
 meet shop production requirements may be indicated by a statement of the 
 principal articles procured. 
 
 These included 351,400 yards dyed duck; 1,008,000 yards cotton webbing 
 of various widths for haversacks and blanket bags ; 654,000 pounds tin plate 
 for meat cans, tin cups and canteens; 79,900 pounds brass wire; 89,500 pounds 
 sheet brass for Imckles, rings and hooks; 984,000 feet linen rope for lariats; 
 205,300 pounds harness leather backs; 1,262,000 square feet collar, bridle 
 and bag leather for straps, saddles, saddle bags and carbine scabbards; 
 116.200 pounds copper; 1,161,900 pounds steel for gun carriages; 133,000 
 feet basswood and ash for saddle trees; and 690,000 feet other lumber for 
 ammunition chests, besides many thousand ixninds of minor articles. 
 
 The value of the completed articles purchased during the Spanish- 
 American war aggregated $331,262.33. Some of the principal items of 
 equipment, showing the proportion in which they were manufactured at 
 the Arsenal and the quantities which were acquired l)y purchase, are as 
 follows : 
 
 Manufactured at Purchased from 
 Articles The Arsenal Contractors 
 
 Blanket bags.. 36,190 30,521 
 
 Blanket bag shoulder straps, pairs.... 72,428 . 12,980 
 
 Blanket bag coat straps, pairs 48,070 20,269 
 
 Canteens 235.553 23,952 
 
 Canteen stra])s. Infantry.. 95,671 105,059 
 
 Gunslings ..* 64.942 86,979 
 
 Haversacks 80,588 61.878 
 
 Haversack straps 122,086 29,236 
 
 Meat cans. 208,841 29,206 
 
 Tin cups .......:.... 231,400 29,209 
 
 Of course the foregoing talmlation includes l)Ut a small fraction of the 
 articles manufactured, purchased and assembled here. In the four months 
 from April 15 to August 15, 1898, there were either made here wdiolly or 
 partly, or received from contractors, 25 3.2-inch breech loading rifles and 
 other field guns, 53 carriages for 3 and 3.2-inch guns. 210 limbers for the 
 3.2 and 3.6-inch gims. 120 caissons, a large quantity of artillery harness,
 
 64 
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 saddles, etc.. and hundreds of thousands of miscellaneous articles. The 
 Arsenal was the largest depot of issue in the ccnmtry. 
 
 At the outbreak of the war with Spain this country was far behind the 
 times in much of its military equipment. The old 45-calibre single shot 
 Springfield rifle, firing with black [)owder. but little better than the weapons 
 used at the close of the Civil War, was the only small arm available for 
 use by many of the troops. About the only improvement in the army 
 uniform made since the 60's consisted in the addition of the campaign 
 hat and leggings. Our forces invaded the tropics clad in the regulation 
 blue wool garments, ill-fitting and as uncomfortable as they were conspicuous 
 
 Site of old Fort Armstrong, looking rlown the Misslsi^ij'i'i 
 
 to enemy marksmen. No canteens had been maile since the Civil War. the 
 surplus left after that conflict being repaired and recovered as needed. 
 In many other ways the equipment was far out of date. 
 
 The Spanish war not on!}- stimulated manufacture. l)Ut brought about 
 a marked change in tyi)e of most army goods, which led to a permanent 
 expansion of Rock Island Arsenal's facilities and shop forces. Though 
 the war of 1893 did not last long, it brouglit realization of the advanced 
 needs of the nation in the way of defenses and was followed bv an increase 
 in the size of the standing army, which helped to insure continued activity 
 at this Arsenal on a scale greater than that which had prevailed up to that 
 time. 
 
 Among the ])ermanent imi)rovements brought about at once were the 
 modernizing of the water power plant and the taking of steps for the manu- 
 facture of small arms. During the Spanish War, rifles were cleaned, re- 
 paired and issued, but none were made here.
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 65 
 
 Major Blunt, the Commandant, in his report for 1893 praises the spirit 
 of the shop workers during that year. Referring to the manner in which 
 the organization was expanded he said: 
 
 "As the force was increased, the necessity for foremen and inspectors 
 familiar with the successive operations (for there was no time to teach and 
 develop new men) grew with the expansion of the work. They were found 
 among the old employees, and from their ranks a number of temporary 
 appointments to these positions were made. They proved capable and 
 efficient, and when necessary, as was frequently the case, worked overtime 
 with entire willingness ; in fact, the spirit they displayed permeated, with 
 very few exceptions, the entire force, the men being apparently animated 
 by the desire to observe the shop rules and regulations to the best of their 
 ability and to render all possible assistance to the government in the exist- 
 ing emergency." 
 
 That work turned out at the Arsenal was superior to that made in 
 private plants, and produced at a lower cost, is emphasized : 
 
 "While fairly favorable prices were obtained for the $L110,0(X) worth 
 of finished articles of ordnance stores procured under contracts, yet in all 
 cases they exceeded, in some instances considerably so, the cost at which 
 similar stores were at the same time being turned out at the Arsenal. * * * 
 It must also be remembered that the articles obtained by purchase, especially 
 at such a period, as unquestionably has been the case with most of those 
 recently procured under contracts, are often inferior, both in material and 
 workmanship, to those procured in the government shops. This fact was 
 universally admitted l:)y all the contractors who visited this Arsenal during 
 the last few months and examined the work in progress." 
 
 Rock Island Arsenal Golf Club, maintained by civilian members from surrounding cities, but under control of Commandant, 
 who is ex-officio president of the organization.
 
 66 
 
 RUCK IS L A X D A R S E X A L
 
 Fort Armstrong 
 
 By JOHN H. HAUBURG 
 
 O fort gave a greater sense of security to the pioneers of the Illinois 
 Territory than did old Fort Armstrong. For decades the Indians 
 of the Upper Mississippi had been in the habit of uniting their 
 forces against their white brethren. Together they shared the 
 honors at Braddock's defeat during the French and Indian War, 
 and again they were united in Pontiac's War. The seizure of the Illinois 
 country by General George Rogers Clark in 1778 was a challenge to the 
 warriors, under British control, from Rock River to Lake Superior and 
 from Lake Michigan to the St. Peter's river in Minnesota. In 1779, and 
 again in 1780, there were fighting expeditions descending the Mississippi 
 past Rock Island l)ent on the re-conciuest of Illinois from the Americans, 
 and among them l)raves from the k)cal villages of the united Sauks and 
 Foxes. 
 
 When the War of 1812-T4 came on, Territorial Governor Ninian h2d\vards 
 wrote: 'T believe there is a universal combination among the Indians. 
 Independent of the Indians west of the Mississippi, and 300 lodges of Sioux 
 on the Wisconsin, we may certainly count on 4,400 who can reach the settle- 
 ments on the Mississippi in six or eight days, and come all the v\'ay by 
 water. Our danger, therefore, is xevy evident." 
 
 The settlements of the pioneers at that time were mostly near the 
 Mississippi, and nearly all south of a line drawn eastward from where Alton, 
 Illinois, is now. North of this line was the wilderness, from which came 
 Indian bands creeping upon the settlers by stealth and leaving a trail of 
 blood. In 1813 Governor Edwards wrote: "The savages have already 
 committed murders within the bounds of every regiment in this (Illinois) 
 territory." 
 
 In 1814 the government took aggressive action against the Indians of 
 this vicinity. Governor William Clark, of Mississippi Territory, headed an 
 expedition to Prairie du Chien, W^isconsin. His first trouble came as he 
 reached Rock Island, where he was attacked by the united Sauk and Fox. 
 This was in the month of May. In July of the same year Lieutenant John 
 Campbell was attacked at Campbell's Island, a few miles above Rock Island, 
 and after a hard fought battle was defeated by Black Hawk's warriors. 
 Early in September the same year an expedition under Major Zachary 
 Taylor came up stream for the purpose of destroying Black Hawk's village 
 and corn fields and to select a site for a fort. Major Taylor was decisively 
 defeated by British artillerists and overwhelming numbers of Indians of 
 the allied tribes at Credit Island, in plain sight of Rock Island. 
 
 Peace was signed as between Great Britain and the United States in 
 December, 1814, but the Indians continued their depredations upon the
 
 68 
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 settlers to the south, and so, in 1815, the 8th U. S. regiment was dispatched 
 to Rock Island to build a fort. On account of certain hindrances, they did 
 not arrive at Rock Island until May 10, 1816, at which time, accompanied 
 by the rifle regiment under Brevet Brigadier-General Thomas A. Smith, 
 work on the fort was begun. As General Smith remained but a short time, 
 the work was continued under Col. William Lawrence, of the 8th regiment, 
 and was called "Fort Armstrong," in honor of the then Secretary of Wa-r. 
 
 Major Marsten. in 1819, reported as follows: "This fort is about 270 
 feet square, \\ith three block houses mounting three six-pounders. The 
 barracks are well constructed, of hewed timber, and are sufficiently extensive 
 
 Fori Armstrong, as originally built, from photograph of an oM drawing. 
 
 to quarter three companies. The magazine is of stone, and well built. 
 The commanding (jflicer's (piarters consists of a center two-story building 
 28 feet in length and a piazza built in front and rear. The fort is ])uilt on 
 the lower point of Rock Island, and upon a perpendicular bank of lime- 
 stone about twenty-five feet in height. It completely commands both chan- 
 nels of the river. The garrison is a great check upon the Indians in this 
 country, and from its central situation it appears to me to be a station of 
 considerable imjjortance." 
 
 Of its general outward appearance. Governor Ford wrote as follows: 
 "The river here is a beautiful sheet of clear, swift-running water, about 
 three-quarters of a mile wide. Its banks on both sides were uninhabited, 
 except by Indians, from the lower rapids to the fort, and the voyagers up 
 stream, after several days solitary progress through a wilderness country 
 on its borders, came suddenly in sight of the whitewashed walls and towers
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 69 
 
 of the fort, perched upon a rock, surrounded by the grandeur and 
 beauty of nature, which at a distance gave it the appearance of one of those 
 enchanted castles in an uninhabited desert, so well described in the Arabian 
 Nights Entertainments." 
 
 Within the walls of the fort were housed a variety of interests — the 
 commandant, the surgeon, the interpreter, the Lidian Agent, the blacksmith, 
 the soldiers, and lastly the servants. Among the last named was the colored 
 man, Dred Scott, whose residence at Fort Armstrong provided the grounds 
 for the legal battle carried through to the United States Supreme Court, 
 made famous in history by the "Dread Scott decision." The blacksmith was 
 appointed because of a stipulation in treaties with the Indians that the 
 United States should provide such an artisan for repairing the Indians' hoes, 
 axes, guns, etc. 
 
 The United States Indian Agent managed the affairs of the Government 
 with the Indians. All traders must receive their traders' licenses from the 
 agent. He would pass upon the proposed trader's qualifications, upon the 
 financial responsibility of those who signed his bond as security, take a 
 list of their interpreters, clerks and boatmen, the place where to trade and 
 the tribe of Indians with whom he would trade. The agent issued passports 
 to Indians wishing to travel to other posts, issued rations to the Indians, 
 keeping book account of all such transactions, and paid out the thousands 
 of dollars annually as annuities to the red men, etc. In addition to those 
 officially connected with the fort, James D. Rishell, in a recent edition of 
 "Black Hawk's Autobiography," says: "Around every fort on the border, 
 from the earliest times onward, hovered a band of French, English and 
 American traders, in sharp competition for the rich furs and peltries of 
 the Indians." Colonel George Davenport, in fact, had a permanent trading 
 establishment but a few hundred yards distant from Fort Armstrong. 
 
 All through the years, until after the Black Hawk War, Fort Armstrong 
 functioned as a restraint upon the Indians. Always there were quarrels, 
 battles, killings, stealings, between the two races over a wide range of 
 country hereabout. Our earliest settlers would scarcely have dared to 
 locate within Black Hawk's village had it not been for the presence of the 
 fort. The Winnebago War, and two campaigns, 1831 and 1832, of the Black 
 Hawk War, found the fort a refuge to the crowds of men, women, and 
 children of settlers, as also the headquarters for the military operations 
 which resulted in the expulsion from the old Northwest Territory of the 
 last of a long list of patriotic, fighting Indians. 
 
 The stories of Indian treaties negotiated at Fort Armstrong; of refugee 
 settlers in fear of massacre; of Black Hawk's attempt to blow up the fort; 
 of the legend of the spirit, in the form of a large swan, which inhabited 
 the cave underneath the fort; the hustle and bustle of soldiers and supplies
 
 70 
 
 ROCK ISLAND A R S E N A L 
 
 during- the Black J lawk War. at which time llie fort was headquarters for 
 the army; the ct)ming of Cjeueral W'infield Scott, and the plague of cholera 
 at the fort — all these and many others are subjects of too great length to be 
 treated in the space allotted to this part of the stcjry of the Tri-Cities and 
 the Arsenal. 
 
 From \\m. A Meese's "l^ariy Rock Island" we quote the following: 
 
 "May 4, 1836. the fort was evacuated and the troops sent to Fort Snelling. 
 Lieutenant Colonel William Davenport was in command at that time, and 
 
 he left Lieutenant John Reach, of the in- 
 fantry, in charge with a few men to take 
 care of the proi)erty. The fort was never 
 re-garrisoned. November, 1836. Lieutenant 
 Beach was ordered away and all the prop- 
 erty was removed. From 1836 to 1838, 
 Ceneral Street, Indian Agent, had charge 
 of the Island, and he was succeeded by 
 Colonel Cjeorge Davenport, who had been 
 a])i)ointed Indian Agent. In 18-K) some of 
 the buildings were repaired and an ordnance 
 (k])oi was established at the fort, Captain 
 W . k. Shoemaker having charge until 1845. 
 when the depot was broken uj) and the 
 ^odds removed to St. Louis, lliomas L. 
 Drum, of Rock Island, was custodian from 
 1845 to 1853. Ordnance Sergeant Cum- 
 mings was in charge for a short time in 
 1853 to 1854; J. B. Danforth from 1854 to 
 1857. and H. Y. Slaymaker from 1857 to 
 1863." 
 
 Reproduction of first blork house, rrerteil in 1916 
 by the people of the community, for celebration of 
 100th anniversary of building of Fort Armstrong. 
 
 In 1855 part of the fort was reduced to ashes. The last vestiges of 
 the fort were removed in 1863, at the time of the building of the large 
 Armory clock tower building. It is unfortunate that i)art, at least, of 
 this relic of the stirring days of the past was not left as a monument for 
 succeeding generations. 
 
 In 1916, however, the one-hundredth anniversary of the building of 
 Fort Armstrong was fittingly observed by a great celebration, in which not 
 only the Tri-Cities joined, but visitors from away were here in large numbers. 
 Among the noted visitors were Jesse Ka-ka-que, of Kansas, a great grand- 
 son of Black I lawk, and Push-e-ton-e-que, chief of the Fox or Mesquakies, 
 together with about twenty-five other Indians from Tama, Iowa. As a part 
 of this celebration, one of the blockhouses was restored, and is an exact 
 replica in form of those which were placed there a century before, which, 
 with their six-poundcrs. gave such comfort to the westward tide of immigra- 
 tion.
 
 Squatters' Rights 
 
 LTHOUGH claiming it from the first as a reservation for its uses, the 
 War Department had no little difficulty in finally establishing- title 
 to Rock Island. Seldom has a tract of land no larger than the 
 Island ofl:'ered such obvious attractions to private owners, and many 
 and devious were the schemes employed in an effort to wrest it 
 from the control of the government. In the end it cost Uncle Sam $221,035 
 to buy rights of settlers wlio were conceded to have just claims to portions 
 of the premises, and the water power rights are still shared by private 
 interests. 
 
 Much space would be required to record details of this phase of the 
 Arsenal's history. Only a brief outline will be attempted. 
 
 For many years the ciuestion whether the Island was lawfully under 
 the control of the A\'ar Department, or subject to distribution as part of 
 the public domain, was considered debatable. Appeal was made at various 
 times to the Courts, to the Secretary of War, the President, and even to 
 Congress. 
 
 In 1825, and again in 1835, the War Department formally asserted its 
 claim to the whole of the tract. Nevertheless, a survey was made by an 
 engineer employed by the Department of the Interior in 1832, and the 
 land was laid out in quarter sections. After the troops were withdraAvn, 
 in 1836, squatters appeared and occupied most of the Island, with a view 
 of preempting it under regulations applying to all public lands not set aside 
 for some particular purpose. 
 
 In 1837 the Illinois legislature gave permission, by special act, em- 
 powering David B. Sears and John AY. Spencer to construct a water power 
 dam across Rock Island Slough, connecting the Island with the mainland 
 at Moline. In 1842 the dam was completed, and in a short time a number 
 of small manufacturing plants made their ai)i)earance at the head of the 
 Island, operating with the i)ower generated there. In 1846 Mr. Sears built 
 another dam connecting the main island with Benham's Island, on the north 
 and just below the head of the former. In 1848, for some reason not clear 
 at this date, the Secretary of AVar wrote to the Secretary of the Interior 
 formally relinquishing the Island for military purposes. In doing so, how- 
 ever, the former exceeded his poAvers, as court decisions and subsequent 
 acts of the War Department indicated, and so a great many persons who 
 claimed interests in the property were disappointed. 
 
 Most of the litigation with respect to the ownership of the premises 
 resulted from the building of the Chicago & Rock Island railroad, which 
 crossed the Island a quarter of a mile east of the present line, the company
 
 72 
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 claiming a tract 300 feet in width by virtue of its charter from the State 
 of Illinois. That was in 1854. The War Department resisted the intrusion, 
 and the matter was thrown into the courts, which eventually upheld the 
 company, apparently more on the grounds of public need of transportation 
 by rail than upon proof of technical rights submitted by the defendant. 
 Subsequently the railroad was induced to remove its tracks to the extreme 
 western end of the Island, where they are now located. 
 
 In 1850. when General Zachary Taylor was President, he issued an order 
 for the sale of the Island. Advertisements were not printed in local news- 
 papers, and it was charged that the move had been instigated by outside 
 capitalists who wished, for obvious reasons, to avoid publicity. Two weeks 
 
 .1 Ihr (...lll.-cl,- 
 
 Hal l>lov% at til. 
 
 "' a|">n?^ «iro use. I in tlir nuinitiirs which crushed 
 orlh from the sea iluring the Civil war. 
 
 prior to the date of the sale, however, people of the community awoke to 
 what was going on, and immediately such a protest arose that the War 
 Department felt impelled to postpone the date. Word to this effect did 
 not reach Rock Island until the afternoon of the day on which the sale 
 was to have taken place and an ofticer was on the ground prepared to 
 receive bids. Most active in opposing the sale were those who had settled 
 or made improvements on the Island, for they felt that their alleged rights 
 were being placed in jeopardy. They banded together and even went so far 
 as to post notices in the vicinity warning prospective purchasers that those 
 appearing to submit bids would be in serious physical danger. The sale was 
 finally called off. 
 
 Many bills were offered in Congress for the sale of all or part of the 
 land, but most of them were defeated throug^h the vigilance of local interests.
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 73 
 
 which from the first ardently upheld the effort to maintain the Island as a 
 site for an Arsenal. In 1858 the AVar Department again was induced to con- 
 sent to public sale, and bids were advertised for and received, but never 
 opened. About this time Congress began to manifest a real interest in the 
 utilization of the Island for military purposes, and so in 1859, when the last 
 bill ever ofifered for sale of the premises came up, it was promptly voted 
 down, and that ended the controversy. 
 
 In the meantime parts of the Island had been disposed of by act of 
 Congress. Colonel George Davenport, the original settler in the community, 
 was permitted to purchase at the prevailing price of $1.25 per acre the 
 
 Residence of Commandant of Arsenal. 
 
 quarter section he had claimed and improved at the time the first army 
 post was established, and D. B. Sears was given a similar privilege with 
 respect to the fractional tract adjacent to his flour mill at the head of the 
 Island, The Davenport interests subsequently were re-purchased by the 
 War Department for $40,700 and the Sears interests for $145,175. 
 
 An organized effort to get the greater part of the Island by preemp- 
 tion was made in 1856, when one Thales Lindsley, said to have been a clerk 
 in the Patent Office at Washington, appeared and located a party of squatters 
 as ''dummies" upon unoccupied parts of the Island. About the same time 
 a number of Rock Island men conceived of the same idea, namely, that of
 
 74 
 
 ROCK ISLAND A R S E N A L 
 
 establishing riohts preliniinarv to i)urchasc from the govcrninent. The 
 result was that the po})ulation of the Island was materially increased, there 
 being two or more claimants for each of the more desirable portions. Some 
 vit)lencc resulted from the clash of interests. Eventually the Lindsley 
 party was worsted. Lindsley. however, was not daunted. He remained 
 on the ground and interested a number of local men in a plan to get the 
 Island by grant from C;)ngress as the site for a great state and national 
 university. lie drew up a prospectus for an institution of learning, offering 
 
 Beauty spots on the Island. Above, stone bridge leading to Officers' quarters. 
 Below, garden near Commanding Officer's quarters. 
 
 more than one hundred courses of study, some of which never had been, and 
 perhaps never Avill be. taught in any school. A bill to carry out the scheme 
 was actually presented to Congress. When Lindsley appealed to Senator 
 Stephen A. Douglas for aid, that statesman, evidently apprised of the many 
 devices already employed with a similar purpose, is (juoted as having ex- 
 claimed: "For heaven's sake. sir. draw something thicker than a lace veil 
 over your scheme!"
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 75 
 
 Apparently that sealed the doom of the project, for it did not get 
 much farther. Lindsley made one other attempt to improve his fortunes 
 through an application to the Illinois legislature for a water power grant 
 involving rights in the south channel, already claimed by the Moline Water 
 Power Company, but met with defeat. 
 
 Private claim to water power rights in the Rock Island slough never 
 was seriously contested by the War Department. The original dam, built 
 in 1842, by Sears and Spencer, was taken over a few years later by Pitts, 
 Gilbert & Pitts, an eastern firm. Power was supplied to a number of factories 
 from the first, but the project was not placed on a permanently paying basis 
 till after 1865, when it passed into the hands of the newly formed Moline 
 Water Power Company. This concern entered into an agreement by which 
 it surrendered all rights to the government, obtaining in return a perpetual 
 grant of the use of one-fourth of the power developed, with the option 
 of use of surplus power, above the requirements of the Arsenal, at a specified 
 rental. The government agreed to bear all expense of development 
 and maintenance. This agreement stands to this day, and the Moline Water 
 Power Company is still in existence, selling power to the Peoples' Power 
 Company, which provides for distribution in the community. 
 
 Flag pole in front of Commanding Officer's headquarters.
 
 Buiklina* the Orioinal Arsenal 
 
 c o 
 
 THE first formal move to set Rock Island apart for military purposes 
 was made in 1825, when the Secretary of War notified the Com- 
 missioner of the General Land Office to reserve the land from sale, 
 fen years later Congress approved of an examination of sites for 
 a proposed western Armory, which was made by a commission of 
 army otiicers. 
 
 In 1840 the Commandant of the Arsenal at St. Louis was directed by 
 the Chief of Ordnance to ascertain w'hat advantages Rock Island might 
 have for ordnance purposes. The report, submitted by Captain William Bell, 
 gave an intimate description of the Island and adjoining community, prais- 
 ing the transportation and water power facilities, and stating there were 
 but two responsible private claimants at that time prepared to dispute 
 ownership with the government. 
 
 The following year Congress again ordered an investigation to de- 
 termine the site for a western Armory to be located on a waterway. Three 
 army ofticers spent eighteen months in the work and made a voluminous 
 report, which gave enthusiastic praise to the natural advantages of Rock 
 Island for the proposed purpose. "Articles of subsistence of all kinds, 
 for man and beast," the report said, "are abundant, and these are remarkably 
 cheap. The site is exceptionally healthy, as evidenced by reports now on 
 file in the office of the Surgeon General * * * covering a period of 
 more than twenty years, during which the number upon the sick list at 
 Fort Armstrong was proportionately less than at any other post in the 
 western country." 
 
 Other reports of similar nature were made to the War Department 
 from time to time, up to the date when Congress finally authorized the 
 beginning of construction of permanent buildings. A. C. Dodge, chairman 
 of the Senate Committee on Public Lands, writing to the Secretary of 
 War in 1854, said : 
 
 "Rock Island, as you are well aware, has long been regarded by a large 
 portion of the people of the Mississippi valley as an advantageous site 
 for an Arsenal of construction." 
 
 From the earliest days of the white men in this vicinity there was a 
 strongly defined sentiment in the upper river valley, and especially in the 
 more immediate locality, in favor of maintaining and developing the Island 
 for military uses. Time after time, the records show, when ownership of 
 the land by the War Department was threatened, or the authorities at 
 Washington wavered in their intentions along this line, champions of the
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 17 
 
 Arsenal project who were able to make their voices heard and influence felt 
 in the national capital came forward. Disposition toward hasty adverse 
 action was repeatedly halted and the subject kept open till a more deliberate 
 consideration of its merits finally won the day. 
 
 By Act of Congress, approved July 11, 1862, a national Arsenal was 
 located on Rock Island, and $100,000 was appropriated for buildings. The 
 original intention was to use the establishment for storage and repairs only. 
 
 Major C. P. Kingsbury was assigned as the first Commandant, coming 
 on the scene in 1863. In that year the first permanent building, the one at 
 
 (Pi"*'*' ■ ■ Sr « ^WL 
 
 '-^^fT-^r' '"Ml!- 
 
 ,; ' f f .1 - " - - _ t - '^v 
 " ' \_t b 
 
 -AC — ^^ 
 
 
 7.- J- • 
 
 Rear view of original shops. Insert, old stone storehouse at west end of Island. This was the first permanent buiJing erected. 
 
 With its tall clock tower it is now the most conspicuous object connected with the Island, 
 
 as viewed by transients. It is now kept chiefly as a relic. 
 
 the west end of the Island, with its clock tower provided with 12-foot dials 
 facing in four directions, was begun. This structure was designed as a 
 storehouse, and for years has been used only incidentally as circumstances 
 demanded. A few years ago it was condemned and ordered torn down, but 
 the order was rescinded in response to local sentiment. The building is 
 not now a part of the Arsenal, properly speaking.
 
 78 R O C K T S 1. A N D A R S 1^ N A L 
 
 General Thumas J. Rodman snccecdcd Major Kingsbury in citmmand 
 in 1865 and remained in charge till his death, which took place in 1871. His 
 remains were buried on the Island. Under General Rodman, who designed 
 some of the best heavy guns used in the Civil War, those with which the 
 monitors were armed being among them, comprehensive plans for the 
 Arsenal were elaborated. In accordance with these, the institutit)n was 
 constructed and remained with only minor additions up to the date of 
 beginning of the \\ Orld \\ ar. 
 
 Two rows of great shops, one on either side of the main a\enue ex- 
 tending east and west, and located on the highest ground the Island aiTorded, 
 were included. Most of the building was done under General Rodman and 
 his successor. General U. \\'. Flagler. The shops on the south side of 
 the avenue were designed for an Arsenal and those on the north ior an 
 Armory. 
 
 The center shop on the south side is a foundry and blacksmith shop 
 and the one on the north a rolling mill and forge shop. Both are one-story 
 structures, with monitor roofs. Other shops are two stories, with basement. 
 
 Ground i)lans for all ten buildings originally were alike. Each has 
 two parallel wings. 60x300 feet, 90 feet apart, being U-shaped, with the 
 closed end on the avenue. This leaves a court 90x238 feet. The porticos 
 at the sides project 12 feet and are 60 feet wide, while those at the ends 
 are ot the same width, but project only two feet. During the late war the 
 inside porticos of the t\\<.) end buildings on each side of the avenue were 
 joined, to give more floor space and facilitate handling of materials. 
 
 Walls of all buildings are entirely of stone, most of it ol)tained from 
 quarries near jolict. Illinois. Average thickness of llie walls is 3 feet 4 
 inches for the first story, 2 feet 10 inches iov the second, and 2 feet 4 
 inches for the third. An enormous amount of material was used. In Shop 
 A. for instance, were placed 30.115.800 pounds of stone, 3.132.800 pounds of 
 brick, 2,199,646 i)ounds of irt)n. 1.331.500 pounds of lumber, 362.500 pounds 
 of slate. 200.000 j)ounds of plaster and 26.000 ])oun(ls of copjjcr. Total area 
 • »f each sho]) is a little more than one acre. .Much of the construction work 
 was done by day labor directed by sj)ecially trained oliicers. and reports 
 of Commanding ()fhcers comment upon the saving of money eft'ected and 
 better structures secured thrctugh this ])lan. 
 
 These shop buildings. su])plenu'nted with three lire-jjroof storehouses, 
 barracks. Commanding ( )riicer's quarters, subaltern ofhcers' quarters, 
 general offices and fire engine house, all of equally durable and commodious 
 character. ])rovided facilities for liousing the largest and most effective 
 Arsenal and Armory in the country. So much room was there, in fact, that 
 only a i)art of the space atiforded was utilized for manufacturing purposes 
 and fitted out with machinery until after the ICuropean War broke. Good
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 79 
 
 use was made of it during the Spanish \\^ar flurry, but most of the shop ex- 
 pansion then was of a temporary nature. 
 
 Under General Rodman the second Rock Island bridge was begun and 
 work was prosecuted in the improvement of the water power. A reservoir 
 giving sufficient water facilities for the needs of the institution was con- 
 structed and Shops B and C and the Commanding Officer's cjuarters were 
 nearly completed. 
 
 Under General (then Captain) Flagler most of the other l)uildings were 
 constructed as originally planned. The Aloline highway bridge was built, 
 a sewer S3'stem installed, the main avenues were partially improved, and 
 miles of driveways about the Island laid out. Most of the trees, other than 
 those of the natural forest remaining, were planted at this time. The 
 second bridge over the main channel of the river was completed and opened 
 for public use. 
 
 Construction lagged under Colonel T. G. Baylor (1886 to 1889), and 
 Colonel J. M. Whittemore ( 1889 to 1892). Under Colonel A. R. Buffington 
 (1892 to 1897) the Rock Island bridge was rebuilt to bear heavier traffic, 
 this being the chief item in the way of improvements. 
 
 Under Colonel S. E. Blunt as Commandant the Arsenal rendered valiant 
 service to the country in the Spanish-American \\'ar. Reference of a more 
 extended nature under this heading is made elsewhere. The capacity of the 
 manufacturing plant was enlarged l^y the installation of machinery and 
 shop fixtures. Congress, stirred by the urgent need of the times, made 
 tardy provision for the equipping of the Armory and the manufacture of 
 army rifles. Money for this purpose was voted in 1899, and in the following 
 year work was begun with a view of increasing the water power plant, 
 modernizing it with electricity and placing three of the shop buildings in 
 Armory row in readiness for men and machinery. Eventually the Armory 
 attained a capacity of 250 rifles daily, but after the immediate needs of 
 the army were met the output was cut down to al^out half the full capacity. 
 For some years before the A\'orld War little was done at the small arms 
 plant, but it sprang into new life with the entrance of the country into the 
 great struggle, the number of employees being brought up to 3,000 in this 
 department alone. 
 
 The vast additions to shops and storehouses, together with the many 
 other improvements brought about by the late war, were made under Colonel 
 George W. Burr, Colonel L. T. Hillman, and Colonel Harry B. Jordan.
 
 \\niat the Arsenal Cost and Its Present 
 
 Valuation 
 
 XPENDITURES for all purposes in connection with Rock Island 
 Arsenal during the 58 years of its existence total $32,591,920.94. 
 Present estimated value of improvements is $18,310,525.00. With 
 grounds, buildings and war material and machinery stored therein 
 inventoried at more than $250,000,000, the government has a larger 
 investment in this Arsenal than at any other center in the United States, 
 outside of Washington, D. C. 
 
 In the table below there are included under "Construction, Repair 
 and Preservation" not only the cost of the buildings when new, but also 
 the sums required for their repair and maintenance ; the government 
 share of expense in connection with the various bridges; and under "Water 
 Power" the sums disbursed for acquisition of power rights and their sub- 
 
 Filtration plant. The Arsenal's water supply is taken from the Mississippi river, being purified by modern methods. 
 
 sequent development; and under "Machinery," the cost of all that has been 
 installed, including the earlier purchases, now either worn out or obsolete 
 and no longer in use. The totals, therefore, represent actual expenditures, 
 and, taking no account of appreciation or depreciation, do not represent 
 present values. Against the various items it is proper to charge off the 
 benefit that the country has enjoyed from the operation of the Arsenal, 
 which, of course, is an item that cannot be reduced to figures.
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 81 
 
 COST OF BUILDINGS, WATER POWER. MACHINERY, ETC., AT 
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL FROM ITS ESTABLISHMENT 
 
 TO JUNE 30, 1920 
 
 
 
 Construc- 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 tion, Re- 
 
 Construc- 
 
 Rock Is- 
 
 
 
 
 
 pair and 
 
 tion, Re- 
 
 land Water 
 
 Machinery 
 
 
 Commandant 
 
 Period 
 
 Preserva- 
 
 pair and 
 
 Power 
 
 and Shop 
 
 Total 
 
 
 
 tion of 
 
 Preserva- 
 
 Dikes and 
 
 Fixtures 
 
 
 
 
 Buildings, 
 
 tion of 
 
 Dams 
 
 
 
 
 
 Roads, 
 
 Bridges 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Sewers, etc. 
 
 
 
 
 
 Maj. C. P. Kinssbury 
 
 1 lS63-()3 
 
 1$ 231,3,84.72 
 
 1? 
 
 $ 
 
 $ 
 
 $ 231,3,84.72 
 
 Gen. T. J. Rodman 
 
 1865-71 
 
 1.85.5.4.5.5.62 
 
 6.664..33 
 
 440„-,«Mi.:!5 
 
 
 2.:!02,(;2t;.30 
 
 Gen. D. W. B^agler 
 
 1871-86 
 
 4,137,675.24 
 
 160.,S94.74 
 
 r,<M.<.n\Ai 
 
 92,000.00 
 
 4.9S2,4,^1.45 
 
 Col. T. G. Bavlor 
 
 1886-89 
 
 201.200.00 
 
 96,250.00 
 
 322,000.00 
 
 44,000.00 
 
 (■)(;:!. 450. 00 
 
 Col. J. M. Whittemore 
 
 18,89-92 
 
 69,000.00 
 
 1,82.318.48 
 
 101,000.00 
 
 25,000.00 
 
 377,318.48 
 
 Gen. A. R. Bufflngtou 
 
 1892-97 
 
 47,250.00 
 
 315.125..50 
 
 67,500.00 
 
 47,500.00 
 
 477,375.50 
 
 Col. S. E. Blunt 
 
 1897-07 
 
 404,344.50 
 
 173,877.02 
 
 317,792.00 
 
 1,153,521.26 
 
 2.049.,534.78 
 
 Lt. Col. F. E. Hohbs 
 
 1907-11 
 
 100,964.36 
 
 139,172..55 
 
 7,8,500.00 
 
 121,107.15 
 
 430.744.00 
 
 Col. Geo. W. Bun- 
 
 1911-18 
 
 4,880,701.11 
 
 171,992.,85 
 
 16,8,167.45 
 
 1,031,820.30 
 
 6,252.<;.sl.71 
 
 Col. L. T. Hillman 
 
 1918-18 
 
 5,859,540.,S6 
 
 25.197.76 
 
 43.^,537.24 
 
 4.476,9(i2..59 
 
 10,s()(».-j:',s.45 
 
 Col. Harry B. .lordaii 
 
 1919-20 
 
 2,138,749.70 
 
 52,375..54 
 
 314.(;43.79 
 
 1,. 509.31 (i.4(; 
 
 4, 015. (IS.). 49 
 
 l.yi9. 926.266.11 |$ 1..323..S6,8.77 |.$ 2..S40.5.5.S.:;{) 1.$ ,s.. 501.227. 70 i.'i;32.5!)l.'.>--:(l.!)4 
 
 Cafeteria, erected to serve thousands of war workers. 
 
 For the single year from July 1, 1919, to July 1. 1920. the cost under 
 the four headings was as follows: 
 
 Construction, Repair and Preservation of Buildings. Roads. 
 
 Sewers, etc $858,231.57 
 
 Construction, Repair and Preservation of Bridges 33,573.30 
 
 Rock Island Water Power. Dikes and Dams 80.608.61 
 
 Machinery and Shop Fixtures 393,893.33 
 
 Total : $1,366,306.81 
 
 Two hundred and three items are included in the list of Arsenal improve- 
 ments, 168 being of a permanent nature and the balance temporary. Of 
 course not all of the buildings originally constructed are now standing, a 
 number of the smaller and less substantial sort having been salvaged. By
 
 82 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 far the most valuable of the present structures are those of modern design 
 erected during the last few years, as an inspection of the following itemized 
 estimate will show: 
 
 \ALUATlON OF QUARTERS AND BUILDINGS 
 
 PE RM A N i:nt b u I ld I nc ;s 
 
 ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDING 
 
 1— Main office ? 39.000.00$ 30,000.00 
 
 OFFICERS' Qr.ARTERS 
 
 2— ComuiaiKliiip Officers quarters 100.000.00 
 
 3— Assistant Officers (piarters No. 2 :t(i.(M»0,(M) 
 
 4 — Assistant Officers quarters No. 3 :i:!.(KKI.(K) 
 
 .T — Assistant Officer's quarters No. 4 2:?.7.">0.00 
 
 (5 — Assistant Officers quarters No. 13..500.00 
 
 7_Assistaut Officers quarters No. 7 12.000.00 218,250.00 
 
 EM.ISTKI) MKNS <IIAKTERS 
 
 .V- Stone barracks 127.500.00 
 
 «— Serjreants cjuarters Xo. 10 4.000.00 
 
 10— Serfreants quarters No. 23 5.000.00 
 
 11— Serjreants quarters No. 24— _J 4.000.00 
 
 12 — Serjeants cpiarters Nos. 11 and 12, double lO.ftOO.OO 
 
 13— t'asual rersoimel (juarters No. 2.5. 26 and 27 1.5.000.00 
 
 14 — Quarters No. lis at chicken farm 1.000.00 
 
 15— Quarters N<>s. V.K 20. 21 and 22 20..300.00 
 
 16 — Contagious Hospital (wash room for (juarters) 3.000.00 1VH).400.00 
 
 .MISCELL.VNEOIS BIILDING.S 
 
 17— Post Hospital 10.000.00 
 
 IS — Bowling alley (south of welfare building) 5.500.00 
 
 Post exchange and welfare building 11,500.00 
 
 19 — Garage, ronimanding Officer's (luarters 450.00 
 
 20 — Garage, (juarters No. 2-_-T 2.50.00 
 
 21 — Garage, quarters No. 3 ISO.OO 
 
 22 — Garage, (juarters No. 4 2S0.00 
 
 2.3 — Ciarage. quarters No. (5 2s0.nO 
 
 24 — (Jarage. (|uarters No. 7 2.">().<tO 
 
 2.5 — Chicken housp. Commanding Officer's quarters !KM).()0 
 
 20 — Chiclven house. No. 2 tiuarters .'UKXOO 
 
 27 — Chicken house. No. 3 quarters 2S0.00 
 
 2s — Chicken hou.se. No. 4 quarters 2*>0.00 
 
 29 — Chicken house. No. (! (luarters :{S0.00 
 
 30 — Chicken house. No. 7 quarters 300.00 
 
 31— Frame bakerv 2.S00.00 
 
 .3-2- Post staldes 9.000.00 
 
 :« — (ireen houses. Commanding Officer's quarters 9.720.00 
 
 .34 — Barn west of cadilv house l.SOO.OO 
 
 35 — Band stand. National Cemetery 500.00 54,950.00 
 
 >L\XrF.\CTrRING SECTION 
 
 36— Shop "A" 600.000.00 
 
 .37— Shop -B' 600.000.00 
 
 .^S_Shop "C" ('OO.JKW.OO 
 
 .39 — Shop "D" tMXt.OOO.OO 
 
 40— Shop "E" 2SO.()00.00 
 
 41— Shop "F" 295.tMM1.00 
 
 42— Shop "G" 375.000.00 
 
 4:{— Shop "H" 403..5(K).00 
 
 44— Shop "I" 32S..500.00 
 
 4.5— Shop "K" 377.200.00 
 
 46— Shop "L" 1.916.M)4.00 
 
 47— Chemical Laboratory L-1 1.50.iKM).00 
 
 4>^L. court 7.5.;)(M).00 
 
 49— Shop "M" and oil storage. Group Xo. 4 2.225.mM).{K) 
 
 50— Shop "O" l.")0.(MM1.00 
 
 51— Shop "Q" 12.5.;MMI.,'^M) 
 
 52— Shop "R" 4.'.0.!M»0.(M) 
 
 5.3— Tinning and Plating shop 23.!MM».(M1 
 
 ryi — Paint shop .V..(MMI.(M) 
 
 5.5— Shop connections A-C, B-D, G-I and H-K - 3<M1.000.(M) 
 
 56 — Central heating plant OlO.iHKKOO 
 
 .57— Boiler house "C " 23..500.fM) 
 
 5H— Boiler house shop "F" :{5.(M10.00 
 
 59— Tractor laboratory 17.7(MI.00 
 
 60— Rifle range 5.021.00 
 
 61— Truck garage 35,500.00
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 83 
 
 MANUFACTURING SECTION— (Continued) 
 
 02— Filtration ami ic-e plant 54,500.00 
 
 03— Stone Keservoir , 30.100.00 
 
 04 — I'ump houise, north shore 7,000.00 
 
 05— Pump house L-17 1,500.00 
 
 (5(5_Water tank (hif-h tank) 21.400.00 
 
 07- Parkerizing- plant 0,700.00 
 
 OS— Oil storage, Group No. 5 (filling station) 3,900.00 
 
 09 — Proving grounds 2,000.00 
 
 70— Power dam (old) 294,.500.00 
 
 Power dam (new) 74S.000.00 
 
 71— Truck shed (at truck garage) 5,000.00 
 
 72— Drv kiln (old) 11,121>.00 
 
 73— Dry kiln (new) 4,125.00 
 
 74— Drv kiln (wheel spoke) 247,500.00 
 
 75— Drv kiln (gun stock) 374,000.00 
 
 76— Unloading platform (shop "A" court) 4,900.00 
 
 77— Fulminate fuse exploding vault 90.00 12,58o,069.00 
 
 STOREHOUSE SECTION 
 
 78— Storehouse "A"' 147,520.00 
 
 79— Storehouse '-G' . 00,0'iO.OO 
 
 80— Storehouse 'F' 31,300.00 
 
 81— Storehouse "K" 119,700.00 
 
 82- Storehouse V-1 78,000.00 
 
 S3— Storehouse V-2 108,000.00 
 
 84— Storehouse V-3 108,000.00 
 
 85— Storehouse V-4 108,000.00 
 
 SO— Storehouse V-5 108,000.00 
 
 87— Storehouse V-6 108.000.00 
 
 88— Storehouse V-7 108,000.00 
 
 S9— St(>n>tiouse V-8 108,000.00 
 
 90— Storehouse V-9 108,000.00 
 
 91— Storeliouse V-10 80.333.00 
 
 92— Storehouse V-11 ■_ 80,333.00 
 
 93— Storehouse V-12 80.334.00 
 
 94— Storehouse V-14 05,000.00 
 
 95— Storehouse V-15 05,000.00 
 
 90— Storeliouse W-I 1,500.000.00 
 
 97— Storcliouse X-1 20.277.00 
 
 9,S— Storehouse X-2 29,277.00 
 
 99— Storeliouse X-3 29,277.00 
 
 100— Stor.'liiMise X-4 29.277.00 
 
 101- Storehouse X-5 29.277.00 
 
 102— Storehouse X-0 29,277.00 
 
 103— Storehouse X-7 29.277.i)0 
 
 104— Storehouse X-8 29.277.00 
 
 105— Storehouse X-9 29.277.00 
 
 100— Storeliouse X-10 29.277.00 
 
 107— Storeliouse Y-1 29,277.00 
 
 108- Storeliouse Y-2 29,277.00 
 
 109— Storeliouse Y-3 29.277.00 
 
 110— Storehouse Y-4 29.277.00 
 
 111— Storehouse Y-5 29,277.00 
 
 112- Storehouse Y-0 29,277.00 
 
 113— Storehouse Y-7 29,277.00 
 
 114— Storehouse Y-S 29.277.00 
 
 11.5— Storehouse Y-9 29.277.00 
 
 110— Storehouse Y-10 29,277.00 
 
 117— Storehouse Z-1 29.277.00 
 
 J IS— Storehouse Z-2 29.277.!I0 
 
 119— Storehouse Z-3 29.277,00 
 
 120— Storehouse Z-4 :;9. 277.00 
 
 ■J21— Storeliouse Z-5 29, 277. IK) 
 
 122— Storehouse Z-0 29,277.00 
 
 123— Storehouse Z-7 29.277.00 
 
 124— Storehouse Z-S 29,277.00 
 
 12.5— Storehouse Z-9 29,277.00 
 
 12(i— Storehouse Z-10 .29,277.00 
 
 127— Old Arsenal liuilding 200,000.00 
 
 12.S— Lumher shed (old ) 14,000.00 
 
 129— Lumber slied (north new) ,S,.500.00 
 
 130 — Lumlier shed (center new) 8,1)00. 00 
 
 131— Lumber shed (south new) S.500.00 
 
 132— Oil storage, Group No. 1 (old building) 15.000.00 
 
 133— Oil storage, Group No. 1 (new building) 20,000.00 
 
 134— Oil storage. Group No. 1 (office) 0..500.00 
 
 13.5— Oil tank. Group No. 2 9,700.00 
 
 130— Oil house and tanks. Group No. 3 29.(i00.00 
 
 1.37— Oil house, "AA" (storehouse) 23.000.00 
 
 1.38— Storehouse "M" (for steel) 173.000.00 
 
 139— Central tool storage No. 2 4,800.00 
 
 140— Primer dry I;-4 8,130.00 
 
 141— Powder blending L-5 7.05.5.00 
 
 142— Gun cotton dry L-0 2.320.00 
 
 143— Cave fulminate L-7 1,980.00
 
 84 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 STOREHOUSE SECTION— (Continued) 
 
 14+— Cave fulminate L-S l.DSO.OO 
 
 145— Smokeless powder L-9 l.KtW.OO 
 
 14G — Smokeless powcU-r L-10 3.!tf,,s.00 
 
 147— Black powder L-11 l.Of.s.oO 
 
 14S— T. N. T. L-12 :!.2S0.00 
 
 149— Smokeless powder L-13 1,9^*^.00 
 
 ir»0— Smokeless powder L-14 l.lHls.OO 
 
 151— T. N. T.. L-15 :?.2S0.00 
 
 152— T. X. T., L-IG :'..2S0.00 
 
 153— Majraziiie A-1 15.000.00 
 
 154— Scale house 3.000.00 
 
 155— Tool shed, east side of Y-5 000.00 4,708,675.00 
 
 MISCEM.ANEOUS BUILDINGS 
 
 156— Mess hall (cafeteria) 93,000.00 
 
 157 — Davenport house 500.00 
 
 15S — Fire and police station 27.500.00 
 
 1.^9— Guard house Ft. Armstroufr ave.. Station B 5,000.00 
 
 ItiO— Guard house Davenport briil;:e X. E., Station C 250.00 
 
 IGl— Guard house, main gate, Station D 2.500.00 
 
 1(12- Guard house. Moline bridjie 500.00 
 
 103 — Guard house, Kock Island viaduct, south end. Station A 000.00 
 
 1(>4 — Outside Department 20.100.00 
 
 10.'>— Golf Club house 50.000.00 
 
 160 — Shelter station (street car) Main and West avenue ."520.00 
 
 167— Shelter station (street car) R. I. avenue 320.00 
 
 lOS— Loading platform south of central heating: plant 2,700.00 129.380.00 
 
 Grand total valuation of perniaiiont l)uildint:s 5118.005.730.00 
 
 TEMPORARY BUILDINGS 
 
 ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDING 
 
 169— Office* building Xo. 2 $ 01.000.00$ 61,000.00 
 
 MILITARY BUILDINGS 
 
 170— Sheep shed (east of V-12) 160.00 
 
 171 — Chicken farm (except quarters) 3.730.00 
 
 172— Ward hospital 11,300.00 
 
 173 — Infautrv stables, cow barn, hav shed 6,500.00 
 
 174 — Sheds at post stables 2.62.5.00 
 
 17.V-Barracks B 37.000.00 
 
 170 -Barracks C 37.000.00 
 
 177— Barracks D 45.000.00 143.315.00 
 
 M.\NUFACTURING SECTION 
 
 178— Shed court yard, A-C annex l.SOO.OO 
 
 179— Sprav painting shed (east of V-10) ."»00.(M) 
 
 ISO— Receiving room G and 1 court 2.040.00 4..340.00 
 
 STOREHOUSE SECTION 
 
 181- Storehouse V-12A 8.000.00 
 
 1N2— Oil shed (east of storehouse "G"') 1.2(M).00 
 
 !«{- Storehouse 'BA" 19.000.00 
 
 l.vi — Storehouse 'GA" 19.000.00 
 
 1.S.5— Storehouse "KA" 19.000.00 
 
 18<;— Storehouse "MA" 19.000.00 
 
 187 — Machine gun storage 1..500.00 
 
 18H— Office "XYZ" 500.00 
 
 ISO— Machine storage shed 2.200.00 
 
 UK) — Shed in raw material yard 275.00 
 
 191— Shed north of truck garage ,mM).00 
 
 192— Shed back of storehouse W-I 30O.(M) 
 
 19.3 — Shed in scrap luml)er vard 200.00 
 
 194— Shed (office north of V-10) 2.50.00 299,.S.80.00 
 
 MISCELLANEOUS BUILDINGS 
 
 19.->— Laboratory sheds 3..500.00 
 
 190— Shed west of Z-1 27."..O0 
 
 197— Caddv house (at golf club) LMo.no 
 
 19S — Bicvcle shed, shop B l.Mi.oo 
 
 ]!t9— Bicvcle shed, shop D l.jO.OO 
 
 200— Bicvcle shed, shop F 150.00 
 
 201— Bicvcle shed, shop H 150.00 
 
 202— Bicvcle shed, shop M 150.00 
 
 203— Bicycle shed. Storehouse W-1 150.00 4.91.5.00 
 
 Grand total valuation of temporary buildings $ .304,795.00 
 
 Grand total valuation of permanent buildings 18.005,730.00 
 
 Grand total valuation of all buildings $18,310,525.00
 
 Military Prison In Civil War 
 
 URING the Civil War, 1861-1865, Rock Island became the site of 
 a military prison. It was the policy of both the Union and the 
 Confederacy to confine prisoners of war as far as possible from 
 the battle lines. This Island answered very well the need of the gov- 
 ernment in this connection, being hundreds of miles north of the 
 Mason and Dixon line, and comparatively easy to guard. Besides, the War 
 Department already claimed the ground and there was abundant room. 
 
 Extensive barracks for prisoners were built during the summer of 
 1863. Construction of buildings was in charge of Captain C. A. Reynolds, 
 U. S. Quartermaster's Department, and they were intended to accommodate 
 13,000 men. 
 
 Barracks were placed on the north side of the Island near the river 
 front and about midway between the east and west ends. The prison took 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 Map of Island drawn in 1870, showing location of prisoners' barracks in central part near north side. At that time, it will 
 be observed, improvements were few and the land was nearly all covered with trees. 
 
 the form of a rectangle, covering about twelve acres. The four sides faced 
 the main points of the compass, the northeast corner being opposite the 
 lower end of Pappoose Island. There were fourteen rows of one-story 
 buildings, extending east and west, six in a row. Each was 100 feet in length 
 and 20 feet in width, with windows in the sides and doors in the ends. They 
 were not plastered or painted, but otherwise were well constructed and 
 as comfortable as the use to which they were put demanded that they 
 should be. A kitchen was located in one end of each buildinsf. Double-
 
 86 
 
 ROCK 
 
 I S L A X D A K S !•: X A L 
 
 decked bunks were proNided for sleepinsjf purposes, each building ht)using 
 120 men. A main avenue divided the seven rows on the north from the seven 
 on the south. This avenue was 50 feet wide. 
 
 Though intended to house 13,000 prisoners, there never were tiiat many 
 in the prison. The death rate was high. 1.961 men expiring of disease in a 
 period of two years. A few prisoners escajjed and several were killed 
 in the attempt to do so. 
 
 East of the main shop buildings and south of Main avenue is the 
 cemetery in which Confederate dead lie buried. They were interred in 
 long trenches, bodies being placed in wooden boxes, laid about two feet 
 apart. At the head of each grave is a permanent marker, giving name, 
 regiment and state of deceased. 
 
 Farther east is the cemetery for Union soldiers. Here are buried 
 about five hundred men. Many of these served at the local post, but the 
 burial grounds are open to receive the remains of any American soldier. 
 At this cemetery it is the custom to hold services each Memorial Day, 
 exercises being under the auspices of the veterans' organizations of the 
 vicinity. 
 
 Both burial grounds are surrounded by trees and guarded by old cannon, 
 and the premises are carefully maintained. 
 
 Entrance to Confedrrale cemetrrv, wherr the remains of 2,0(K) prisonrr:? were inlerretJ.
 
 The Arsenal's Water Power 
 
 HE water power of the Rock Island rapids was one of the main 
 factors which determined the selection of its present site for the 
 location in the Mississippi valley of an Arsenal for the manufacture 
 of military supplies. Jefiferson Davis, while Secretary of War, 
 wrote in 1854 to the United States Senate Committee on Public 
 Lands as follows : 
 
 "I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 10th 
 instant, asking the views of this department as to the expediency of selling 
 the military reser\ation at Fort Armstrong, on Rock Island. Illinois, as 
 contemplated by Senate Bill No. 195. 
 
 "The water power available at that place, and the communication by 
 water and railroads, projected or in the course of construction, concur with 
 other circumstances in rendering Rock Island one of the most advantageous 
 sites in the whole western country for the construction of an Armory or 
 an Arsenal for the manufacture of wagons, clothing, or other military 
 supplies." 
 
 Water power in the south channel, near the head of the Island, was 
 developed by private enterprise in 1843, long before there was any clearly 
 defined plan to erect a manufacturing Arsenal at this point. AVhen the 
 War Department started the erection of factory Ijuildings the Moline Water 
 Power Company already had acquired such power rights as a charter from 
 the State of Illinois could confer, and had a considerable investment in its 
 plant. Power was being supplied to a numljer of nearby factories. 
 
 After extended negotiations, the Power Company, in 1867, subscribed 
 to an agreement relinquishing its rights to the government, being pledged 
 in return the free use of one-fourth of the power derived from existing 
 or subsequent development of the premises, together with the privilege of 
 renting whatever surplus there might be after the needs of the Arsenal were 
 supplied. The government, under this compact, assumed all cost of develop- 
 ment and maintenance. In pursuance of the terms laid down, the govern- 
 ment erected a dam wall parallel to the Illinois shore of the channel south 
 of the Island, with numerous flume openings, and later constructed, farther 
 along this channel and closer to the site chosen for the x\rsenal shops, a 
 second dam, known as the government dam. 
 
 In 1895 the government closed all the openings in the first dam wall, 
 known as the upper dam, and erected a new dam, located at the west of the 
 first structure, where the openings were concentrated and from which power 
 is now being developed.
 
 88 
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 The abandoned tail-race resulting fruni the closing of the openings in 
 the upper dam wall was filled, and over a section of the filled portion the 
 D. R. L Si N. W. railroad is now operating its line, extending service to the 
 adjacent factories in Moline. 
 
 Fall in the river from the foot of the Island to the head of the original 
 wing dam at the upper end was about seven and one-half feet, but in 1899 
 the dam was extended longitudinally up stream about two and one-half 
 miles, to what is known as the head of Duck Creek chain, and the head of 
 water was increased to about fourteen feet, at rest, or more than eleven 
 feet when in operation. Commenting upon the success of this improvement. 
 
 Present power dam, viewed from below. 
 
 Major iJluiit, under whose administration as Commandant the work was 
 done, in an address to Tri-City business men in 1901, stated that there had 
 been provided "a volume of water which it was recently found could not be 
 materially diminished, even when all the gates in the two power dams were 
 simultaneously opened." 
 
 Following the improvement of conditions above the dam, the channel 
 below it was excavated, the tail-race was widened and deepened and the 
 united channel, extending from the juncture of the canal south of Sylvan 
 Island (the tail-race from the upper dam) with that of the government dam 
 to the point where it reaches the decj) water below the lower point of the 
 Island, was straightened. 
 
 Forty-one openings for water wheels were provided in the dam at 
 the time the government reconstructed it in 1890, but only eight of the 
 number of openings provided were utilized and turbines installed therein. 
 Because of the type of wheel and the low head of water, but 35 horse-power 
 was developed from each wheel, the total being but 280 horse-power. This
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 89 
 
 amount, however, sufficed for the limited operations of the Arsenal prior 
 to the Spanish-American war. When that conflict broke it was necessary 
 to supplement the water power with steam power, which was provided at 
 considerable additional expense. 
 
 Needs of the War Department for additional facilities for the manu- 
 facture of small arms became apparent at the time of the outbreak of the 
 war with Spain, as it was found that the equipment at the Springfield Armory, 
 which prior to this time furnished a sufficient output for the requirements of 
 the army on a peace footing, was wholly inadequate to meet the needs on a 
 war footing. As buildings and other facilities were already available at Rock 
 Island Arsenal, the original plans contemplating use of the north row of 
 shops for Armory purposes, it was natural to turn to this plant for help. 
 
 The south or Arsenal row of shops required a minimum of 600 horse- 
 power and the Armory row, fully equipped, would need as much more. 
 To supply the combined requirements of the Arsenal and give a liberal 
 surplus over minimum needs, 14 new turbines of improved design were 
 installed at the power plant. Each was capable of developing from 125 to 
 150 horse-power, depending upon the stage of water, or from 1,750 to 2,100 
 horse-power, taken together. In addition, at the time of reconstruction of 
 the dam, provision was made for installing seven more wheels, which would 
 bring the total horse-power developed up to from 2,500 to 3,000, which was 
 deemed sufficient to meet the Arsenal's needs, as far as it was possible to 
 anticipate them at that time. 
 
 The installation in 1899-1900 provided for fourteen 50-inch Lefifel wheels 
 and two 500-kilowatt three-phase alternating current generators, with their 
 exciters. The w^heels transmitted their power through heavy bevel gearing 
 to a long, horizontal shaft on which the generators were mounted and ar- 
 ranged so that either generator could be connected with either exciter and 
 operated by either of the two groups of seven turbines as separate units, 
 or the whole plant could be connected and operated as a single unit. Some 
 five years later this equipment was supplemented with six more wheels of 
 similar type and a 650-kilowatt generator was installed, thereby complet- 
 ing the plant as planned at the time the dam was reconstructed. 
 
 Distance from the source of power at the dam to its place of application 
 in the shops is considerable, being about two thousand feet. Transmission 
 of power was one of the earlier problems of the Arsenal. General Rodman 
 proposed the use of compressed air, while General Flagler installed a 
 continuous shaft. As neither method was feasible, a wire cable was resorted 
 to as being most reliable and economical. Power was transmitted by this 
 cable over successive sheave wheels from the dam to the shops, the sheave 
 wheels being supported by aerial towers. When the plant was modernized, 
 immediately after the Spanish-American war, the old cable transmission 
 line was replaced by electricity.
 
 90 
 
 ROCK 
 
 1 S L A N D ARSENAL 
 
 T(i carry the transmission wires to the shops a concrete subway or 
 tunnel was constructed from the chun to the two shops at the eastern end 
 of the north and south rows. Cross tunnels were run untler each row of 
 buildings, and brackets secured to tlie tunnel walls, along which the power 
 cables were laid. AH tunnels are lighted with incandescent lamps set at the 
 top of the arch, and are seven feet in height and wide enough to allow 
 comfortable passage from end to end, so that conductors can be inspected 
 at any time. Separate motors were })laced in the shops for independent 
 operation of the different main lines of shafting, for elevators, etc. 
 
 In 1914. after it had been in operation 15 years, frequent repairs and 
 mounting cost of upkeep of the water plant led to consideration of plans for 
 
 Interior of power house, showing big electric generators. 
 
 replacement of the \arious units. The water wheels, which were the best 
 available when they were installed, alrcad}- had become ol)solete and were 
 far less efhcient than the modern turbine. Ilie combination of inefficient 
 wheels, long shaft and bevel gearing imoKed a great loss of power. The 
 w^orking head of water averaged ele\en feet or less, and it recpiired three 
 feet to merely turn the generators, so that the i)lant, with a rated capacity 
 of 2,200 horse-power, actually was generating only from 1,300 to 1,400 horse- 
 power, or 65 i)er cent of its sup])osed capacity. It became evident that the 
 demands resulting from increased consumption of electrical energy in 
 the shops, together with new uses constantly being found for it, would 
 soon render the ])ower plant entirely inadequate. During the tiscal year 
 ending June ,^0. 191.^. a])pro.viniately 3,000,000 kilowatt hours of electricity
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 91 
 
 was consumed, and it was necessary to purchase some power from private 
 sources. 
 
 The sundry civil appropriation act approved July 1, 1916, among other 
 things, contained a provision setting aside $5CX),000 "toward providing facili- 
 ties for manufacturing field artillery ammunition, at a total cost not exceed- 
 ing $1,250,000, under a contract or contracts, or otherwise, in the discretion 
 of the Secretary of War." The estimate forming the basis for this appro- 
 priation included the project for increasing the water power at Rock Island 
 Arsenal. It was found that the most economical and satisfactory method 
 of doing so was to construct a new concrete dam in the rear of and at an 
 angle with the existing dam, and to install therein eight large generator 
 units and two exciter units of modern type, giving, with an eleven foot 
 operating head, approximately 3,760 horse-power. This was done, the im- 
 provement being ready for use June 1, 1919. 
 
 The present plan consists of eight alternators with a capacity of 430 
 KVA each at 80 per cent power factor, generating 2,400 volt, three phase, 60- 
 cycle current. Generators are of the vertical type, direct connected to water 
 turbines. 
 
 Underground distribution was installed from the new power plant to 
 the sub-stations in the various shops, distribution being at 2,300 volts, 
 stepped down to 550 volts at the sub-stations for operation of motors, etc. 
 Each sub-station is arranged for. one power feeder, one light feeder and an 
 emergency feeder which is capable of caring for both the power and lighting 
 at that particular sub-station. The feeder distribution and transformers 
 installed are capable of taking care of 6,600 KVA, which was about peak 
 load at the Arsenal during the late war. 
 
 Acts of Congress making appropriations for the development of water 
 power at Rock Island Arsenal are as follows: 
 
 Act of June 27, 1866 $ 100,000 
 
 Act of June 8, 1868 80,000 
 
 Act of March 3, 1869....._ 150,000 
 
 Act of July 15, 1870 200.000 
 
 Act of March 3, 1871 _ _ 200,000 
 
 Act of June 10. 1872 110,000 
 
 Act of March 3, 1873 _ 18,000 
 
 Act of June 23, 1874 __ 5,400 
 
 Act of March 3, 1881-.. _ 50.000 
 
 Act of August 7, 1882 100.000 
 
 Act of March 3, 1883 20,000 
 
 Act of July 7, 1884 18,500 
 
 Act of Oct. 2, 1888 275.000 
 
 Act of August 30, 1890 101,000 
 
 Act of July 1, 1898 45,000
 
 92 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 Act of March 3, 1899 21,350 
 
 Act of March 3. 1901 130,500 
 
 Total $1,624,750 
 
 Extraordinary repairs to the Rock Island Arsenal water power have 
 called for the following appropriations. 
 
 Act of October 2. 1888 $.- 25.000 
 
 Act of Angust 18. 1894 30,000 
 
 Act of March 2, 1895 37,500 
 
 Act of Tune 4. 1897 28.150 
 
 Act of "lune 6. 1900 97,000 
 
 Act of May 27, 1908..... 28,500 
 
 Total $ 246.150 
 
 »^¥t' #^.:^||^: 
 
 One of the many original forest trees seen along driveways on the Island.
 
 Improvement of the Rock Island Rapids 
 
 LOSELY linked with development of water power for use of the 
 Arsenal has been the improvement of the Rock Island rapids for 
 purposes of navigation. Measures taken to create a head of water 
 sufficient for Arsenal needs have been of incidental help in deep- 
 ening the channel of the stream and furnishing slack water naviga- 
 tion over the swiftest and most dangerous part of the rapids. The Island's 
 shores form the bank of the present power pool, and almost inevitably will 
 perform a similar function in any future hydro-electric development that 
 may be attempted. 
 
 In the early days of Mississippi river navigation the Rock Island rapids 
 constituted a serious and at times an almost insurmountable obstacle to boats. 
 Fourteen miles in length, from LeClaire down to the present Rock Island 
 bridge, with a fall of 20 feet at low water, there always was a strong current. 
 Fourteen chains of upheaved limestone crossed the stream in that distance, 
 and the channel was tortuous. 
 
 Prior to the beginning of improvements the rapids were, in extremely 
 low stages, impassable to boats and barges of the larger type. In 1863, 
 and again in 1864, it was necessary for a time to transfer freight and pas- 
 sengers around the rapids by rail. Boats frequently were wrecked and 
 groundings on the rocks were almost of daily occurrence. Rafts of logs 
 and lumber often were broken up. 
 
 The first steamboat to pass over the rapids arrived at Fort Armstrong 
 May 23, 1823. It was the "Virginia," from the Ohio river, and passed on 
 up to the Galena river and the mouth of the St. Peter, now known as the 
 Minnesota river. 
 
 Surveys were made at an early date, but Congress did not see fit to 
 provide funds for improvements for a number of years. The first survey 
 was made by Lieutenant Napoleon B. Bufort, in 1829. A second one was 
 made in 1836. Robert E. Lee, then a lieutenant, and later head of the Con- 
 federate armies, made the third survey, with a view of removing some 
 of the navigation hazards from the channel. That was in 1837, but it was 
 1857 before any actual work was done. In that year some rock was taken 
 out, and then there was a total lapse of activities for another decade. Since 
 1867 work has been fairly continuous in one form or another, and the present 
 year is expected to see the original object practically realized, and the 
 rapids made as safe for river craft as any other part of the stream now 
 considered navigable. 
 
 First excavation of rock was done inside of cofferdams. Later chisel 
 boats and dredges were employed, the chisel, weighing about three and
 
 94 
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 95 
 
 one-half tons, breaking up the rock, which was scooped up by the dredges. 
 This method gave way to that of drilling and blasting, with removal of 
 rock by dredging, as is now done. 
 
 First appropriation for removal of rock from the channel was made 
 by Congress in 1852. During the years from 1867 to 1882 efforts of the 
 river engineers were directed to the opening of a channel 200 feet in width, 
 excavated in the rock. This work was done in carrying out a project 
 approved by Congress in 1879, calling for a channel of a minimum depth of 
 four and one-half feet from the mouth of the Missouri to the head of naviga- 
 tion. Subsequently, in 1907, Congress passed an act providing for a minimum 
 depth of six feet in the section of the river indicated, and later projects on 
 the rapids have conformed to this standard. 
 
 Construction of closing and wing dams to confine the channel and 
 aid in deepening it was commenced in 1890. Up to that time spoil from 
 excavation was deposited in various places outside of the channel. 
 
 Practically all improvements in the rapids have been made by use of 
 government-owned equipment, operated by day laljor, and directed by War 
 Department engineers. 
 
 The power pool at Moline was originally created by building a rock 
 dam about one-half mile up the river, parallel with the shore, from Ben- 
 ham's Island, north of and just below the head of Rock Island. This was 
 extended three miles farther upstream in 1898. Another dam connected the 
 two islands named. These dams virtually cut off the city of Moline from 
 benefits of river transportation, since l^oats entering the pool were forced 
 to go around the head of the longitudinal dam. 
 
 The River and Harbttr Act passed in March, 1905, provided for the 
 remedying of this situation. It appropriated money for the building of 
 a lock and dam at the foot of Benham's Island, thus obviating the detour 
 to gain access to the channel, and also set on foot the excavation of a 250-foot 
 passageway for boats, four feet deep, throughout the entire length of the 
 pool. The lock and dam were built in 1907, the cost being $386,000. Later 
 the longitudinal dam was reconstructed with a concrete core to prevent 
 leakage, and a concrete apron to check erosion in high stages of the river, 
 when the dam became a spillway, relieving the pool of surplus water. By 
 stopping leakage and making a slight extension of the main dam, together 
 with the building of back water dams, the head of water in the pool was 
 increased one and one-half feet, giving a channel depth of approximately 
 six feet and conforming to the general plan for river improvement. 
 
 With the completion of this work, practically all river traffic was 
 diverted through the pool and lock, thus avoiding the worst part of the 
 rapids. A difficult stretch of river remained, however, between LeClaire and
 
 96 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 what is known as the Hampton pool. Lateral dams had been built to raise 
 the water, but the channel was narrow and the current swift. 
 
 In 1888 maps were prepared by a board of engineers with a view to the 
 creation of a longitudinal canal connecting the head of the rapids with the 
 Hampton pool, three miles below. With the adoption of the six-foot channel 
 project the subject was further investigated, and it was determined to build 
 the canal on the Iowa side. Plans called for a longitudinal dam to the head 
 of Smith's Island, which was to form the south bank for about a mile, thus 
 obviating much work. The height of the dam was to be six and one-half feet 
 above low water at the upper end, to serve as a spillway in floods, and the 
 lower part was to be above high water mark. Below the island a dam and 
 lock were provided for. The original estimate of cost was $1,282,797. 
 
 Work was begun in 1914 and is being continued at the present time. 
 Delay has been caused by failure of Congress to make consecutive appro- 
 priations, but it is expected that the lock will be ready for use at the opening 
 of the 1923 navigation season. 
 
 The LeClaire canal project involved construction of cofferdams and 
 the removal of much rock in the upper section. This has made the work 
 slow and costly. The lock at the lower end of the canal is 80 feet wide 
 and 350 feet long, with a lift of six feet at low water. 
 
 Upon completion of this project the Rock Island rapids will no longer 
 be an obstruction to navigation. A safe channel with a depth of not 
 less than six feet and not less than 200 feet wide, with no swift water, and 
 with two locks capable of passing the largest boats and barges, will be 
 available. 
 
 But a small part of the potential power of the Rock Island rapids is 
 developed by the present hydro-electric plant, and considerable attentitin 
 has been given to the subject of extending the scope of the project. Maps 
 and plans have been prepared looking to furthering the undertaking both 
 by the government and by private interests. 
 
 Flow of the Mississippi at this point varies from 20,000 to 200.000 cubic 
 feet per second, depending upon the stage of water, and this, with a 20-foot 
 fall, forms the basis for varying estimates of the power possibilities in- 
 volved. 
 
 It is apparent that any increase of water power utilization that takes place 
 holds important possibilities for Rock Island Arsenal, pro\idcd the work is 
 done by the government, or under govcrmnent supervision, and the plan of 
 operation be so arranged that the needs of the x\rsenal shall be fully pro- 
 vided for before any diversion of power for private use is permitted.
 
 Bridging the Mississippi 
 
 P to the time when the present Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Rail- 
 road Company completed its bridge from Rock Island to the Daven- 
 port shore, in 1856, the channel of the Mississippi never had been 
 spanned. The remains of the si'nth pier of the first bridge to cross 
 the stream may yet be seen on the Island shore, about a quarter of 
 a mile above the present structure. 
 
 This original bridge was of wood, of what is known as the Howe truss 
 type. It was a single decker, with room for Init one railroad track. There 
 were six spans, t: e draw si)an l)eing 250 feet in length. The first locomo- 
 tive, ])ulling a few empt}- cars, crossed April 21. 1856. 
 
 Compared with later triumphs of the bridg;e builder's c.rt. this old 
 structure was crude and inadecjuate, and was dt)omed to dv:?monstrate its 
 shortcomings in a variety of ways. Fifteen days after it was opened the 
 steamer "EFfie Afton," bound down stream, crashed against the draw span 
 pier, took fire and burned, igniting the span, which also was consumed. The 
 hull of the l)oat drifted a couple of miles down stream and sank. (Jther 
 craft subsecpiently came to grief at this point, and rafts frecpiently met 
 with disaster. There was much property loss and some loss of life. 
 
 Constructed, as it was, at the height of the usefulness of the steamboat, 
 when a score of packet lines plied the upper ri\er and hundreds of rafts 
 of logs and lumber were brought down from the north each season, the 
 bridge was not popular with the ri\er men. As a matter of fact, it greatly 
 complicated the feat of successfully negotiating the already dangerous 
 rapids, being built just below the most ditficult stretch of the rock-infested 
 channel. To make matters even worse, the draw span was not set scpiarely 
 across the current. 
 
 In the s])ring of 1868 the ice. in moving out. caught the first pier from 
 the Iowa side and pushed it down stream 25 feet. xA few^ weeks later a 
 windstorm from the west rolled the draw span over on its side, so that it 
 hung suspended on the pier. These various accidents made it necessary 
 practically to rebuild the bridge piecemeal. 
 
 The accident to the "Effie Afton" led to a lawsuit in which the owners 
 of the boat endeavored to reco\er damages from the bridge com])any. 
 Abraham Lincoln was one of the attorneys for the defense. Lincoln con- 
 tended that the right to navigate a stream w^as no more fundamental than 
 the right to cross it, and that, therefore, the fact that the steamboat antedated 
 the bridge in this case added nothing to the merits of the plaintifif's cause.
 
 98 
 
 ROCK ISLAND A R S R N A L 
 
 'IMie jury disagreed, which was regarded as a triunipli ior the defense, in 
 view of adverse public sentiment. 
 
 Under the a(hiiinistration of Col. Jordan as Connnandant at the Arsenal 
 steps were taken to permanently repair the old pier of the original bridge, 
 which had been retained as a memorial of the first bridge crossing the Miss- 
 issippi, and which was crumbling away. The weakened parts were bound 
 up w ith concrete and a metal tablet with suital)le inscrijjtion was placed upon 
 it. 
 
 When Rock Island was set aside for Arsenal purposes in the early 60's 
 the question of bridges became one of much importance. Means of access 
 to the surrounding cities must be pro\ided. and the government at once 
 
 Original Rock Island bridge, viewed from the Illinois shore below the Island. This structure was opened in 18.">6, and 
 was the first thrown across the Mississippi at anv point. 
 
 took charge of the situation. An agreement with the Rock Island road 
 was effected for the removal of its tracks t(j the western end of the Island, 
 iind the joint construction by the railroad and government of a new steel 
 bridge on the site of the present one across the main channel. 
 
 Work on the second bridge was completed in l"\'l)rnarv. 1872, and it 
 was turned (»ver to the War Department fou'- nmntlis later. ( )riginally this 
 bridge was intended for use in transaction of go\ ernment business only, 
 and not as a thoroughfare between the Illinois and Iowa shores. There was 
 much local criticism of the course pursued, but Captain Flagler, the Com- 
 mandant, wild bad just improved and opened the present Fort Armstrong 
 avenue, threw the main bridge open {<< the iiul)lic sliortly after it was placed 
 in his hands. 
 
 The second bridge was 1.550 feet long, five spans and draw, and cost 
 about a million dollars. It was a double-deck, two-track bridge, with foot- 
 paths on the sides below, the same as the bridge of this day.
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 99 
 
 Heavier traffic, especially use of larger locomotives and railway cars, 
 made it necessary to replace the second bridge with a new steel structure in 
 1894-95. The old piers were used. Ralph Modjeska, son of the famous act- 
 ress, and to this day one of the leaders in his profession, was the engineer in 
 charge of the work. 
 
 nd Rock Island bridge, completed in 1872. 
 
 The trusses of the present bridge, which provides for street railway, 
 as well as railroad, vehicle and foot traffic, are calculated to carry a moving 
 load of 11,360 pounds per lineal foot, 8,000 on the railroad floor above and 
 3,360 pounds on the lower floor. The draAv span, one of the heaviest in exist- 
 ence at the time it was built, weighs 2,500,000 pounds. The first span at 
 the north is 260 feet long, the second, third and fourth are 220 feet, and the 
 fifth 260 feet. The draw span, which touches the Island shore, is 368 feet 
 in length, with an opening on either side for river traffic of 162 feet. The 
 railroad approach span on the Iowa side is 200 feet in length and that at the 
 south end about 100 feet. 
 
 The first bridge connecting the Island with the City of Rock Island 
 was a wooden aflr'air, and belonged to the municipality. This the govern- 
 ment bought soon after the construction of the Arsenal was begun. In 
 the spring of 1868 this bridge was carried away by the ice and was succeeded, 
 as soon as an appropriation for the purpose could be secured, by one of 
 steel. This later was elevated at the south end and a viaduct built across 
 the railroad tracks on the river bank. 
 
 Moline owned the original bridge connecting that city with the Island. 
 The government bought this in 1868, and replaced it with the present steel 
 bridge in 1873. 
 
 The railroad and street railway bridges from the Island to the Illinois 
 shore are under control of, though not built by, the government.
 
 100 R U L" K 1 S L A X D ARSENAL 
 
 All told Congress has appropriated $1,310,550 for l)ridges at Rock 
 Island, as fcdlows : 
 
 Act of March 2. 1867 $ 200.000 
 
 Act of July 25. 1868 100.000 
 
 Act of March 3. 1869 500.000 
 
 Act ..f July 15. 1870.., 300.000 
 
 .\ct ..f March 2. 1889 35.000 
 
 .\ct of March 28. 1896 96.000 
 
 Act of June 11. 1896 10.200 
 
 .\ct of May 27. 1908 9.350 
 
 Act of March 4. 1909 60.000 
 
 Total $1,310,550
 
 ROCK ISLAND A R S E N A L 101 
 
 Being the only artery for use of street cars, vehicles and pedestrians 
 between the Rock Island and Davenport shores, the Rock Island bridge 
 noM^ bears a traffic which at times tests the capacity of the lower deck. 
 When heavy movements of freight are on the railroad tracks, there, also, are 
 scenes of much activity. 
 
 Records of traffic, both across the bridge and up and down the river, 
 liave been kept from the beginning, and a comparison of the figures from 
 year to year is enlightening. While travel across the stream has grown 
 rapidly, there has been a rapid falling off in the use of the river. The 
 record for the fiscal year ending June 30. 1921, follows: 
 
 Total Average 
 Number Per Day 
 
 Engines, 36,385 100 
 
 Passenger cars.. ._ 98,568 270 
 
 Freight cars .....:. 469,334 1.286 
 
 Street cars 162,688 445 
 
 Pedestrians 810,142 2.220 
 
 Vehicles 3,296,064 9,030 
 
 Steamboats 1,607 7 (for 8 months) 
 
 Barges 1,466 6 (for 8 months) 
 
 Compare the foregoing with the figures for the fiscal year ending- 
 June 30, 1874: 
 
 Total Average 
 Number Per Day 
 
 Engines 3,725 10 
 
 Passenger cars -..- 9,088 25 
 
 Freight cars 120,775 331 
 
 Pedestrains _ 338,786 938 
 
 Vehicles 290.940 797 
 
 Steam boats 1.672 7 (for 8 months) 
 
 Barges _ 444 2 (for 8 months) 
 
 Rafts, lumber and logs 583 2^Mfor 8 months) 
 
 Street cars None 
 
 The maximum load for a freight car in 1874 was 30.000 pounds ; in 1921 
 115.000 pounds. The 583 rafts that passed through the bridge in 1874 had 
 an average of 2.000.000 feet, board measure, or a total of 1,166,000,000 feet. 
 In the seventies and early eighties, there were 17 side-wheel packets plying
 
 102 
 
 RUCK I S L A X D A R S E X A L 
 
 between St. Louis ami St. Paul. All of those packets were about on a par 
 with the "St. Paul" and "'Quincy" ui late years. 
 
 It will be noted that the records do not indicate the decline in steam- 
 boat traffic that actually has taken place since 1874. The truth is that in 
 1921 no packets passed through the draw, craft listed being mostly sand 
 dredges and government boats and barges working on the rapids, with a few 
 excursion steamers, which ply the upper river irregularly during the summer 
 months. 
 
 Kpfnain- I'f thr Islantl pier of iht- fir-l bri'li:*-. n<>\* prestTved as a hislorio relii
 
 Passenger Transport 
 
 AYING out driveways on the Island and building bridges connecting 
 with Rock Island, Moline and Davenport did not fully solve the 
 question of passenger transportation to and from Rock Island 
 Arsenal. Workers lived in the surrounding cities, some of them 
 several miles from the scene of their employment, so walking was 
 out of the question, and in the early days it was impossible for all to ar- 
 range for private vehicles. 
 
 The situation was met at first through the use of horse-drawn hacks, 
 carrying as many men as a team could conveniently haul, which collected 
 jiassengers at given points, at designated periods in the mornings, and 
 returned them to their homes in the evenings. Each driver kept his own list 
 of passengers, and compensation was arranged on mutually agreeable terms. 
 
 With the coming into general use, early in the 90's, of the bicycle, this 
 became the favorite means of getting to and from work for many of the 
 men, especially the younger ones, though the hacks continued to operate 
 till after the coming of the street car, which was under the administration 
 of Colonel Blunt. Then the Tri-City Railway Company obtained a fran- 
 chise to lay tracks on the Island extending from the southern viaduct on 
 Fort Armstrong avenue at the west, past the shops, and connecting with the 
 Rock Island-Moline lines by means of a bridge across Sylvan Water at 
 Forty-second street, Rock Island. Thereafter cars were operated on regular 
 schedule over this line, with special cars starting from various points in 
 the three cities to collect workers in the morning and returning them to their 
 homes at the close of the day. 
 
 Under Colonel Blunt, also, bicycle paths were laid out for the safety 
 and convenience of those using this method of traveling back and forth, 
 but these became obsolete with the coming of the automobile into general 
 use, and occupying part of the building sites when the vast expansion of 
 the late war was begun, were discontinued. Many Arsenal workers now use 
 their own automobiles, though the street cars continue to operate and do the 
 greater part of the passenger carrying, and the bicycle still is in favor with 
 some. 
 
 In time of war the privilege of the public to visit the Arsenal is of 
 necessity closely curtailed, but ordinarily restrictions are removed to the 
 limit considered compatible with the security of the institution. Guards 
 are stationed at the entrance gates both day and night, and passes are re- 
 quired to gain admittance. 
 
 Since the main driveway through the Island offers the shortest route 
 between Moline and Davenport, it was to have been expected that efforts
 
 104 
 
 ROCK 1 S L A X 1) A R S E N A L 
 
 would be made to have it declared a public thoroughfare. The War De- 
 partment, however, has consistently refused this concession, on the ground 
 tliat it would practically remove restrictions upon visitors and would greatly 
 complicate the work of guarding the \aluable government property at the 
 Arsenal. 'I'hen. too. wear and tear on the two miles of paving which is 
 maintained by the War Department has been an item given consideration. 
 A similar policy was adopted with reference to the street car line across the 
 Island, which carries no through passengers. 
 
 Reguhitions respecting the care of property are strictly enforced. 
 \isitors are not allowed to picnic on the Island, or to destroy shrubs, 
 flowers or trees, or to kill wild birds and animals, which numerously inhabit 
 the wooded tracts. Timber squirrels are common, as are imported pheasants, 
 which find the premises a haven of refuge. Among the squirrels are many of 
 the l)lack \arietv. which are not native to the locality. 
 
 Fori Arnjhlronp avpnui-. Puhlii' highway between bridges at west end of Island ami side Iraflir artery between 
 Illinois and Iowa shores at this point.
 
 The Military Museum 
 
 OR the visitor, nothing at Rock Island Arsenal holds greater interest 
 than the war museum, one of the most complete of its kind in the 
 country. It contains nearly every fighting implement used l)y man in 
 the last century, and some weapons common as far back as Revolu- 
 tionary times. It occupies a space 60x216 feet on the first floor in the 
 southwest corner of Shop A, and the need for more room is increasing] v felt 
 to house the exhibits constantly being added to it. 
 
 Prior to the World War the museum was relatiAcly small, Ijut since 
 that struggle it has acquired a great variety of new material, including man}- 
 trophies captured from enemy armies. These help to make the collection 
 one of surpassing interest. During the war many of the exhibits were 
 boxed and stored, while the others were placed on view in the old storehouse 
 near the south end of the main bridge. This was done to give more floor 
 space for manufacturing purposes. 
 
 In the museum one can trace the history of the development of the art 
 of war even as far back as the day of the spear and the bow and arrow, for 
 there are included in the collection the weapons of the primitive Indian of the 
 locality and the wild natives of the Philippines, as well as tools of destruc- 
 tion evolved by the so-called civilized nations. Along with the spear and the 
 machete are samples of gaspipe cannon, wrapped with wire to give greater 
 strength, that occasionally have been employed since the age of gunpowder 
 arrived, to meet emergencies arising from lack of facilities to manufacture 
 more effective weapons. Some of these guns were used against our own 
 soldiers in the Philippine insurrection. 
 
 Of cannon there is a variety most complete, from the old brass gun 
 that a man could carry about and the swivel guns of yore, down to cpiick- 
 firing and destructive implements used in the late war. So far it has been 
 impracticable to show the heavier siege guns. There are, however, a number 
 of mortars and howitzers of larger bore. Among the guns are some that 
 were made for use by the navy. 
 
 It would be difticult to conceive a more complete collection of small 
 arms than the one here shown. There are revolvers of every tvpe used since 
 gunpowder was invented, and rifles of every description. The old flintlocks 
 are here, and so are the deadly automatic rifles and the sawed-oft' shotguns 
 which did such execution in the \\"orld \Var. Not alone are shown weapons 
 made for army use, but scores of arms of jjrivate manufacture, especially 
 of the latter part of the nineteenth century, are included. Here one sees 
 the weapons with which the pioneers of this country established their reputa- 
 tions for accurate shooting, and which exterminated the buft'alo and forced 
 the Red Man into subjection. Guns used by foreign armies can be seen 
 and studied.
 
 106 
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 The machine g-uii exhibit is one of much interest, and includes many 
 trophies over which sanguinary struggles took place in France. With the 
 machine guns is a sample repair kit made by the Germans, and well illustrat- 
 ing their trait of care and thoroughness in preparing for war. There is also 
 a German war map. drawn with infinite pains and delineating every topo- 
 graphical and other feature that could be of use in planning and executing 
 military maneuvres. Anti-aircraft guns, armor, gas masks, bombs used by 
 aircraft, torpedoes, and most of the devices used in trench warfare are on 
 view. 
 
 Included in the artillery is an exact duplicate of the French gun which 
 fired the first shot from French soil at the advancing Germans. There are 
 several guns in camouflage, and a field gun and caisson of an earlier type 
 appears, hitched to horses completely harnessed and apparently ready for 
 marching orders. 
 
 Of leather goods there is a great variety, showing the products of this 
 department of the Arsenal, which was the largest of its kind in the world. 
 Saddles, harness and the various straps and other devices for which an army 
 has use. are all to be seen. There is also a wall exhibit of personal equipment 
 sets made at the Arsenal, some of them shown in course of manufacture, the 
 eflFect of each separate operation being indicated. In one corner is a 
 Liberty motor set up on a block. 
 
 It is the policy of the department to add to the exhibits of this museum 
 from time to time, and to maintain it open to the public, admission free, 
 subject only to such rules and regulations as are necessary in the circum- 
 stances. 
 
 Ar«cnal Mu«eiim, showing a few of the many war rtlirs on \new.
 
 The Old Davenport House 
 
 HE early history of the Island, from the founding of Fort Armstrong 
 to the establishment of the Arsenal in 1862, is largely a record of 
 contention for possession of the premises. It was apparent from 
 the first that the land would some day be very valuable, and many 
 coveted the more desirable parts of it. Influx of settlers was accel- 
 erated at the close of the Black Hawk war, which put an end to Indian 
 depredations and assured the safety of the white man. After that there was 
 no real need for the presence of troops in the locality. 
 
 Fort Armstrong, however, was maintained until May 4, 1836, and two 
 3^ears later Colonel George Davenport was appointed Indian agent and re- 
 mained in charge until 1840. Colonel Davenport was the first white settler in 
 
 lln,,..- ,. ((:,,!. I)av.i,|.,,rt, a> .1 slaii.l.- (..,la\. 
 
 the vicinity of the Island. He was identified with it from 1815 to July 4, 1845, 
 when he was murdered in his home by a band of robbers and horse thieves. 
 The murderers escaped unrecognized, but Avere afterward arrested, and three 
 of them — Aaron Long, John Long and Granville Young — were hanged on 
 October 19th, of the succeeding year. 
 
 Colonel Davenport was an Englishman, born in Lincolnshire, in 1783. 
 After many hard experiences at sea, he reached New Orleans in 1806. Dur-
 
 108 
 
 R U C K IS L A N D A R S !•: N A L 
 
 iiig his Island life he became famous as a trader, winning- the confidence 
 of the Indians. 
 
 riie house in which Colonel Da\enport was murdered stands near the 
 northern shore at the lower end of the Island. It was built in 1833, and 
 is by far the oldest structure at the Arsenal. Up to the year 1906 no repairs 
 had been made, and it was gradually falling into decay, but in that year 
 the Old Settlers' Association of Rock Island County, Illinois, secured per- 
 mission from the government to undertake the work oi repair and to 
 maintain this historic building for the future. 
 
 An organizati(Mi known as the Colonel Davenport House Association 
 has been formed for the purpose of fostering the local traditions and 
 liistorv with which the Davenport home is so closely attached. To each of the 
 four patriotic societies of the Tri-Cities — the Colonial Dames, the Daughters 
 of the American Revolutiini. the ()ld Settlers' Associations of Rock Island 
 Countv. Illinois, and Scott County. Iowa, and the Daveni)ort family — one 
 each of the four roi>ms in the old house has been definitely assigned. 
 
 The preservation of the Davenport house was made possible through 
 the efforts of Mr. Phil Mitchell, of Rock Island, Miss Alice French and 
 C A. I'icke, of Daxenport, and the Misses Catherine and Naomi Da\enport. 
 
 I.<tfikinp (owanl Davenport from west rnij of Island.
 
 Arsenal Commandants 
 
 HE four commanding- officers at Rock Island Arsenal connected with 
 the World War time and the period of readjustment immediately 
 ft)llowing were Colonel George W. Burr, Colonel L. T. Hillman, 
 Colonel Harry B. Jordan, and the present Commandant. Colonel D. 
 M. King. All saw active service abroad. Colonel, now General, 
 Burr, in charge when America entered the struggle, and upon whose shoulders 
 fell the responsibility of placing the Arsenal on a war-producing basis, 
 having been relieved in early 1918, promoted and detailed to service abroad; 
 Colonel L. T. Hillman. who went across with the first expeditionary forces, 
 and returning was assigned to command of the Arsenal to succeed Colonel 
 Burr, and Colonels Harry B. Jordan and D. M. King, also rendering dis- 
 tinguished service abroad until the Armistice was declared. I'he army 
 careers of these officers is of particular interest at this time. 
 
 COLONEL D. M. KING, ORDNANCE DEPARTAIENT 
 
 Colonel D. M. King, the present Commandant of Rock Island Arsenal. 
 was born in Ohio. November 5. 1869. In 1889 he entered the West Point 
 Military Academy, and was graduated in June. 1893. 
 
 After his graduation he was stationed in Washington. D. C. from 1893 
 to 1896. and from 1896 to 1899 he was instructor at the U. S. Military Acad- 
 emy. In 1898 he was commissioned Eirst Lieutenant. Ordnance Department. 
 
 Colonel King, in July, 1917. upon entrance of the United States into the 
 Vv^jrld War. was on the staff of Colonel Burr at the Rock Island Arsenal 
 and was designated by the Chief of ( )rdnance to design, equip, construct 
 and obtain the necessary commissioned and enlisted personnel for the 
 maintenance of all ordnance material in Erance. This was a $20,000,000 
 ])roject. and required approximately 275 officers and 20.000 skilled enlisted 
 men for the operation of the shops and repair facilities. 
 
 The main shops were located at Mehun. Erance. and about 9.000 men 
 were employed at the date of the Armistice. Some twenty smaller plants 
 were established, maintained and operated at artillery training camps and 
 elsewhere in h'rance. 
 
 Colonel King received the Distinguished Service Medal and the Legion 
 of Honor was conferred upon him by the Erench Government. 
 
 Colonel King has been in command of Rock Island Arsenal since June 
 3, 1921.
 
 no 
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 KUCK ISLAND AKSENAI. (;t)MMA.NDANTS ULRl.Ni; THK WORI.D W AR I'KRIOD 
 
 Udd«— Ufl. Col. George W. Burr, l'»11.1918: right. Col. l.rroy T. HiUinan. Mar. I, to Uecember, 1918. 
 
 Uwer— Uft. Col. Harr) B. Jordan. 1918- 1921; right. Col. D. M. King, 1921.
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 111 
 
 COLONEL HARRY B. JORDAN, ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT 
 
 Colonel Harry B. Jordan, Ordnance Department, is a native of Kentucky, 
 being born in the Blue Grass State February 26, 1876. He was appointed to 
 West Point Military Academy from Washington in June, 1897, and graduat- 
 ed with the rank of Second Lieutenant of Cavalry in February, 1901. Li 
 April of the same year he was transferred to the Fourteenth Cavalry, and in 
 July, 1903, was made a First Lieutenant in the Ordnance Department. In 
 July, 1905, he was transferred back to the Cavalry with the same rank, and 
 was detailed as Captain of Ordnance one year later. His transfer back to 
 the Cavalry came the following year, but he returned to the Ordnance De- 
 partment in 1908. He was then assigned to Rock Island Arsenal until June, 
 1912, when he was again detailed to the Cavalry. In 1913 he returned 
 to the Ordnance Department and has been in that branch of the service 
 since. In 1915 he was promoted to the rank of Major in the ( )rdnance De- 
 partment, and shortly ])ef(n-e the United States entered the war he was made 
 a Lieutenant-Colonel. 
 
 When the h^xpeditionary Forces of the United States went abroad. 
 Colonel Jordan was sent to France, where he was placed in charge of the 
 construction of Arsenals. For more than one year he was so engaged and was 
 then brought back to the United States, with the rank of Colonel, and placed 
 in charge of the Artillery Section in the office of the Chief of Ordnance. 
 
 He assumed command of the Rock Island Arsenal on January 20, 1919, 
 and continued to serve in this capacity until June 1, 1921, when he was 
 relieved of its command and assigned to duty as Chief Ordnance Officer, 
 American Forces in Germany, stationed at Coblenz. 
 
 COLONEL LEROY T. HILLMAN, ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT 
 
 Colonel Leroy T. Hillman, C>rdnance Department, was born in Warren. 
 Ohio, April 30, 1879, and was appointed to the United States Military 
 Academy from Indiana in June, 1896. Upon his graduation he was appointed 
 a Second Lieutenant of Artillery in 1900, and received the First Lieutenancy 
 in the same branch in 1901. He was detailed to the Ordnance Department 
 with the same rank in 1904. and was made a Captain of Ordnance in 1906. 
 He was transferred to the Artillery in 1908. His rank of Captain in 
 the Artillery dated from January, 1907. He was again transferred to the 
 Ordnance Department in 1909, and in 1911 received his Majority. 
 
 During his time as Major he was appointed a member of a special 
 examining board for officers who applied for detail in the r)rdnance Depart- 
 ment. His promotion to a Lieutenant-Colonelcy came in September, 1917, 
 when he was sent to France, representing the Ordnance Department. After 
 six months service abroad, he was returned to the United States, wdiere he 
 received his full Colonelcy and was assigned to succeed Colonel George W.
 
 \ X n A K S F. X A L 
 
 KiH.K ISLAMl ARSF.NAI. COMMANDANTS PRIOR TO THt WORLD WAR 
 
 u. <• 1 I.- F H.,Mw 140- iqil- Col S E Blunt. 1897-1907: Col. A. R. Buffinplon. 1832-18^. 
 
 y ,,,... . U-a >";ifX;ow-ColTM.' W^;.elVe.''r^^89 CoK T. G. Bavlor 1«^^1889. 
 
 Lower row-Gem D.W. Flagler. 1871.1886: Gen. T. J. Rodman, 1865-1871: Ma,. C. P. K.ng,bur>. 1863-1860.
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 113 
 
 Burr as Commandant at Rock Island Arsenal. He remained in command 
 of the latter post until his death, which occurred at the Arsenal on Deceml^er 
 29, 1918. 
 
 BRIGADIER-GENERAL GEORGE W. BURR 
 
 Brig-adier-General (ieorge W. Burr entered United States Military 
 Academy June 15, 1884, and on graduation was given a Second Lieutenant's 
 commission, June 11, 1888; he was made a First Lieutenant of Ordnance 
 January 10, 1893; commission as Captain followed on April 7, 1899; he was 
 commissioned a Major June 25, 1906, and a Lieutenant-Colonel October 23, 
 1910. 
 
 In 1911 General Burr was assigned to command of Rock Island Arsenal, 
 and while in command of the post was promoted to the rank of Colonel. 
 General Burr served as Commandant of the Arsenal until February, 1918, 
 when he was transferred to Washington, where he became the representative 
 of the Ordnance Department in purchasing heavy artillery and munitions 
 from the British (jovernment and was assigned as Chief Ordnance Officer on 
 the staff of Major-( General Biddle in P^ngland. ( )n August 8. 1918, he was 
 appointed Brigadier-(ieneral in the National Army and assigned as Chief 
 of the Engineering Dixision of the Ordnance Department. In December, 
 1918, he was appointed Assistant Director of Purchase, Storage and Traffic, 
 and on March 5, 1919, was promoted temporarily to the grade of Major- 
 General. He now holds the rank of Brigadier-General and is Chief of the 
 Field Service in the office of the Chief of Ordnance. 
 
 COMMANDING OFFICERS, ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, FROM DATE 
 
 OF ITS ESTABLISHMENT. JULY 11, 1862, WITH INCLUSIVE 
 
 DATES OF SERVICE 
 
 Major C. P. Kingsbury : July 27, 1863 to June 14, 1865 
 
 Major T. J. Rodman. Aug. 3, 1865 to June 7, 1871 
 
 Captain D. ^^^ Flagler ....June 15, 1871 to May 12, 1886 
 
 Colonel T. G. Baylor May 12, 1886 to Nov. 8, 1889 
 
 Colonel J. M. Whittemore... Nov. 8, 1889 to Mar. 14, 1891 
 
 Colonel A. R. Bufrtngton Jan. 21, 1892 to Mar. 3. 1897 
 
 Captain S. E. Blunt.... Mar. 3, 1897 to Aug. 3, 1907 
 
 Lieutenant-Colonel F. E. Hobbs Aug. 3. 1907 to Apr. 12. 1911 
 
 Lieutenant-Colonel George W. Burr July 7, 1911 to Feb. 15, 1918 
 
 Colonel L. T. Hillman Mar. 4, 1918 to Dec. 29, 1918 
 
 Colonel Harry B. Jordan Jan. 20, 1919 to June 1. 1921 
 
 Colonel D. M. King June 3, 1921 to
 
 114 RUCK IS L A X D A R S E X A L 
 
 COLONEL JOHN T. THOMPSON, U. S. A.. RETIRED 
 
 Colonel John T. Thompson (retired), whose activities as an Ordnance 
 C^rticer were closely allied with the development of the small arm. first 
 served at Rock Island Arsenal in 1891 as a Lieutenant of Ordnance under 
 Colonel Burtington, then its Commandant, and again in 190+, when as a 
 Captain, he was assigned as Assistant C)tticer to the Commanding Officer, 
 Colonel S. E. Blunt, in charge of the manufacture of the rifle, the production 
 of which, following the establishment of the small arms plant at the Arsenal, 
 was to be imdertaken in quantity. 
 
 Colonel Thompson entered the U. S. Military Academy July 1, 1878, 
 and graduated in 1882 as a Second Lieutenant of Artillery; his promotion to 
 the grade of First Lieutenant followed January 20. 1889; in December. 1890. 
 he was transferred to the Ordnance: he was promoted to Captain June 15. 
 1898; to rank of Major on June 25. 1906; Lieutenant-Colonel on Jaimary 
 21. 1909. and Colonel October 30, 1913. 
 
 When war broke out Colonel Thompson retired and became associated 
 with the Remington Arms Co. in the manufacture of rifles (Model 1914) 
 for the British Government. On our own entrance into the war Colonel 
 Thompson re-entered the service as Chief of the Small Arms Division, office 
 of the Chief of Ordnance, and was the prime moving spirit in the production 
 of the Model 1917 U. S. Rifle. He later became Director of Arsenals, in which 
 capacity he was charged with directing for the Chief of Ordnance the 
 operations of the Arsenals as manufacturing plants and military establish- 
 ments, and handling of all matters of general administration. 
 
 At the cessation of hostilities he again retired. Since that time his 
 energy has been devoted in perfecting the Thompson sub-machine gun, of 
 which he is the inventor. This weapon, the inventor claims, considering 
 its small size, the number of blows it can hit in a given time, is the most 
 effective portable weapon yet invented. The Thompson sub-machine gun is 
 being manufactured by the Auto Ordnance Corporation, of X'ew York. 
 
 maj(jr-(;I':xI':ral c. c. willi.kms 
 
 The jjresent Chief of Ordnance. Major-( Jeneral C. C. Williams, entered 
 the U. S. Military Academy on June 17. 1890. graduating June 12. 1894, 
 as a Second Lieutenant of Artillery. He was commissioned a First Lieu- 
 tenant of Ordnance October 4, 1898. On June 14. 1902. he was promoted to 
 ihe rank of Captain, and it was during the period of his Captaincy, some two 
 years later, that he was assigned to duty at Rock Island Arsenal as assistant 
 to the officer in charge of work in the Armory shops, at that time being 
 equipped for the manufacture of the rifle. 
 
 While on duty as Inspector of Ordnance at the works of the Bethlehem 
 Steel Co.. which assignment followed his relief from duty at the Arsenal.
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 115 
 
 he was promoted to the rank of Major. He was made a Lieutenant-Colonel 
 April 6, 1915. When the expeditionary forces of the United States were 
 ordered to France, General Williams was one of the first ordnance officers 
 sent abroad, where he served as Chief Ordnance Officer, A. E. F. On 
 August 5, 1917, he was appointed Brigadier-General in the National Army, 
 and on May 17. 1918, was assigned to duty as Acting Chief of Ordnance. 
 On July 16, 1918, he succeeded Major-General William Crozier as Chief 
 of Ordnance, the latter having on that date been appointed Major-Cieneral 
 in the line of the Army. 
 
 Col. JohnT. Thom|.^..iL, I.- 
 direLtm- ol Ar 
 
 ,rn,-,l a-, .lii.'fof Ih,- small arms ,li 
 slalioneil at Kock. Island Arsenal.
 
 Other Arsenals 
 
 () gi\e ail adequate understanding of the relative importance of 
 Rock Island Arsenal, it is necessary to furnish a basis of comparist»n 
 with other similar institutions in the United States. There are. 
 altogether, eight Arsenals, an Armory and a Reserve Depot under 
 the jurisdiction of the Ordnance De])arlment. which is charged 
 with the task of providing and caring for all military supplies. Arsenals 
 and Armories are manufacturing establishments, while dejiots have only 
 facilities for storage. Rock Island Arsenal is the largest plant of them all. 
 and its uses are more diversified, the others specializing in certain kinds of 
 ordnance stores. This Arsenal also produces small arms, a work carried 
 on nttwhere else except at the Si)ringfield Armory, and. besides, its store- 
 houses shelter the greatest single collection of ordnance supplies in the 
 country. 
 
 In connection with the manufacture of field artillery, tests by proof 
 firing are necessary. So the Ordnance Department has established ])roving 
 grounds. That at Aberdeen, Md.. is the largest. Facilities for emergency 
 use of the same sort exist at the Savanna grounds, an adjunct of Rock Island 
 Arsenal, and at I'2rie. ( )hio. 
 
 Practically all ordnance manufacturing, except, of course, in emergen- 
 cies, is done at the Springfield Armory and the four main Arsenals — at Rock 
 Island. Frankford. W'atertown and W'atervliet — other Arsenals doing repair 
 work c.nlv. in atldition to storing and issuing supplies. 
 
 SPRINGFIFLD AkM( )\<\ 
 
 Principal work done at the Springfield Armory is in connectic^n with the 
 manufacture of the U. S. army rifle, model of 190.^. and its spare parts and 
 appendages, bayonets, bolos and trench knives. 
 
 The Armory was established at Springfield, Massachusetts, in .\pril. 
 1778, as a laboratory for the preparation of ammunition to be used in the 
 Revolutionary ^\'ar. In 1794 it was made a National .\rmory for the manu- 
 facture of small arms, and has continued in this capacity since. In the 
 World War the outi)Ut attained a rate of 6.000 rifles a week. The value of 
 the .\rmory. which occupies 297 acres of ground, is estimated at $12,229,000. 
 
 Before the .Armory at Rock Island was opened, in 1905, all rifle manu- 
 facturing was done at Springfield, and in 1915 reduction of appropriations by 
 Congress made it necessary to again center production at the latter place. 
 During the World War Springfield and Rock Island together could not
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 117 
 
 supply enough arms. Since that conflict the Rock Island Armory has done 
 only repair work, Springfield being able to meet peace time needs of the 
 army. With a great supply of rifles on hand, it is unlikely that the present 
 type of weapon will again be manufactured at Rock Island. 
 
 RegulMlion uniform adopteil for women workers at Arsenal during the war. 
 
 WATERTCJWN ARSENAL 
 Watertown Arsenal is located at Watertown, Mass. Its activities 
 include manufacture of gun forgings, seacoast gun carriages, railway mounts
 
 118 ROCK 1 S L A N D ARSENAL 
 
 and high explosive and armor-piercing projectiles. It stores and issues parts 
 for seacoast artillery carriages and target material. 
 
 This Arsenal was established under act of Congress dated February 8. 
 i815. It embraces 87.4 acres, valuation of land, buildings and equipment be- 
 ing Jj^20.63 1 ,000. The civilian personnel numbered over 3,000 during the late 
 war. 
 
 WATER\'LIET ARSENAL 
 
 Watervliet Arsenal is located within the city limits of Watervliet, N. Y. 
 Its main function is the manufacture of both light and heavy guns, and 
 accessories. The site was acquired in 1813. and comprises 144 acres. The 
 value of its lands, buildings and equipment is $12,029,000. 
 
 During the World \\'ar employees numbered 3.300 and production in 
 1918 was 578 completed guns, ranging from 1.457-inch to 16-inch. There 
 were relined or modified 161 guns, ranging from 6 to 16-inch types. 
 
 FRANKFORD ARSENAL 
 
 Frankford Arsenal is located 10 miles from the center of Philadelphia, 
 Pennsylvania. It manufactures small arms ammunition of all kinds, metal 
 components of artillery, trench warfare ammunition, and fire control 
 and range-finding instruments, including optical parts. This Arsenal was 
 acquired May 27, 1816. It covers 91.5 acres, and the value of its land, build- 
 ings and equipment is estimated at $24,084,000. Over 5,000 workers were 
 employed during the World \\'ar. 
 
 PICATINNY ARSENAL 
 
 Picatinny Arsenal is in Morris county. New Jersey, within 5 miles of 
 Dover. Its work is the manufacture of powder, high explosives and metal 
 components for the loading of the same. Experimental work is also done 
 in development of ammunition. 
 
 Picatinny Arsenal was established in 1880. It comprises 1.615 acres, 
 the valuation of land, buildings and equipment being $8,965,000. Number of 
 employees during the late war reached 1.500 and the production of powder 
 in 1918 was 2.369.200 pounds. 
 
 SAX ANTONIO ARSENAL 
 
 Located within the city limits of San Antonio, Texas, San Antonio 
 Arsenal is a pre-war ordnance establishment, equipped for storing, maintain- 
 ing and issuing all classes of ordnance goods, and with facilities for repair- 
 ing stores used by troops in that section of the country. The site comprises 
 19.65 acres. It was acquired in 1859. There are 235.640 feet of storage space, 
 and value of the establishment is placed at $998,000. 
 
 AU(;USTA ARSENAL 
 
 Augusta, Georgia, is the home of Augusta Arsenal. Here are stored 
 and issued ordnance material other than ammunition for the 4th Army Corps.
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 119 
 
 Minor repairs are also made, shop equipment being sufificient to care for all 
 kinds of ordnance, including small arms, field and coast artillery, etc. The 
 Arsenal embraces what formerly was known as the Augusta Ordnance 
 Supply Depot, located several miles from the Arsenal, and now the main 
 storage plant. There are 100 acres of land, of which the government owns 
 70, the other 30 being leased. This Arsenal was established in 1826. 
 
 BENICIA ARSENAL 
 
 Benicia Arsenal is located one mile from Benicia, California. It stores 
 and issues ammunition and other supplies for the 9th Army Corps area, 
 and collects and forwards ordnance supplies for the army in the insular 
 possessions and Alaska. It manufactures cast iron projectiles, all classes 
 of target material and smokeless powder for seacoast armament, and repairs 
 ordnance material. Though title to this Arsenal was not finally acquired 
 until October 10, 1862, a portion of its present site was used for ordnance 
 purposes as early as 1851. It covers 339 acres, the valuation of land being 
 $140,000 and of buildings and equipment $1,489,000. 
 
 RARITAN ORDNANCE RESERVE DEPOT 
 
 The Raritan Ordnance Reserve Depot is located on the Raritan river, 
 about thirty miles west of New York City, and five miles northeast of New 
 Brunswick, N. J. At this establishment are stored, issued and maintained 
 ordnance supplies for troops of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Corps areas. There 
 is also stored a reserve supply of ammunition and components. Dock facili- 
 ties accommodate lighters for loading ocean-going vessels. The Depot was 
 acquired in October. 1917. It comprises 2,159 acres. The land is valued at 
 $680,000 and buildings and equipment at $14,073,000. Raritan has taken over 
 activities of the former New York Arsenal. 
 
 ERIE PROVING GROUND 
 
 Location of the Erie Proving Ground is seven miles west of Port Clinton. 
 Ohio, on Lake Erie. It has storage space and maintains facilities for trac- 
 tors, automotive vehicles and heavy artillery, and in addition, in case of 
 emergency, proof firing may be done there. It was acquired March 25, 1918. 
 Of the 1.218 acres included. 1.165 are owned by the government and 53 by 
 the State of Ohio. Valuation of land is $231,000, and of buildings and equip- 
 ment $5,527,000. 
 
 ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND 
 
 The Aberdeen Proving Ground is located 35 miles northeast of Balti- 
 more, Maryland. It was acquired December 14, 1917. There are 70,000 acres, 
 half of which is under water. Valuation of land is $3,553,000, and of build- 
 ings and equipment $13,728,000. In addition to facilities for proof firing 
 of guns and carriages, this establishment has a field service storage area 
 with space under roof of 480,000 square feet.
 
 Resources of Tri-Cities 
 
 \AI l-A 1)1 LITY iif workers in luuiihcrs. (lualilu-alidiis and training 
 suited to its needs was \ital in the successful uperatinn of Rock 
 Island Arsenal in tlie World War. just as it must be in any future 
 military crisis in which the country may l)ecome inv(»lved. At ncj 
 time during the conflict was there any serious ditficulty in recruit- 
 ing shop and ottice workers and building tradesmen as rapidly as they 
 could be utilized. Most of tliem came from the surrounding cities, Rt^ck 
 Island. Moline and h'ast Moline. Illinois, and Davenport and Bettendorf, 
 Iowa. All were housed without much inconvenience, though the govern- 
 ment undertook a j^roject to ])rovide homes in all five cities. This was 
 begun in 1918. in anticipation of a i)rolonged struggle; in all 565 houses 
 being finished, none. howe\er. being completed at the time the armistice 
 was signed. 
 
 The five cities named, together with their suburbs, generally known 
 as the Tri-City community, have a combined population of over 150,000, 
 according to the 1920 census. ( )f this numl)er, according to a recent private 
 survey, 73,000 are aged between 15 and 45, and 46,000 males and 13,000 
 females work for wages. Industrial workers number 14.000 and trades 
 employes 8,000. Diversity of employment ofl:'ered in the comiuunity afifords 
 opportunity for a wide variety of training, and the ])eop]e are well above 
 the average, taking the country over, in education and wealth. The per- 
 centage of families with an income of $3,000 or more is 7.06. against an 
 average of 1.94 per cent for the entire United States. The percentage 
 with incomes between $1,800 and $3,000 is 23.60, while that for the entire 
 country is but 11.06 per cent. 
 
 The Tri-City comnumity is the center of a large area of rich, fertile, 
 and thickly populated country. From Chicago the distance by rail is 181 
 miles, and from the Missouri ri\er. on the west, it is 316 miles. North by 
 river to St. Paul it is 397 miles, and south ])y ri\er to St. Louis ^^2 miles. 
 This is the largest p()])ulation center l)etween the points named. Conse- 
 quently an inunense business in distributing commodities is carried on. 
 
 Diversity of manufacture and magnitude of trading area make for sta- 
 bility and minimize danger of temporary depressions to which communities 
 depending upon a limited number of lines of commerce and production are 
 subject. 
 
 There are a number of concerns in the Tri-Cities which do business all 
 over the world, and valuable aflvertising for the community is gained there-
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 121 
 
 by. This is the center of the manufacture of agricultural implements— 
 Deere & Company, the Moline Plow Company, and Rock Island Plow 
 ("ompany being leaders in their field, with a combined capital of more 
 than $100,000,000. Users of plows everywhere associate with them the 
 name Moline. Rock Island's renown is carried abroad by the trans-con- 
 tinental railroad which bears its name, as well as by the greatest Arsenal 
 in this country, and in many respects the most complete and spacious mili- 
 tary manufacturing and storage establishment on the globe. A number of 
 large industrial concerns perform a similar service for Davenport, East 
 Moline, and Bettendorf. 
 
 The handicap of being located a thousand miles from tidewater has 
 not prevented more than a dozen Tri-City manufacturing establishments 
 from doing an extensive foreign business. Among them, in addition to the 
 farm implement concerns already named, may be mentioned the Western 
 
 City of Rock Island, seen from Arsenal clork tower. 
 
 Pump Company, Davenport Locomotive Works, Gordon-Van Tine Com- 
 pany, Red Jacket Manufacturing Company, Victor Animatograph Company, 
 Linograph Company, Purity Oats Company, and Western Flour Mills, of 
 Davenport; Rock Island Manufacturing Company, Phelps Manufacturing 
 Company, Franks Manufacturing Company, and Standard Textile Products 
 Company, of Rock Island ; Williams, WHiite & Company and National 
 Licorice Company, of Moline; and the Troy Laundry Machinery Company, 
 the E. & T. Fairbanks Company, of East Moline; and the Bettendorf Com- 
 pany, of Bettendorf. 
 
 The famous Velie Motor Cars, manufactured by the A^elie Motors Cor- 
 poration; the "R & W" manufactured by the R. c\: V. Motor Company, 
 and the "Stephens," manufactured l)y the Moline Plow Company, are known 
 internationally as high-class automobiles, backed by reliable, progressive 
 and time-tried concerns. 
 
 The largest washing machine factories in the world are located in Dav- 
 enport, Iowa — the Voss Bros. Manufacturing Company, the White Lily 
 Manufacturing Company, and the Brammer Mamifacturing Company. This 
 industry had its birth in Davenport.
 
 122 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 The Gordon \'an-Tine Company is the largest distributor of ready- 
 cut houses in the world. The X'ictor Animatograph Company, making 
 moving picture projectors and slides, is also the largest of its kind any- 
 where. About one-third of the machinists' vises used in the world are 
 supplied by the Rock Island Manufacturing Company, which furnished 
 150.000 vises for use by the allied armies in the World War. Williams, 
 \\'hite & Co. lead in production of machine shop and foundry tools. The 
 Bettendorf Company has the largest shops in the locality devoted to a 
 specified line of production, being one of the largest manufacturers of steel 
 freight cars in the world. Scores of local concerns send their products to 
 all parts of the United States. 
 
 Few communities are better served in the matter of transportation. 
 Three trans-continental railroad lines reach the Tri-Cities, and two others, 
 having connecting links, cross the Mississippi within 50 miles. Of minor 
 branches and interurbans there are several, while the end of 1922 is expected 
 to witness the completion of at least one hard road giving access to the per- 
 manent highways of the east. Last year a million dollars was spent build- 
 ing hard roads radiating from the city of Davenport, while extensive work 
 of the same sort, to be undertaken in the immediate future, is planned on 
 both sides of the river. The Tri-City Railway Company lines ramify into 
 all parts of the urban community, which is also bound together by hundreds 
 of miles of paved streets. Two bridges cross the main river, rail, vehicle 
 and foot traffic being carried free of tolls by the Rock Island bridge, govern- 
 ment owned and controlled. 
 
 In connection with transportation advantages, the facilities aflforded by 
 the Mississippi river must not be overlooked. Though water-borne traffic 
 on the inland streams has greatly declined from that of a few decades ago, 
 competent authorities agree that the railroads have about reached their 
 physical limits, and that the day of the return of the water carriers is not 
 far distant. Everything points to an early demand for use of boats to handle 
 the bulkier and heavier commodities that rail lines are expected to relin- 
 quish as the business of the country outgrows their facilities for expansion. 
 Foreseeing such a situation, the city of Davenport has expended a million 
 dollars in levee improvement to facilitate the handling of freight to and 
 from river craft. In addition to connection with all points on the Missis- 
 sippi and its navigable tributaries, this locality, by means of the canal about 
 to be built by the State of Illinois and the existing Illinois and Mississippi 
 canal, will be able to ship by water east through the Great Lakes to all ports 
 thereon, and, eventually, no doubt, to the seaboard. 
 
 Water power, available in a limited quantity with present facilities, and 
 potential, in an amount sufficient to supply all future industrial needs, 
 i.e another important asset of the Tri-City district. As was pointed out by 
 Mr. E. S. Putnam, of Davenport, during the World W^ir, when the govern-
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 123 
 
 ment was seeking a site for a nitrogen fixation plant, the Rock Island rapids 
 make possible a hydro-electric plant developing as much as 100,000 horse- 
 power. Within 60 miles distant, at the east, as was shown by the same 
 authority, there are extensive coal deposits, where steam power can be most 
 economically generated in any amount desired to supplement the water 
 power. Transmission from the mines by high voltage wires would be a 
 simple problem. 
 
 It may be taken for granted that the Tri-City community is well supplied 
 with schools, churches, welfare organizations and other means of promoting 
 spiritual advancement and culture. Among the schools are several sectarian 
 institutions, including Augustana College and Theological Seminary, St. 
 
 Looking south from Island end of Moline bridge. 
 
 Ambrose College, St. Katharine's School, and the \'illa de Chantal, all of 
 which draw pupils from a wide area. The Palmer School of Chiropractic, 
 with its 3.000 students, representing practically every civilized country on 
 the globe, should not be overlooked. 
 
 It is hardly necessary to state that the cities located on the river shores 
 adjacent to Rock Island Arsenal are progressive, that they are modern, 
 well kept and sanitary, with many parks and scenic features, the beauty of 
 which is being constantly enhanced by judicious expenditure of money and 
 effort. Recreation has not been slighted. There are fine theatres, and art, 
 music, and sports, both amateur and professional, are well supported. The 
 Rock Island Arsenal Golf Club maintains an eighteen-hole course on the 
 Island itself that is accounted one of the finest in the country and has been 
 the scene of several celebrated tournaments. The club-house, costing $50,000, 
 was built and the links were laid out and are maintained by civilian mem- 
 bers, but the Arsenal Commandant is ex-officio president of the organization 
 and in full charge of the premises. The course utilizes some of the lower 
 ground and that adjacent to the officers' quarters, and the Arsenal is in no- 
 wise jeopardized, nor is the military reservation encroached upon. Facili-
 
 124 
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 ties arc afforded for outdoor exercise which reg-ulalioiis rc(iuire army 
 officers to take. 
 
 Growth of the cities surrounding the Arsenal has been rapid ever since 
 they passed from the village state, more than half a century ago. Permanent 
 improvements annually made range, normally, between five and ten millions, 
 tending always upward. Population of the fi\e municipalities increased 
 from 96,117 in 1910 to 146,880 in 1920, a rate of growth far above the average 
 the country over, being more than fifty per cent. 
 
 Total bank deposits in the 'l"ri-("ity community were $82,000,000 at the 
 close of 1921, reflecting the financial depression by onU^ a slight decline 
 from the figures of the preceding year. Davenjjort enjoys the rc])Utation of 
 ha\ing the greatest banking resources of an_\- city of its size in the country. 
 
 The community is a great jobbing center, its territory comprising nearly 
 all of Iowa and a large i)art of western Illinois; retail stores rank with 
 the best anywhere, and there are many of them, always in keen competition. 
 Da\'enport has a million dollar office building and the largest hotel in the 
 State of Iowa. A hotel nearly as large is in course of erection in Moline 
 There have been few serious labor controversies to interrupt the good order 
 and progress of the community. 
 
 Though there are five cities with separate municipal governmental units 
 and trading centers, the fact remains that the citizens of each one enjoys 
 the advantages that all have to ofifer. Boundaries join on botli sides of the 
 river, and the peoi)le are closely drawn together by mutual interests. There 
 is, in fact, a ma.ximum of intercourse and a mininuun of ri\alrv and friction, 
 offering all the ad\antages of a single large city of 150,000 and eliminating 
 some of the disadvantages. Big things can be and are. successfully under- 
 taken, commercially, industrially, educationally and in the way or recreation 
 -—things that no single city of the fi\e could hope alone to support. To 
 take a single instance, consider the Mississippi X'alley Fair and h^xposition, 
 which, though ostensibly a Daven])ort enterprise, has made a phenomenal 
 success of the two annual fairs thus far gi\cn. haxing the distinction of be- 
 ing the first organization of its class to win rec()gnitit)n in its initial year by 
 the International .Vsscjciation of Fairs and Fxpositions. 
 
 Though the subject might be treated at greater length, it is believed 
 that en(jugh has been told to slmw that Pock Island Arsenal's surroundings 
 are such as to insure an ample supply of traine<l labor and of necessary 
 materials to ])r()vide for its maintenance in a high state of efficiency at all 
 times and under all conceivable circumstances. 
 
 View up thr riv.T fri.m hia.l .,f Man.l, will, H.II.>i.l..rf . :ir fliojis in the .listanr
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 125 
 
 Henry W. Horst Company 
 
 The present Henry W. Horst Company is the outgrowth of a concept 
 formed in the mind of a twelve-year-old boy, when its president, Mr. Henry 
 W. Horst, was a lad in the old country. Not that he saw Rock Island, nor 
 that he saw concrete road building or many of the other projects which 
 today form integral parts of the large construction work his company now 
 carries on, but that there was ever before him from these early days, America 
 — the country of first promise — the building industry, for which he had a 
 natural talent, and the determination to excel in building work, and in a 
 company of his own. Filled with these visions, and backed by a strong re- 
 
 HENRY W. HORST 
 
 A. E. HORST 
 
 ligious faith and an unshaken belief in himself, the then embryo constructor 
 never permitted discouragements, struggles or setbacks to dim the ardor 
 or divert the energies with which he, as a youth, a young man and a mature 
 man, continuously pressed forward toward his goal. 
 
 Apprenticed under old-country guild rules at the age of 14, this future 
 American man-of-affairs served faithfully for three years, devoting a part 
 of the time, as per guild requirements, to the study of bookkeeping and 
 drafting, and using spare hours to add to his already considerable knowledge 
 of foreign language. 
 
 He emigrated to the United States at seventeen years of age, finding his 
 way to Rock Island, Illinois, destined at a later date to become the center of 
 his far-reaching labors. Keeping the fixed purpose of service through a com-
 
 126 ROCK I S L A N D A R S E N A L 
 
 pany of his own ever before him. the youth folhiwed carpentry, continuing 
 in this line through early manhood, gradually working toward his end 
 through sub-contracting, chiefly in the Middle West. 
 
 Mr. Hurst feels today that outside of his faith in an all-wise God, no 
 one thing contributed more largely to his ability to cope with difficulties 
 than seven years of pioneering on the Kansas prairies, homesteading. helping 
 to build towns then in their infancy, and at the same time laying the founda- 
 tions of his own fine family. In ( )akley. Logan County. Kansas, Mr. 
 Horst first entered the contracting business. Buildings there, comjjleted in 
 1886. still stand to the credit of this step in the development of his purpose. 
 
 Returning to Rock Island in 1892, Mr. Horst soon joined forces with 
 another contractor, but only to sever relations after one year's united efforts, 
 during which time a splendid church edifice was erected. 
 
 In March. 1893. he entered into a co-partnership with Mr. Emil Peterson. 
 This partnership lasted eight years, which time was largely occupied with the 
 building of residences. Already the time element, so dominant in all Henry 
 \\\ Horst Company construction, was making itself felt, many fair-sized 
 residences having l)een erected during this period in thirty days each. 
 Usually the houses built during this ])eriod were designed by Mr. Horst 
 himself, who worked long and incessantly during these years of struggle. 
 
 1900 marked the establishment of the individual business of Henry W. 
 Horst. For a number of years Mr. Horst not only constructed buildings. 
 but kept his own accounts, acquiring his first bookkeeper in 1903. By this 
 time, however, his work was so well organized that he found it possible 
 for the first time to visit his aged mother and to tour Europe, taking with him 
 liis oldest son and later business partner. Ofiices had already been removed 
 from the residence of Mr. Horst to a small building on the same lot. Later 
 they were moved into a fine down-town location. Before this latter move, 
 the Company's first prospectus, an attractive booklet of 28 pages of illustra- 
 tions, was published in 1907. In 1911. in order to accommodate the growing 
 business, Mr. Horst purchased the lot on which the present spacious Horst 
 building stands. The building was erected in 1912. 
 
 By this time the second member and present manager of the company, 
 A. E. Horst. had graduated from the University of Illinois, and had become 
 superintendent of construction. After three years of this joint work, the 
 present company was organized and incorporated. A second and larger 
 booklet was published, and a new and larger period of development was 
 entered upon. 
 
 During this period Mr. Horst, who had at one time built sod houses and 
 had gone through such experiences as that of having brought into Rock 
 Island its first concrete mixer and having constructed Rock Island's first 
 reinforced concrete office building, saw his company develop to the point 
 of covering such work as residences, business blocks, industrial buildings.
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 127 
 
 railroads, highways, housing projects, large government contracts, etc. 
 Among the accomplishments of the company the following may be cited: 
 
 L Government Work. 
 
 1. A number of important buildings on the Rock Island Arsenal, 
 among which are the Standard Forging building and the Heppen- 
 stall building, now known officially as Shop "O" and Shop "Q", 
 respectively. 
 
 2. Officers' Quarters and Barracks buildings. Eleven buildings, 
 mostly large brick and concrete structures, for housing and caring for 
 the military units located on the Government reservation at Proving 
 Ground, Illinois. This project was completed 30 days ahead of 
 scheduled time, much to the satisfaction of Government inspectors 
 and contractors alike. 
 
 3. Railroad. Sixteen miles of standard gauge railroad with a 
 dozen spurs, built on government property at Proving Ground, 
 Savanna, Illinois. 
 
 4. Nitrate Storage Pit. One of the most unique of the Henry W. 
 Horst Company's varied bits of construction, this mammoth pit, 
 the size of three city blocks, (160O'x20O') and with sloping 17-foot 
 sides, all of reinforced concrete, having seven cross-walls, was de- 
 signed for the storage of 10,000 carloads of nitrate for the manu- 
 facture of explosives. Situated in a veritable sand desert, this huge 
 project required for construction some 150 cars of sand, 250 cars 
 of stone and gravel, 50 cars of cement and 100 cars of miscellaneous 
 materials. 70,000 cubic yards of dirt had to be moved. Undertaken 
 in the late fall of 1920, just about the time of the keenest railroad 
 transportation difficulties, this pit, with the 16 miles of railroad 
 mentioned in the last paragraph, were completed before Christmas — 
 three days ahead of scheduled time — the schedule having been pre- 
 pared before the transportation difficulties had presented them- 
 selves. 
 
 5. Housing Projects. Here again the Henry W. Horst Company 
 record-breaking time achievements came to the fore. This war- 
 time Government contract was to furnish 460 homes for Government 
 workers in the United States Arsenal at Rock Island. Time was, 
 of course, an important element. The houses were in six groups in 
 three localities, one in Moline, two in East Moline and three in 
 Rock Island. Although the contract was signed in the fall, the 
 seventh of October, this project, said to be the second largest of 
 some thirty-eight such Government Plousing Projects in the country, 
 was the first one finished. 460 permanent and very well appointed 
 homes were completed, including decorating, in 117 days — an un- 
 paralleled record.
 
 128 
 
 R () L" In 
 
 L A N I) A R S E N A L 
 
 t. S. STORAGE PIT AT SAVANNA, ILL.— REINFORCED CONCRETE PIT, THE SIZE 
 
 6. Hangars at Chanute Field, including boiler house and heating 
 system for 11 hangars at Chanute Field, Rantoul. Illinois. 
 11. Concrete Highways. 
 
 W ilh 13 miles of concrete road in the liome slate of Illinois built 
 in slightly more than one year as a beginning, the company soon 
 branched out to build such roads in neighboring states, as Iowa and 
 \\'isct)nsin, until now its reputatitm for "smooth-riding" roads has 
 spread through the east, the company at this time having under 
 construction three fine concrete roads in Pennsylvania. A nearby 
 state has recently gi\en the company the record of having built 
 the best-riding road in its limits. 
 
 SECTION OF U. S. GOVERNMENT HOUSING PROJECT IN TRI-CITIES-
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 129 
 
 OF THREE CITY BLOCKS, FOR THE STORING OF 10,000 CARLOADS OF NITRATE. 
 
 IIL Industrial Buildings. 
 
 Here the list grows so large that there can at l^est be but a touching 
 of the work accomplished. Outstanding are such projects as the 
 Deere Harvester Plant in East Moline, where five large buildings 
 were under construction at one time ; the Root & \ andervoort- 
 W'agner Ordnance plant, a huge two-story brick building with 
 monitor l)ay and crane way, all turned over complete in 70 days; the 
 Deere Foundry and Service building, Moline Power Plant, Crescent 
 Macaroni and Cracker factory, Davenport, Iowa, etc. 
 
 IV. Miscellaneous. (Business Blocks, Schools, Clubs, Residences, etc.) 
 As samples of business blocks in the Tri-Cities. such buildings may 
 
 41.(1 HOMES COMPLETE, INCLUDING DECORATlNi;. ALL IN 117 DAYS.
 
 130 
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 be cited as the Robinson builtliii<i^, l\nck Lsland, for the completion 
 of whicii. under unusually trying circumstances, a handsome reward 
 was given the president of the Henry W. Horst Company by 
 the owner of the building; the Reliance building in Moline. where 
 a bonus for speedy completit)n was awarded the Company; the 
 Safety building. Rock Island, the Watch Tower Inn (completed in 
 hfty days). Typical schools are the Washington school and the 
 Immanuel Lutheran school and hall, both in Rock Island. Among 
 residences are the Huber residence. Rock Island, and the Soverhill 
 residence in Midine. both i)erfect in every ajipointment ; and in 
 the line of clul)s. the Rock Island Club is outstanding. 
 
 For further record of construction the reader is referred to the Henry 
 W. Horst Company's bc^oklets of recent years. 
 
 As evidence of cc)ntinued wide-awake management, under the younger 
 Mr. Horst, the Comi)any. just as this history goes to press, has succeeded in 
 getting through the LeClaire Canal, before its completion, barges conveying 
 material to a point on the Iowa side of the Mississippi, where they are open- 
 ing a new highway project. The Company thus becomes pioneer users of the 
 Canal. 
 
 TVPICAI. OF VARIK.n LINES OF WORK. 
 
 1. Iniluslrial — Deere Harvi-sler Buildings. 2. Schools — Immanuel I.utiieran. 3. Railroads. 4. Concrete Highways 
 
 5. Business Block — Safety Building. 6. Residences — Huber Home.
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 131 
 
 "Seventy Years of Service" 
 
 INTRODUCTORY; — The following sketch of the Rock Island railroad, as it relates to the Arsenal on Rock Island, 
 has heen compiled from the story of the Rock Island Lines, entitled, "Seventy Years of Service---from Grant to Gor- 
 man," written by F. J. Nevins, and pubHshed by that railway, incident to the celebration of its Seventieth Anniversary 
 on October 10, 1922. Copies of " Seventy Years of Service" may be obtained by writing Passenger Traffic Depart- 
 ment, Rock Island Lines, LaSalle Station, Chicago, Illinois. 
 
 OV'ING westward through America, the "Star of Empire" has closely 
 followed the lines of the great railroad systems. The steamboat and 
 the ox train sufficed for the needs of the early settlers, but fell far 
 short of affording transportation facilities required for the upbuild- 
 ing of the inland industry of the Great Middle West. 
 
 The steam locomotive came in time to prevent the United States from 
 falling apart into two or more separate political units. The steel rail 
 linked our far flung settlements to- 
 gether and still holds them in a union 
 that depends absolutely upon efficient 
 and economical transportation. 
 
 The Chicago & Rock Island Rail- 
 road, now known as the Chicago, Rock 
 Island and Pacific Railway, was the first 
 railroad to connect the Mississippi 
 river wnth the Great Lakes and with the 
 rail systems then being developed in 
 the east. It was the first to bridge the 
 "Father of Waters" at any point, and 
 the first to reach out into the western 
 country beyond, then the land of the 
 Indian and the buffalo. 
 
 Seventy years ago the Mississippi 
 constituted a formidable barrier to the 
 growth of the great land lying west 
 of the Trans-Mississippi states. Little 
 do we realize now how great an ob- 
 stacle the river was to the westward 
 
 movement of human beings and goods necessary to the development of 
 the territory lying beyond the shores of this mighty stream. As yet, it was 
 unspanned by bridges and the art of the railroad bridge builder was in its 
 infancy, comparatively speaking. 
 
 Slow and uncertain ferries, often propelled by horse power, afforded 
 the only means of crossing. Westward traffic sought out the places where 
 topographical conditions offered the easiest approach on both sides, and 
 at those points settlements sprang up. When the railroads came, the 
 favored points of intersection of land and water transportation lines took 
 on new impetus and rapidly became cities. 
 
 James E. Gorman, President
 
 132 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 This is what happened when the first railroad pushed through to 
 the Mississippi in 1854. The "Chicago & Rock Island" found three 
 healthy villages — Rock Island and Moline, 111., and Davenport, Iowa — 
 at its crossing point with the Mississippi. It made them cities in a sur- 
 prisingly short period. Had the builders of the road selected a different 
 route, the twenty-odd square miles now lying in their corporate limits 
 would still be used mostly for agricultural purposes. Without the Rock 
 Island railroad there is small likelihood that Rock Island Arsenal ever 
 would have been established. 
 
 Therefore, the story of the building of the "Chicago & Rock Island" 
 railroad, with its pioneer feat of bridging the Mississippi, forms an 
 integral part of the history of the AX'orld's Greatest Arsenal. It is a 
 significant fact that preparation of this book was undertaken while the 
 Rock Island Lines were planning observance of their 70th anniversary, 
 falling on October 10. 1922. 
 
 It has been generally assumed that the name oi this great railroad 
 system was taken from the city of Rock Island, but this is not the case. 
 It was the Island, the site of old Fort Armstrong, which suggested the 
 appellation for the road, just as it did later for the city of Rock Island. 
 As a matter of fact, when the rail line was first conceived in the minds of 
 a few enterprising citizens of northern Illinois and western Iowa, the 
 town of Rock Island was still known as Stephenson, the name selected 
 by its founders. 
 
 Soon after the Indian menace to white settlers had been removed in 
 the Black Hawk war, a dozen men whose homes were in the district 
 between Chicago and Davenport interested themselves in the project to 
 build a railroad connecting the Mississippi at Rock Island with the Illinois 
 river at LaSalle — the western end of the Illinois and Michigan canal, 
 the water route west from Chicago. In 1845 application was made to the 
 Illinois legislature for a charter for the "Rock Island & LaSalle Railroad 
 Company." February 27. 1847, a company was ft)rmed under that name and 
 with $300,000 capital. Judge James Crant. of Davenport, was the first 
 president. 
 
 There was plenty of local enthusiasm, but sales of stock dragged. 
 A railroad-building scheme financed by the state of Illinois had just failed 
 miserably, after $10,000,000 of the ta.x payers' money had been sunk. So 
 the Rock Island & LaSalle did not at first find much favor among those 
 with money to invest. Discovery of gold in California in 1848 eventually 
 furnished the impetus which set the project in actual motion. 
 
 In 1850 congress was asked for a right of way through public lands 
 and the Illinf>is legislature was petitioned for extension of charter rights 
 necessary to make Chicago, instead of LaSalle. the eastern terminus. The 
 name became the "Chicago & Rock Island Railroad Company." Since the 
 line between Peru and Chicago would compete directly with the state-
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 133 
 
 owned canal, a stipulation was forced by the legislature upon the railroad 
 company requiring it to pay to the canal trustees sums equal to canal 
 freight charges on all commodities except live stock carried by rail be- 
 tween the points named. 
 
 October 1, 1851, construction was started by Farnum & Sheffield, of New 
 Haven, Conn., and the first passenger train was run from Chicago to Joliet 
 on October 10, 1852. Late that year, at a banquet in Davenport, a project 
 
 Above view shows first bridge arross Mississippi River. View to right is Island abutment of bridge, preserved as memorial. 
 View to left is of the famous Rook Island "Silver Engine" of the early seventies. 
 
 to build a line through Iowa to the Missouri river and to bridge the 
 Mississippi at Rock Island was informally launched. 
 
 The Mississippi & Missouri Railroad Company was formed under 
 the laws of Iowa, February 22, 1852. In May following, the first rail was laid
 
 134 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 en the Iowa side. January 17, 1853. the Illinois legislature granted a charter 
 to the "Railroad Bridge Company," formed by those interested in the rail 
 lines it was planned to connect. July 16 of the same year John Warner, 
 the contractor, began work on the first pier on the Iowa shore of what was 
 to become the first bridge across the Mississippi. 
 
 River transportation interests naturally viewed prospective rail com- 
 petition with apprehension. Therefore, they united for the purpose of 
 obstruction. At first the idea of bridging the river was merely ridiculed 
 as foolhardy. Later more forcible means of opposition were adopted. 
 Rivermen were then, perhaps, the most powerful group in the Mississippi 
 Valley, with ample funds and means of reaching those in high govern- 
 mental positions. 
 
 Right of w^ay across the Island was claimed by the railroad company 
 under the terms of its state charter and also under act of congress, giving 
 use of necessary space through public lands to all railroad and turnpike 
 companies. The Iowa legislature had formally sanctioned the undertaking 
 so far as it had authority to do so. However, Jeflferson Davis, then sec- 
 retary of war, claimed that the Island, having been set aside for use of 
 his department, was not public land and the state had no rights therein. He 
 forbade the railroad company to lay tracks or build a bridge there. Next 
 came application for an injunction in the federal court for the northern 
 district of Illinois, made at the request of the secretary of war. Hearing 
 was before Judge John McLean in July, 1855, title of the case being "The 
 United States vs. the Railroad Bridge Company, et al." The federal district 
 attorney contested both the right-of-way on land and the building of the 
 bridge, which was held an obstruction to navigation, but the court held 
 with the defendant, and denied the motion for injunction. 
 
 In the meantime, work on the railroad and bridge had gone on with- 
 out interruption, and on April 21, 1856, nearly two years after the road 
 through Illinois had been completed, the first locomotive steamed across 
 the "first bridge" to the Iowa shore. Next day a train of three locomotives 
 and eight passenger cars crossed. The aggregate weight of this train 
 was 67 tons. Trains weighing 2.200 tons now dail)^ almost hourly, cross 
 the bridge at Rock Island. 
 
 Two weeks after the bridge was opened, the steamer Efiie Afton 
 became unmanageable just above the draw span, drifted against the pier 
 and took fire. Boat and span were destroyed. This brought the wrath 
 of the rivermen to a climax. Suit for damage followed. Judge McLean 
 again presided, the case being "Hurd, et al vs. the Railroad Bridge Company." 
 Abraham Lincoln, after visiting Rock Island to familiarize himself with 
 the situation, and especially with the river currents at the bridge, appeared 
 for the defense. It was one of the last cases in which he took part before 
 turning his attention to the political movement which later carried him into 
 the presidency of the United States, and served to call national attention to 
 Mr. Lincoln.
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 135 
 
 A vast mass of evidence w^as presented to prove the bridge an obstruc- 
 tion to navigation. Lincoln handled the issue with his usual skill and 
 secured disagreement of the jury, thereby exceeding the expectations of 
 his clients. Public sentiment admittedly was averse to the defense. 
 
 About this time congress took a hand in the controversy, ordering an 
 investigation to determine if the bridge were, in fact, a serious obstruction 
 to navigation. The committee on commerce conducted the inquiry and 
 decided in the affirmative, but added that in its opinion the courts were 
 fully qualified to deal with the situation. Congress concurred in the finding. 
 
 Encouraged by the report of the committee, the river interests made 
 one more fight. James Ward, a St. Louis steamboat owner, started an action 
 in the United States Court for the southern district of Iowa to have the 
 bridge declared a nuisance and secure an order for its removal. This the 
 court, in due time, did. Judge John M. Love finding the structure "a com- 
 mon and public nuisance," and ordering destruction of the three northern 
 piers with their superstructure, which lay within the jurisdiction of Iowa. 
 This order was not carried out, because the United States Supreme Court, in 
 December, 1862, reversed the finding of the District Court. That ended 
 the litigation, which had been watched with interest all o\'er the country, 
 involving, as it did, c(uestions which 
 presented themselves wherever rail- 
 roads were compelled to cross import- 
 ant navigable streams. 
 
 Much that is of interest necessarily 
 has been omitted from this brief outline 
 of events attending the pioneer work of 
 building the Rock Island Lines. With 
 the later history of the system the pres- 
 ent generation is more or less familiar. 
 How the road first planned merely to 
 connect two inland waterways, scarcely 
 100 miles apart, has grown into a great 
 system of 8,122 miles, extending its 
 service to the Pacific coast and forming 
 the leading artery of commerce through 
 the most productive areas of the Mid- 
 dle West ; how it always has kept 
 abreast of or a little in advance of the 
 times, mechanically, and in meeting the 
 needs of its territory ; how it has built 
 
 up the Tri-City community about Rock Island and made the development 
 of the Arsenal there possible, need be no more than referred to here. 
 Its tracks form a network, many miles long in the aggregate, in the 
 
 kI Ginl Traffic Mgr.
 
 136 
 
 ROCK ISLAND A R S F. \ A L 
 
 Gineral UtT.ce.- . nii Ch.rago Term na! K". I. M: n<l I i
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 137 
 
 district about the Island, and its great locomotive repair shops at Silvis, 
 nearby, are among the largest in the land. 
 
 Having exclusive access to the Island, the Rock Island railroad is, 
 and always has been, the right arm of the Arsenal. This was again made 
 plain during the World War, when thousands of carloads of material and 
 finished products were handled in a manner that was entirely satisfactory. 
 After the armistice was signed, thousands of carloads of war material 
 were returned there for storage. 
 
 Always the Rock Island Lines have been closely identified with the 
 community surrounding the Island which gave the system its name. This 
 desirable condition has been furthered by the personal contact of a number 
 of high executive officers of the company with the Tri-Cities. Judge 
 James Grant, a Davenport man, was president of the original company. 
 R. R. Cable, later identified with the road as president and chairman of 
 the board of directors, made his home in the city of Rock Island for 
 many years. Leon M. Allen, now vice-president and passenger traffic 
 manager, began his career in Davenport, and naturally feels a strong 
 personal interest in the locality. 
 
 The Rock Island road was founded by men of broad vision and keen 
 foresight. Those who have managed it have been able and enterprising. 
 Service has been their watchword. They have realized that in the up- 
 building of its territory lay the railroad's opportunity for growth. 
 
 The historian's part is not only to record events, but to indicate causes. 
 The story of the Rock Island Lines is an interesting story. It involves 
 the typical play of forces which have made the United States the greatest 
 nation on earth. It tells how the "Star of Empire" came to the Mississippi 
 river, and beyond.
 
 138 ROCK 1 S L A X D ARSENAL 
 
 The Tri-Cities and 'The BurUiiiiton Raih'oad 
 
 In the development of tlie business community embracing the cities of 
 Davenport, Rock Island and Moline, together with Mast Moline and Betten- 
 dorf, and known as "The Tri-Cities." a distinctive factor of constantly 
 increasing importance has been and is the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy 
 Railroad, which serves this great region through four gateways — its two 
 lines from Chicago, one via Mendota, Prophetstown and Denrock, formerly 
 known as the Illinois Grand Trunk; the other via Aurora, Shabbona, Sterling 
 and Barstow to East Moline, formerly known as the Chicago & Rock River 
 Line; its line from East St. Louis, formerly the Rockford, Rock Island & 
 St. Louis, and the Davenport. Rock Island & Northwestern, with its 
 Crescent bridge, in which the Burlington owns a one-half interest. 
 
 A brief sketch showing how these four important Burlington lines 
 entered into the transportation business in the Tri-City territory is of ab- 
 sorbing- interest. 
 
 The C. B. & Q. Railroad ( Burlington Route) was born in Aurora. Illinois, 
 with four lines diverging east, west, north and south. 
 
 The Burlington is the shortest rail line between Chicago and Rock 
 Island — the distance from Chicago via Mendota and Denrock to and into 
 Rock Island being 169 miles. This route is over the Burlington's main line 
 from Chicago to Mendota, thence to Denrock over the old Illinois Grand 
 Trunk (incorporated in 1852 as the Joliet and Terre Haute, and re-organized 
 in 1859. but not actually built to Denrock until 1871). and thence into Rock 
 Island in 1879. 
 
 II 
 
 The Burlington's other line from Chicago comes in by way of Sterling 
 and Barstow to East Moline. then into Davenport over the Crescent bridge. 
 This line from Aurora to Shabbona is the old Chicago & Iowa; from Shab- 
 bona, as the old Chicago & Rock River, it heads for Rock Falls and Sterling, 
 thence to Barstow and into East Moline, and then into Moline, utilizing a 
 l)art of the old Rockford, Rock Island and St. Louis. 
 
 The Chicago & Rock River was organized in 1867, completed to Sterling 
 in 1884, and provided an additional Burlington-all-the-way Tri-City-Chi- 
 cago line. Thousands of cars of freight are annually handled over these two 
 lines. 
 
 Ill 
 
 The story of the 300 miles of Burlington rails stretching south from the 
 Tri-Cities to East St. Louis is filled with human interest. That splendid rail- 
 road is the product of the genius and courage of a distinguished citizen of
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 139
 
 140 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 iQ^va — Judge George Greene — who did more to develop Cedar Rapids and its 
 industries than any other man. 
 
 The original company, called the Rock Island & Alton Railroad, which 
 had authority to build "from Rock Island to Whitehall, in Green County, 
 Illinois, and thence to Illinoistown" (now East St. Louis), was incorporated 
 by a special act of the Illinois Legislature. February 14. 1855. This was a 
 "paper" railroad. In 1859 its name was changed to St. Louis. Alton & Rock 
 Island. That company secured a large part of the right of way. and in 1860 
 had built a railroad grade between Beardstown and Whitehall. 'I'hen came 
 the Civil War. which stopped all railroad building. 
 
 After the war Judge (ireene conceived the idea of building a north and 
 south railroad from Rockft)rd. via Rock Island, to St. Louis, and incorporated 
 his company as the Rockford, Rock Island & St. Louis. This was a part of 
 the great movement for railroad building after the war. which culminated 
 in the panic of 1873. Judge Greene's Rock Island road went down with a 
 crash. The mortgage was foreclosed, and in 1876 the line was sold at i)ublic 
 auction to Heymann Osterberg. who represented the Holland bondholders. 
 They re-organized the company under a new name — the St. Louis, Rock 
 Island & Chicago — and sold the road to the Burlington, which, in 1879. built 
 into Rock Island from Port Byron Junction (seven miles), thus bringing 
 the Tri-City territory into their system. 
 
 From Concord. I^elow Beardstown. n(jrth. this line is utilized by the 
 Burlington as part of its important through coal route, over which thousands 
 of cars of southern Illinois coal are carried annually to St. Paul. Minnea])olis. 
 and the great Northwest. 
 
 Judge Greene lost his money, but his railroad remains to serve the 
 public for all time. 
 
 IV 
 
 It was a business stroke of the Burlington to promote the construction 
 of the Davenport. Rock Island & Northwestern, including the Crescent 
 bridge, organized in 1884 as a bridge company by citizens of Davenport, who 
 secured an Act of Congress authorizing the construction of the bridge. 
 
 I'.ut the comjjany had no money with which to build, and the project 
 hung fire for ten years. In February. 1895, the name was changed to Daven- 
 port & Rock Island Bridge. Railway d^ Terminal Company, its articles 
 amended to provide for a railroad also from the foot of Perry street across 
 the bridge into Rock Island. In 1898 the name was changed to the present 
 company. The bridge cost $1,500,000 and was opened for business on January 
 1.1900.' 
 
 The money to build the bridge and the lines of railroad connected with 
 it WIS furnished thrf)Ugh the credit of the Burlington and St. Paul companies
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 141 
 
 jointly, and those two companies operate not only the Ijridge but the rail- 
 road. Under the name "Davenport, Clinton & Eastern," these two companies 
 built a line 34 miles long between Clinton and Davenport, which is also used 
 jointly. Burlington passenger trains between Minneapolis, St. Paul and St. 
 Louis use this route through Davenport, Rock Island and Moline. 
 
 About the same time, pursuant to other plans for developing a great 
 terminal system to serve the Tri-Cities, the companies named organized rail- 
 roads in Illinois to extend these lines to East Moline and other points in 
 Rock Island County. 
 
 As a result of all these activities, the Burlington is in an enviable position 
 to provide a highly important and genuinely useful transportation service to 
 and from the hearts of Davenport, Rock Island and Moline — prepared to 
 serve the public with the necessary facilities to enable it to receive food and 
 other essentials, raw materials, forward finished products, and travel to 
 and from all parts of the world. In this Tri-City territory the Burlington 
 and its interests own in round number 208 acres of land occupied by in- 
 dustrial tracks and terminal facilities which reach all important industries, 
 enabling the road to serve them cheaply with the very best quality of Illinois 
 coal and at the same time with its own rails placing them in close touch 
 with the markets of Chicago, St. Louis, St. Paul, Minneapolis, Peoria, Omaha, 
 Denver, St. Joseph, Kansas City, and all points on its 9,389 miles of road 
 reaching into eleven great states, as well as all points on all connecting lines. 
 
 The Tri-Cities have a great future, and the Burlington is prepared to 
 promote the interests of the Tri-Cities by providing a businesslike and de- 
 pendable transportation service. 
 
 Tri-City passenger business of the Burlington is in charge of the 
 following: 
 
 M. H. Teed, Passenger and Ticket agent, foot of Perry street. Phone 
 743, Davenport. 
 
 G. H. McEwen, Ticket Agent, 20th Street Station. Phone 764, Rock 
 Island. 
 
 H. S. Fristoe, Ticket Agent. Phone 860, Moline, Moline Passenger 
 Station. 
 
 H. W. Crawford, Division Freight Agent, is located in the 20th Street 
 Station, Phone 679, Rock Island.
 
 142 
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 1? ■ - i-f'^"'
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 143 
 
 The Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad 
 
 Men are deeply interested only in those things which touch and become 
 a part of their lives. The more intimate and constant the association, the 
 greater the interest. 
 
 Breathes there a man with soul so dead that the sight or sound or a mov- 
 ing railroad train does not thrill some hl^re of his being, or awaken at least a 
 faint yearning for change of scenery, for travel or adventure? Tied down 
 to his daily routine behind desk or counter, the whistle of a passing 
 locomotive suggests to the city man the free out-of-doors and restful rural 
 scenes, while the same sound brings to the farmer or villager visions of the 
 busy marts of trade and centers of industry, with their bustling crowds and 
 hum of traffic. The man in the freezing north thinks of the balmy south, 
 while the man in the torrid clime thinks of places where there is deep shade, 
 or where cooling breezes blow. Few among us fail to sense in the sound 
 a subtle invitation, and in some measure to respond to' it. 
 
 So much for the romantic side. Getting down fo brass tacks, the whistle 
 of a locomotive means to nine-tenths of our inland population something 
 rather more practical, if more prosiac. It means bread and butter, clothing, 
 shelter, fuel. It means practically all the necessities of life, with the comforts 
 and tiie luxuries thrown in. Without the railroad this productive and thriv- 
 ing Middle West would now be but little farther advanced than it was when 
 our forefathers of the covered wagon found it. Small wonder, then, that the 
 story of the building and operating of our great railroad systems is one of 
 universal interest. 
 
 More than half a century has been required for the building of the 
 Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Raihvay as it is today — half a century filled 
 with stirring events, with struggle and conquest over the forces of nature 
 and rival transportation interests. From a small beginning, it has reached 
 out mile by mile, first over the upper Mississippi valley, then over the 
 Missouri valley, then across the plains and mountains, finally pushing its 
 lines through to the Pacific coast. Wherever it has gone it has been a builder 
 of wealth and pojmlation, l^ringing civilization to regions that but for its 
 coming would have remained little more productive or inviting than the 
 desert. 
 
 In 1863 the Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Company was formed, and 
 ])urchased at foreclosure sale 105 miles of railroad, extending from Portage, 
 Wisconsin, to LaCrosse, on the Mississippi. Though it was the ambition 
 of the promoters to unite the Wisconsin metropolis with the rapidly growing 
 community at the head of navigation on the Mississippi, it was some time 
 before their line reached either point. Access to Milwaukee was gained by 
 purchase of a number of short lines, but the company operated wholly 
 within the state of Wisconsin fc^r a number of years. 
 
 The first stockholders' meeting was held in 1865. Alexander Mitchell 
 was the first jiresident and S. S. Merrill the first general manager. Both
 
 144 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 held office many years, the property growing into a trunk line railway 
 under their administration. 
 
 In 1867 two lines being built from McGregor. Iowa, to St. Paul, by way 
 of Austin, Minn., were bought, and in November of that year a road was 
 opened for business, being the lirst to connect Milwaukee with the Twin- 
 Cities, St. Paul and Minneapolis. At first a ferry was used to transfer cars 
 across the Mississippi between McGregor and Prairie du Chien. The 
 company changed its name to the "Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul" in 1872, 
 and the following year it completed its own line to Chicago. 
 
 At the close of the nineteenth century the Milwaukee system embraced 
 more than 8,000 miles of track, its rails criss-crossing Wisconsin, Iowa, 
 Minnesota and South Dakota, and reaching up into North Dakota and down 
 into Missouri. It had bridged the Mississippi river at six places and touched 
 the Missouri at almost as many points. 
 
 Coming of the Milwaukee to Moline and Rock Island was over the old 
 Western Union line between Savanna and Port Byron. That road, promoted 
 by Milwaukee interests, was completed in 1870, purchasing the Chicago, 
 Rock Island &; Pacific's stub line between Port Byron and Port Byron Junc- 
 tion, now East Moline, and using the Rock Island's tracks and terminals in 
 the two cities. In 1881, the Western Union was absorbed by the Milwaukee, 
 though the latter did not secure terminals of its own until 1900. 
 
 Prior to 1874, the Davenport & St. Paul Railroad Company w^as organ- 
 ized to construct a rail line from Davenport to St. Paul. This corporation 
 built north from Davenport to Fayette, Iowa, w-ith a branch from Eldridge, 
 about eleven miles from Davenport, to Maquoketa, and crossing the C. M. & 
 St. P. line at Oxford Junction. The company w-as reorganized in 1876. 
 under the name of Davenport & Northwestern, and the property was trans- 
 ferred to the C. M. & St. P. in 1879. 
 
 Through co-operation with the Chicago, Uurlington & Quincy, the 
 Milwaukee eventually came into possession of a well-])Ianned terminal 
 system covering the Tri-Cities, including the suburbs of East Moline and 
 Bettendorf, and also the joint ownership of a l^ridge across the Mississippi 
 river and a line along the river to Clinton, Iowa. Several corporations were 
 formed to execute plans for this development. The Davcn])iirt. Clinton & 
 Eastern was organized in 1895 and completed the road from Davenport to 
 Clinton in 1898. The bridge was built by the Davenport & Rock Island 
 Bridge, Railway and 'i^erminal Company. The different corporations were 
 later merged as the i)resent Davenport, Rock Island & Northwestern, the 
 property being jointly owned and operated by the Milwaukee and Burling- 
 ton companies. 
 
 In 1901 the Milwaukee completed a cut-off between Muscatine and 
 Ottumwa, Iowa, and began operating its southwest service from Chicago
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 145 
 
 to Kansas City via the Tri-Cities. Tracks of the Rock Island are used be- 
 tween Davenport and Muscatine. Terminal yards were built at Nahant, just 
 west of Davenport. 
 
 After the Spanish-American war, giving the United States a foothold in 
 the Orient, the growing importance of Pacific coast trade was brought to the 
 attention of middle western railroads. The Milwaukee, however, was the 
 only one among them that saw fit to reach out for this business with a line of 
 its own through to the western slope. Several years were spent in making 
 surveys, and in April, 1906, building of the new trans-continental line was 
 Ijegun. This extends from Mobridge, S. D., westward across the Dakota 
 prairies, the Montana plains and three great ranges of mountains, the Idaho 
 panhandle, the eastern Washington hills and valleys and the Cascade moun- 
 tains, ending on Puget sound at Seattle and Tacoma. The last spike was 
 driven in July. 1909, making the completion of 1,500 miles of heavy con- 
 struction. Freight service was inaugurated at once, passenger trains fol- 
 lowed two years later, after the road had been brought to a high state of 
 perfection and thoroughly tested. About seven hundred miles of this road, 
 including sections with the heaviest grades, have since been electrified. The 
 company was one of the first to make so extensive a change in its motive 
 power, and the undertaking attracted the attention of railroad men all over 
 the world. The economies eft'ected have more than justified the added in- 
 vestment. 
 
 The Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul owns and operates its own sleeping 
 and dining cars. It was the first to introduce electric lights on trains and 
 the first to operate solid steel trains in trans-continental service. Its position 
 has been one of leadership in every department of railroading. It now has 
 10,635 miles of track, traversing a rich agricultural territory, the greatest 
 grain growing belt in the world, and placing it in touch with the world's 
 markets, east and west. With its four lines radiating from them, and its 
 comprehensive terminal system, it ofi^ers the Tri-Cities the best of service. 
 
 Officers of the Chicago. Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway are: 
 
 Mr. H. E. Byram, President; Mr. B. B. Greer. Vice-President, in charge 
 of operation; Mr. R. M. Calkins, Vice-President, in charge of traffic; Mr. 
 H. B. Earling, Vice-President, Seattle, Wash.; Mr. E. D. Sewall, Vice- 
 President, Chicago; Mr. C. B. Ferry and Mr. George G. Mason, Vice-Presi- 
 dents, New York City; Mr. J. T. Gillick, General Manager, Chicago; Mr. 
 iivlacy Nicholson, General Manager, Seattle; Mr. H. E. Pierj)ont, Traffic 
 Manager, Chicasfo.
 
 146 ROCK IS L A XI) ARSENAL 
 
 The W alsh Construction Company 
 
 Half a century ago. when the original shop buildings were in course of 
 construction, a young Davenporter, Patrick T. Walsh by name, worked at 
 Rock Island Arsenal as stonecutter. Marks of his chisel may be seen to 
 this day upon many a block in those durable walls, for he spent eleven indus- 
 trious years there, serving his apprenticeship and becoming a skilled work- 
 man. 
 
 More than forty years later the A\'alsh Ci^)nstruction Company, which 
 this same young man had organized and made a power in its field, and to 
 which he had given his life, came to the aid of the national government in 
 the trying days of world conflict, and helped to complete Rock Island 
 Arsenal as it stands today. Manned, equipped and organized for doing 
 big things i)romptly and well, and still animated by the spirit of Pat 
 Walsh, it quickly turned from peace work to war work. Many of the 
 new storage and other buildings that sprang up on the Island during and 
 immediately after the close of the war stand as monuments to its efficiency 
 and patriotism. 
 
 Strangely enough, there is something more than a casual connection 
 between the employment of Pat Walsh as stonecutter at the Arsenal and 
 the services rendered during the W^orld War by the company bearing his 
 name. If the young man had not been a building tradesman on the Island, 
 it is more than possible that there never would have l)een a Walsh Con- 
 struction Company. For young A\'alsh lost his job. They said he was an 
 agitator. He led a fight for an eight-hour day. winning the contest, but 
 losing his standing with the Ijosses. And so, thrown upon his own resources, 
 with a family to support, he became a contractor. 
 
 At first his undertakings were small, and liis w<irk ga\e little e\idence 
 of hi^ latent abilities. From stone cutting he turned to dirt moving. He dug 
 cellars and sewers, laid water mains, and gradually prepared himself for 
 more ambitious things. Finally, after some years, during which he had 
 managed to accumulate a little capital, he secured a contract to make a fill 
 on the Chicago, Burlington (!^ Quincy railroad at Galva. Illinois, and thus 
 entered upon an era of railroad construction which probably has not been 
 equalled by any other contracting organization in the United States. Thou- 
 sands of miles of track have been laid and millions of yards of earth and 
 stone have been moved. Single operations undertaken by the Walsh com- 
 panies have involved the expenditure of millions of dollars. The reputation 
 of Mr. Walsh as a builder and the magnitude of his resources may be 
 judged by the fact that he was one of the few construction men asked to bid 
 on the excavating of the Panama canal when it was planned to have the 
 work done by ])ri\ate contract. Had that method been followed, there is
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 147 
 
 m^ 
 
 iii:n i;y c. kaiil 
 
 \'ir,. I'l-rsi.l.Mit
 
 148 ROCK 1 S L A X 1) A K S K N A I, 
 
 little doubt that the Walsh oriiaiiizatioii wnuld ha\i' li^urtMl prominently 
 in the enterprise that connected the iwo oceans al the Isllnnus of Tanania. 
 
 For many years railroad construction of all kinds has been given special 
 attention by the Walsh companies. Not infrecjuently. however, they have 
 gone out of their i)articular held to erect buildings and bridges and to do 
 canal, harbor and dock work. I'esides the Arsenal work already referred to, 
 some of the most n(ttable undertakings in the Tri-Cities are the Kahl build- 
 ing and the upper four floors of the Hlackhawk hotel in Davenport. Walsh 
 companies have operated at one time or another in nearly every state in the 
 Union. A fully ecpiipped organization is maintained, capable of almost any 
 enteri)rise in the line of construction. 
 
 In addition li) work done at Rock Island Arsenal during the war, the 
 Walsh Construction Company was extensively engaged in the erection of 
 storehouses at the Savanna Proving (Irounds, which are an adjunct of the 
 Arsenal. The Symington plant at Chicago, another large supply depot, was 
 also completed for the War i )ei)artment. and much e(juii)ment was rented 
 to the American International Ship liuilding Corporation for use at the 
 Hog Island shij) }ards. 
 
 At Rock Island the company built a concrete general storage building, 
 five vehicle storehouses, oliice building No. 2. civilian hospital, ward and 
 isolation hospital, and bakery, and remodelled barracks "B" and "C" and 
 the \'. Al. C. A. building: the l^ital cost being approximately $3,000,000. 
 
 In its earlier days the Walsh organization did considerable street pa\ing. 
 a number of the leading thoroughfares in the Tri-Cities having been im- 
 proved. Latterly little attention has been paid to street and highway work. 
 Most of the luore recent railroad construction has consisted of widening cuts 
 and fills, reducing grades, double tracking, and building yards, freight and 
 passenger stations, engine houses, car shops and bridges. Much of the con- 
 struction work of the New York Central is done by this firm. ( )lher lines 
 with wdiich the company has had extensive business relations include the 
 Hudson River road; P)ig Four; Clexeland (.*<: Youngstown ; Frie ; Chicago, 
 Milwaukee & St. Paul ; Chicago *.\: Xorlinveslern : St. Louis & San p-rancisco; 
 Illinois Central, and New York. Chicago \- St. Louis. During the current 
 year (1922). the Walsh Construction Company undertook its largest contract 
 in the building for the Hudson I\i\er Road of a bridge across the Hudson at 
 Castlett'U. N. \'.. together with grading on buih sides of the ri\-er. This is a 
 $6,000,000 j(.b. 
 
 P. T. Walsh died March U), 19U), at the age of si.\t}-one. In e\ery good 
 work in the coinnuuiity lie had l)ei'n a le.ider, and his interests were many. 
 His company he left in capable hands of his own selection and training, and 
 his influence is scarcely less ])otent now than when he was present in the flesh. 
 
 While .Mr. Walsh was the dominant figure in all liis enter])rises, him- 
 self doing a prodigious amount of work, it was his faculty for selecting and
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 149 
 
 avtracting other good men, and of uniting them into a highly efficient organi- 
 zation, that made his great accomplishments possible. The loyalty of 
 employees, from the humblest shovelman to the highest paid engineer, was 
 proverbial. That loyalty was won by a magnetic personality and retained 
 l)y living up to every agreement with his men. The Walsh crews always fared 
 a little better than any others doing the same kind of work. They were 
 better paid and provided with I)etter food and quarters. The Walsh equip- 
 
 WORK DONE BY THE WALSH CONSTRUCTION (((Ml'ANY M HOCK ISI.A.NLI ARSKX Al. 
 
 Upper left— Drilling for foundation of six story contrele warehouse. 
 
 Lower left— Typical one story artillery vehicle storehouse, one of eight completed by this company, dimensions of each being 150x500 feet. 
 
 Upper right— View of six story reinforced concrete warehouse during period of construction. 
 
 Lower right---Temporary office building.
 
 150 R O C K 1 S L A N J) ARSENAL 
 
 ment was never allowed to deteriorate. Mr. Walsh knew from experience 
 in the years of his hunihle bep^inning that a man must be well fed, comfort- 
 able and satisfied with his conditions in order to give good service. Another 
 influence tliat kept the organization keyed to a high pilch was the knowledge 
 among those cajjabie of larger responsibilities that they would be given their 
 chance. Merit did not long remain unrecognized or go unrewarded. Many 
 a man who started in an hum])le capacity with Mr. Walsh rose to a place of 
 leadership and allluence. some directing branch companies bearing their 
 own names. Among the auxiliary concerns thus formed were the Kahl 
 Construction Company, the Walsh-Kahl Construction Company, the Walsh- 
 Hogan Construction Comi)any. the McGrath Construction Company, the T. J. 
 Walsh Construction Company and the ^\^alco Construction Company. The 
 subsidiary concerns were merged in 1899, and incorporated under the laws of 
 Iowa, and with the present name, P. T. Walsli l)cing first president. 
 
 Present officers of the Walsh Construction Company are: President, 
 T.J. Walsh; \'ice-President. II. C. Kahl; Treasurer, "P.. P. Walsh; Secretary, 
 M. A. Kennedy. The i)resi(lcnl and treasurer are sons of the founder of 
 the concern. Headquarters are maintained in Davenport, with branches at 
 Syracuse, N. Y. ; Cleveland and Sydney. Ohio; and Chicago. Work east of 
 Buffalo, N. Y., is handled through Syracuse; the Cleveland l)ranch looks 
 after general constructictn in nearby territory, while Sidney ct)vers the field 
 farther west. The Chicago oflice deals with building construction in all 
 parts of the country. 
 
 Tlie Coni])anv wdrks on a dcparlnv^'nlal ])lan, wliicli has l)een evolved 
 during a long experience and has been found best a(la[)ted to the needs of the 
 business. The financial, accounting and insurance dei)artment is under the 
 direction of the president, secretary and treasurer. Pailroad construction, 
 including grading, concrete and bridge work, is handled through the presi- 
 dent and vice-president, assisted by district and field sui)erintendents on 
 each contract. P,ach branch organization, when ])laced on a job, is complete in 
 itself, carrying its own accounts, and with full facilities for the ])urchase of 
 sup])lies, expediting traflic. handling rei);iirs. etc., re])orting direct to the 
 head(|uarters office. 
 
 In general, the plan is (U'signed to gi\e elasticity, b'ach di\ision, while 
 working through one central control, is adapted to ])roniote action by the 
 local man in charge, so that emergencies may be cpiickly and efficiently met. 
 
 Necessarily the amount of equipment owned and controlled by the Walsh 
 Construction Com])any is large. It includes standard gauge steam shovels, 
 revolving shovels, drag lines, standard gauge twelve-yard dump cars, stand- 
 ard gauge 50-ton locomotives. Jordan air spreaders, camp cars, elevator grade 
 outfits, teams, locomotive cranes, concrete mixers, together with necessary 
 derricks, pumps, boilers, hoist engines, concrete cars, etc. lujuipment is 
 grouped in units, and is seldom moved except from one j<jb to another.
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 151 
 
 Rock Island Plow Company 
 
 The Rock Island Plow Company, one of the foremost agricultural im- 
 plement concerns in the world, maintains and operates extensive factories 
 and warehouses in the city of Rock Island; branches are located at Minne- 
 apolis, Minn., Sioux Falls. S. D., Omaha, Neb., Kansas City, Mo., St. Louis, 
 Mo., Oklahoma City, Okla., Dallas Tex., Denver, Colo., and Indian- 
 apolis, Ind. Its products are also handled by jobbers at various other 
 places in the United States, and it is represented in many foreign countries. 
 Its implements are found in every quarter of the globe where modern agricul- 
 tural methods are followed. 
 
 The business was started in 1855, in a small blacksmith shop, by Charles 
 Buford and R. N. Tate, under the firm name of Buford & Tate. This was 
 the year after completion of the Rock Island Railway to the Mississippi 
 River, and the city of Rock Island thereby assumed a new importance as a 
 gateway to the great west, where millions and millions of fertile acres 
 lay waiting for the coming of the plow. There was opening a vast market 
 for agricultural implements, and the goods produced by Buford & Tate 
 found a ready sale. 
 
 The first walking plows were made with patented steel shares and mold 
 boards and were warranted to scour in all kinds of soil, and they did 
 scour, thus securing the approval of the farmer, an approval retained to 
 this day. Cultivators, harrows and stalk-cutters were also made from the 
 beginning. The Black Hawk two-horse four-shovel cultivator was the first 
 of its kind, and this style of implement has been of inestimable benefit in 
 the production of corn. 
 
 Mr. B. D. Buford assumed control of the business during the Civil War, 
 and the name was changed from Buford & Tate to B. D. Buford & Com- 
 ]iany. In 1881, the factory, then grown to impressive size, was destroyed by 
 fire. Heavy loss was sustained by the owners, and it was necessary to 
 re-organize the business in order to rebuild. The re-organization was 
 efifected in 1884, by the incorporation of the present Rock Island Plow Com- 
 pany. The late P. L. Mitchell and his son, Phil Mitchell, were prominent 
 in the re-organization. In 1907 and 1910 the Mitchell family and their 
 associates sold the bulk of their holdings in the company to a group com- 
 posed of F. C. Denkmann, J. P. Weyerhaeuser, W. H. Marshall. T. B. Davi? 
 and S. S. Davis. Under the new control large additions were made to the 
 capital, the manufacturing and storage facilities were increased, new branch 
 houses were established, and the business greatly expanded. 
 
 In 1911 the "Great Western" line of cream separators, manure spreaders 
 and litter carriers was acquired, and their manufacture was commenced at 
 Rock Island; in 1912 the well-known "C B & Q" line of hay tools was taken 
 over; in 1916, the patents pertaining to the "Rock Island Heider" tractor
 
 152 
 
 ROCK ISLAND A R SENA L 
 
 were purchased, the factory machinery was moved to Rock Ishind. and soon 
 after a large modern factory of saw tooth design was built and devoted ex- 
 clusively to the manufacture of tractors. The popularity and consequent 
 demand for the tractor soon forced the doubling of the factory in which it 
 i\'as made. The outstanding characteristics of the "Rock Island Heider" 
 are its power, durability, reliability, ease in operation, and the facility with 
 which it can be changed into a stationary power plant. The production of the 
 tractor naturally led to the manufacture of specially designed plows, harrows 
 and other implements for use with it. More recently the company has 
 developed a winch attachment for the tractor, making it a very successful 
 machine for pulling rods and pipe in oil wells; and it has begun the man- 
 ufacture of a motor cultivator embodying novel and valuable features, and 
 also the manufacture of a combination power unit, adapted to plowing, 
 harrowing and cultivating, and to use as a stationary power plant. 
 
 The original small shop has now grown into a plant with forty acres of 
 floor space for manufacturing and warehouse purposes. The factories are 
 equipped with the best of modern machinery and contain many special ma- 
 chines invented by the company's employees to facilitate the economical pro- 
 duction of goods of the highest standard. Among the special machines may 
 be noted the automatic machine for making and ruling check rower wire for 
 ccrn planters. This machine never fails to arrest the attention of visitors 
 to the factory. 
 
 HOMF. PLANT OF THF ROCK
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 153 
 
 The company has been unusually fortunate in securing and retaining 
 the services of exceptionally skilled workmen and mechanics, who have taken 
 pride in producing goods of the finest cjuality. Many gifted inventors have 
 contributed their ideas to the improvement of old and the creation of new 
 implements. The moldboard plow was for years considered well-nigh per- 
 fect, yet in 1913 an expert of the company, by a new application of certain 
 scientific principles, produced the "CTX" plow, the supreme triumph of plow 
 making. The company was the first to produce a practical hay-loader — a 
 machine which has relieved the farmer of much of the back-breaking labor 
 of the hay field ; it produced the first f rameless sulky plow, and the first 
 frameless lister — notable improvements in those tools; it was the first to 
 make the disc harrow efticient by adding scrapers to clean away the s(^il 
 adhering to the discs ; and it has been the first in many other improvements, 
 always striving to produce implements that would lessen the toil of the 
 farmer and add to his prosperity. 
 
 The present ofiicers of the company are: 
 
 President — S. S. Davis. 
 
 First Vice-President — J. P. Weyerhaeuser. 
 
 Second Vice-President — T. B. Davis. 
 
 Treasurer — F. C. Denkmann. 
 
 Secretary — C. E. Sharpe. 
 
 ISLAND PLOW COMPANY
 
 154 
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 155 
 
 Weyerhaeuser & Denkmann Company 
 
 Two men of marked capacity for sound, clear thinking, for hard, per- 
 sistent work, and for getting things done in a big way united their interests, 
 jn 1860, when Frederick Weyerhaeuser and F. C. A. Denkmann, brothers- 
 in-law, formed a partnership at Rock Island for the manufacture of lumber. 
 From a small beginning this firm expanded rapidly, becoming in time, 
 national in its scope, with large interests in many states and exerting a 
 leading force in the organizing of both manufacture and sale of lumber 
 and its products. 
 
 Mead, Smith & Marsh, operating a mill at what is now Fourth avenue 
 and First street. Rock Island, succumbed during a financial panic in the 
 late 50's, and Weyerhaeuser 8z Denkmann bought their holdings and began 
 sawing lumber. At first the senior partner conducted a retail yard at Coal 
 Valley, Mr. Denkmann running the mill. The original capacity was but 
 eight thousand feet a day, but it was doubled the first year and greatly in- 
 creased thereafter. The first band-saw used in the west was operated here. 
 
 Control of the old Porter Skinner mill on Sylvan Slough in Rock 
 Island was acquired in the 70's. Out of this holding there grew the present 
 Rock Island Sash & Door Works and the Rock Island Lumber Company. 
 Late in the 80's the mill of Renwick, Shaw Sz Crossett, at Davenport, was 
 bought. It was operated for a number of years, but burned in 1901 and 
 was not rebuilt. A retail yard has since been conducted on the site. 
 
 For some time logs were bought at the mills from logging firms, but 
 this method of getting raw material was not satisfactory, so standing tim- 
 ber in Wisconsin was acquired, and from that time on the firm cut and 
 rafted all its own logs. 
 
 Rafts at first were floated down the river, guided by oars. About 
 1874 Weyerhaeuser & Denkmann bought the steamer, "C. J. Cafifrey," which 
 became one of the first raft boats used on the Mississippi for propelling rafts. 
 
 Most of the timber, of course, was cut on the small branches of the 
 river. It was run down in drives to places where boats could go. Weyer- 
 haeuser & Denkmann at first cut white pine on the Chippewa river, rafts 
 being assembled at Beef Slough, Wisconsin. 
 
 Exhaustion of timber supplies that could be profitably rafted brought 
 about, in a period of a few years, the abandonment of the many sawmills 
 along the Mississippi. Weyerhaeuser & Denkmann operated their mill at 
 Rock Island till November, 1905, when the last log was sawed. 
 
 The Weyerhaeuser & Denkmann Company was incorporated in 1902. 
 Mr. Denkmann died March 2, 1905, and Mr. Weyerhaeuser in April, 1914. 
 The business, with its many ramifications, is now conducted by their 
 descendants.
 
 156 
 
 ROCK I S 1. A N D ARSENAL 
 
 The Rock Island Sash & Door Works 
 
 Economic pressure has forced many changes among luml^er and lumber 
 products concerns during the last generation. Exhaustion of former sup- 
 plies of raw material have made it necessary to open new timber areas, 
 to change locations and processes of manufacture and to substitute new 
 varieties of wood for those which were becoming increasingly difficult 
 to secure. The lumbering business of today has survived a rapid evolu- 
 tion whicli has forced numerous erstwhile competitors to the wall. 
 
 Dating back to the earliest days of lumbering on the Mississippi, 
 the Rock Island Sash 8z Door Works has successfully met the vicissitudes 
 of time and remains todav one of the foremost industrial concerns of 
 
 R.xk Ulanrl Sash & Door Works. Rock Ulantl. Illinois 
 
 its kind. When raw material in the Wisconsin and Minnesota pineries 
 became scarce its owners acquired stumpage elsewhere. When logs could 
 no longer be profitably rafted down from the north they found other 
 means of transportation. Early in the history of the concern manufacture 
 and sale of rough lumber was subordinated to the production of finished 
 goods, and in this line all competition has been successfully met from the 
 beginning. For many years the output has consisted exclusively of sash, 
 doors and various other kinds of millwork, both plain and veneered. The 
 Crown door which it makes is standard among builders all over the country. 
 
 It was in the early 50's that Porter Skinner established what is now 
 known as the Rock Island Sash & Door Works. Then, and for years 
 afterward, raw material was brought, in the form of logs, rafted down the 
 Mississippi from the north. The millsite was advantageously located on 
 the banks of the river, with ample slack water in which to hold logs
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 157 
 
 in storage. Early in the 60's Mr. Skinner sold a half interest in his busi- 
 ness to others, and the firm name was changed to that of Gray, Cropper 
 & Company. In 1868 the original owner disposed of his remaining in- 
 terests to Weyerhaeuser & Denkmann, who already were extensively en- 
 gaged in lumbering in the locality, and the name was changed to Anawalt, 
 Denkmann & Company. Incorporation took place in 1878 as the Rock 
 Island Lumber & Mfg. Company, and the name was changed to the present 
 one in 1897. This last reorganization took place about the time that 
 timber supplies adjacent to the headwaters of the Mississippi failed and 
 the rafting of logs became impossible. The old mills were abandoned, and 
 since that time sawing of the rough lumber has been done mostly at the 
 sources of supply and the lumber brought to Rock Island by rail. 
 
 Weyerhaeuser & Denkmann are among the largest lumber operators 
 in the United States. In their hands the Rock Island Sash & Door Works 
 has been ably conducted. It has been built and developed with a view 
 of permanence. Never has it been more efficiently managed than in the 
 last fifteen years, during which it has reached into new fields, found new 
 
 Southern Distributing Branrh — St. Louis Sash & Door Works, St. Lo 
 
 markets, improved its products and its processes. Its sources of supply 
 are adequate for a long time and its goods sell on their merits through- 
 out a wide area. In the last dozen years, in spite of periods of business 
 depression, it has gone on steadily, without closing the plant or materially 
 reducing the number of employes. 
 
 Like many another lumbering concern, the Rock Island Sash & Door 
 Works has had its baptism of fire. Unlike many others, however, it rose 
 from the ashes and with a better plant than ever, one which was not only 
 built for permanence, but was much larger than the old one. The fire 
 came in October, 1908, under conditions which all lumbermen dread. 
 Originating outside the plant during a dry season, it came on at dead of 
 night, fanned by a high wind. Successful resistance was impossible. Only 
 those parts of the establishment which were outside the direct path of the
 
 158 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 flames escaped. Not even the proverbial charred embers remained — only 
 ashes and twisted steel, with a few blocks of masonry. 
 
 Not disheartened by the loss, the owners at once decided to rebuild. 
 The new buildings were constructed mostly of brick and concrete and 
 on a much larger scale. Every precaution to protect the plant against 
 future fire losses was taken. Sprinklers were installed and a large steel 
 tower built to provide an ample supply of water at all times and under 
 all circumstances. Economical handling of materials during the process 
 of manufacture also was taken into account, the new plant being considered 
 a model among lumbermen. Everything is now under roof, no lumber 
 I eing stored out of doors. Facilities for receiving raw material and those 
 for shipping finished products are not excelled anywhere. 
 
 The factory of the Rock Island Sash & Door Works, with its houses 
 for drying lumber and storing finished goods occupies four city blocks 
 of land, including a frontage of two city blocks on the river. The prop- 
 erty is bisected by railroad tracks used by three trans-continental lines. 
 The location is central for the shipment of raw material, which is drawn 
 from all points of the compass, and also for the distribution of manufac- 
 tured goods in an area unexcelled anywhere on earth in productivity 
 and buying power. A considerable share of the output is distributed 
 through the St. Louis Sash & Door Works, a branch concern efficiently 
 operated under the same excellent management as the main plant. Four 
 hundred and seventy-five men are regularly employed in Rock Island and 
 one hundred and fifty in St. Louis. 
 
 Officers of the company are: 
 
 President — F. C. Denkmann. 
 Vice President — J. P. Weyerhaeuser. 
 
 Vice President, Treasurer and General Manager — -Charles lisplin. 
 Secretary and Assistant Treasurer — A. C. Hansen. 
 
 Directors — F. C. Denkmann, J. P. Weyerhaeuser, Charles Esplin, E. 
 P Denkmann. F. E. \Veyerhaeuser, R. W. Weyerhaeuser, J. H. Hauberg.
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 159 
 
 From a One-Story Six-Forge Shop 
 
 The John Deere factory in Moline was built in 1847, on the site of 
 the present John Deere Plow Works. 
 
 It was a one-story, six-forge shop used for making John Deere plows. 
 
 For ten years previously John Deere had been a plow manufacturer at 
 Grand Detour, Illinois, where, in 1837, he had designed and built the world's 
 first successful steel plow. He sold out his interests at Grand Detour and re- 
 established his plow-making business in Moline, in order to get the advantages 
 of better water i)ower and better river transportation. 
 
 Moline at that time was a thriving little manufacturing village. A dam 
 had been Iniilt in the river, creating an al)undant supply of water power. 
 Clustered on the shore and utilizing this water power were numerous saw 
 mills, a large flour mill, a foundry and machine shop and a fanning mill fac- 
 tory. John Deere's little factory was the first implement-making enterprise 
 in the village. 
 
 Numerous hardships were encountered by the new industry. 
 
 There were no banks in the country. Real money was a scarce article. 
 A great deal of what little money was in circulation consisted of English, 
 French and Spanish coins. Consequently, at the outset, the factory some- 
 times had serious difficulty in securing money with which to buy steel ; 
 and pay-day for the employees did not come at regular intervals. Plows were 
 deposited with the merchants in Moline. Rock Island, Davenport and Musca- 
 tine, and the plow factory gave its employees orders on those stores for what 
 they needed. Plow merchandising was done by leaving plows to be sold on 
 commission by merchants of the surrounding territory. No money could 
 be collected until the merchants had sold the plows and collected the money 
 for them. Sometimes the factory had several thousand dollars' worth of 
 plows in the hands of merchants, but not even a hundred dollars in the factory 
 safe. One of the most critical times in the life of John Deere came one day 
 in his first year at Moline, when it was necessary to raise $200 in cash, and 
 early investigation indicated that there was not that much money in town. 
 
 There were no railroads. A four-horse stage coach was the main means 
 of overland transportation. It took from 36 to 48 hours to go to Chicago and 
 much longer to go to St. Louis. The route to St. Louis was up the river road 
 to Albany, east to Dixon and thence down through the center of the state to 
 St. Louis. 
 
 River transportation, though fairly sure, was painfully slow. Steel for 
 the plow factory was shipped from Pittsburg, dow^i the Ohio to Cairo, Illi- 
 nois, and thence up the Mississippi to Moline. Plow shipments were made
 
 160 
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 up and down the river to the more thickly settled sections, and wagons and 
 teams were sent overland t<> transport the goods to interior commnnities. 
 
 In spite of many handicaps, howc\er, the John Dccre ])low-making 
 business expanded steadily. In 1832 the out])Ul rose to 10,000 plows — a 
 notable figure for those days, iictter times came with tlie rapid settlement 
 of the great agricultural section of America, llie building of railroads and 
 the westward surge of commerce and money. 
 
 Larger buiblings were erected, the i>ul])ui increased, and John Deere 
 ])l(i\\s bt'came known the world o\er. The}- were leading instruments in 
 
 ANDW^HAT,
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 161 
 
 changing the grass-matted haunts of the buffalo into fruitful acres. Much 
 of the soil of Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska and the Dakotas, which now feeds a 
 great part of the world, was first turned with John Deere plows. They came 
 into wide use among the "colonos" on the broad plains of South America, 
 among the Hottentots of South Africa, among the bushmen of Australia and 
 on the great plains of Russia. Commerce throughout the world grew because 
 of greater harvests produced through the use of John Deere plows. 
 
 Today there are few farms in America on which John Deere implements 
 have not been used. The little one-story, six-forge John Deere shop of 1847 
 has become the Deere & Company of today, owning and operating fourteen 
 John Deere factories and thirty-two John Deere branch houses. 
 
 The John Deere Plow AVorks, the direct descendant of the little shop 
 and the parent factory in the John Deere organization of today, is the largest 
 steel plow plant in the world. Its floor space is 1,500,000 scpiare feet, or 35 
 acres. It produces 450,000 complete implements every normal year, or three 
 implements every minute. It uses annually 50,000 tons of iron and steel, 
 2,500,000 gallons of fuel oil, 35,000 tons of coal and coke and 1,000 tons of oil 
 and paint. 
 
 Two other large John Deere factories — the Deere & Mansur AV'orks and 
 the John Deere AVagon Works — are located in Moline, and the Marseilles 
 Works, the John Deere Harvester Works and the Union Malleable Iron 
 Company are located in East Moline. 
 
 Other John Deere factories are the Waterloo Boy Tractor Works, 
 Waterloo, Iowa; Van Brunt Works, Horicon, Wisconsin; Dain Works, 
 Ottumwa, Iowa; Syracuse Chilled Plow Works, Syracuse, New York; John 
 Deere Manufacturing Co., Welland, Ontario, Canada; Fort Smith Wagon 
 Works, Fort Smith, Arkansas; Reliance Buggy Works, St. Louis, Mo., and 
 Moline Lumber Works, Malvern, Ark. 
 
 John Deere branch houses engaged in facilitating the economical distribu- 
 tion of John Deere implements are located at Minneapolis, Minn; Moline, 
 Illinois; Des Moines, Iowa; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Bloomington, Illinois; 
 Omaha, Nebraska; Sioux Falls. South Dakota; Kansas City, Missoviri ; Okla- 
 homa, City, Oklahoma; Denver, Colorado; St. Louis. Missouri; New Orleans, 
 Louisiana; Nashville, Tennessee; Dallas, Texas; Atlanta, Georgia; Portland, 
 Oregon; Spokane, Washingtt)n ; Seattle, Washington; Boise, Idaho; San 
 Francisco, California; Indianapolis, Indiana; Columbus, Ohio; Lansing, 
 Michigan; Baltimore, Maryland; Syracuse, New York; Winnipeg, Manitoba; 
 Saskatot)n, Sask. ; Regina, Sask. ; Calgary, Alberta; Lethbridge, Alberta; 
 Edmonton, Alberta; AVelland, Ontario. 
 
 An export department, conducting a large business with foreign 
 countries, is located at Moline.
 
 162 ROCK IS L A X L) ARSENAL 
 
 United Utility Service 
 
 riaii>|t(nlali(m. I'owcr. Light. Gas and Heat 
 
 Had it lacked the aid supplied by the united utilities of the Tri-Cities 
 during the World \\'ar. the effectiveness of the Rock Island Arsenal would 
 have been seriously curtailed. Street railway transportation for the many 
 thousands of Arsenal workers, additional electric power to meet the demand 
 for manufacturing purposes, and gas for the treatment of metals were abso- 
 lutely necessary. The need for these services was urgent and unexpected, 
 yet the capacity was available in all three cases and was supplied at low cost. 
 
 Official records show that the Arsenal and the Tri-Cities shared with 
 Chicago the distinction of being the only manufacturing centers in the 
 United States during the early part of 1918 where the lack of capacity of 
 the public utility companies did not hamper the industrial expansion re- 
 quired to meet war needs, and recognition of this fact at Washington had 
 much to do with the volume of war orders received by the Tri-Cities. 
 Should the country again be called upon for military supplies to the same 
 extent as was recently necessary, the showing made by the local Arsenal 
 and Tri-City industrial concerns will warrant the confidence they will 
 receive. 
 
 While it is true that there is now a water power development at Rock 
 Island Arsenal suflicient for its ordinary requirements, yet it is necessary, 
 as is the case with all other low head hydro-electric developments, that it be 
 supplemented by a steam plant equipped to assume the load on momentary 
 notice, due to failure on account of high water, low water, or ice. The 
 Arsenal, having no steam power generating plant of its own, obtains this 
 assurance of a constant energy supply from the power conijiany serving 
 the Tri-Cities, and when the demand for power required for war activities 
 exceeded the capacity of the Arsenal station, the excess energy necessary 
 was supplied on call. Energy was transmitted to the Arsenal over 4,8C)0-volt 
 transmission lines owncfl and maintained l)y the goxernmcnt. 
 
 The company's power house is located in Moline. directly across Syhan 
 Water from the main Arsenal shops, and adjoining the gtnernnient'^ 
 property. This ])lant is equipped with steam units having a maximum 
 capacity of 61,000 horsepower, supplemented by hydro-electric energy 
 I'Urchased from the Moline Water Power Coni])any and the hydroelectric 
 plant of T. I), and S. S. iJavis, on Rock ri\cr. these developments having 
 a maximum capacity of 4.(XX) and 2.500 horsepower, resi)ectively. At such 
 times as the output t)f the government station exceeds the Arsenal require- 
 ments, this sur])lus is taken over by the power company. Approximately 
 eighty per cent f)f the annual Tri-City i)ower output is generated by steam, 
 the balance cominsf from the hvdro stations.
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 163 
 
 Industrial expansion in the Tri-Cities prior to 1918 had reached a point 
 A\diich would soon require additional electrical generating- capacity, which led 
 the power company, early in 1917, to order a 25,000 horsepower steam turbine, 
 with the necessary boilers, auxiliaries, etc., this unit l^eing received and in- 
 stalled in 1918, in time to meet the war demand. When ready for operation 
 
 Gas Works Beoples Itovrear Co MohnelE. 
 
 TVpioal Higpa Tfension. Transmissicm. line 
 
 Intenor aibstationB" Peoples ligiit Co. dcu^nportja Cyiew of ftjwer tojse tohetior Showmg large Tmbo-Cer€X3tss-/t3lmeJJl 
 
 the new turbine cost approximately $1,250,000. As this is written, plans are 
 under way for an additional installation of 32,000 horsepower, to cost in the 
 neighborhood of $1,500,000, which will increase the total power availal^le 
 for the Tri-Cities and the Arsenal to nearly 100,000 horsepower. 
 
 Gas for the Arsenal is produced l)y the l^eoples Power Company at 
 their gas works adjoining the electric plant in Moline, and is distributed 
 through high pressure mains to the various l)uildings on the Island. Prior 
 to the war the Arsenal used coal and oil for manufacturing purposes, but the 
 convenience and practically unlimited supply of gas, together with results 
 of research work which proved that gas was in many ways more efficient 
 and economical, led to the abandonment of the coal and oil burners and 
 their replacement by gas. The average war-time gas consumption of the 
 Arsenal was approximately 5,000.000 cul)ic feet per month, far in excess
 
 164 
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 All communicationi must b« addressed (o "Che Commindme OfBiVr. Rcxk Inland Arsenal. Rock Uland Illinois." 
 
 Hi:</eb 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 ROCK ISLAND ILLINOIS Hficsrjje r 6, 19Z2-., W 
 
 B.J. Denman, Fres. , 
 Trl-Oity aailway & Lig^t 
 UolUie, lUlnola. 
 
 Dear Sir; 
 
 la aoooraance v i fti your recent request for statement of 
 the aotlvlties at this iirserel in oonneotlon with tie late war of 
 the nsBOoiate utilities oorporatlona uoier your oterge, I have to 
 inform you that your service Inoluded not only the providing of 
 transportation faolllties for Arsetsil enplojeeB but the furnishing 
 in large quantities of power am gas used in the plant's manaft.;tur- 
 in^ ope rat ions. 
 
 The oooperation which the Tri-Clty Railvsiy Oonipany gave 
 and the service it rendered throughout the period of the war, when 
 the transjortiry of j^rseml workmen be cane a perpler-ing problem, en- 
 abled the ijovernment to afford to its iiiiustrlal workers facilities 
 in this connection which few comnunities in other leao congested in- 
 dustrial fields enjoyed. 
 
 The emeri^enoy incident to the war oreated, in aoiio instanr's, 
 demands in excels of the iirsenal's facilities. This was particularly 
 true in the case of ir.s and electric I'ower, both of which it was ne- 
 cessary to purchase in large quantities, iit the outbreak of the war 
 the increased demand for electric power nade the modernizing of the 
 Arsenal Pov,er Plant nooessai^, am during the period of reocastract- 
 ing the ilant the , urchaso of pewer to supplement that which the Ar- 
 senal generated became naoesaaiy. The porohasC) of said power from the 
 Molice-Hook Island liinniiiotur la? Oompamy (one of your asaoolate oon- 
 pacies^ at a time when the requirements for power were heaviest en- 
 abled the orsentil to pursue oontinuouEly its extensive production pro- 
 tSP&m, not otherwise possible had tnio oontraot not existed. 
 
 This was also true in the sas supplied by the Peoples T^-'er 
 Oonjiany, The increaced mBiufacturing operations oauctd o. eoi:3UL5/tic.i 
 of twenty-five million cubic feet of gi,a during the fiscal year laia 
 which the latter oorgjany fumlahecl, without inter.. upt ion. 
 
 Bespootfully, 
 
 ^ 
 
 DJJ. King 
 jolonel,Ord.Dept. .U.S.A. 
 Oontnand ing* 
 
 f)f the unniial rc(|iiirenR'iits. Tn sii])i>ly this and hIIrt rapidly iiuTcasiii!^' 
 local demands, llie Cdinpaiiv iiislalle(l addilimial jii'i '(hu-inj; and dislrihuting" 
 e(|uipnieiit at an e.\])en(liture i<\ nmre than $3UU.UUU. 
 
 Street railway service to and from the Arsenal is fnrnished by the 
 Tri-City Railway Company of Iowa and the Tri-City Kaihvay Comi)any 
 of Illinois. With a line throui^h the heart of the Uland. c( mnectini'- with
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 165 
 
 WM. BUTTERWORTH. 
 
 .VAN DERVOORT. 
 
 W A ROSENFrFLD. vicePms JOS. W. BETTENDORF. 
 
 CHAS. E.WHITE 
 
 TRI-CITY MANUFACTURERS' ASSOCIATION 
 
 SKINNER ANNEX 
 
 H. A. JANSEN 
 
 JOSEPH L HECHT 
 
 MoLiNE. Illinois. 
 
 December 7. 1922. 
 
 Ur. B. J. Denman, President, 
 Tri-City Railway & Light Compajiy, 
 Davenport, Iowa. 
 
 In. recently reviewing the v,-&r activitlee of the 
 manufacturers of the Tri-Cities, the record of your company 
 duriug that period was brought forcibly to my attention. 
 
 About twenty-eight of our largest factories had direct 
 contracts with the government for the manufacture of war supplies, 
 and other local companies were also manufacturing munitions and 
 other war supplies. The requirements of these companies for gas, 
 electricity and transportation service were so great as to cause 
 government officials to question whether the service available 
 would be sufficient for the needs of these manufacturers, especially 
 when they liad In mind the tremendous increased demand for service 
 made on your company by the Arsenal and also that production had 
 broken down in many places in the East through lack of sufficient 
 supply of gas, electric and street railway service. 
 
 l{r. Charles 3. Stewart, Chief of the Power Section at 
 Washington, testified before the Committee on Interstate and Foreign 
 Commerce of the House of Representatives that there was a satisfac- 
 tory surplus of pov/er, gas and street railv;ay service in the Tri- 
 City District, which, with the exception of CJiicago, was the only 
 district in the country where it was reconL-nended that additional 
 orders for war supplies be placed. This, of course, meant a great 
 deal to our community and our manufacturing interests especially. 
 
 That your company was in a position to meet so completely 
 these large demands for gas, electricity and transportation service 
 is cause for public thanks. That you were able to so well and so 
 rapidly incren.se your facilities as they were still further demanded 
 and that you failed in no respect to render satisfactory service is 
 cause for additional commendation. The value of such a company as 
 yours to the community cannot be overestimated. The record of your 
 company during the war gives all possible assurance of the ability 
 to furnish any future needs of these communities, no matter how great. 
 
 Very truly youjg 
 
 HAJ/B . 
 
 y-ireasirrer. 
 
 a double track system at tlie west end of the Island and on Forty-second 
 Street, Rock Island, it is in position to handle an almost unlimited number 
 of workers, as was demonstrated during 1917, 1918 and 1919, when respective 
 yearly totals of 1,731,557, 3,231,471 and 2,126,144 passengers were carried to 
 and from the Arsenal. A maximum number of 50 cars w^as required to 
 transport this huge and unprecedented traffic. The pre-war needs of the
 
 166 ROCK 1 S L A X 1) ARSENAL 
 
 Arsenal had been met with five cars, and the additional trafific necessitated 
 the purchase of forty-five additional cars for this service alone. In addition 
 to the expenditure for these cars. 2.M miles of track were laid on the Island, 
 bringing the total Island track mileage to 4.62. 
 
 The public utility companies referred to in the ft)regoing as serving the 
 Rock Island Arsenal so ably in time of need are owned and operated by the 
 Tri-City Railway & Light Company, a holding company organized in 1906 
 with a ca])ital of $30,000,000, the operating headquarters of which are located 
 at Davenport. This was a consolidatit)n of the utilities of the Tri-Cities. 
 which had heretofore been operating independently. The present officers 
 and directors of the Tri-City Railway iS: Light Company are as follows: 
 
 President — R. J. Denman, Davenport. 
 Vice-President — Richard Schaddelee. Grand Rapids. 
 \'ice-President — H. R. Tobey, New York City. 
 \'ice-President and Treasurer — F. T. Hulswit. (Irand Rapids. 
 \'ice-President, Ass't Sec'y and Ass't Treasurer — H. E. Weeks, Daven- 
 port. 
 
 Secretary — H. E. Littig, Davenport. 
 
 Assistant Secretary — L. H. Heinke. Grand Rapids. 
 
 Directors — Ofiicers and William P>utterworth. Moline; G. M. Averill, 
 Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Joe R. Lane, Davenport; C. N. Chubb, Davenport; 
 R. B. MacDonald, Moline; J. G. Huntoon. Rock Island; \\'m. Chamberlain, 
 Cedar Rapids. 
 
 The operating companies serving the Tri-Cities are as follows: 
 
 Tri-City Railway Company of Illinois — Street railway service in Rock 
 Island, Moline. East Moline, Silvis and contiguous territory; T. C. Roderick, 
 Rock Island, \'ice-President and General Manager. 
 
 Tri-City Railway Company of Iowa — Street railway service in Daven- 
 port, Bettendorf and Rockingham, Iowa; R. J. Smith, Davenport, \'ice- 
 President and General Manager. 
 
 Peoples Light Company — Serves Daveni)ort. Rockingham and Betten- 
 dorf, Iowa, with gas and electricity ; steam heating plant serving downtown 
 section of Davenport ; C. N. Chubb, Davenport, \'ice-President and General 
 Manager. 
 
 Peoples Power Company — Serves Rock Island, Moline, East Moline and 
 Silvis with gas and electricity, in addition to wholesaling energy to a number 
 of small towns in the immediate neighborhood; R. B. MacDonald. Moline. 
 \'ice-President and General Manager. 
 
 Clinton. Davenport (S: Muscatine Railway Company — Electric inter- 
 urban connecting the three towns forming its name. Clark G. Anderson, 
 Davenport. General Manager,
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 167 
 
 According to the 1920 census the total population of the territory served 
 by the foregoing companies was 137,000. Electric customers total 30,368 
 and gas customers 28,791, these patrons being supplied with electricity over 
 1,859.3 miles of wire line and wnth gas through 445.33 miles of gas main 
 (reduced to three-inch equivalent). Transportation lines in operation in- 
 clude 104.16 miles of. single track equivalent street railway and 64.56 miles 
 of interurban track. 
 
 The annual coal consumption of the Tri-City utilities is approximately 
 125,000 tons, or 2,500 carloads; which, if placed end to end, would form a 
 train 30 miles long. Gas manufacture requires 600 cars of coke and 550 cars 
 of oil each twelve months. The working forces of the various operating 
 companies total about 1,200 men and women. 
 
 The amount expended by the operating companies for improvements, 
 betterments and extensions in the ten-year period from 1912 to 1922 ag- 
 gregated $7,975,436. This large amount of capital required to take care of 
 utility expansion in the Tri-Cities has been furnished by the United Light 
 cSc Railways Company since 1912, when it acquired the Tri-City Railway & 
 Light Company. In the last two years capital to finance local requirements 
 has been provided to a constantly increasing extent through customer owner- 
 ship of United Light securities, which have been sold almost exclusively to 
 utility patrons by company employes, the company's prior preferred stock 
 now being sold to Tri-City residents at a rate in excess of $700,000 per year. 
 Company and consumers have thus become partners in the upbuilding of 
 their community, and the confidence engendered by a better understanding 
 of the mutuality of interests is evidenced by the spirit of wholehearted 
 co-operation and general good will now prevailing. 
 
 The Tri-City Railway & Light Company has always pursued a pro- 
 gressive policy, its aim being to anticipate public needs and thus encourage 
 the growth of the cities it serves. In its endeavor to maintain the closest 
 possible relations with the public by keeping them informed of the practical 
 problems involved in the operation of its properties the company feels that 
 it has succeeded to an unusual degree. 
 
 The utility companies of the Tri-Cities, prior to their consolidation 
 in 1906, were developed for the most part by home capital. The story of 
 their progress forms an interesting chapter of local history, and the ag- 
 gressive enterprise of the three communities can be shown in no better 
 way than by the steady improvement in utility service. 
 
 Eor the beginning of the history of Tri-City utilities we must go back 
 to 1843, when what was known as the Sears dam was constructed to develop 
 water power at Moline. Because of the crude methods of distribution pre- 
 vailing at that time, the use of energy generated there was limited to the 
 immediate vicinity of the plant, resulting in the erection of several small 
 factory buildings at each end of the dam, which formed the nucleus of
 
 168 
 
 ROCK I S L A \ 13 A R S !•: X A L 
 
 Moline's later industrial cleveU)pnicnt. When more qfticient electrical 
 transmission became available some forty years later tlie water output was 
 taken over by the Peoples Light t^ Fuel Com])any (predecessor to the 
 present Peoples Power Company) for general (listril)ution tlirougliout the 
 community. 
 
 (las i)lants were established alx'Ul the lime the three cities were emerg- 
 ing from the village state, the Rock Island ( ias. Light »S: Idke conijjan}- first 
 
 Gas WoHts-i^pjiits Li-, 
 
 furnishing service in 1855, and the Davenport (las Light t.^ Coke Company 
 three years later. The first alternating current generator in what was then 
 termed the west was installed in Rock Island in tlie early 80's. ( )ne of the 
 first, if not actually the first, electric street car successfully o])erated in 
 the United States was run on the Urady Street line in Davenport, in August, 
 1888. The first electric street car was operated on Arsenal Island for ex- 
 clusive Arsenal serxice December 28. 1899. 
 
 Since the ])urchase of all local utilities by the Tri-City Railway ^c Light 
 Company in 1906, the economies and efficiencies resulting from unified 
 operation have evidenced themselves in a higher degree of service at a lower 
 cost to the consumer than is enjoyed in other cities of similar size and 
 wealth throughout the country.
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 169 
 
 The R&V Motor Company 
 
 Second only in importance to Rock Island Arsenal in the Tri-City field 
 in the actual production of war munitions, the R. & V. plant in East Moline 
 rendered valuable service to the United States and its allies during the 
 world conflict. Ammunition and ordnance were manufactured in quantity, a 
 great shop being built especially for this 
 work, and large numbers of tools were 
 supplied to other private concerns engaged 
 in filling War Department orders. The 
 contribution of this industry toward the 
 cause of the allied governments may be 
 summarized as follows: 
 
 Shells, 8-inch high exj)l()sive and 8-inch 
 gas, to the number of hundreds of thou- 
 sands. deli\ered to the British and the 
 United States governments ; hundreds of 
 guns, of 4-inch and one-pound size, and 
 large numbers of mounts, sights and gun 
 stands for 3-inch and six-pounder guns. 
 
 I-arge numbers of specially designed 
 machine tools for manufacture of ammu- 
 nition was furnished to the British govern- 
 ment and Canadian and American contrac- 
 tors. 
 
 Great numl)ers of motors manufactured 
 for use in tractors. 
 
 luilistment and induction into the mili- 
 tary service of 460 employes of various 
 degrees of mechanical and technical skill. 
 
 W. H. VAN DERVOORT, 
 for many years head of the great R &V business in 
 East Moiine, which was named with the initials of him- 
 self and his associate, Mr. O. J. Root. Mr. Van Der- 
 voort's death in 1921 was in a large measure the result 
 of overwork during the war, when he served as a mem- 
 ber of the National War Labor Board and the Muni- 
 tions Standard Board, in addition to directing the R&V 
 production of ammunitions and ordnance. He was in- 
 Liberty bond subscriptions amounting temationally known as an engineer and automobile 
 
 manufacturer. 
 
 to $1,077,060, exclusive of first loan. 
 
 War saving stamps purchases of more than $18,000. 
 
 Services of W. H. \"anDervoort, president, as member of Munitions 
 Standard Board and the National AVar Labor Board. 
 
 Some of the things it was necessary to do in order to manufacture 
 munitions on the scale indicated were: 
 
 Construct the buildings used for the shell shop. 
 
 Equip the shell plant with specially designed machinery, produced 
 chiefly in the engineering company's own plant. 
 
 Organize a force capable of producing hundreds of 8-inch shells dail}^ 
 
 Replace one of the important buildings, the heat treating plant, which 
 was destroyed by fire. 
 
 Organize a great corporation to handle the ordnance ct»ntracts in con- 
 junction with the Wagner Electric Manufacturing Company of St. Louis.
 
 170 ROCK ISLAND ARSE X A L 
 
 Build an ordnance plant with 130.000 feet of floor space and equip it 
 with more than 400 specially designed machine tools. 
 
 Replace hundreds of workers who entered the service, and in addition 
 recruit new help for the added departments till the total number of em- 
 ployes approached 3.000. 
 
 In order to keep the shops working to full capacity night and day, 
 which was the rule during the war, women workers were introduced, the 
 maximum number employed being 500. 
 
 The help problem brought with it the one of housing workers in the 
 near vicinity. The company tinanced the building of two hotels that were 
 conducted under the auspices of the V. M. C. A.; and mainly because of its 
 needs. East Moline was included in the cities where government house 
 building projects were approved, the number of dwellings constructed there 
 being 111. 
 
 The R&\' plants, operating now under the name of the R&\' Motor 
 Company, always have been leaders in the industrial tield. In the early days 
 when the manufacture of stationary and portable farm engines was its 
 principal business, the Root & \'anDervoort Engineering company became a 
 major factor in that industry. It contributed materially to the development 
 of internal combustion gasoline engines, and sold hundreds of thousands of 
 them for use in all agricultural countries of the world. In 1904. when it 
 took up automobile manufacturing, it quickly won like recognition, its 
 products being repeatedly winners in economy and reliability runs. When, 
 in 1913. it adopted the Knight engine as its automobile power equipment, it 
 developed an engine that broke all world's records in an endurance test and 
 established marks still imbeaten and unchallenged. In the bus motor field, 
 where the power equipment requirements are most severe, it won immediate 
 recognition. 
 
 When the United States entered the ^^^orld \\'ar it found the R&\' com- 
 pany with a plant and equipment ready for immediate service, and this fact 
 gave the company a great advantage in securing contracts as well as in sup- 
 plying tools and patterns to other concerns. Long before this country became 
 involved, the British government had turned to the United States for muni- 
 tions, and the R&\' company was one of the private manufacturers which 
 undertook the work on a large scale. It made high explosive and gas shell, 
 supplying Great Britain with great quantities of them. On the completion 
 of its contracts, the R&\' management, convinced that ultimately it would 
 be called upon again by either the United States or Great Britain for further 
 supplies of ammunition, sealed its shell shops and kept intact its equipment. 
 L^p to this time, in addition to executing its contracts for shell, it had de- 
 signed new machinery which greatly increased manufacturing efficiency 
 in the making of shell, and had. at the suggestion of the British government, 
 sold large numbers of shell lathes to other manufacturers. 
 
 Thus it happened that when Uncle Sam entered the struggle he found 
 the R&\' plants ready to produce on very short notice, and so they became
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 171
 
 172 
 
 ROCK I S L A X D A R S 1-: N A L 
 
 the most important atixiliary to Rock Island Arsenal in munition production 
 to be found in this community. Troops were at once placed on guard to 
 protect the company's facilities for the making of shell and ordnance, and in 
 a short time the plant was again engaged in war production. At first, at- 
 tention was devoted mainly to machining the S-inch gas shell. Then came 
 a proposition to undertake the production of naval ordnance. To provide 
 adequate facilities for this, a great new building was constructed. It was 
 706 feet long and 165 feet wide. Thus equipped, the RtK:\' company for 
 many months produced three-fourths of the 4-inch guns supplied by private 
 manufacturers for the United States Navy. ( )ne contract completed, others 
 were awarded, and sights and mounts for 3-inch rifles and 1-poimd guns 
 for submarine chasers were added to the 4-incli guns which the comjiany 
 originally undertook to prodtice. 
 
 How well the R&\' organization served the United States and its allies 
 may be judged from the fact that of all the shell machined. 227.000 in 
 number, only 159 were rejected by government inspectors; and of the 1,165 
 guns built, not a single one failecl to pass the very exacting tests to which they 
 were subjected, and every one was accepted by the navy. 
 
 Farm and tractor engine production, being considered necessary in the 
 campaign for more foodstufts. was continued during the war. and at the 
 close of the conflict the company turned again to this field, as well as resum- 
 ing the building of automobiles, which had almost ceased. In pursuance of 
 its policy of constantly advancing its standards, it shortly brought out a 
 six-cylinder Knight nint.ir. a type not then being i)r()(luced by any other 
 
 PLANT OF THE R&V MOTOR COMP.ANV — This fine building was originally built to hamllr the production 
 
 R&\ Knight automobile. It is one of the best arrange<l and
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 173 
 
 manufacturer in this country. It also put on the market a new four-cylinder 
 model, a great step forward in this class, in which it had been a leader for 
 a numl^er of years. 
 
 Not only did the R&V institution successfully weather the acute in- 
 dustrial depression which followed the war. but it made real progress. 
 It liquidated its heavy inventories and ad\anced its position in the industry, 
 passing more than thirty important companies which previously had ex- 
 ceeded it in volume of sales. It was one of only four companies which in 
 1921 sold a greater number of cars than in 1920, and the only one to double 
 in 1921 its 1919 aggregate sales. 
 
 Not content with these achievements, the company set about the task 
 of developing an engine that, in performance, should mark a new era in 
 the six-cylinder automol)ile field in this country. This motor, placed in a 
 new and greatly improved car, is to be put on the market in 1923. Ex- 
 haustive preliminary tests proved that it would meet every expectation, 
 with a \(jlume and flexibility of power and smoothness of operation that 
 previously had been the unrealized dream of every automotive engineer. 
 
 The Root & A anDervoort Engineering Company grew from a one-room 
 upstairs specialty shop in 1897. It progressed only because of the capacity 
 of those who have directed its affairs and their superior al)ility in engineer- 
 ing development. Its war service is attested by the volume of business it 
 did with the United States government and its allies. The highest achieve- 
 ment of the R&\^ industry is its Knight-Six motor and car. 
 
 iiiniHiimi!!"!^,,,,,,, 
 
 mmmmmmmnmm^ 
 
 of naval ordnance. After the war it was converted into an automobile factory for the manufacture of the 
 most perfectly lighteil manufacturing plants in the middle west.
 
 174 
 
 ROCK I S L A X D ARSE X A L 
 
 The Federal System of Bakeries 
 
 Abuin SIX \car> ai;'> a man stood in front of a bakeshop looking at 
 some tempting rolls and cakes disi)layed on a dirty shelf in a dingy, unkempt 
 bakery. As he stood there thinking of the conditions under which these 
 delicious-looking cakes and rolls were probably made, there came to his 
 mind the picture of a spotlessly clean, well lighted bakery, with the baked 
 
 J. Re.-,! Lane, PresidenI 
 
 products made in a rotary oven "right before your eyes." That man was 
 Milton Feder. With this idea in mind, he secured a patent on a revolving 
 oven and organizecj the "Chatterton System of Bakeries." 
 
 The first bakery of this system was opened in Oakland. California, and 
 proved a big success. People flocked to the store, attracted by the novelty of 
 seeing the brown, crispy loaves baked right before their eyes. Several more 
 shops were ojjened in California, and then it was decided to make them a 
 national institution. In 1918 the company was reorganized under its present 
 name, F"ederal System of Bakeries of America, with headquarters in Chicag.>. 
 to standardize and su])er\ ise these bakeries. A few niontlis later the offices 
 were moved to Xew \'ork. 
 
 In the fall of 191S two Federal stores were opened in Davenport by 
 \V. C. Swigart and W'm. R. Doran. which were later purchased by L. J. Yaggc 
 and A J. Faerber. 'JMiese stores proved immediate successes.
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 175 
 
 About this time J. Reed Lane, of Davenport, became interested in the 
 novel methods employed by this company and the apparent favor with which 
 they were meeting-. He acquired interests in the company and was elected 
 Treasurer. Other Davenport men followed his lead, and in January, 1920, 
 the city of Davenport became the home ofiice of the company. Mr. Lane 
 was elected President and Wm. L. Mueller, Joe R. Lane, Maurice Hemsing, 
 
 A. J. Faerber, Charles Shuler, G. Watson French, Ed. C. Mueller, Milton 
 Feder, T. J. Walsh and J. W. Bettendorf, directors. The central location 
 of the home office offered many advantages. It not only enabled the officers 
 of the company to keep in closer touch with the stores in all sections of the 
 country, but placed them in direct contact with the wheat-producing- and 
 milling centers of the country. 
 
 In the fall of 1919 a Federal School was established in the old St. Luke's 
 Hospital, at 8th and Main streets, Davenport. Here men were given a
 
 176 ROCK 1 S L A X D A R S E N A L 
 
 thorough course in technical and practical hakin^- and merchandising which 
 fitted them not only to operate Federal stores under sanitary and modern 
 methods, but how to make good bread. 
 
 Federal bakeries are installed under a license system with a royalty 
 clause attached. In return for this royalty, the licensees are given service 
 under the supervision uf twelve departments. Sales. Equipment. Purchasing. 
 Stores and Traffic. Operating. Sales Promotion and Advertising, Auditing. 
 Installation. Insurance. Chemistry and Research, Mail and Record. Legal 
 and Executive. Each department is t)rganized to give pmrnpt service under 
 the direction of an expert in his line of work. All advertising is 
 done on a national scale and is handled direct by the home office. Similar 
 suggestions ancl methods of advertising are thus distril)uted to every Federal 
 Bakery. A monthly magazine, "The Sunlight Magazine." keeps all managers 
 and employees familiar with general conditions and methods of improve- 
 ment of their stores. 
 
 "Quality and Service" is the watchword of Federal Bakeries. Standard 
 formulas used in all stores call for the best ingredients, substitutes being 
 absolutely prohibited. ( )nly the best of Hour is used, which is tested before 
 use in the company's laboratories at the Federal School. Not only are the 
 raw materials analyzed under the direction of one of the leading chemists 
 of the country. Dr. J. Sluyter. but a sample loaf of bread is forwarded 
 monthly from each store to the laboratories to be tested for quality. Each 
 loaf must receixe a rating of over 95 per cent before the store can be awarded 
 a certificate of Federal quality. From Maine to California and from Torontci, 
 Canada, to Tampico. Mexico, the patrons of Federal bakeries are assured of 
 a uniform quality of baked goods of the highest type obtainable. 
 
 It is not too much to say that the Federal System of Bakeries of 
 America. Inc.. dominates the baking field, setting its standards for quality 
 and service. In 1921 the estimated total business done by Federal bakeries 
 amounted to $20,000,000. The loaves of bread baked daily, if placed end to 
 end, would cover a distance of seventy-five miles. "The proof of the pudding 
 is in the eating" — and the Federal System of Bakeries has established over 
 400 bakeries in some three hundred towns in a period of five years and is 
 steadily developing new territory until its slogan "Bringing Home the 
 Bakin' " is a household expression in every home throughout the United 
 States.
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 177 
 
 The Bettendorf Company 
 
 We often marvel at the rapid mechanical advancement of this age. 
 To refer to it is to deal in the trite and common-place. And yet it has been 
 achieved in the face of many handicaps, not the least of which is nature's 
 failure to implant in the average in- 
 dividual of in\'enti\e turn enough 
 of the practical to enable him to util- 
 ize to l)est ad\antage the product 
 of his genius. 
 
 This defect in man's make-ujj 
 has been responsible for a prodigious 
 waste of capital and time in connec- 
 tion with really workable ideas that 
 never got beyond the formative 
 stage, and has deprived the race of 
 the earlier use of an untold number 
 of devices that would have lightened 
 toil, increased production and made 
 life generally more worth the living. 
 
 The ]jatent office at Washington 
 is a morgue for the dead hopes of 
 inventors who did not realize till too 
 late that it requires the application of 
 business principles to successfully 
 make and sell even the most perfect 
 and useful inventions. In all too 
 many cases those who have lived 
 to see the products of their genius 
 in general use have Ijeen deprived of 
 their just rewards by reason of their inability to grapple as successfully with 
 the practical as with the theoretical end of their enterprise, others reaping 
 the harvest that rightfully was theirs. 
 
 The late \\\ P. Bettendorf was one of the conspicuous exceptions found 
 in the modern industrial field to the rule laid down in the foregoing. Not 
 only was he possessed of rare mechanical ingenuity, but he was resourceful 
 to a marked degree in applying his ideas, and highly successful in organizing, 
 manufacturing and selling, and in financing his undertakings. Further than 
 that, he was fortunate in having a brother, J. W. Bettendorf, who, when 
 the former was called from earth at the very height of his activities, was 
 able to carry on and bring the industry to the place of leadership in its 
 field which it now occupies. The capabilities of J. W. Bettendorf are no less 
 marked than those of the founder of the concern, and under his administra- 
 tion the company has greatly expanded, becoming by far the largest single 
 
 W. p. Bettendorf, Founder of the Company
 
 178 
 
 ROCK ISLAND .\ R S E N A L 
 
 industry in the Tri-City community. Its shop buildings cover 24 acres of 
 ground and its annual business runs well into the millions. It is one of 
 the i)rincipal manufacturers of railway equipment in the country, specializing 
 
 in steel freight cars. Over one and 
 Due-half million Bettendorf truck 
 side frames are now in use. 
 
 The foundation of the great 
 Bettendorf industry was a practical 
 idea. and. strangely encnigh. it had 
 nothing to do with railroad equip- 
 ment. It brought into existence a 
 new tvpe of metal wheel and the ma- 
 cliinery for making it. both being the 
 product of the genius of W. P. Bet- 
 tendorf. 
 
 In 1886. Mr. Bettendorf, then a 
 young man. brought his ideas and 
 the letters patent protecting them to 
 Davenport, near three great agricul- 
 tural implement factories, and set 
 about forming a company to begin 
 production. Here his efforts were 
 as successful as they had been in 
 dealing with the mechanical end of 
 the undertaking. In a short time the 
 first shops were in operation. The 
 tvpe of wheel made, it may be added. 
 J. w. Bettendorf. President ^^.^g soou rccoguized as idcal for use 
 
 on agricultural implements and the concern which Mr. Bettendorf founded 
 remains today the largest exclusive makers of metal wheels in the world. 
 
 As soon as his first venture was well on its way toward success Mr. 
 Bettendorf set about looking for new problems to solve. His active mind 
 shortly developed a steel gear for farm wagons. Closing out his interests 
 in the metal wheel concern, he formed another company to manufacture 
 farm wagons. This also prospered greatly and soon assumed large propor- 
 tions. Then, gradually, he turned to the making of railroad equipment, in 
 which steel was being used in rapidly increasing quantities. First, the 
 I-beam car bolster was invented, and later the one-piece cast steel truck 
 frame and other steel parts for freight cars were perfected. Finding a 
 ready demand for these lines, the company decided to turn its entire atten- 
 tion to their production, looking forward, even then, to the making of 
 complete cars. Its growth from that time on was phenomenal. 
 
 Earlv in the manufacturing career of \V. P. Bettendorf his brother, 
 J. W. Bettendorf, became associated with him, and as the business grew
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 179 
 
 the latter, in an executive capacity, took an increasing share of the re- 
 sponsibility. His versatility and steady devotion to the firm's interests 
 prepared him for the part he was ultimately to play and entitle him to 
 much credit for the earlier, as well 
 as for the later, successes the concern 
 achieved. 
 
 In 1902 the industry had out- 
 grown its quarters, and so forty acres 
 of land just beyond the eastern limits 
 of the city of Davenport, and on the 
 banks of the Mississippi river, were 
 purchased, and the first factory build- 
 ings there were erected. This was a 
 fortunate move, for additional room 
 was available as it was needed. The 
 plant has been gradually built up 
 during the intervening years to its 
 present immense proportions. To 
 provide a place of residence for fac- 
 tory workers, a town-site was laid 
 out adjacent to the shops and named 
 Bettendorf. This has now grown 
 into a city, with a city's improve- 
 ments and advantages. 
 
 First experiments in the manu- 
 facture of cast steel trucks had be- 
 gun with the forming of the Betten- 
 dorf Axle Company in 1895, but 
 slowness in the development of the process of making intricate steel castings 
 deferred the perfecting of the Bettendorf invention. Not till 1903 were 
 truck side frames actually produced, and then in only a small way. Their 
 use soon proved their superiority, and arrangements were made with one 
 of the principal steel castings manufacturing firms for quantity production. 
 As time passed and the new frame became more and more popular, castings 
 orders were placed with other makers. 
 
 To secure uniformity of product in the various foundries it was neces- 
 sary for the Bettendorf company to supervise the making of the castings, 
 and to install in each plant its specially designed hydraulic straightening 
 presses, by which the various parts were aligned and tested. In pursuance of 
 the same object, elaborate records were kept of the performance of thou- 
 sands of trucks in use. This made possible, also, a more intelligent selec- 
 tion of materials and the prevention of defects. As a result of these pre- 
 cautions, Bettendorf products rapidly built up a reputation for strength 
 and reliability, and a fund of experience was gained which was of im- 
 
 J. H. Bend
 
 180 
 
 R () C K I S I. A X I) A R S E N A L 
 
 nicnsc value later when the coinpaiiy undertook the making of all its own 
 parts. It became evident that oi)en hearth steel was best adapted to the 
 casting of steel car frames, and that certain (pialities must be incorporated 
 to resist the shocks and stresses to which cars in service are subjected. 
 Perceiving finally that the most economical and satisfactory way to get 
 desired results was to do its own casting, llie company, in 1909, began the 
 erection of a foundrw which was ]»laced in commission during the following 
 year. 
 
 Tiuill originally with three twenty-live-ton furnaces, the foundry has 
 been enlarged from time to time till il now has seven units which make all 
 castings for car trucks, and togctlicr ha\c an annual capacity of 320,000 
 side fratues and b(ilsters. 
 
 in the arrangement and c(|uii)ping of its foundry the P)ettendorf company 
 scored a great mechanical and engineering triumph. IJased as it was upon ex- 
 perience obtained in a witle tield and under varying circumstances, it em- 
 braces features not found elsewhere, and turns out a superior product. Ex- 
 ceptional strength and uniformit}- in all parts of the same casting, as well as 
 between the se])arate ])ieces, is insured by treatment in specially designed 
 atuiealing furnaces, which is also a purely Hettendorf creati<m. Proof of the 
 effectiveness of the IJettendorf process is to be had in the exceedingly low 
 percentage of replacements because of defects. 
 
 While the Bettendorf industry was at the height of its expansion pro- 
 gram. W . I'. Bettendorf was called by death, the end coming Jtme 3. 1910. 
 Eor a time it was feared that the loss of his leadership would {lermanently 
 check the growth and usefulness of the concern in which he had played 
 so important a part. Stich forebodings, however, were ill-founded. J. W. 
 Bettendorf. the survixing brnllier, pro\cd e(|ual to the lieaxy task laid upon 
 his shoulders. .Assuming the added resjxmsibilities. he went ahead with 
 
 Bir.Ueve View of B.iii-mlorf Plant witli Mi
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 181 
 
 the plans for enlargement, and the achievement of the company since has 
 been largely due to his efficient direction. In 1913 a reorganization on a 
 broader basis took place, with J. ^V. Bettendorf president, J. H. Bendixen 
 vice-president and manager of sales, and a large and competent staiT of 
 subordinate officers. 
 
 During the World \\'ar the company felt that it could do its bit more 
 effectively in manufacturing railroad equipment, then so badly needed, 
 rather than by rebuilding much of its shop equipment for the production of 
 munitions. It filled an order from the United States Railroad Administra- 
 tion for 3,000 box cars and supplied trucks for 30,000 other cars, which 
 was its major contribution to the industrial effort of this country. In 
 addition, it gave some attention to the machining of artillery recuperators 
 and the making of trench mortar forgings. Had the war continued another 
 year, it is probable that munition manufacture would have been undertaken 
 on a much more extensive scale. At the time the armistice was signed 
 the concern was working on an order for casting and machining wheels for 
 four-wheel drive trucks. This order, which was for equipment for 7.500 
 vehicles, was not completed, and special machinery installed for the work 
 was thereafter useless. Plans were in hand at the time hostilities ceased 
 for the assembling of 1,500 Mark \'III tanks, involving the handling of a 
 vast amount of material, but no actual work was done. 
 
 As in the case of other industries, the Bettendorf organization was 
 handicapped by withdrawal of S(^me of its best men to enter the service. 
 The number wdio went from its shops and offices to take up arms was 124. 
 
 The company specializes in one type of car truck, upon which it stakes 
 its reputation and in wiiich it embodies the best materials and methods 
 of construction that Bettendorf brains can devise and Bettendorf resources 
 provide. The present plant has a capacity of 320,000 side frames and 
 bolsters and 30.000 underframes, (jr 12,000 completed cars per year. 
 
 Che HctlcmVirf Company. 
 
 tlcltsnOtirf. .Soma. 
 
 sissippi River and Illinois Shore in Distance.
 
 182 
 
 ROCK I S L A X 1) A R S E X A L 
 
 Au^ustana' ^College 
 
 Augustana College is one of the early educational institutions L>f Illinois. 
 Pioneer settlers who came from the l^^ast and from Northern Europe to the 
 upper Mississippi valley in the 40's and 50's at once felt the need of an 
 institution for general education and for the training of ministers and 
 
 OMer Collejie Bu.i.: _ 
 
 teachers. Augustana College and Theological Seminary was founded by 
 these pioneers in 1860. 
 
 From the beginning Augustana College felt it to be its duty to serve the 
 state and community, as well as the church. During the Civil War the 
 growth of the institution was impeded, as the prospective students enlisted 
 in the Union army. After the close of this war the development has been 
 steady, and the College has now grown to number a thousand students. 
 
 During the years 1860-63 this institution was located in Chicago; during 
 the following twelve years it was located at Paxton, 111., and in 1875 
 Augustana College found its permanent home at Rock Island. The buildings 
 comprise Old Main. Dormitories, one for young men and one for young 
 women, and Science Hall. The gymnasium is one of the best buildings for 
 its purpose in the state, with running track and swimming pool. On ac- 
 count of its size (90x140), it is also used as an auditorium, the acoustics 
 being perfect. Citizens of Rock Island and Moline assisted generously in 
 contributing to the expenses for erecting this gymnasium. 
 
 The most beautiful building on the grounds is the Denkmann Memorial 
 Library, erected by the children to the memory of the parents. Mr. and Mrs. 
 F. C. A. Denkmann. In this library building are housed the administrative 
 offices of the Augustana College. Four stories of modern stacks give ample 
 room for the books: the offices of the library are on the second floor. In 
 the beautiful architecture of this building, the reading-room has been ac-
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 183
 
 184 
 
 R (.) C K 1 S L A N D A R S K N A L 
 
 centuatetl both as to size (50x120) and l)y beauty of decoration, so that it 
 is one (»f the finest reading^ rooms of any C'olleije in our country. 
 
 Two buildings are now being erected at a cost of approximate! \- S.^00,- 
 000.00. for the Theological Seminary, one constituting the main building. 
 
 I I nil Memorial Library 
 
 the other the Seminary dormitory. I Mans are maturing for ihc ])rocuring of 
 funds and for the erection of additional buildings, greatly needed for the 
 right development of the College. 
 
 The ])resent grounds cover an area of about 36 acres. The buildings 
 (of which there are eight), and the grounds represent a value of $494.000.(X). 
 The I'.ndowment and Trust Funds amount to $656,991.16. making the total 
 value of the institution abo\e a million dollars. 
 
 \\'hen President Wilson in 1917 called for \iilunteers. so great a num- 
 ber of .\ugustana students, including the whole l)and. enlisted, that this 
 institution, according to the records at Washington, stood first on the list 
 of American colleges as to the number of students enlisted in proportion 
 to the attendance. 
 
 The roster of the 1921 catalog shows that twenty-six states of the 
 Union and two foreign countries (Canada and Sweden) sent ])Upils to 
 Augustana. The graduates of the college dei)artment now number 850; 
 from the Theological Seminary one thousand young men ha\e gone forth 
 to serve the church in the ministry. In all, about ten thousand >tudents 
 have been wards of Augustana College during the sixty-two years of its 
 existence; these former students are now found in all departments of 
 American activity, in the halls of Congress, on the judge's bench, in the 
 ministry, in law. in business, on the farm, and in foreign parts. 
 
 The fall term begins during the first week in ."September; the spring 
 term in the second week of January. I'"urther information is furnished by 
 the rresidenl. Dr. Custav Andreen, Augustana College, Kock Island. 111.
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 185 
 
 The McCarthy Improvement Company 
 
 The history of street pa\iiig- in the middle west might be written in the 
 life story of P. F. McCarthy, president of the McCarthy Improvement 
 Company, of Davenport. Mr. McCarthy started his active career as water 
 boy with Edwards & Walsh, thirty-odd years ago. That firm laid most of 
 the first paving placed in the main streets of the Tri-Cities. 
 
 In those days brick was exclusively used, and it wasn't very good brick, 
 either, according to modern standards. It would not have long stood up 
 under present day traffic. A^itrified paving blocks were then unknown and 
 concrete foundations had not come into vogue. The foundation was of 
 stone, broken by hand on the ground. ( )n this was placed a sand cushion, 
 and then sometimes only one, but usually two, courses of brick. The lower 
 course was laid flat, and culls were considered good enough for this layer. 
 
 The first concrete base was made with hydraulic cement and mixed with 
 shovels. Then came mixing machinery, crude, but much more economical 
 than hand methods. That was the era of the wheelbarrow, which was used 
 to feed the mixer and distribute the concrete. Always there was an incline 
 up which the material was pushed to be dumped into the hopper. Now there 
 is scarcely a wheelbarrow in use on any paving job. Hand labor is reduced 
 to a minimum. 
 
 Introduction of the motor truck has rexolutionized the paving business. 
 Materials are assembled at central i)oints and conveyed to the scene of 
 operations as they are needed. In the case of concrete, the ingredients are 
 elevated by machinery and dumped into trucks, which carry them to the 
 mixers on the scene of operations. Sometimes mixing is done at central 
 plants, where supplies may be prepared for several jobs in progress at the 
 same time. This plan has been successfully followed by the McCarthy 
 Improvement Company when the haul was as great as seven miles. 
 
 Use of machinery has greatly speeded up street improvement. It has 
 also facilitated the standardization of mixtures, insuring uniform work of a 
 much better qualit_\' than it was possible to turn out I)y the old hand methods. 
 Materials can be more accurately measured or weighed. Inspection is nijide 
 more efficient and formulas are more closely followed. Paving may cost 
 more per yard than it did a decade or more ago, but it is vastly better. If it 
 were not it would quickly break down under heavy motor traftic. 
 
 Mr. McCarthy worked up through the paving business to the top. 
 From water boy he advanced to stone cutter, shaping the stone curbing in 
 use in the early days. Then he became foreman, later superintendent, and 
 finally organized a company of his own. The McCarthy Improvement 
 Company was incorporated in 1903, in Iowa, and three years later took out a 
 charter in Illinois. It is now one of the largest paving concerns in the west. 
 It pays most attention to city work, its field being Iowa and Illinois, but 
 it also does highway construction. Ten years ago it laid some of the first 
 concrete paving on a country road in Rock Island county. This stretch
 
 Abovr — F'. F. McCarthy. Prcsi.lrnl. Below — T. J. OBricn. VirrPrcsi.lent and G.iural Manag. 
 
 of highway, which is near Joslin, is still in perfect condition. More recent 
 wurk of tiiis kind was the brick paving on the lirady street road north of 
 Davenport. The company never has been called upon to relay paving be- 
 cause of faulty work.
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 187 
 
 Two Views of First Conipl.iril H.,ul. \anl I ink connecting Rock Island and Moline, and Built by the McCarthy Improvement 
 
 Company. Above — Lookini; ha<it on Nineteenth Avenue from First Street, Moline. Below — Looking 
 
 East on Eighteenth Avenue from Thirtieth Street, Rock Island. 
 
 The first asphalt paving put down by the company was laid on Main 
 street, Davenport, north of Locust, in 1904, and is still in use with little 
 deterioration. Much of its later work has been of this material. It uses 
 mostly Mexican asphalt, refined at Baton Rouge, La. Weighing of all 
 materials and the system of mixing and treating insure absolute uniformity 
 and long life in pavements laid by this company. 
 
 The McCarthy Improvement Company employs about five hundred men 
 during the active season. Its work is directed by a skilled staff, most of 
 whom have grown up with the concern. It maintains a large amount of 
 equipment. Headcjuarters and general offices are in Davenport. The officers 
 are: President, P. F. McCarthy; Vice-Presidents, T. J. Walsh and T. J, 
 O'Brien; Secretary, William Wafer; Treasurer, D. R. Lane,
 
 188 
 
 R () I" K 1 S L A X 1) A R S E N A L 
 
 The Rock Island Telephone System 
 
 When the Unitetl States ( i(i\ernment established an Arsenal in Rock 
 Island at the time of the Civil War. the telephone had not been invented. It 
 is doubtful if at that time even a few persons so much as dreamed of having 
 ihcir voices carried by wire. N(jw the telephone is intricately woven into 
 all of Rock Island's business and social activities. 
 
 In 1876, Alexander (irahani Hell made the (lisco\ery upon which the 
 present art of tele])hone communication is founded. Less than two years 
 
 Rork Island Tcleplione Exchange. 
 
 later conversation by wire was possible in Rock Island. It was not until 
 January. 1880, that regular service was offered the ])ul)lic. and this was 
 thr<jugh a small switchboard in Daven])ort. 
 
 There was only a handful «>f subscribers in the early years and their 
 nund)er increased slowly. Later, howe\er, an exchange was established in 
 rented (piartcrs in Rock Island. In 1901. the telephone company completed 
 its own building on Nineteenth street. Mere was a switchboard with places 
 for ten girls to handle local calls and two f(jr tolls. 
 
 In 1914, when the Xinetecnth street building was nearly outgrown, 
 constructi(»n of the present telephone building was begun at 635 Eighteenth 
 street. On January 18. 1915. the change from the old board to the new was 
 made.
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 189 
 
 There are now fifty-five per cent more telephones in Rock Island than 
 there were ten years ag"o. In that time the population of the city increased 
 thirty-seven per cent. Service is given through a switchboard with thirty 
 positions for girls handling local calls and ten positions for toll traffic. 
 
 Rock Island now has in use more than 6,300 telephones, of which seventy 
 l>er cent are residence stations. There is a force of more than 100 employees 
 
 Interior, Showing Switchboard in Operation. 
 
 operating, repairing and extending the equipment so that better and in- 
 creased service may be given. 
 
 Telei)hone men and women of Rock Island are a part of the great army 
 of 225,000 Bell System employees, all stri\-ing for the same purpose — the 
 rendering of better and increased service. 
 
 The telephone plant in Rock Island is part of the Bell System facilities 
 that makes it possiljle for you to talk to persons in 70,000 other places in the 
 United States, Canada and Cuba. 
 
 Citizens of Rock Island, employees and others, are numbered with the 
 more than 200,000 shareholders of the Bell System. They are the owners 
 who have invested their savings to provide a nation-wide telephone system.
 
 190 
 
 ROCK IS 
 
 L A N D A R S E N A L 
 
 The Builders Sand and Gravel Co. 
 
 First in its line of business in the Tri-City tiekl. the Builders Sand & 
 Gravel Company, of Daveni)ort. enjoys the distinction of having furnished 
 building material to Rock Island .\rsenal from the time that construction 
 
 was started, back in 1863. It has been priv- 
 ileged to transact business with the War 
 Department under every Commandant from 
 Maj. Kingsbury to Col. King. Its first con- 
 tract was for sui)plies used in the old store- 
 house ccMitaining the clock tower. It con- 
 tributed U) the erection of the original 
 shops and did its part in furthering the 
 great construction i)rogram undertaken 
 during the AX'orld War. 
 
 Origin t)f the company dates back 
 seventy years to the time when its founder, 
 Hans Goos. father of the present manager, 
 began operations. His first equii)ment con- 
 sisted of a small flatboat propelled with 
 ])ike poles. Sand was loaded from nearl^y 
 bars and islands by means of wheelbarrows. 
 The first imi)rovement consisted of long- 
 handled shovels, flatiron-shaped and per- 
 forated to i)ermit the water to escape. With 
 
 ihese sand was scooped up from the bottom of the stream and a better grade 
 
 was obtained with less effort. 
 
 About this time the pike-pole method of propulsion was discarded in 
 favor of a sail, enabling the craft to make longer trips, going as far down 
 stream as Muscatine and as far up as Hampton. To pilot such a sailing boat 
 over the Rock Island rapids was c«.>nsidered quite a feat. 
 
 H«n« Coos. Foundrr of The Buililers Sand ami 
 Gravrl Coaipanv. 
 
 na\<>n[".rt River Fnml. Showinp I.oaHinp Bin? and Pari of ihf-
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 191 
 
 Hand and wind power gave way to steam about 1880, when the company 
 fitted out a steam elevator dredge for loading sand and gravel and secured 
 a small sidewheel steamer for towing barges to Rock Island Arsenal and 
 other points. Unloading continued to be done by hand from docks along the 
 levee until comparatively recent years. 
 
 In 1891 the present company was in- 
 corporated. The same year was marked by 
 the introduction of a modern centrifugal, 
 commonly called suction, pump for loading- 
 sand and gravel, and a larger and more 
 powerful sternwheel steamer to replace the 
 sidewheeler. 
 
 The present method of handling, as 
 developed by the Builders Sand & Gravel 
 Company, consists of loading barges by 
 large centrifugal pumps, or, if the material 
 is crushed rock, by gravity from bins at the 
 (]uarry. These are then towed to Davenport 
 by sternwheel steamboats, of which there 
 are two in service. Unloading is done by 
 a powerful crane and derrick boat, or a 
 locomotive crane, into reinforced concrete 
 bins. From these the material is dropped 
 into trucks and wagons. In this operation 
 crushed rock, sand and gravel may be ac- 
 curately measured in desired proportions ready to be dumped into con- 
 crete mixers on the job. Thus all hand labor from the sandl^ar to the 
 mixer is eliminated. 
 
 The Builders Sand & Gravel Company enjoys a most advantageous 
 location. Its bins for the handling of sand, gravel and stone are on the river 
 bank directly opposite the west end of Rock Island Arsenal. It has a 500- 
 
 Hans Goos, Son of Founder of the Company, 
 and Present Manager. 
 
 lJLj i * s g t 
 
 ting Equipment of The Builders Sand and >'• 
 
 Pl Comp.
 
 192 ROCK 1 S L A X D A R S E N A L 
 
 foot frontage there under 25-year lease from the Davenport Levee Com- 
 mission. It (lid the levee improvement work at this point, with tlie excep- 
 tion of building- the sea wall, and paved the driveway with concrete. A 
 railroad track runs the full length of the property. 
 
 Warehouses and yards for the handling of building material and fuel 
 are located at First and (iaines streets, at the edge of the business district 
 of the city. Here there are 800 feet of private railroad tracks. 
 
 The com])any's first steamboat was named Lone Star. The larger of 
 the two present craft is the Lone Star III. The other is the Lone Deer. 
 There is also a derrick boat, a large fleet of barges, and a 30-ton railroad 
 crane. 
 
 Almost unlimited quantities of sand. gra\el and rock are at hand. 
 Sand of best quality is brought from a dozen miles downstream and rock 
 is obtained from the Buffalo and Linwood quarries. The company has its 
 own gravel pit thirty miles upstream. As much as 1.000 yards or 1.500 tons 
 of these materials has been unloaded and retailed in a sinsfle day. 
 
 The Davenport Water Company 
 
 DaNcnjiort has a safe and adequate water sujiply. furnished by the 
 Davenport Water Company, drawn from the channel of the Mississippi 
 river and purified by the most approved processes. In neither quantity 
 nor quality has this concern failed to meet the increasingly exacting re- 
 quirements laid u])nn municipal water plants during the last generation. 
 
 After several efforts to provide a city-owned water system had failed. 
 Daveni)ort. in 1873. granted a franchise tt) the present company, which 
 was founded b}- the late Michael Donahue and associates. From the be- 
 ginning satisfacttiry service, rather than large i)rofits. has been the con- 
 cern's main objective. Continuity of management has been a factor in 
 attaining this end. a number of those htdding places of responsibility 
 with the company having served it for many years. 
 
 Growing needs of the city have been provided for and maximum fire 
 protection aflorded by the installation of over-size mains and ample re- 
 serve machinery. Average pressure maintained is exceptionally high. 
 The company has met every emergency that has arisen in the half century 
 of its existence. It now has 120 miles of distribution mains, two pumping 
 stations, large sedimentation basins and a reserxoir. which, being located 
 on the bluff, offers the advantage of gravity jtressure in the business dis- 
 trict. 
 
 The Davenport \\'ater Company was one of the first to install filters 
 for the purification of Mississipjji riv.er water. It operates under a 25- 
 year franchise, which was renewed in 1914. The ])resent ofticers are: 
 President, Thomas W. (iriggs; Nice-President. Tliomas [. Walsh; Sec- 
 retary and Treasurer. James P. Donahue; (len. Manager. C. R. Henderson.
 
 R O C K 
 
 ISLAND A R S E N A L 
 
 193 
 
 The Borg & Beck Company 
 
 Back of the smoke and smudge and clatter, the stress and toil and grind 
 of the average industrial enterprise lies an element of chance — a business 
 romance — that keeps the game ever new for those who direct its movements. 
 
 The play of forces in the fairy tales of our childhood, in which suspense 
 gradually grows till the climax in which the prince and the princess are 
 married and "li\e happil}' e\er after" is reached, has its counterpart in 
 the dreams ni many a plain matter-of-fact indixidual whose earthly all 
 is tied up in. some grimy manufacturing enter])rise. The difference is that 
 
 The Moline Plant 
 
 in the manufacturer's dream the prince is an ideal product, guiltless of 
 mechanical fault or tiaw, whose principality is protected irom invasion by 
 iron-bound patents, the princess is the universal market that ncj rival has yet 
 wooed, and the dreamer is the good fairy who brings the two together and 
 shares with them the ha])]jiness that ever afterward prevails. 
 
 Records of the bankruptcy courts unfortunately prove that by far the 
 larger part of the dreams of manufacturers fail to come true. Those of 
 Charles W. fjorg and Marshall Beck, however, were an exception to the 
 rule. The manner in which their early hopes and expectations have been 
 realized is a stor}- of unusual interest. In the automobile clutch Avhich 
 their company perfected they ha\e an ideal device for which there is an 
 almost universal demand. It is regular equipment with three-fourths of all 
 automobiles of standard design made in this coiuitry. 
 
 In 1903 Charles \\\ Borg was a member of the designing and experi- 
 menting staff of the Deere »S: Mansur Company, Moline. Wooden parts
 
 194 K ( ) I K I S L A K D ARSENAL 
 
 of implements and wagons at that time were mostly made by hand or with 
 machinery, the operation of which was comparatively slow' and expensive 
 and often dangerous. Mr. Borg devised a shaping planer, a wood-working 
 device which by means of a succession of cam-controlled cutting heads, 
 turned out at a single run finished parts with tapers, swells, bevels, rounds, 
 and other irregularities of form. Its use greatly simplified the making of 
 wagons, to which it was first applied. si)eeding up the process and reducing 
 the number of operations. 
 
 Realizing that he had hit ui)on something of unusual value. Mr. Borg 
 resigned and prepared to manufacture his machines. At first he made his 
 own drawings and patterns and did his nwn machine work. Later he ap- 
 plied the shai)ing ])laner princi])le tn machinery for cutting wooden parts 
 used in other lines of manufacture, such as barrels, washing machine tubs, 
 porch columns and ice cream containers, 'i'he greater part of wond products 
 of this nature now made in the United States and Canada are shaped l)y 
 Borg machines embodying the original jirinciple. Mr. Borg also devised 
 a wheel felloe shaping machine, automatic rim sander. automatic column 
 lathe, automatic column cap and base shaper. automatic trim and crozing 
 saw, plow share jointer and landside trimmer, all of which were later made 
 ?.nd sold by his company. 
 
 The co-partnership of Borg t^- Beck was formed in 1904, when Marshall 
 Beck came into the firm tf) take up the office end of the enterprise. Shop 
 space was rented in j-last Moline. Late in 1909 the concern secured quarters 
 of its own at Third avenue and Si.xth street, Moline, which are still occu- 
 pied, though many additions to them have been made. Incorporation under 
 the same name took place in 1913. with Charles A\'. Borg president, George 
 W. Borg secretary, and Marshall Beck treasurer. 
 
 George W. Borg. son of the founder of the firm, entered the industry 
 in 1903 and soon rose to a place of responsii)ility. His early training for 
 the work was obtained mostly in his father's shops, although he supple- 
 mented his factory experience with some technical instruction in college. 
 \\'hile still in his teens he was spending most of his vacations and other 
 spare time familiarizing himself with the fundamentals of machine design 
 and construction. At 22 he gave up school and devoted his entire time to the 
 industry. Like his father, he has a natural aptitude for mechanics and 
 takes enthusiastic interest in his work. lie has designed, or helped to 
 perfect, many of the devices manufactured by his firm. He is gifted with 
 rare foresight and judgment in estimating mechanical possibilities involved 
 in manufacturing processes. On toj) of that he has demonstrated unusual 
 executive cai)acity. F^or the last decade he has been in active charge, re- 
 lieving his father of most oi his responsibilities, and latterly making his 
 headquarters at the main i)lant in ( hicago. 
 
 For the first few years Borg (S: Beck grew rapidly. The early dreams 
 of the founders seemed realized. They had a product which defied competi- 
 tion, the demand was heavy and profits satisfactory. But it gradually became
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 195 
 
 (Jeorffe W. Borsr 
 
 apparciU ihal Ihe Held was limited. Unce a factory was equipped with their 
 machines, its needs in that respect were met for many years. Replacement 
 orders were negdible. By 1912 ninety percent of the prospective users in the
 
 196 R () L K 1 S I. A X 1) A R S I- X A 1, 
 
 United Stales and Canada had installed Burg tS: Beck equipment. The field 
 liad played out. It lucked as if there were no more worlds to c«niquer. 
 
 The comi)any. however, did nt)t mean to give up without a struggle. 
 W hen orders fur its regular product fell off. instead of laying off men and 
 reducing activities, other work was sought. Machining contracts that cuuld 
 he executed without radical shop changes were undertaken. 
 
 Ame)ng the orders received was one frum the \ elie Mutur \ ehicle 
 Company fur a number uf single dry-plate clutches which embodied features 
 then new in the automotive industry. Up to that time mt»st clutches used 
 liad been of either the cone or the multiple disc type. Borg <J\: Beck soon saw 
 that the new clutch offered many advantages. License from the inventor to 
 manufacture it was secured, and an intensive effort to perfect certain details 
 that i)reviously had militated against the citmplete success of the device 
 was undertaken. In this wurk (iustave C. Xelsun. Mr. Burg's first emi)loye. 
 who had helped make the original wood cutting machines and who had 
 become shop superintendent, rendered invalual)le aid. 
 
 In a short time all the essential features uf the present frictiun clutch 
 fur puwer transmission, which has carried the name uf Burg tJv: Beck ail u\er 
 the civilized wurld. had been perfected. Strongly protected by its own 
 },>atents. the company turned its main attention to the making of clutches. 
 At last it had realized the manufacturer's ideal, an exclusive product and a 
 demand that was rapidly becoming universal. 
 
 Use of the Borg & Beck clutch is not confined to autonn)biles. It is 
 equally successful in trucks, tractors, tanks and motor boats. It "picks up" 
 the power load smoothly and efficiently. Auiomoti\e engineers generally 
 recognize the Borg «Jv: Beck clutch as ideal, because of its de])endability. 
 effectiveness, ease of adjustment and low cost. 
 
 Expansion of its ])usiness after the i)erfection t)f the clutch made it 
 necessary for Borg c^ Beck to expand its quarters. Five additions to the 
 original plant in Moline were made in rai)id succession. Then in 1918. 
 because of a local labor shortage incident to the war. it was found expedient 
 to open a branch in (ialesburg. 111., employing fifty men. Late the same 
 year the factory of the Smith Form-a- Truck Company at Clearing, in the 
 southwestern limits of Chicago, was bought at bankrupt's sale. The plant was 
 new and modern and well adapted tu the needs of the new t)wners. It had 
 118.000 feet uf fluur space, giving ruom for the employment of 1.000 to 
 1.200 ojjeratives. The Chicago Belt Line railroad gave first-class shipping 
 facilities and there was a 1.000-fuut covered loading platform and as many 
 feet uf new private service track. The Clearing factury was opened early 
 in 1919 and was conducted as a branch till early in 1922. when headquarters 
 were removed there from Muline. The (ialesburg branch was discontinued 
 when the one at Clearing was opened. 
 
 During the Wurld War Borg iS: Beck worked almost exclusively on 
 parts fi'T manufacturing concerns having go\ ernnient contracts.
 
 RUCK ISLAND A R S K N A L 
 
 197 
 
 Leading Newspaper In Western Illinois 
 
 t> -.<&. ■ 
 
 The Moline Dispatch was estal)lished as a daily in 1878. after a nuniljer 
 of weekly newspapers had lixed l)rief existences. In the first seven years 
 of the life of the Dispatch it had its own vicissitudes and many changes of 
 ownership. Commencing' in 1885, when Messrs. P. S. McGlynn and J. K. 
 Groom became owners, the Dispatch began a growth commensurate with or 
 a little more rapid than that of the city. It moved into and occupied its 
 present home in ( )ctober, 1922. 
 
 From 1885 to 1922 the ownershi]) of the Dispatch underwent only two 
 changes — in 1891, when Mr. (irt)om sold his half interest to ^^^ F. Eastman; 
 and in 1911, two years after the death of Mr. Eastman, when lohn .^undine 
 ])urchased the I'^astman half interest.
 
 198 
 
 ROCK IS L A N D A R S R N A T. 
 
 The Rock Island Argus 
 
 Survival of the fittest, is the hard law that has shaped the destinies of 
 the daily press of the country. The Rock Island Argus stands today a 
 typical product of newspaper evolution during the last seventy years. It 
 
 has fought and won the long battle 
 in which its competitors, one by 
 <ine. failed and passed into history, 
 l)uil(ling up a record of real service 
 and dependability seldom rivaled 
 and not anywhere excelled in news- 
 paperd( )m. 
 
 There have been many changes 
 of ownership, of location, of form 
 of publication. Even the name has 
 l)een altered. ( )riginally it was The 
 Rock Island Re])ul)lican. 
 
 Fred S. Nichols and John W. 
 Dunliam ])riiUe(l the first issue of 
 the Weekly Republican. C)ctober 18. 
 1851. Dunham tired of the venture 
 in six weeks and si tld < ait to his part- 
 ner. The latter held on till 1853. 
 when J. B. Danforth. who had ac- 
 quired an interest a year earlier, be- 
 came the sole owner. Robert \\ 
 Shurley became a partner in 1856. 
 September 16. 1857. I'ershing & 
 Connelly, publishers of the Rock 
 Islander, b(jught Mr. Danforth out. and changed the name to The Rock 
 Islander and Argus. About the same time. Mr. Shurley (lis])osed of his 
 holdings to Milton Jones, who held an editorial ])osition with the pai)er 
 till 1881. 
 
 Mr. Danforth took over the interests of Pershing & Connelly in 1859. 
 and the name once more became The Argus. Danforth's connection with the 
 newspaper finally terminated in 1869, when he sold to Robert F. McNeal. 
 McNeal survived less than a year, selling to J. S. Drake. In 1873 The Argus 
 Company was incorjjorated. Richardson & Powers obtained control in 1881. 
 but a few months later publication was suspended. At this juncture, J. \\\ 
 Potter, publisher of the Freeport Bulletin, bought the dilapidated plant and 
 placed his son, John W. Potter. Jr., in charge. That was the last change in 
 ownership, and marked the beginning of a ])criod of upbuilding that has con- 
 tinued to the present. 
 
 r, Own.-r and Publisher of The Ar;;ii* fr 
 IKKl until his <leath in 1898
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 199 
 
 The first daily was printed July 13, 1854. July 18, 1859, the daily was 
 changed to a tri-weekly, but Sept. 1, 1861, returned permanently to the daily 
 field. In the beginning the daily was published in the afternoon. From Dec. 
 17, 1855, to Nov. 18, 1861, it appeared in the morning. On the latter date 
 evening publication was resumed. A weekly was printed, in addition to the 
 daily, till about twenty years ago. 
 
 First puldication took place in the Whittaker & Everts building, just 
 east of the present Argus home. Quarters were found in the Buford block, 
 at the Northeast corner of Second avenue and Seventeenth street, in 1854. 
 In 1871 the Buford heirs erected a building for the exclusive use of The 
 Argus just north of the original block. Here the newspaper remained till 
 1888, when Mr. Potter purchased the present quarters, which have been re- 
 modeled several times since to give added facilities. 
 
 Mr. Potter died in 1898. The J. W. Potter Company was then organized, 
 Mrs. Potter assuming the presidency of the corporation, which position she 
 still holds. J. F. LaA^elle became business manager and H. P. Simpson 
 editor. Upon Mr. La\>lle's death in 1908, he was succeeded by F. J. Mueller. 
 
 During the years of marked transition in the methods of newspaper 
 publishing The Argus kept pace with its contemporaries and rapidly grew 
 from a small, eight-page paper to a large modern daily. The Argus acquired 
 the first Associated Press report and leased wire service in Rock Island, and 
 its mechanical equipment has been steadily increased and improved. 
 
 In 1919 John W. Potter, third in a direct line to bear that name and 
 follow the vocation of newspaperman, entered the business and the paper is 
 now actively conducted by him as publisher, his brother, Ben H. Potter, Mr. 
 Mueller and J. M. Colligan, managing editor. The directors of the J. W. 
 Potter Company are Mrs. J. W. Potter, John W. Potter, Ben H. Potter, 
 Marguerite F. Potter, F. J. Mueller and H. P. Simpson. 
 
 The Rock Island Daily Union, the last of its competitors in the Rock 
 Island field, was absorbed by purchase in March, 1920, and at that time The 
 Argus, which always had been conducted as a Democratic paper, became 
 independent in politics. 
 
 A year later, in 1921, a new building site at the southwest corner of 
 Eighteenth street and Fourth avenue was purchased by the company and 
 plans for a spacious, modern plant to be erected on this lot are being drawn. 
 The structure will be one of the finest newspaper homes in the middle 
 west and will be modeled so as to accommodate the rapidly growing adver- 
 tising and circulation business of The Argus.
 
 200 
 
 () C" K I S I. A X I) A k S !•: N A L 
 
 The Daily Times 
 
 Tliere is l)Ut one daih' newspaper coxcrin^' I )a\en])(irl, I\(>ck Island. 
 Moline and their sul)nrl)s and i^iNiiii^" a ci>ni])lete local daily news service, 
 with deli\ery by carrier throiif^hout the Tri-City held. That is the Daily 
 Times, ])iil)lishe(l in Daxenport. It has been a Tri-City newspa])er for civer 
 twenty vears. exerting' a ])('werfnl inHuence for ciunnuniity co-operation. 
 
 The Times was establishecl as a l)aven])ori newspaper in 1886. \\. W . 
 jlrady was its fotmder. In jnne. 1899. A. W . Lee and C. D. Reimers, of 
 the ( )tttimwa C'oin'ier. ])nri-hased the Times, which, with the COurier. became 
 the nucletis of the present Lee Syndicate. com])osed of six daily news])a])ers. 
 
 L'nder the new owners the Times yrew rapidly. ( )thces were opened in 
 Rock Island and .Moline and news and carrier ser\ice were extended to the 
 Illinois side of llu- ri\er. The l)ail_\- Times was the first in its tleld to 
 adopt modern mechanical e(pii])ment. 
 
 In 1901 l'.. 1'. .\dler. the present pnblisher and ])resident of the Lee 
 Syndicate, was made manager of the Daily Times, and Messrs. Lee and Adler 
 ]nirchased Mr. Reimers' interest in the enterprise. 
 
 'The Times was lirst ])rinted in a small plant on T'ront street. After a 
 few years it took up f|uarters on I>rady between Second and 'Third streets. 
 September 5. 1911. it occupied its ])resent home on I^ast Second street, con- 
 ceded to be one of the finest news])a])er establishments outside of the metro- 
 politan centers. Its (ioss hi^h speed sextuple i)ress has a ca])acity of 72,000 
 twelve-page papers ])er hour. 
 
 'J'he circulation of the Daily 'Times has grown from 1,800 to 24,000.
 
 R () C K ISLAND A R S E N A L 
 
 201 
 
 The Davenport Democrat. — -Iowa's Leading Newspaper 
 
 Wlien the Democrat Puljlishing Company, headed by Frank D. Throop, 
 purchased the Davenport Democrat in the autumn of 1915 the paper hjoked 
 back across 60 years of continuous jmlilication under practically unchanged 
 ownership. 
 
 The first issue of the I(»\\a State Democrat 
 appeared October 15. 1855, and October 22, 1905. 
 the Democrat ol)served the 50th anni\ersary of 
 the paper by the pul^lication of the Democrat's 
 half-century edition — a feat of journalistic enter- 
 prise which gave to its readers nearly 100 pages 
 of historical and reminiscent reading that made 
 the edition unique in the fiebi of journalism. 
 
 D. N. Richardson, tiie long-time editor of 
 The Democrat, left his scholarly and dignified 
 impress on its pages and made it one of the 
 leading newspapers of the west. In his later 
 years he won distinction as a traxeler and author. 
 
 J. j. Richardson, who sur\i\ed his brother, 
 
 remained the i)rincipal owner of the paper until Frank d. Throop, Publisher 
 
 1915, when it was i)urchased by The Democrat Publishing Company, of 
 Avhich J. B. Richardson is president and Frank D. Throop secretary and 
 treasurer. In 1922 the company purchased the property at 407, 409, 411 and 
 413 Brady street, where it planned to erect a magnificent $250,000 plant, one 
 of the finest in the middle west. 
 
 The paper has played a large part in the history of Davenport from its 
 very beginning. Launched as a Democratic daily by Richardson. Hildreth 
 and West, in 1848, the Richardson ownership survived several changes in 
 the firm, and in 1863, the Richardson Bros, bought out the other interests 
 and remained the pul)lishers of the paper for over half a century. D. N. 
 Richardson remained editor of the i^aper for 43 years. He passed to his 
 reward July 4, 1898. In 1887 The Democrat bought out the Davenport 
 Gazette, and seven years later absorbed another Davenport daih', the Leader, 
 and the name was added as a sub-title to the paper. 
 
 Frank D. Throop, present publisher of The Democrat, had been fcjr 
 14 years connected with the Muscatine Journal, and for the last nine years 
 its publisher, when he came to Daven])ort and organized the company which 
 purchased the Democrat from the Richardson interests. He is the third 
 generation of newspaper publishers in his family, his grandfather having 
 conducted a newspaper, beginning in 1868. Since the change in ownership 
 The Democrat has continued to expand in size and infiuence. and it is to be 
 reckoned one of the leading independent-Democratic newspapers of the 
 middle west.
 
 202 
 
 R O r K 1 S I. A X I) A R S !■: N A L 
 
 The Linograpli Company 
 
 The Linograph Company 
 Davenport, Iowa 
 
 Ihe Linograph C\»nipany of Daven- 
 port, Iowa, manufactures the Linograph. 
 which is a typesetting machine used in 
 job printing and newspaper offices. 
 \\ hen this enterprise started, in 1912. 
 there were many who claimed such fine 
 machinery as a typesetting machine 
 conhl not l)e successfully manufactured 
 out here "Where the \\ est Begins." The 
 success of the Linograph has definitely 
 proven that skilled mechanics for the 
 highest grade of work can be secured in 
 Davenport. 
 
 The enterprise was brought here from Minneapolis, Alinn.. through the 
 efforts of a group of the leading business men, acting under suggestions 
 from the Davenport Chamber of Commerce, then known as The Greater 
 Davenport Committee, and a large number of Davenport peoi)le became 
 interested as stockholders. 
 
 Since then the Linograph has been developed and perfected, and new- 
 models have been put on the market which have reached a high point of 
 efficiencv. This is an international business, for Linographs have been sold 
 in twenty-two foreign countries and 
 nearly all the states, and are making 
 friends everywhere. 
 
 The Lin(igraph Compan}' is essen- 
 tially a local enterprise, backed by Dav- 
 enport capitalists and hundreds of people 
 in the city and vicinity. The men who 
 direct the destiny of and are respc^isible 
 for the success of this enterprise are: 
 R. R. Englehart. J. ^^'. Bettendorf. Chas. 
 Shuler, J. W. Bollinger, Ray Nyemaster, 
 II. C. Kahl and II. Petersen. 
 
 The officers and acti\e management 
 consists of: R. R. Englehart, president; 
 Hans Petersen, \'ice-President and Gen- 
 eral Manager ; Ray Nyemaster, Treas- 
 urer ; J. C. Pedersen, Secretary and P. 
 O. Pedersen, Sales Manager. The Linograph
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 203 
 
 Rock Island Bridge and Iron Works 
 
 Facilities for the fabrication and erection of steel parts ofifered by the 
 Rock Island Bridge and Iron Works makes possible greater speed in the 
 construction of modern buildings in 
 the Tri-Cities and immediate vicin- 
 ity. This company is equipped to 
 design, fabricate and erect anything 
 in structural steel and iron. Its 
 plant, occupying six acres of ground 
 on the river bank in the west end of 
 Rock Island, has exceptionally good 
 shipping facilities both by rail and 
 water. It regularly employs one 
 hundred men. 
 
 Practically all the steel used in 
 buildings erected at Rock Island 
 Arsenal during and immediately fol- 
 lowing the war was furnished by the 
 Bridge and Iron A\'orks, which also 
 erected there an elevated steel water 
 tank of 500,000 gallons capacity. The 
 main activities of the plant at that 
 time, however, were devoted to the 
 fabrication of materials used in the 
 construction of the 5,000-ton mer- 
 chant ships by the Submarine Boat 
 Corporation for the Emergency 
 Fleet Corporation. The steel was 
 
 shipped direct from the mills to Rock Island, fabricated there and re-shipped 
 to Newark, N. J., where the ships were built and launched. Great quantities 
 cf material were handled in this manner. 
 
 In peace time most of the work done by the company has consisted in 
 the preparation and erection of structural steel for building purposes. It is 
 advantageously located for the construction of steel barges, of which it 
 has made several, and in the event of the revival of river traffic it will be in 
 position to make a strong bid for work of this kind. 
 
 The Rock Island Bridge and Iron Works was incorporated in 1912 with 
 $100,000 capital. The officers are: 
 
 President — Walter A. Rosenfield. 
 
 Vice-President — Walter G. Murphy. 
 
 Secretary and General Manager — Edward Manhard. 
 
 W. A. Kusenfield, President
 
 204 R O C K I S L A X I) A K S I". X A L 
 
 National Construction Company 
 
 It lakes hard work, straight thinking-, close hguring and Kits of nerve 
 to win success in the construction g-ame. That isn't all it takes, but the 
 qualities enumerated as essential will make it clear that unless one is pos- 
 sessed of more jxisitixc \irtues than are commonl}- foinid combined in uwq 
 individual be had better turn his hand to other things. 
 
 I), v.. Keeler. of Davenport, has followed the business for ihirty-tive 
 years. W orking under his father, the late Dan Keeler. just thirty-tive years 
 ago he laid tiie first pavement in this part of the country. It was of two- 
 course brick, on sand cushion, and extended from Perry to Ripley on Third 
 street in Davenport. 
 
 With Mr. Keeler for the last twenty years has been associated j. W. 
 Crowley. of the same city. I'lrst in the I'eoples Construction Com])any. later 
 in the D. Keeler Company and finally in the Xational Construction Company, 
 organized in 1919. 
 
 lleavy bridge building is the specialty of the last named concern, but 
 it also does all kinds of railroad work, installs water and sewer systems, 
 paves streets and builds and improves highways. One of the big jjrojects 
 put through by one of the earlier organizations was the celebrated Belle 
 Fourche irrigation system in the Black Hills of South Dakota. This under- 
 taking in\< lived the erection of a huge dam. creating" a reservoir of 9.000 
 acres and supplying water enougli ti> reclaim 240.000 acres of land. 
 
 ( )ther work done bv the comjianies in which Messrs. Keeler and Crowley 
 had been the mo\ing spirits includes tlie l)uilding of all the l)ridges between 
 Chicago and Terre Haute for the Chicago. Terre Haute c\: St)utheastern. bet- 
 ter known as the John R. Walsh mad : l)uil(ling of the cut-oti' for the C. B. X: 
 O. between ( )ld Monroe and Mexico City, Mo.; the Big Lane cut-off of the 
 Cniiin Pacific ont <if < )maha. and all the bridging on tlie 15. ^: M. from 
 Lincoln to Milford. Xeb. .\ sewer system casting a (piarter of a million 
 dollars was built at Clinton. Iowa, in 1911. and ])a\ ing and sewer work done 
 in the Tri-Cities before and since has run into large figures. < )ne of the big 
 Tri-City jobs was a storm drain and sewer system in l^ast .Moline. completed 
 recentlv at a cost of a ((uarter (d' a million dollars, .\mong other late under- 
 takings was one at !'"< irl Madison. Iowa, which cost half a million and involved 
 engineering difficulties, the suhing of which has attracted considerable at- 
 tention among construction engineers. Since the forming of the i)resent com- 
 ])any. work done has amoinUed to more than two millions of (hdlars. and at 
 the close of the 1922 season contracts totaling a (juarter of a million more 
 were in hand. During the WOrld War sewers were laid for 170 go\ernment- 
 built houses, construction of which was started in Da\en])ort. 
 
 Mr. Crowley, before becoming associated w ith Mr. Keeler. was superin- 
 tendent of construction for the Daven])ort. Kock Island <!<: X^orthwestern 
 Railroad Coni])an\-, having charge of the building of the Crescent bridge and 
 of the terminals and connecting lines in and adjacent to the Tri-Cities. In
 
 ROCK ISLAND A R S p: N A L 
 
 205 
 
 1914 he became Commissioner of Public ^^^^rks for the city of Davenport, 
 serving one term of five years and then resigning to return to the construc- 
 tion game. 
 
 The National Construction Company has its main office in Davenport, 
 with branch offices wherever large undertakings are in progress. The con- 
 
 Shnwing Progressive Stages of Big Din.-iij 
 
 siderable business done in the Tri-Cities and in nearby cities and villages 
 is handled direct from headquarters. ()fficers of the company are: 
 
 President — D. E. Keeler. 
 
 Vice-President — R. J. Walsh. 
 
 Secretary and Manager — J. W. Crowley. 
 
 Treasurer — J. F. Schroeder. 
 
 Assistant Secretary and Treasurer — Everett J. Thompson. 
 
 Directors — Messrs. Keeler. Walsh. Crowley, Schroeder and A. J. Klindt.
 
 206 
 
 R O e" K ISLAND A k S I". X A I 
 
 The Geo. SIiel(1on Company 
 
 Tlie (leo. Sheldon C'onipany is one of the younger construclion 
 concerns of Davenport, hut one which already has won a reputation in 
 the field of highway and bridge building. In three seasons it has built more 
 than one hundred bridges and laid ten miles of concrete i)a\ing. 
 
 Originally capitalized at $25,000. the company has authorized an increase 
 to $150.(XX). The value of its equipment is conservatively estimated at 
 $95,000. With e.xjjerienced and aggressive leadership and ami)le means, it 
 seems destined to play an increasingly prominent part in the extensive 
 
 Concrete Highway Bridges Built by The Geo. Sheldon Company 
 
 program of highway im])rovemcnt U])on which tlic middle west is now 
 entering, as well as to do construction work along other lines, which it is 
 fully qualified to undertake. 
 
 The (ieo. Sheldon Company was incorporated in 1920. Its president, 
 for whom it \yas named, had had sixteen years" ex])erience in the general 
 construction business. lie had built l)ridgcs and concrete buildings, laid 
 paving and done other work, thereby obtaining a practical knowledge of 
 the business. He saw that the held was one of large possibilities, but calling 
 for an effective organization and a c(»nsiderable capital investment to be 
 successfully worked. Therefore he set about enlisting the aid of other 
 prominent men in the connnunity. Since he was a natixe of Davenport and 
 well and favorablx- known, it was not ditlicult for him to secure the required 
 co-operation. The vice-president ()f the coiupany is Fred O. Block, presi- 
 dent of the (i. \V. Block Comi)any, extensive dealers in coal and building 
 material, with twelve branches in \arious cities. The secretary is ( iustav 
 Stueben. cashier of the Scott County Savings P>ank. The Treasurer. ( i. 11. 
 Ficke. is in the insurance and real estate business in Da\enport. 
 
 In its first season the company undertook a large highway bridge con- 
 struction program for Scott County, Iowa. ])Utling in sixty-six of these 
 structures. In 1921, thirty-seven bridges fi>r Scott county and live large 
 bridges for the state of Illinois were constructed. ( )perations for the 1922 
 season were confined entirely to highway paving, ten miles of concrete road-
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 207 
 
 way being laid fur the state of Missouri. This was a $500,000 contract, and 
 the work was highly commended by highway authorities from different 
 states who inspected it both while it was being built and after completion. 
 Exacting requirements of present-day highway and bridge construction 
 make it necessary to use only the best equipment obtainable and calls for 
 a degree of executive and engineering skill unknown in such work a few 
 
 Ihe Work of The Geo. Sheldon Company 
 
 years ago. In every department the Geo. Sheldon Company has made 
 good. Its equipment includes two complete paving units, five bridge build- 
 ing outfits and camps of modern type for each. 
 
 The company's work has been of such character that it is being sought 
 after by highway commissions, county and state, in Iowa and nearby states, 
 to undertake new contracts. W'ith its record of achievement and with high- 
 way and bridge construction programs of unprecedented extent in hand all 
 over the country, the future of the concern seems assured.
 
 208 
 
 ROCK I S L A X 1) A R S I-. X A L 
 
 The Tri-Citv Brick Conipanv 
 
 The Tri-City IJrick Company was organized in Febrnary. 1922. by Mr. 
 J. L. Buckley, then located at Pittsburg. Pa. 
 
 Mr. Buckley organized the Tri-City Brick Company for the purpose 
 of purchasing a i)lant that was (twned and operated by the Argillo Works 
 and located at Carbon Cliff. 111. The majority of the stock in the company 
 is owned bv Tri-City residents, and the officers of the concern at the time 
 of this writing are as follows: 
 
 President — V. K. Khoads. 
 
 \'ice-President — C. j. Mueller. 
 
 Secretary and (ieneral Manager — j. L. Buckley. 
 
 Treasurer — C. A. Beers. 
 
 The above officers, together with H. ( ). Binyt^m. of Chicag(^. and F. T. 
 Myers, of Rock Island, constitute the board of directors. 
 
 This plant has a large acreage of excellent raw material, both shale 
 and fire clay, and unexcelled shipping facilities, both by rail and water as 
 well as by truck, as the plant is located directly on the Rock Island-Ceneseo 
 new paved road. 
 
 The Argillo L<)m])any. which is one of the oldest concerns in this 
 section of the country, was devoting its efforts entirely to the manufacture 
 of hollow ware, but immediately upon taking possession of the plant 
 Mr. Buckley discontinued the manufacture of hollow ware and started 
 manufacturing face brick, and in a short time very successfully developed 
 one of the most artistic lines of facing brick that has ever been manufactured 
 in the central west. 
 
 The plant was greatly improved and extended: new kilns were erected: 
 an entire new set of brick machinery was installed, and Ijefore the end of 
 the first year the jjroduction had been increased to 50.C00 brick per day. 
 
 Carbon Cliff Plant of The
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 209 
 
 Commodious offices were opened up shortly after the organization of the 
 company, in suite 318, Robinson Building, in Rock Island, where an exten- 
 sive line of its brick is displayed in large panels. 
 
 The Argillo works antedates all other concerns of its kind in the com- 
 munity. As early as 1856 the quality of the clay at Carbon Cliff attracted 
 the attention of W*. S. Thomas, who had some scientific knowledge of 
 ceramics. At that time the coal mines there were at the height of produc- 
 tion and the Rock Island road had just been completed, connecting the 
 Mississii)pi river with the (ireat Lakes at Chicago, and giving exceptionally 
 good shipping facilities. Air. Thomas began by making pottery on a 
 small scale, experimenting t(^ learn the possibilities of his undertaking. 
 Results were so satisfactory that in 1865 a company was organized l)y Air. 
 Thomas, together with A. L. A\'ait, of Carbon Cliff, and Jeremiah Chamber- 
 lain, of Rock Island. It was given the name Argillo Works, Argillo meaning 
 white clay. An architect from abroad was engaged to build the hrst kiln. 
 From that time till the present operation of the plant has l^een practically 
 continuous, though tlie product has been changed from time to time to meet 
 market demands. 
 
 Milo Lee became chief owner and president of the concern in 1869. He 
 was succeeded in 1897 by \\'. T. Ball. In 1899 J. F. Robinson. Fred Titter- 
 ington and F. K. Rhoads purchased the plant, with the 189 acres of land 
 owned by the company, and operations were conducted under the manage- 
 ment of Mr. Titterington until the organization of the Tri-City Brick 
 Company. 
 
 Clay at (_'ar1)on Cliff is adapted to a wide \ariety of uses. An excellent 
 grade of pottery was made from it in the early days. Crockery and jugs 
 formed the staple output for a numljer of years. Even tableware was 
 attempted, 1)Ut the product was tot) dark in color to find favor. ( iood sewer 
 pipe was turned nut, l)Ut the kiln capacity was not large enough to produce 
 this line successful! v. 
 
 Tli-Citv Brirk C.ompanv
 
 210 
 
 ROCK I S L A X I) A R S \i N A L 
 
 The Sturte\ ant -Baker Company 
 
 Etticiency and cleanliness go iiand in hand in the Sunlight plant, the new 
 lionie of the Sturtevant-Baker Company, manufacturers of l*urity ice cream 
 and Crystal ice. Located at the corner of Sixteenth street and Fifth avenue. 
 Rock Island, convenient for prompt delivery to all parts of the three cities, 
 the huilding was planned ])rimarily for the production of good ice cream. 
 Working at full capacity. 240 gallons of ice cream can be produced hourly, 
 while the daily output of ice is 100 tons. 
 
 In the ten years since its advent in Rock Island the Sturtevant-Baker 
 Company has o])erated with marked success, building up a reputation for 
 
 New Home of The Sturlevant-Baker C 
 
 Purity ice cream which extends throughout the three cities and surrounding 
 territory. Twice it has outgrown its quarters, and finally was forced to 
 construct the j^resent building ft)r its plant, the structure being started 
 late in 1921 and occupied early in 1922. 
 
 The business later acquired by the present owners was started about 
 twenty-five years ago by the late J. M. Beeman, at Seventh avenue and Fif- 
 teenth street. At first a milk depot was conducted, and later the Beeman Ice 
 Cream Company was organized. In 1912 O. G. Sturtevant and C. E. Baker, 
 both experienced in the business, purchased Mr. Beeman's interests and op- 
 erated it as a partnership under the name of Sturtevant & Baker. The old 
 quarters were inadequate for the needs of the new owners, and so a new 
 building was erected just across the alley west of the former station. There 
 the retailing of milk and cream was shortly discontinued and the firm came 
 to devote its entire attention to the manufacture and sale of ice cream. 
 
 Details of the present plant were planned with much care and after 
 an exhaustive investigation of the best features of similar structures through- 
 out the country. The Sturtevant-Baker Company, which was incorporated 
 when the expansion was undertaken, was fortunate in securing the site of
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 211 
 
 the old rink building, centrally located and with ground space of 100x212 
 feet. The building covers all the ground, part of it being two stories in 
 height, and is of fireproof construction. In it all that is modern in the way of 
 equipment for the manufacture of ice cream and pure ice has been installed. 
 While the foundations were being laid an artesian well was drilled to 
 supply pure water for the making of ice. The structure is of brick and 
 concrete, presenting a pleasing exterior and an interior so admirably adapted 
 to its purposes that it is likely to serve for a long time as a model for build- 
 ing activities of concerns engaged in the ice cream business. 
 
 Recognizing sunlight as an important factor in promoting sanitation, 
 and light interior colors as an aid in the maintenance of perfect cleanliness, 
 the builders provided an abundance of windows and skylights and finished 
 the inside in pure white. Refrigerating machinery of the latest type fills 
 the engine room, from which is piped vaporized ammonia to three separate 
 departments. In one of these Crystal ice is produced, being frozen in 
 brine reduced to a low temperature l)y the expansion of the piped ammonia. 
 This ice, produced in 400-pound cakes, is handled by an electric crane. 
 It is used to pack ice cream and supplied to ice cream dealers, and the 
 surplus is sold at retail at the plant. 
 
 Four electrically operated freezers are in the ice cream department. 
 They are cooled direct by the ammonia process. The "mix," composed of 
 cream, sugar, flavoring extracts, etc., is prepared in three large containers on 
 the second floor and fed through closed pipes dow^n into the freezers. There 
 the dashers are set at work in the cold cylinders and when tests show that 
 the specific gravity has been reduced to the required point, the ice cream, 
 still in a partly fluid state, is poured out into paper-lined cans ready to be 
 placed in the zero chaml)er. Each of the four freezers converts fifteen 
 gallons of "mix" into ice cream every fifteen minutes. 
 
 In the zero cliaml:)er, which is also cooled by direct action of the am- 
 monia, a low temperature is maintained. There the ice cream is brought 
 to the right consistency for handling. Before being delivered it is packed 
 in crushed ice, which keeps it in perfect condition for several hours, even in 
 the warmest weather. 
 
 Sturtevant-Baker delivery facilities are up to the high standard of the 
 manufacturing plant. Anticipating the heavy demand for its product which 
 has since been realized, the company planned a large loading dock, all under 
 roof, from which the eight trucks serving the Tri-Cities receive their daily 
 loads of ice and ice cream. An overhead mechanism carries the crushed 
 ice direct from the crusher to the vehicles so that loading and packing can 
 be done most expeditiously. 
 
 The Sturtevant-Baker Company invites inspection of its plant, confident 
 that the more the public knows of its methods of operation the sooner will 
 the truth of its claim for the purity and goodness of its product be realized
 
 212 
 
 ROCK I S L A X 1) A R S 1-: X A L 
 
 The Bettendorf Oxvgen-Hvdrogen Company 
 
 ( )xvg^en and hydrogren. combined in the form of water, are among tlie 
 most Common elements. Separated they ha\e long been employed in 
 small quantities in various ways, but their general use in the industries dates 
 back but a few years, and involves a story of surjjrising growth. 
 
 O.xygen is used mainly in welding and in cutting steel, expediting both 
 operations to a marked degree and offering other improvements upon older 
 methuds. During the war hydrogen was required in large quantities to 
 inflate balloons. 
 
 The business of generating oxygen and hydrogen in commercial quan- 
 tities in this country goes back only a few years. In 1914, when the World 
 War began, the number of plants in the United States was fifty-one. and the 
 
 »',T;^fe4i|^''" 
 
 ci:-"**i" 
 
 
 cuantity of oxygen produced annually was 104.700,000 cubic feet. Xow there 
 are about one hundred plants, with a capacity of 1.500,000,000 cubic feet 
 yearly. 
 
 The Bettendorf < )xygen-Ilydrogen Company l^egan operations in 
 August. 1914, with a capacity of one million cubic feet of oxygen yearly. 
 Its plant is fitted to generate gases by the electrolysis of distilled water. 
 A high voltage current is passed through the liquid in cells, setting the two 
 elements free in the form of gases, which are conducted to separate holders 
 and later compressed into steel cylinders for handling, at a i)ressure of 
 1,800 pounds per square inch. Present capacity of the plant is 7,000,000 
 cubic feet of oxygen and 14,000.000 cubic feet of hydrogen per annum. 
 
 Hydrogen is used principally in the hydrogenation of vegetable oils, 
 a process which converts them into stearine, used in the manufacture of lard 
 substitutes. 
 
 During the World War j)ractically all the gases generated by the 
 Bettendorf jjlant were used at Rock Island Arsenal and in Tri-City manu- 
 facturing concerns doing war work. .\. J. Russell, secretary and manager 
 of the comj^any, was chairman of the war service committee of the oxygen- 
 hydrogen industry. 
 
 ]\. J. Bettendorf is president of the company. T. |. Walsh vice-president. 
 J. Reed Lane treasurer, and A. J. Russell secretary and manager.
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 213 
 
 The Knox Mortuary 
 
 The Knox Mortuary 
 
 More than a hundred years ago — June 27, 1818, to be exact — was born 
 at Blanford, Mass., the founder of the Knox Mortuary in Rock Island. 
 Charles Bishop Knox was his 
 name. He learned the trade 
 of cabinet maker, came to 
 Rock Island in 1841 and 
 opened a shop. 
 
 In the early days cabinet 
 makers found plenty of work 
 in the newer communities of 
 the west. They built furni- 
 ture and store fixtures. Cothn 
 making was a side line. Such 
 factories as there were then 
 were far away, and trans- 
 ])ortation was expensive and 
 slow. (ienerally work was 
 done on order, and few goods 
 were made uj) in adxance to 
 be held for sale. 
 
 Mr. Knox found a brisk demand for coffins and soon established a rejjU- 
 tation as coffin maker that extended many miles l)eyond the \illage limits. 
 There were no undertakers in the community then. Friends of bereaved 
 families generally \dlunteered to officiate at burials, but even so, something 
 better than a rough ]dne l)ox nailed together by amateurs was demanded. 
 Coffins were made to order, and not infrequently Mr. Knox was aroused 
 during the night to prepare one needed forthwith at some distant ])oint. Such 
 experiences suggested to him the wisdom of making up coffins in advance 
 in diffierent sizes, and keeping them ready for emergencies. This ])ractical 
 expedient, strange as it now seems, set the tongues of the townspeople to 
 wagging. It \A'as considered little short of sacrilegious to thus anticipate 
 the visits of the Grim Reaper. Idie Knox cabinet shop then was in the base- 
 ment of a one-story brick building at what is now 2010 Fourth a\enue. The 
 morbid curiosity of people who ])aused in the street to watch the coffin maker 
 at work made it expedient for the owner of the shop to screen the windows. 
 
 The elder Knox conducted his first funeral, according to records now 
 in the* hands of the family, in 1852, and three years later he definitely em- 
 barked in the business of undertaking, being the first in this ])art of the 
 country to do so. From that time till his death, in 1890, he was actively 
 engaged in this work, returning to earth the remains of most of the older 
 residents of Rock Island and \icinity. 
 
 During the Civil War nearly two thousand Confederate prisoners, who 
 died mostly of contagious diseases, were buried on Rock Island, just east
 
 214 
 
 R ( ) f K ISLAND A K S I". X A L 
 
 1852 — Four Generations of Knox Service. — .1922 
 
 Hurry T. Knox. .Ir. 
 Who In Expt'cteil to Carry on
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 215 
 
 of the Arsenal shops. As the only undertaker in the locality, Mr. Knox 
 was called upon to inter them, also making the coffins. This he did, number- 
 ing- the graves and keeping a record, still in the family possession, of names 
 and all other available data. 
 
 Two sons of the elder Knox learned the undertaking business with him, 
 one of them, B. Frank Knox, became associated with his father in 1872, and 
 taking over the business upon the latter's death. The son had his first 
 introduction to hard work as a boy, being employed in a bakery at night 
 making bread for Confederate prisoners and in daytime helping his father 
 hury the southern soldiers who had succumbed during the preceding 24 
 hours. 
 
 B. Frank Knox conducted the undertaking establishment until his death, 
 Dec. 28, 1914, as the result of an injury in an automobile accident. Then the 
 business passed into the hands of his son, Harry T. Knox, who now owns and 
 manages it. 
 
 The three generations that have conducted the Knox mortuary estab- 
 lishment have witnessed remarkable changes. The village of the 40's, where 
 the business was started, has grown to a city. The crudities of pioneer days 
 have given way to the refinements of the twentieth century. The under- 
 taking business has passed from its inception through the era of the slow 
 and unpretentious horse-drawn hearse to the ornate and swift motor funeral 
 car of today. 
 
 In all the changes in its lousiness the Knox Mortuary has been among 
 the pioneers. The late B. Frank Knox was one of the first licensed embalmers 
 in Illinois. He was among the first to discontinue the use of ice and intro- 
 duce embalming fluid. He adopted arterial embalming as soon as its success 
 was demonstrated. 
 
 Long ago the original building used in the business was torn down and 
 more commodious quarters provided. Fifteen years ago a mortuary chapel 
 was added, and is now used exclusively for funeral services. 
 
 The Knox family always has taken a prominent part in political and 
 social afiairs. Charles B. Knox served as coroner, supervisor and alderman, 
 and was one of the first captains of the volunteer fire department. B. Frank 
 Knox was chief of the volunteer fire department in 1886 and 1887. later serv- 
 ing as alderman from the fifth ward and was mayor of Rock Island three 
 terms, being elected in 1895, 1901 and 1903. 
 
 Harry T. Knox has learned the business from the ground up. Like his 
 father, he grew up in it, has a natural aptitude for it, and is ever alert to learn 
 and apply betterments in his line of work. During the World War he was 
 in the aviation service, serving with the 612th Aerial Squadron, which trained 
 at Kelly Field, San Antonio, Texas, and later had charge of aviation training 
 work at the general supply depot at Fairfield, Ohio. 
 
 It is the fond hope of the present owner that the Knox Mortuary will 
 sometime pass into the hands of the fourth generation of the family, Harry 
 T. Knox, Jr., whose portrait accompanies this sketch.
 
 216 
 
 k ( ) e" K 
 
 1 S L A X I) A R S I-: X A 
 
 Rock Island Rejxister Company 
 
 Founded upon a sound, practical idea. I^uilded w itli painstaking care 
 and fidelity to correct business principles, the Rock Island Register Com- 
 pany in a dozen years has grown until it now stands ])ractically without com- 
 petition in the middle west in the manufacture of warm air registers. 
 
 "Xo Streak" is the Registered Trade Mark. Formerly the wall register 
 used in warm air heating was objected to because of leakage of air. which 
 carried dust up the wall and in time caused streaks. The idea of the founders 
 of the Rock Island Register Company was a device to i)re\ent this leakage. 
 
 7 ^ ^^r ym "^ 
 
 ;: patented interlapi)ing slip joint that made a tight connection, and forced 
 all the warm air out into the room away from the wall. Xo com])Ctitor ever 
 has been able to im])rove upon or even ecpial it. 
 
 The Rock Island Register Com])any is distinctly a Rock Island concern. 
 J. |. Burgess and S. \\ Burgess, brothers, and natives of the city, invented 
 the register, and established the business in 1910. In 1911 they 
 formed a corporation in which ( ieorge Harms and W. ( i. Harms became 
 interested. In 1915 they erected their first building, which was quickly 
 • aitgrown and two additions were made. Xo more ground room being avail- 
 able, they built the present factory building at Fifth avenue and Twenty- 
 fifth street. This building is three stories and basement, and has 32.000 
 feet of floor si)ace. I*"orty men are em])loyed. 
 
 I'roin the beginning the com])any has maintained a high standard for its 
 product. During the war it installed heating plants in 460 government-built 
 houses in Rock Island. Moline and Fast Moline, and there never has been 
 a complaint. It was the best work of its kind, government housing official? 
 said, that was done anywhere in the United States. 
 
 Distribution of the Rock Island register is now national in scoi)e.
 
 ROCK ISLAND A R S E N A L 217 
 
 The Rock Island Mfg. Company 
 
 In diversity of output the Kock Island Mfg. Company probably ranks 
 among Tri-City manufacturing concerns next to Rock Island Arsenal. More 
 than five hundred dififerent articles are listed in its catalogues. Hardware, 
 electrical and farm specialties are its chief products. Vises constitute the 
 largest single item. From thirty to forty per cent of the vises used by the 
 armies of the United States and its allies during the World War were made 
 by this concern. 
 
 The history of the Rock Island Mfg. Company goes back scarcely a 
 dozen years. In 1909 it was organized under the leadership of Carl E. 
 Shields, who has served continuously since as president and treasurer. The 
 assets of the former Rock Island 1\hA Company were purchased, and the 
 plant at First street and Fifteenth avenue. Rock Island, was taken over. 
 Vises had been the main ])roduct of the Tool Company, which employed 
 thirty to forty men. and occupied twenty thousand feet of floor space. 
 Manufacture was resumed on an enlarged scale. New markets were found, 
 and the variety of products enlarged to meet growing demands. Feed grind- 
 ing mills, emery grinding tools, stock fountains and a line of hand farming 
 tools were produced, principal attention being paid to the needs of the 
 agricultural communities. Within two years manufacture of sad irons was 
 undertaken on a large scale, and this company is now conceded to be the 
 largest single producer of sad irons in the world. Popular automobile 
 specialties were later added, and in 1918. the Loetcher-Ryan Mfg. Company, 
 of Dubuque. Iowa, was absorbed and its factory equipment removed to Rock 
 Island. This made possible the manufacture of electrical specialties, electric 
 irons principally, at first. Other items have been added and the list is still 
 growing. 
 
 Before this country entered the World A\'ar the Rock Island Mfg. 
 Company supplied vises in large numljers to [uigland and her allies. Sev- 
 eral shipments lie at the bottom of the Atlantic, sent there !)y German sub- 
 marines. When our soldiers were in training they shot at targets the 
 metal castings of which were produced by this company. For several weeks 
 the foundry was employed exclusively in tilling a rush order from Rock 
 Island Arsenal to supply all cantonments in the United States with targets. 
 
 In the beginning the sales of the Rock Island Mfg. Company totaled 
 less than one hundred thousand dollars a year. Now they normally run more 
 than a million annually, and there has been a healthy increase in every year, 
 save one. Shop expansion has l)een necessary, twelve acres of land now 
 owned by the company insuring sufticient room for the future. In the reac- 
 tion following the war boom, the scale of operations w^as temporarily reduced, 
 but the factory never has been closed. Neither have products been cheapened 
 to stimulate sales. Only standard quality goods are made. Floor space 
 has been increased to 150,000 feet, and 250 men are employed.
 
 218 
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 219 
 
 Villa de Chantal 
 
 Rock Island has a widely patronized school for girls and young ladies 
 in Villa de Chantal, conducted by the Sisters of the Visitation, a 
 Catholic order of long standing and high achievement. It occupies a 
 magnificent site on the bluff overlooking the city and Davenport, and 
 unfolding a panorama of the Mississippi valley for miles in each direction. 
 
 The Order of the Visitation was founded in France more than three 
 hundred years ago. Its rules and traditions tend to encourage that spirit 
 of refinement, simplicity and self-sacrifice which peculiarly fits its members 
 for the training of young girls. 
 
 Founded in 1864, in Maysville, Ky., as Francis de Sales Academy, 
 the school was removed to Rock Island in 1899. Already widely known for 
 the quality of its work and drawing pupils from many states, in its new home 
 it found a broader field and shortly became recognized as one of the leading 
 college preparatory institutions. 
 
 The academy building is surrounded by fifteen acres of land, mostly 
 level and sloping away on three sides, with a precii)itate drop toward the 
 city at the north, line site is exceptionally well adapted to landscaping and 
 for purposes of outdoor recreation. Walks and drives have been laid about 
 the grounds, the natural forest growth supplemented with a variety of other 
 trees and shrubber_v, and la\\ns and courts installed for the games and 
 amusements in which girls delight to take part. 
 
 The course of study embraces academic, intermediary and primary 
 departments. The academic department offers two courses, one general and 
 the other college {preparatory. Recognition that of all the arts music 
 is the most subtle and far-reaching in its eft'ects, and that its influence is most 
 pronounced in refining- and broadening the tastes of those who study it, the 
 school always has laid particular stress upon this branch of its work. The 
 department for both vocal and instrumental instruction is under the direc- 
 tion of graduates of the leading conservatories of the country. The piano, 
 organ, guitar, harp, mandolin and violin are taught by competent instructors. 
 The department of elocution is under the supervision of a graduate of one 
 of the best known schools of oratory. Foreign languages are taught by ac- 
 complished linguists. Aesthetic culture and daily physical exercises, which 
 promote gracefulness of carriage and the habit of true politeness, receive 
 special care. 
 
 Axilla de Chantal is centrally located and easily accessible from all 
 parts of the Tri-City connnunity. Thus it is enabled to serve many day 
 pupils who live within a radius of a few miles. Though the school is con- 
 ducted by a Catholic order, pupils of all denominations are received. Two 
 free scholarships are maintained and medals are aw^arded for high standing 
 in certain lines of work. The school library is one of the most complete in 
 the state.
 
 220 
 
 ROCK 1 S 1. A X I) ARSE X A L 
 
 St. Ambrose College 
 
 St. Anil)rt)se College. Davenport, was founded by the Rt. Rev. James 
 McMullen. D. D.. first bishoj) of Davenport, in the year 1882. and was 
 incori)orated under the laws of the state of Iowa on October 6. 1885. The 
 present ofiicers of the corporation are: Rt. Rev. James Davis. D. D.. presi- 
 dent: \'ery Rev. J. T. A. Flannagan. vice-president; \'ery Rev. William 
 E. llannon. secretary and treasurer. 
 
 It is a Catholic college devoted to the cause of Christian education. The 
 
 institution owes its 
 existence to the con- 
 viction that in the 
 education of young 
 men best results are 
 ol)tained where the 
 imi)ortance of the 
 religious element in 
 training is recogniz- 
 ed and respected. 
 St. Ambrose offers 
 the regular college 
 and high s c h o o 1 
 courses. A large en- 
 dowment insures a 
 high standard of in- 
 struction and equip- 
 ment. \'ery Rev. 
 \\m. L. Hanni)n is 
 president in charge 
 of the institution. 
 
 Da\U Hall, .Men's New Donnitur)
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 221 
 
 St. Katharine's School 
 
 (Jccupying a wooded knoll in the heart of the residential part of Daven- 
 [)ort, overlooking" the Mississippi, St. Katharine's School for girls and 
 young women is set amidst ideal surroundings. Conducted by the Sisters 
 of St. Mary, an I^piscopal order, this institution offers unexcelled opportu- 
 nities for the study of music, dramatics and art, and has l^een most successful 
 in prei)aration of its students for entrance to eastern colleges for women. 
 
 Group of St. Katharine's School B'lildings 
 
 Its work is conducted by se\en Sisters, twenty-two instructors, all college 
 graduates, a physical instructor and a nurse. Cirls of all denominations are 
 welcomed as students. 
 
 St. Katharine's School was opened September 24, 1884. Its establish- 
 ment was made possible by a legacy from the estate of Miss Sarah I'.urr, left 
 to Griswold College for the purpose of founding in the diocese of Icnva a 
 church school for girls. A building and live acres of ground were purchased. 
 Bishop Perry presided at the opening ceremonies. An addition to the 
 building was made in 1885. 
 
 Until 1902 the school was conducted by Miss luuma Rice, later Mrs. 
 J. J. Richardson, as preceptress. Then it was turned over to the Sisters 
 of St. Mary, wdiose chief work is education. During the summer of 1902 
 ihe chapel and gymnasium were built. In 1907 three acres of land adjoining 
 the school pro])erty, \\-ith the buildings thereon, were acquired. 
 
 St. Katharine's is not conducted for i)ecuniary proht. A few generous 
 bequests and a modest endowment provided by its friends have made its 
 expansion possible. Six scholarships to defray tuition of deserving girls 
 needing financial assistance are jjrovided. 
 
 Perhaps the best testimonial to the character of St. Katharine's is to be 
 found in its list of alumnae, which is made up of members of leading families 
 of Iowa, as well as from many other states, east and west.
 
 Ill 
 
 RUCK IS L A X D A R S 1£ N A L 
 
 Rock Island Transfer & Storage Company 
 
 \\ arelit'using has come in the last few years to assume a degree of 
 importance hitherto imdreamed of. Changes in methods of handling mer- 
 chandise and household goods, improved facilities for storing, and above 
 all. the development t)f the motor truck, ottering cpiicker and more efficient 
 transport on short hauls, have helped to bring this business to the front. 
 
 Though a comparati\ ely ticw concern, the Rock Island Transfer tS: Stor- 
 age Company occupies a position of leadership in its field in the Tri-City 
 
 community, with a new $125,000 plant and with facilities to meet every de- 
 mand incident to the warehousing business. March 27. 1917. the company 
 was incorporated. At that time its equipment was limited to six teams and 
 wagons, and it rented modest quarters on West Seventeenth street. 
 
 The company's new home at First avenue and Seventeenth street was 
 formally opened June 20, 1922. It is a four-story building, of heavy vitrified 
 brick construction, and so arranged as to make possible the erection of two 
 additional stories. The main building is 77.\110 feet, with garage adjoining. 
 73x110 feet, the latter being part one and part two-story. Latest ideas in 
 warehouse construction were incori)orated ; efficient handling, safe storage 
 and adequate fire ])rotection being leading objccti\es. 
 
 Equii)ment now includes half a dozen trucks, more than a score of 
 horses and many wagons. Moving and hauling, packing, crating and storing 
 of household goods and storing and distributing merchandise are among the 
 company's activities. 
 
 B. L. Burke is president and treasurer, N. B. Gosline vice-president and 
 secretary and Loyal Robb superintendent of the concern.
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 223 
 
 Augustana Book Concern 
 
 The Lutheran publishing plant, known as the Augustana Book Concern, 
 was established in Rock Island in the 80"s. At first a small private printing 
 shop and bookstore, it was purchased in 1889 by the Augustana Synod of 
 North America and made the official publishing house of that Synod. As such 
 the business has developed from a modest store and shop to its present 
 
 uf Augustana H,,.,k r,„„,-,,i 
 
 capacity — an establishment fully equipped in every department of a modern 
 printing and publishing plant, and showing an annual turnover of more 
 than $280,000.00. 
 
 The output per year may be indicated by the following totals for the 
 last calendar year: The number of copies of books and pamphlets printed 
 in 1921 was 210,850, half of which were new, the balance reprints. The 
 average number of copies of periodicals printed, counting one issue of each, 
 exceeds 100,000. Since its establishment in 1889 the Augustana Book Concern 
 has printed 5,014,130 copies of books, tracts, pamphlets and sheet music. 
 
 The business management consists of an elective board and an executive 
 head. Mr. A. G. Anderson has served as manager since the founding of the 
 synodical publishing house thirty-three years ago, and several heads of 
 departments have served the same length of time. In point of volume of 
 business done annually, the Augustana Book Concern ranks well to the 
 front among commercial establishments in the city of Rock Island, and 
 the postal revenues of this city are largely derived from this source.
 
 224 
 
 R ( ) ( " In 
 
 1 S LA X I) 
 
 S !•: X A L 
 
 K.H k blan.l Fu.1 (. 
 
 Rock Island Fuel Company 
 
 During^ the winter of 1917-18, when the United States Fuel Administra- 
 tioti \\a< ill charsre of distribution of coal, the Rock Island Fuel Company 
 
 l)layed a \ cry important i)art in looking 
 after the comfort of the community. 
 
 During" this severe pcriixl a coal 
 famine existed. There was very little 
 coal of any kind for domestic or steam 
 use. and what little did arrive was 
 quickly consimied. The Rock Island 
 Fuel (dmpany. using every possible 
 resource, managed to secure enough 
 fuel to avert real suffering. Besides 
 taking care of its own trade, it furnish- 
 ed fuel to other dealers. It was at 
 times necessary to route shijjnicnts through distant points because of exist- 
 ing embargoes. 
 
 In emergencies the Rock Island Fuel Company has never failed to 
 supply the needs of the community. This company, the (ddest and 
 largest exclusive fuel concern in the three cities, enjoys a wide prestige 
 because of the high qualit\- of the fuels handled and the excellent service it 
 renders. 
 
 The business was started in 1880. by William Hubers. who at that time 
 dealt principally in wood. From a small beginning the business developed 
 
 quickly, and in 1889 the Rock Island 
 
 Fuel Company was incorporated \\ith 
 William Hubers as ])resident. Mr. 
 Hubers has remained at the head of the 
 compan}^ and still takes an active hand 
 in the business. 
 
 Today the company has yards in 
 all three cities, and handles on the 
 average about 100.000 tons of fuel a 
 year. The company maintains a fleet 
 of trucks besides many teams, has its 
 own blacksmith and rei)air shops and 
 other facilities f(.r the efficient handling of the business. Besides its large 
 storage yards in Davenport and Moline. the company has its great gravity 
 bins in Rock Island, which are capable of holding six thousand tons at one 
 time. 
 
 if Gravity Bins
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 225 
 
 Rock Island Wood Works 
 
 Founded as an adjunct to sawmills of the vicinity when the lumber 
 business on the Mississippi river was at its zenith, the Rock Island Wood 
 Works has survived the days of the log raft, the screeching saw and the 
 
 fragrant lumber pile in its home city 
 and has become a permanent concern. 
 Able business management and high stand- 
 ards maintained in cjuality of output have 
 contributed to its success. 
 
 Starting as a partnership with William 
 Roth and C. J. Schreiner as owners, the 
 original name was the Variety Wood 
 Works. That was in 1891. Mr. Schreiner's 
 death late in the nineties led to the pur- 
 chase of the Schreiner interests by Mr. 
 Roth in 1901, and the incorporation of the 
 present company. 
 
 The first factory building at the north- 
 west corner of Eleventh street and Sixth 
 avenue was soon outgrown and additions 
 were made. Soon after incorporating the 
 company secured the land on the corner 
 diagonally opposite the plant and erected 
 thereon the present office and warehouses. 
 
 William Roth, one of the Founders of the 
 Rock Island Wood Works 
 
 The company manufactures no stock 
 goods, working only on architects' or 
 builders' specifications, and has an en- 
 viable reputation for the high class of 
 its product. Its millwork has been used in 
 some of the best buildings in the three 
 cities, among which may be mentioned the 
 Rock Island postoffice, court house, Central 
 Trust & Savings bank, Peoples bank. Fort 
 Armstrong theatre, the Washington and 
 Audubon schools, the Capitol theatre in 
 Davenport and the Reliance building in 
 Moline. 
 
 On the death of William Roth, early 
 in 1922, his son, G. William Roth succeeded 
 him as president and treasurer. Walter F. 
 Roth is vice-president and Max Helpenstell 
 secretary of the company. 
 
 G. William Roth, Present Head of Company
 
 226 
 
 R O C K I S L A X I) A K S !•: X A I. 
 
 Beder Woo(1's Sons Company 
 
 Forty-six years ago Beder \\\>()d, of Moline. had sufficient vision to 
 see a future in the sand business, and out of that vision grrew the flourishing 
 industry now conducted by Beder Wood's Sons Company, operating an 
 
 equipment capable of handling 600 tons of 
 sand and gravel daily, besides large quanti- 
 ties of fuel and building material. 
 
 Concrete was unknown in this country 
 in 1876. Sand was used in relatively small 
 quantities and gravel not at all in construc- 
 tion projects. 
 
 The ri\er then, a? now. offered tlic most 
 a\ailable supply of clean sand, but the 
 method of getting it out of the stream and 
 onto the banks ready for use was crude and 
 involved a great deal of labor. 
 
 W hen Mr. W dod began dealing in sand 
 he obtained it by shoveling it from bars 
 onto barges. Tlic barges were poled from 
 the l)ank at tlie foot of Sixteenth street. 
 where his first yard was located, up the 
 ri\er to the nearest bar. and when loaded 
 Beder Wood. Foun.ier wcre rctumed to the starting po'uU by the 
 
 same method. Lse of steam power to propel the craft and pump the sand 
 had nt)t been thought of. \\'hen the stage of the river was high and bars 
 were covered with water it was necessary to use long-handled shovels, and 
 the task was unusually arduous and slow. 
 
 Mr. Wood had not followed the sand business long before he began 
 to cast about for better and more economical ways to handle his product. 
 The centrifugal pump was then in use. but it ne\ er had been adapted to the 
 raising of sand. Mr. \\'(^od set about applying it to this use. and after 
 much exj)erimenting and a number of failures, succeeded in getting the 
 desired results. He built the steamboat Kdna and rigged it up with an 
 equipment which has been the model for manufacturers of sand pumping 
 machinery ever since. This was done in the early 80's. his pump being the 
 first one used in the business on the Mississippi ri\er. 
 
 Ciravel did not come into general use till the 90's and then there was 
 some opposition to it as a substitute for crushed stone, which Mr. Wood 
 labored to overcome, (iravel now is sold in much greater quantities than 
 sand, having to a large extent displaced crushed stone in concrete construc- 
 tion. 
 
 In 1902 the business was removed from .sixteenth street to its i)resent 
 location, the site of the old Keator sawmill on I-".ightecnth street, where two
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 227 
 
 half blocks are now covered by yards and Iniildings. Modern bins and 
 docks have been built, and improved machinery installed for washing, 
 screening, grading and handling gravel and sand. 
 
 The firm has built practically all its own boats and barges. Its 
 fleet now consists of the steel-hulled towboat, Beder Wood, a pump boat, 
 coal boat, spud boat and nine barges. It owns gravel pits at Hampton and 
 below the mouth of the Aleredosia, 20 miles above Moline. ( )n shore the 
 firm operates from ten to forty trucks and teams, the number \arying with 
 
 Upper left — Towboat Beiler Wooii. Lipper right —Pump boat in ai-tion. Lower left Unloading barge at wharf. 
 Lower right — Part of land equipment of Beder Wood's Sons Company. 
 
 the season. Much of its gravel and sand is shipped to inland points within 
 a radius of 100 miles. A full line of building materials, including brick, 
 cement, tile, etc., is carried, and an extensive retail coal business is done. 
 When not otherwise employed its boats do a general towing business. 
 
 Beder Wood, Sr., died in 1914. Since that time the business has been 
 conducted by his sons, Beder Wood. Jr., and Benjamin Wood. During the 
 AVorld War large quantities of sand and gravel were supplied for construc- 
 tion work at Rock Island Arsenal, the War Department always having 
 priority in the filling of orders.
 
 228 
 
 ROCK I S I 
 
 A X I) A R S 1-: X A 
 
 The Rol)insons. Pioneer Bankers and City Builders 
 
 Among the men who gave impetus to Rock Island's early grituth. none 
 was more active or interested in a greater diversity of enterprises than the 
 late Capt. Thomas J. Robinson. He and his son. the late James F. Robinson. 
 
 who continued his father's work during the 
 few years that he was spared to do so, ac- 
 cumulated extensive property holdings, 
 now administered as the Robinson estate 
 by Mrs. J. F. Robinson. 
 
 Capt. Robinson was of New England 
 birth and training. Born in Maine, in 1818, 
 he made his own way from his early teens, 
 when he learned the cooper's trade. Com- 
 ing west at the age of twenty, he taught 
 school, clerked on a river steamer and 
 finally took up farming near Hillsdale, in 
 Rock Island county. Three years later he 
 removed to Port Byron, where he conducted 
 a retail store for five years, and then in 
 1853 came to Rock Island. With his sav- 
 ings he bought from Judge John W. 
 Spencer an interest in the Davenport & 
 Rock Island Ferry company and took 
 charge of the business, acquiring in that 
 
 connection the title of "Captain." by which 
 
 he was known thereafter. 
 
 The young captain lost no time in re- 
 placing with steam the horse power then 
 used in operating the ferry. In less than 
 a decade he had become full owner of the 
 enterprise, of which he remained in con- 
 trol until his death. 
 
 Capt. Robinson always had supreme 
 faith in the future of the Tri-Cities. Act- 
 ing on the belief that they were destined to 
 became a great industrial center, he exerted 
 his energies and invested his capital in 
 promoting home enterprises. He was one 
 of the organizers of the Rock Island Stove 
 Company, the Rock Island Glass Company, 
 and many other concerns which flourished 
 in the early days. Seeing in an eastern 
 city a street railway in operation, he re- 
 turned home and set to wrtrk to ]>rovide a j.f. Robinson 
 
 Ca|il. T. J. Kubinsuii
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 229 
 
 similar utility here. As a result, the line between Rock Island and Moline, 
 which became the nucleus of the properties of the present Tri-City Railway 
 Company, was built. No other man in the community worked harder to 
 secure congressional legislation for the establishing of Rock Island Arsenal 
 than he. He spent much time and money interesting national law makers in 
 the building of the Hennepin canal as the link in a water route between 
 the Great Lakes and the Gulf of Mexico. He was a leading promoter of 
 the railroad line between Rock Island and St. Louis, which is now operated 
 by the Burlington as its St. Louis division. In connection with Weyer- 
 haeuser & Denkmann, Rock Island lumbermen, he backed enterprises for 
 the development of the lumber industry in Wisconsin. 
 
 In 1871 Capt. Robinson founded the Rock Island National Bank. He 
 became its president, holding the office till his death, and made it one of 
 the strongest financial institutions in western Illinois. The supreme test of 
 his business career came in 1873, when the stability of his bank was threat- 
 ened by the resumption of specie payment, ordered by President Grant. 
 Many persons now living recall the panic of 1873, in which only the strongest 
 business concerns survived. The "Robinson bank," as the Rock Island 
 National was generally known, came through unscathed, but its president 
 staked every resource he possessed in winning the fight. To provide a 
 home for the bank the Robinson building at Second avenue and Eighteenth 
 street, one of the landmarks of the business district, was constructed. 
 
 Upon the death of Capt. Robinson, April 12, 1899, his son, J. F. 
 Robinson, who was his sole heir, succeeded him as president of the Rock 
 Island National Bank. In December, 1899, the Central Trust & Savings 
 Bank was organized, with Mr. Robinson president, and occupying quarters 
 jointly with the Rock Island National. Later the two banks were merged 
 under the name of the younger institution. 
 
 James F. Robinson was born in Rock Island county, February 27, 1849. 
 Upon completion of his schooling, which included a classical course at 
 Northwestern University, he became cashier of the Rock Island National 
 Bank, a position which he held for 25 years. He died May 23, 1902. 
 
 The younger Mr. Robinson was a man of scholarly tastes. Like his 
 father, he led a most exemplary life, had no fear of hard work and earned 
 a reputation for dealing honestly and fairly with his fellows. Under his 
 management the properties he inherited prospered, and he added to them 
 by engaging in new enterprises. He always had at heart the best interests 
 of his home city. 
 
 Both father and son were affiliated with and actively supported the 
 Methodist Episcopal church. Both gave liberally in aid of schools and 
 charitable institutions, and devoted large sums to the relief of the needy. 
 
 J. F. Robinson was married in 1879 to Miss Mary E. Rhoads, of Pekin, 
 111. Two daughters were born to the union, but both died in infancy.
 
 230 
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 Leading Rock Island Merchant 
 
 Credit for Rock Island's high standiiii^ as a merchandising center is 
 due in large measure to the late L. S. McCabe. For forty-five years 
 actively engaged in the retail business in the city, his energy, enterprise 
 and fair dealing built up a patronage extending many miles beyond the city's 
 
 borflers and heli)ed in no small degree to bring ])ros])erily to tliose engaged 
 in other lines of trade. Mr. McCabe .always had great faith in the com- 
 munity. Combined with his rare ability as a merchant was an unusual 
 insight into the motives which actuated the Imying public and a belief in 
 the power of constant, truthful advertising. The ])ublicity he obtained 
 for his enterprise was backed by dependable got)ds and honest service. 
 
 L. S. McCabe was born in Delaware County, New York. December 11. 
 1846, and died in Rock Island Se])teml)er 26. 1915. ( )n coming west in 1868,
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 231 
 
 he taught school for two years in Drury township, the late Judge William 
 H. Gest being county superintendent at that time. 
 
 The first McCabe store, located at what is now Second avenue and Six- 
 teenth street, was opened October 5, 1870, its stock consisting of drygoods 
 and household necessities. Even in that early day the young merchant 
 saw the advantage of creating separate departments for the sale of different 
 classes of goods, which later became the plan of merchandising in all the 
 larger establishments. He also realized the possibilities of economy in 
 larger buying for a number of business enterprises, and as soon as he had 
 sufficient capital he opened other stores, cities in which he operated including 
 Davenport, Muscatine and Des Moines, Iowa, and Chicago and Ottawa, Illi- 
 nois. Growth of his business in his home city, however, demanded so much 
 of his time and attention that eventually he closed out all branches and center- 
 ed his resources in Rock Island. There he built up a truly metropolitan 
 department store, wdiich, during the later years of his life, was recognized 
 as a leader in the Tri-City field. 
 
 Early in his career Mr. McCabe began acquiring real estate in the 
 business district of the city. The Gay ford lilock on Second avenue, between 
 Seventeenth and Eighteenth streets, the present Second avenue home of the 
 L. S. McCabe c^ Co. store, was his first purchase. Adding to his holdings 
 from time to time, he ultimately became the largest individual owner of 
 business property in the city of Rock Island. In 1899 the present company 
 was incorporated and the following year the Third avenue building, with 
 80,000 feet of floor space, was erected, providing a store one block in length, 
 with entrances on two avenues. Since his death the business has been con- 
 tinued by the company bearing his name. 
 
 While a master of detail and always in close touch with every branch 
 of his business establishment, Mr. McCabe never permitted himself to 
 become wdiolly absorbed in it. His abundant energies always sought addi- 
 tional outlets, and as a result be became identified with various undertakings 
 outside of the retail field. He was vice-president and director of the Moline 
 Central street railway, one of the first in the west to be electrified. He 
 helped to lay out Prospect Park. He was president of the Rock Island 
 Safety Deposit Company, builder of the Safety building, and of the Colonial 
 Hotel Company, being owner of the site of the building, now known as the 
 Como hotel. H,e was an organizer and an officer of the Central Trust & 
 Savings bank. He was interested in agriculture, owning several fine farms 
 on which he raised blooded Angus cattle. 
 
 In religious, social and political affairs Mr. McCabe was also deeply 
 interested. In 1902 he w^as elected state senator to represent the Thirty- 
 third district, serving one term of four years and declining re-election. 
 
 Mr. McCabe was married to Miss Marion V. Reck, August 30, 1888. He 
 is survived by the widow and three daughters, the Misses Dorothy Clay. 
 Alarguerite Baxter and Marion McCabe Bruner.
 
 232 R () e K 1 S L A X 1) A R S !•: X A L 
 
 Federal Surety Company 
 
 The Federal Surety Company is a stock company located in Davenport, 
 ioua. This company, with a capital of one million dollars, writes casualty 
 insurance and surety bonds. It is owned by many prominent people in the 
 Tri-Cities and at present transacts business in eighteen states and the 
 District of Columbia. The Federal Government has licensed this company 
 to write government business throughout the United States. The Federal 
 is one of only twenty-nine companies in the United States to be so licensed, 
 and only two of these companies are located west of the Mississippi. 
 
 W. L. Taylor is the very elhcieiit manager of the Federal Surety Com- 
 pany, and the effects of his splendid management are shown in the rapid 
 growth of this company. It w^as established during the month of July, 1920, 
 and since that date has attained a position of confidence and trust usually 
 accorded only to companies which have put many years of faithful service 
 behind them. Best's Insurance Guide with key ratings for 1922 rates the 
 Federal Surety's paying record as "excellent" and gives its management the 
 highest rating accorded to companies of this kind. 
 
 Each department is managed by men with years of experience in their 
 respective lines. The directors of this company are: 
 
 M. H. Calderwood, Ex-President of the Iowa Rankers Association. 
 Director and President of the Eldridge Savings Bank, Director and Presi- 
 dent of the Mississippi \'alley Fair and I'lxposition Association. 
 
 George E. Decker, Director and President of the Register Life Insurance 
 Company, also Director of the Iowa National Bank. 
 
 Charles Grilk, Counselor and Attorney-at-law, General Counsel Register 
 Life Insurance Company. 
 
 H. C. Kahl, Director and \'icc-President of the Walsh Construction 
 Company, Director and President of the Blackhawk Hotel Company, Direc- 
 tor and \"ice-President of the Miller Hotel Company, Director of the 
 Citizens Trust and Savings Bank, Director of the Iowa National Bank, 
 also sole owner of the Kahl building. 
 
 Charles Shuler, Director and President of the Iowa National Bank, Di- 
 rector Colorado and Utah Coal Company, Maple Coal Company, also inter- 
 ested in some of Davenport's largest institutions. 
 
 Frank B. Yetter, Director and active \'ice-President of the Iowa National 
 Bank, Director Register Life Insurance Company, member of the Ex- 
 ecutive Committee Clearing House division of the American Bankers' 
 Association, also Ex-President of the Iowa Bankers' Association. 
 
 W. L. Taylor \'ice-President and General Manager of the Company. 
 
 Charles Shuler is the President of the Federal Surety Com])any
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 233 
 
 W. L. Taylor, Vice-President and General Manager Federal Surety Company
 
 2.H k u C K I S I. A X I) A k S I. X A L 
 
 Geo. M. Bechtel & Co. 
 
 In April. 1891, tlie investment house of (ieo. M. Bechtel & Cu. was es- 
 tablished in Davenpi>rt. Iowa, to specialize in the purchase and sale of Iowa 
 municipal bonds. For over thirty years the institution has grown and 
 prospered by adherence to conservative and safe principles of investment 
 banking. 
 
 It is interesting to note the great difference in the investment tield of that 
 day and this. We find that while the State of Iowa was well settled, it was not 
 the wealthy, highly developed state that it is today. It is reported that the 
 entire bonded indebtedness of all the cities, counties and school districts in 
 the state at that time amounted to only $11,000,000. But the need of capital 
 for public improvements existed, and the prosperity of the greatest agri- 
 cultural state in the union was dependent upon it. Naturally many of its 
 lx)nd laws were new and untested. We find further that the market for 
 municipal bonds existed only among the banks and insurance companies of 
 New York and New England, while some of the bonds found their way to 
 London, along with other classes of American securities. But the number 
 of bond buyers among the general public was limited. At that time it 
 may be said that Iowa was considered by the eastern investor as a field for 
 high rate semi-conservative investments, such as we now find in so many 
 western and southern localities. But above all. Iowa possessed the potential 
 uealth and prospect for prosperity that does not exist in any undeveloped 
 part of the United States today. The favorable reception of Iowa bonds in 
 the market then, and also their future market, was wholly dependent on the 
 'judgment of and development by those who dealt in them. This is 
 briefly the situation at the time of the establishment of the house oi Geo. 
 M. Bechtel & Co. 
 
 \\'ith no change in policy nor deviation from the ideals of conser\ati\e 
 investment banking, this institution stands today as a tribute to the judg- 
 ment and integrity of its founder, Mr. Geo. M. Bechtel. Money and the 
 investment markets are no lortger confined to the east. The municipal bond, 
 the government bond, or any bond is common stock in trade. The banker, 
 the merchant, the professional man and the wage earner look upon a safe 
 conservative bond as a logical i)lacc for spare funds or savings. A record 
 in Iowa municipal bonds of "no loss to any investor of principal or interest 
 in thirty years" has earned for them the name of "Little Governments" 
 among the customers of Geo. M. Bechtel & Co. It is estimated that there is 
 now outstanding in the State of Iowa $125,000,000 of city, county and school 
 bonds and probably an equal amount has been issued and paid during the 
 past thirty years. In all of this financing this institution has been very 
 closely associated. Hardly a municipality exists in the state that at some 
 time or other has not been assisted by this house. 
 
 Geo. M. Bechtel & Co. serves today thousands of conservative investors 
 in the United States who believe in safe, convenient and tax-free investments.
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 235 
 
 The White-Phillips Company 
 
 The White-Phillips Company, Livestment Bankers, Davenport, Iowa, is 
 recognized as one of the foremost institutions of its kind in Iowa. The 
 concern specializes exclusively in the handling of municipal bonds in the 
 middle west — primarily in Iowa, Illinois and Nebraska. 
 
 The universal interest of the investing public in municipal bonds has 
 caused the firm to prepare an interesting booklet explaining how bond values 
 are computed and what they represent. Copies of this booklet may be had 
 upon request, free of charge. 
 
 Since the World ^\'ar this class of securities, which found but a limited 
 field of buyers twenty years ago, has attained wide popularity, for the very 
 good reason that they form a nearly ideal investment for wage earners and 
 those of limited means, as well as for those of larger financial resources. A 
 people which had learned to buy government bonds to the value of billions of 
 dollars has turned largely now to the bonds of cities, towns, school districts 
 and counties. 
 
 The White-Phillips Company is at all times prepared to answer any 
 questions which may arise with reference to municipal bonds. The services 
 and facilities of this banking house are yours to command, and it is their 
 earnest desire that you avail yourself of them. All inquiries are accorded 
 serious, respectful and courteous personal consideration. 
 
 Specializing exclusively in the handling of municipal bonds in the great 
 corn belt, they at all times have on hand an ample list of diversified offerings 
 \vhich permit a varied selection to meet any particular requirements. 
 
 The institution has grown to an enviable position of stability, strength 
 and high character, and has branch offices located in Dubuque and Des 
 Moines. Iowa, and Omaha, Nebraska, with a personnel of over forty jK-ople. 
 
 The officers and members of the firm are: 
 President — George AAHiite. 
 \'ice-President— B. A. Phillips. 
 Secretary — Robert Alexander. 
 Treasurer — S. C. (ilaspell. 
 Cashier — \\'alter E. A^ieth. 
 
 Their facilities for handling any investment needs are unsurpassed and 
 without peer in their chosen field.
 
 236 
 
 ROCK I S L A \ I) A R S E N A L 
 
 Peoples National Bank 
 and American Trust & Savings Bank 
 
 Forty-eight years ago the Peojiles National Bank, now the only national 
 bank in Rock Island county, was organized. Bailey Davenport was its first 
 president and its directorate included Frederick Weyerhaeuser, George 
 
 J. L. Vernon, Prfsirlmt Ppoplrs National and American Triisl and Savings Banks 
 
 Wagner, Ignat/. Iluber. Charles Tegeler, Joseph Rosenfield, August 
 Huesing, Frederick \V. Kellerstrass, Frederick Hass, Henry Burgower, and 
 Peter Fries. All have passed away, most of them many years ago, but de- 
 scendants of nearly all remain and the family names are closely linked with 
 Rock Island's history from the earliest days.
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 237 
 
 The Peoples National Bank first did business in the 1800 block, coming 
 to its present quarters about ten years later. In 1911 the property at Second 
 avenue and Eighteenth street was purchased and remodeled. 
 
 Peoples National Bank Building 
 
 Henry Burgower was the first vice-president and John Peetz the first 
 cashier. On the death of Bailey Davenport, Joseph Rosenfield became pres- 
 ident, being followed by Otto Huber. Present officers are: 
 
 President — J. L. Vernon. 
 
 Vice-President — Robert Wagner. 
 
 Cashier — G. O. Huckstaedt. 
 
 Assistant Cashier — F. E. Sudlow. 
 
 Directors — G. O. Hucksteadt, C. B. Marshall, James F. Murphy, G. W. 
 Roth, C. A. Schoessel, J. L. Vernon, Robert Wagner. 
 
 The American Trust & Savings Bank was formed in 1912, and occupies 
 quarters jointly with the Peoples National. Officers are the same, except 
 that the directorate of the former includes S. J. Apple, C. A. Bopes, N. A. 
 Larson, C. J. Montgomery, John A. Murrin, L. Ostrom, H. C. Schafifer, and 
 J. A. Weishar. 
 
 The combined capital and surplus of the two banks is $400,000 and their 
 joint resources approximately $3,000,000.
 
 238 
 
 R () f K 1 S I. A X I) A R S v. N A I 
 
 R. j. Walsh & Company 
 
 R.J. Walsh 
 
 I-'dundt'd in 1917 and incorporated in 1920. R. j. Walsh & Company has 
 heconu' a leading; Tri-City ])on(l and mortgage in\estment company. Since 
 
 the date of incorporation it has occupied 
 attractive .ground tloor quarters in the Kalil 
 building-, MO West Third street, Daven- 
 jxirt. 
 
 In its earlier years the concern handled 
 stock issues for industrial concerns and 
 scored a remarkable success. Latterly it 
 has turned its attention exclusively to the 
 l)uying and selling of first mortgage real 
 estate gt)ld bonds. Here, also, it has done 
 a large volume oi business and has built up 
 an extensive and steadily growing patron- 
 age. 
 
 The company maintains a staff of ex- 
 pert salesmen. It pays particular attention 
 to Iowa and Illinois securities, its field be- 
 ing one in Avliich real estate \alues. both 
 urban and rural, are uniformly sound and 
 normally show a steadily rising tendency. 
 making an ideal security for conser\ati\e in\estment. I'rogressive develop- 
 ment of this territory, assured by e\ery industrial, commercial and agri- 
 cultural aspect, gives positive promise of a steadily growing volume of 
 business, of which the Walsh 
 organization may be relied u])on to 
 secure its share. 
 
 The company is ca])itali/ed at 
 $250,000. It is backed by local men 
 of high standing financially and of 
 unquestioned integrity. Its re- 
 sources enable it to handle inde- 
 Itendently large issues of securi- 
 ties, thereby doing business e.xi)edi- 
 tiously and with maximum returns. 
 Officers of the com])any arc: ()ti„,<.fR. j. WaUh* Company 
 
 President. Treasurer and .Manager — R. j. W alsh. 
 Vice-President — A. I',. Carroll. 
 Secretary — I. W. Simons. 
 
 Directors— R. j. Walsh. A. P.. Carroll. T. W. Simons. Dr. V. Neufeld, 
 George A. Parks. Dr. C. L. Barewald, K. ( ). Denkniaii and A. C. Klindt.
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 239 
 
 Rock Island Savings Bank 
 
 The Rock Island Savings Bank is one of the solid institutions of the 
 city. Organized in 1890, it was the first savings bank in Rock Island. Quar- 
 ters originally were in the then Mitchell c^- Lynde building, now the home 
 of the State Bank. 
 
 Capital stock at first was $100,000, and E. J'. Reynolds was the first 
 president, with F. C. Denkmann vice-president and J. M. Buford cashier. 
 P. L. Mitchell became president in 1892 and J. M. Buford was promoted 
 from the cashiership to head of the bank on the death of Mr. Mitchell, in 1899. 
 Phil Mitchell followed Mr. Buford and H. S. Cable served as president from 
 1910 to 1922. l)eing succeeded by Hugh E. Curtis. 
 
 From the first the Rock Island Savings Bank made rapid progress. In 
 a decade its dei)osits had increased from $333,864.84 to $1,704,027.06. At 
 the close of 1922 deposits were $4,300,000.00. Growth of business neces- 
 sitated more roomy quarters, and in the fall of 1911 the present home, at 
 Eighteenth street and Third avenue, built exclusively for banking purposes, 
 was occupied. Capital, surplus and undivided profits at the close of 1922 
 were over $550,000 and resources over $5,000,000. 
 
 Present officers are: Chairman of board, H. S. Cable; president, Hugh 
 E. Curtis; vice-president, M. E. Strieter; vice-president-cashier, W. G. 
 Johnston; assistant cashiers, J. H. Meehan and R. W. Osterman. 
 
 Directors— H. S. Cable. Hugh E. Curtis William H. Dart, Franz Happ. 
 W. G. Johnston, Phil Mitchell, John ^^^ Potter, M. E. Strieter.
 
 240 
 
 R () L K 1 S L A X 1) A R S !•: X A 
 
 Central Trust & Savings Bank 
 
 History of the Central Tru-i \ .--;i\ iii^s Hank really goes back to Sept. 
 11, 1871, when the former Rock Island National Bank was organized. The 
 savings institution came into existence Dec. 2. 1899. and the two were con- 
 solidated April 1. 1915. under the present name. 
 
 Captain T. J. Robinson was the founder of the Rock Island National. 
 Quarters first were at No. 23, Illinois street, now 1609 Second avenue. In 
 1876 the Robinson building, at Second avenue and Eighteenth street, was 
 occupied. Consolidation of the two banks was coincident with the occupying 
 of the present home on Third avenue at Eighteenth street. 
 
 Captain Robinson, first president of the Rock Island National, was 
 succeeded in that office. at his death by his son, the late J. Frank Robinson. 
 The late H. E. Casteel was the third president. 
 
 The Central Trust & Savings Bank is capitalized at $200,000. Its surplus 
 is $200,000 and undivided profits $190,000. The present officers are: 
 
 President, M. S. Heagy ; vice-presidents, H. H. Cleaveland, C. J. Larkin. 
 H. \V. Tremann ; cashier, L. M. Casteel ; assistant cashier, R. E. Swanson ; 
 trust officer, E. H. Krell. 
 
 Directors— M. S. Heagy, H. H. Cleaveland, C. J. Larkin, H. B. Simmon, 
 H. W. Tremann. J. W. Tremann. Oscar F. Smith. W. J. Sweeney. Dr. G. A. 
 Wiggins, George H. Richmond, 11. D. Mack, \V. S. Parks.
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 241 
 
 State Bank of Rock Island 
 
 Successor to Mitchell & Lynde, Ye Olde Banke, Established 1852 
 
 OFFICERS 
 I'hil Mitchell, President K. T. Ainlersoii, Asst. Cashier C. F. Chaunoii, Asst. Cashier 
 
 I. S. White. Vice-President B. J. Mitchell, Asst, Cashier 
 
 DIRECTORS 
 I'hil Mitchell I. S. White G, L, Eyster B. D, Connelly Frank Mixter 
 
 E. H. Giiyer B. C, Hartz 
 
 Capital $200,000,00 Surplus $100,000.00 Undivided Profits $100,000,00 
 
 The first bank in Rock Island County was established in Rock Island 
 in 1852, by Cook, Sargent & Parker, bankers and business men of Davenport, 
 Iowa, in the room now occupied by Martin Cigar Store at 1630 Second avenue. 
 
 In 1854 the bank was moved to the then new brick building erected by 
 Bailey & Boyle at Second avenue and Seventeenth street, the site of the pres- 
 ent State Bank building, which has been the home of this bank and its prede- 
 cessors for sixty-eight years, the present structure having been built by 
 Mitchell & Lynde in 1890. 
 
 Mitchell & Cable (P. L. Mitchell and P. L. Cable) bought out Cook, 
 Sargent & Parker in 1856. At that time there were four banks in Rock Island, 
 including the Rock Island Bank (Negus, Osborn & Lee), Bank of the 
 Federal Union (N. B. Buford, president), and Fish, Goodale & Lee. 
 
 Mitchell & Lynde (P. L. Mitchell and Cornelius Lynde), succeeded 
 Mitchell & Cable in 1860. 
 
 Following the panic of 1857-1858, and the succeeding hard time years, 
 Mitchell & Lynde became the sole survivor, and was the only bank in Rock 
 Island for several years, until 1861, when Mitchell & Lynde organized the 
 First National Bank, charter No. 108, with P. L. Mitchell as president. This 
 was one of the first national banks to be organized, as shown by its charter 
 number. 
 
 Mitchell & Lynde succeeded the Rock Island Bank in 1861, and also 
 succeeded the First National Bank of Rock Island in 1890. 
 
 The other pioneer banks in Rock Island county were Gould, Dimock & 
 Co., Moline, dating from 1856, and W. H. Devore, Port Byron, about 1858. 
 
 The Rock Island National Bank (T. J. Robinson, president) was started 
 in 1872. 
 
 Phil Mitchell, State Bank president, has been in continuous service with 
 the bank and its predecessors since 1861, sixty-one years, and it is believed 
 he is the oldest bank officer in time of service in the State of Illinois.
 
 242 
 
 KOI In 
 
 S LA X I) A k S !•: X A L 
 
 First Trust & Savings Bank of Rock Island 
 
 Wmiii^t'st anitiiij;" Rock Island financial instilutitins is the I'^irst I'rust 
 (!\: Sa\ inq;s iJank. riiouiili it is less than three years old. it has i^one ahead 
 
 with rapid strides, ])rov- 
 inj;- the wisdom, fore- 
 sight and ability of its 
 founders. and demon- 
 strating;; that there was a 
 tine held for its business 
 activities. luich month 
 since its opening has 
 s h o w n a substantial 
 growth. Its deposits now 
 total one million dollars. 
 
 charter for the First 
 Trust & Savings Bank- 
 was issued December 29. 
 1919. The doors were 
 opened for business Jan- 
 uary 24. 1920. quarters 
 being in the Robinson 
 building, at the south- 
 west corner oi Second 
 axenue and Eighteenth 
 street. 
 
 ( )rganized under the laws of Illinois, the bank is also a member of the 
 I-'ederal Reserve system, being thus under both state and federal inspection. 
 
 The First Trust c^ Savings bank gives special attention U) the needs of 
 the farmer, for whom excellent service is given. There are attractive 
 features for handling long-time farm loans. The bank also enjoys a very 
 substantial city business. At the time this was written it was qualifying as a 
 trust company, which would provide additional service for its ra])idly in- 
 creasing list of customers, in addition to existing commercial, savings and 
 investment departments. 
 
 Rapid growth of business has made necessary an increase of capital, and 
 old and new customers are being offered a part of additional st<^ck author- 
 ized at the last annual meeting of stockholders, sale of which will provide a 
 total oi more than a quarter of a million capital and >ur])lus. (■ai)ital and 
 surplus now are $130,000. Ofticers are: 
 
 President. C. A. Beers; vice-president. C. C. Clarke; cashier, O. O. Liitt; 
 assistant cashier. 1\. 1*. Gilloley. 
 
 Directors— C. A. Beers. J. M. Welch, O. ( ). Liitt. W. S. Verbury. J. A. 
 '■Veils. Walter Foster, W. j. Krull, Walter j. Klockau. John Lipton, t. A. 
 Pender. C. C. Clarke and Allen J. Miller.
 
 ROCK ISLAND A R S K N A L 
 
 243 
 
 French & Hecht 
 
 Primitive man pushed logs and stones about on wooden rollers. Later 
 he evolved the wooden disc wheel and the axle. It was a long step from the 
 disc wheel to the spoke wheel, which answered its purpose very well until 
 the day of rapid transport dawned. Then it was necessary to have some- 
 thing stronger to withstand the shocks and strains incident to the moving 
 of heavy bodies at high speed. 
 
 Once the metal wheel was created new uses for it were shortlv found. 
 and it proceeded to displace the wr)oden wheel in fields where it had been 
 
 
 Crt-: 
 
 
 Part of the French & Hecht Plant 
 
 thought the latter never could be improved upon. Only a few years ago 
 the wooden wheel was used on nearly all agricultural implements. Now 
 few farm labor-saving devices are so equipped. The motor vehicle is 
 passing through the same evolutionary process as has taken place in farm 
 implements, and the time is not far distant when the \\-oo(len wheel will l)e 
 but a memory. 
 
 French & Hecht, of Davenport, are the largest exclusive manufacturers 
 of metal wheels in the world. They have developed and perfected the steel 
 spoke wheel, in the manufacture of which they stand preeminent. 
 
 French & Hecht started in 1890, as a corporation known as the Betten- 
 dorf Metal Wheel Company. In 1909, without material change of owner- 
 ship, the present partnership was formed. There are now three general 
 partners in the enterprise. Messrs. G. Watson French, j. L. Hecht and W. H. 
 Stackhouse, all of Davenport.
 
 244 
 
 R O L' K 
 
 ISLAND A R S K N A L 
 
 Victor Storage Battery Company 
 
 Rock Island claims the largest western manufactory producing storage 
 batteries — the \'ictor Storage Battery Company, located at Mississippi river 
 and Fourth avenue. The size of the institution is realized by comparatively 
 few Tri-City residents, for while the plant has excellent transportation facili- 
 ties by rail, highway and water, it is at some distance from the more 
 generally traveled streets. A visit to the factory helps to impress one witli 
 the diversity of industrial products the community has to offer. 
 
 The \'ictor Company, whose officers are Dick R. Lane, president; 
 George White, vice-president; B. 1'. White, secretary, and Tully White, 
 treasurer, was incorporated early in 1914. During the last eight years it 
 has developed a large and well-deserved demand for the S. O. S. line of 
 
 batteries. Manufacturing" was started in llic l)uil(ling nt Twenty-hfth street 
 and Fourth avenue, now occupied by the J. Peterson Com})any. In August, 
 1917, the concern remoxed to Moline and occupied a building at Seventh 
 street and Fourth avenue. 
 
 Rapid growth of the business made larger manufacturing facilities im- 
 perative. The old W^eyerhaeuser &: Denkmann sawmill site at the foc^t of 
 Fourth avenue in Rock Island was accpiired and the present modern factory 
 erected in 1919. This building is the last word in modernity and convenience 
 for the making of storage batteries in large quantities. It is equipped with 
 the latest appliances in machinery, lighting, \entilation. etc. The initial 
 steps in manufacturing take ])lace at one end of the plant and the finished 
 product leaves the building at the other end. .\ switch track from the C. 
 R. I. & P. line parallels the factory and makes possible the loading and 
 unloading of several cars at the same time. The property extends from 
 Fourth to Sixth avenue along the bank of the Mississippi, so that the 
 company is in an ideal position to benefit from the revival of river traffic. 
 
 Storage batteries for all purpt)ses are made by the X'ictor Company, 
 but special attention is jjaid to starting and lighting batteries for automo- 
 biles, farm lighting, power plants and for radio use. These batteries 
 enjoy an enviable reputation not only in the United States, but in practically 
 all parts of the world.
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 245 
 
 Phelps Light & Power Company 
 
 Possible uses of electricity on the farm are almost without limit. How- 
 to get the electricity to the farm remote from central power stations is a 
 subject that has been given much attention and in the solving of which much 
 capital has been invested. Out of the experimental period has come the 
 modern farm lighting and power plant. 
 
 Among the farm lighting and power plants now in the market, that manu- 
 factured by the Phelps Light & Power Company, of Rock Island, stands 
 without a superior for all-around uses. It is economical, reliable and durable, 
 
 Phelps Light & Power Company Plant 
 
 and it develops sufficient power so that it may be used for belt work and 
 battery charging simultaneously. The Phelps generator has a guaranteed 
 rating of 1,500 watts. The Phelps motor is guaranteed to deliver three and 
 one-half horsepower, in addition to operating the generator. The 235 
 ampere-hour battery will run a half-horse power electric motor. 
 
 R. W. Phelps began the manufacture of gasoline motors in 1915 at 
 Wilton, Iowa. Early in 1916 he bought out the W^arner Arc Lamp Com- 
 pany, manufacturers of electrical appliances, and removed to Tipton, Iowa. 
 Late the same year the plant was brought to Rock Island, where, till 1918, 
 motors were made for the Marron Mfg. Company. In the latter year manu- 
 facture of the Phelps farm lighting plant was begun. 
 
 The Phelps factory is the largest in the country exclusively devoted to 
 the making of farm light and power equipment. It occupies 40,000 feet of 
 floor space, employs 150 men and is capable of producing 100 complete 
 plants daily. Phelps plants are being sold all over the United States and in 
 foreign countries. The company is capitalized at $800,000 and the officers 
 are: R. W. Phelps, president; A. G. Bush, secretary; W. J. Moore, treas- 
 urer.
 
 246 
 
 R () e" K 
 
 S I. A X I) A R S !•: X A 1 
 
 The L. Stapp Company. Florists 
 
 For half a century flowers from Stapp's have helped to express the 
 deeper feelings of the people of Rock Island and of the Tri-Cities. They 
 have added warmth and color and beauty to festivals; they have paid 
 tribute to the deserving; they have been offered as evidence of affection and 
 loyalty; thev have softened the poignant grief of separation. Human 
 emotions from the highest to the lowest have responded to their presence 
 and their influence for the making of better lives in the community has been 
 beyond calculation. 
 
 It has been more than half a century since John Stapp. of ( ierman birth, 
 and a florist and gardener by training and inclination, established the busi- 
 ness which now bears his name. He had a tract of ten acres in the west end 
 of Rock Island and there was built the first greenhouse in the city. Always 
 he preferred to cultivate flowers, but pioneer Rock Islanders, more prosaic 
 than their descendents of this day. preferred to buy vegetables. So at first 
 the garden was a more prolific source of rexenue than the flower bed. and 
 was given corres])ondingly more space and attention. 
 
 Approximately fifty years ago the site of the present greenhouses on 
 Twelfth street was acquired and there a ])lant has been develoi)ed till it is 
 the largest exclusively devoted to the production of flowers in the three 
 cities, and is exceeded in size only in the larger population centers. Eighteen 
 acres of land are cultivated and one-third of the tract is under glass. A 
 specialty is made of roses, which few florists attempt to grow extensively. 
 About two-thirds of the greenhouse area is devoted to this flower. Produc- 
 tion of vegetables was discontinued many years ago. 
 
 Panorainir view of Stapp Grefnhuuees with
 
 ROCK ISLAND A R S I<: N A L 
 
 247 
 
 L. Stapp, son of the founder of the business, is the present head of the 
 company. He grew up in the work, and, like his father, has a special 
 aptitude for it. After he attained his majority he became a member of the 
 firm, which for a number of years was known as John Stapp & Son. In 
 1903 the father retired and in 1916 the present company was incorporated. 
 
 Most of the expansion of the plant and business has taken place under 
 ihe son's management. Year by year the greenhouses have Ijeen extended, 
 construction always being of the latest and most durable type. During the 
 present year (1922) a beautifully appointed family home was erected east of 
 
 the plant on a knoll overlooking the surrounding country. 
 
 In the beginning the Stapp greenhouses catered exclusively to the 
 local demand, but in later years a large and steadily growing shipping 
 business Itas been built up, reaching over Illinois and Iowa and even beyond. 
 By far the greater part of the output is disposed of at wholesale, though an 
 extensive retailing business continues to be done. 
 
 Meeting the practical problems of flower culture and sale involves 
 activities on a large scale in many directions. For instance, it requires 
 a seven and one-half-ton ice machine to keep the cold storage room at the 
 proper temperature. The bill for water alone is $1,000 annually, and it 
 recjuires 2,500 tons of coal a year to heat the greenhouses. Hundreds of 
 yards of surface soil are hauled from a nearby tract each season to renew 
 the fertility of the flower beds and to guard against the mysterious train 
 of evils to highly domesticated plants arising from "soil sickness." About 
 thirty men are given steady employment. 
 
 fine new Stapp residence inserted at left.
 
 248 
 
 l\ ( » (■ K 
 
 S L A X D A R S E X A L 
 
 The John P. Hand Company 
 
 The tirst automobile starting and lighting- battery service station opened 
 in the Tri-Cities was that ui The John P. Hand Company, agent for the W'il- 
 iard line. It was established in 1914, in a small store room at Second and Iowa 
 streets, Davenport, by the present proprietor. At that time present day 
 electrical equipment for automobiles was largely in the experimental stage, 
 not over 50.000 cars in the United States being so outfitted. Mr. Hand, 
 however, was quick to see the possibilities of the battery business, and so 
 allied himself with the W'illard company, one of the earliest in the fiehl 
 
 Tri-City bcrvice Maiioiis ol John P. Mand Company. lop — Davenport. Lower left — Kock Island. Lower right — Moline. 
 
 and which may now be said to dominate the industry, inasmuch as seventy- 
 five percent of all automobile manufacturing concerns in this country 
 regularly equip their cars with W'illards. 
 
 Under the impetus of a rapidly growing popular demand the Hand 
 battery station soon needed more room. In 1916 it occupied its present 
 quarters at 315 East Second street, built especially for its use. Two years 
 later, for the convenience of owners of W'illard-equipped cars in that city, 
 the company built its present station at 523-525 Fourteenth street, Moline. 
 and in 1920, followed with the one at 2001-2003. Fifth avenue. Rock Island. 
 
 Until the current year (1922), the business was confined to battery sales, 
 repairing and service. A starter and generator repair department has now 
 been installed in all three cities.
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 249 
 
 The Faerber Agency 
 
 Deprived of the opportunity for schooling at the age of eleven, when 
 circumstances compelled him to go to work in his father's meat market, 
 A. J. Faerber, like many another American boy, yet found a way to acquire 
 
 an education and win success. To- 
 day he is head of one of the largest 
 insurance agencies in the state of 
 Iowa, and interested in a number of 
 leading Davenport business and in- 
 dustrial enterprises. 
 
 Mr. Faerber was born on a 
 farm in Wood county, Ohio, Nov. 
 24. 1877. When seven years of age 
 his parents remo\ed to Woodlake. 
 Alinn. At sixteen the youth started 
 out for himself, working w^ith the 
 Cudahy Packing Company, of Mil- 
 waukee. It did not take him long, 
 however, to decide that the insur- 
 ance business ofifered a better field 
 for his talents than the meat busi- 
 ness did. When se\enteen he start- 
 ed work for the Prudential Insur- 
 ance Company and at eighteen he 
 was made inspector, a position he 
 held till 1902. Then he removed 
 to Davenport. 
 
 In Davenport Mr. Faerber be- 
 came one of the organizers of the 
 A.J. Faerber Guarauty Lifc Insurance Company, 
 
 retaining his interest in that concern till 1911. Then the present general 
 agency of the National Life Insurance Company of the United States was 
 established and he was appointed to that position. 
 
 Mr. Faerber has been an active promoter of a number of new industries 
 in Davenport, being an official in several corporations. He was one of the 
 organizers of the Federal System of Bakeries and the Community Oil 
 Service Station Company, both of which operate extensively throughout the 
 central west. 
 
 Mr. Faerber's public spirit is attested by the fact that he is a past 
 president of the Davenport Chamber of Commerce ; was long a member of 
 the Greater Davenport Committee; a charter member of the Greater Iowa 
 Association, now the Iowa State Chamber of Commerce, holding a director- 
 ship in the same; is secretary of the board of trustees of the Y. M. C. A., 
 and was County Chairman of the Council of National Defense and Chief 
 Justice of the Liberty Loan Court, active during the war.
 
 250 
 
 R ( ) C" K 
 
 A \ I) A K S 1-: X A I, 
 
 The Iowa Steam Laundry Company 
 
 ( )nl\ by tlie closest attention to detail, prompt 
 and satisfactory service and uniform courtesy in 
 dealing with the jjublic can a successful laundry 
 business be l)uilt Uj). The Iowa Steam Laundry 
 Company, of Davenport, has filled these require- 
 ments. It has made an unusual success in its field. 
 Four laundry establishments, some of them among 
 the oldest in the city, have been combined to form 
 what is now known as "The Laundrv of Oualitv." 
 
 y 
 
 ^^^^^l^k^^M I" ^^^0 j. K. Buck .>])ene(l Laundry 
 
 ^^^H|^^WH|||^^| the east half of the of the Iowa 
 
 Steam Laundry Company, at 209-215 East Third 
 street. For fourteen years he conducted the business. Bert Hayes buying an 
 interest in the latter part of his regime. Soon after the launching of the 
 Electric concern Miller & Lucas incorporated the 
 Iowa Steam laundry Company and set up busi- 
 ness just across the street. C. A. Keeler and J. F. 
 Halligan became owners of the Iowa Steam Laundry 
 in 1907. and also absorbed the Electric Laundry. Mr. 
 Buck retiring and Mr. Hayes coming in as part 
 owner. The east half of the present quarters was 
 occupied at that time. 
 
 \\'illiam Pohlmann, now president and treas- 
 urer, acquired control of the business in August. 
 1908. A year later the upper floor of the building 
 at 213-215 East Third street was occupied and then 
 the building on the west was added, the lower floor <harie. h. \ia,tyn. vice-pres. amisupt. 
 being used as an oflice and the upper for laundry i)urposes. Flight 
 years ago the Star Laundry was absorbed, and in 1918 the City Steam 
 Laundry was purchased from the Belle I-'ink Company, who had conducted 
 
 it for many years. In December. 1917, the capital 
 ^^^^^^^ was increased to $75,000. 
 
 ^^^^^^^^^ The Iowa Steam Laundry Company does a gen- 
 
 ^^^p ] eral laundry business, specializing in bundle work, 
 
 g^HHB^ ^ir and rough dry and finished family laundry. It has a 
 
 ^^^ , big investment in equipment, which includes prac- 
 
 tically every modern de\ ice used in the business. It 
 has its own power plant and a water softening ap- 
 ])aratus of large capacity. There is a labor-saving 
 machine for nearly every operation in the cleansing. 
 drying and ironing of fabrics. The company regu- 
 larly employs from fifty to sixty persons. 
 
 Ku.J<>l(>h Han..-n. i>ei-. and Mgr.
 
 RUCK ISLAND A R S I^: N A L 
 
 251 
 
 The M. V. Boies Company 
 
 Perhaps no undertaking business in the state of Iowa dates back as far 
 as the M. V. Boies Company, of Davenport, founded in the early forties. 
 
 The first shop of Israel Hall, who established the mortuary, was on 
 Brady street between Third and Fourth. Later it was removed to the site 
 of the present federal building on Perry street, and in 1910 the M. W Boies 
 firm occupied its present 
 quarters at 52.^ Perry 
 street. 
 
 Exterior and interior views ot 
 
 M. V. Boiee. Company 
 
 Mortuary 
 
 in the early days Mr. ilall and Mr. Boies made coffins as they were 
 needed. x'Vs soon as casket manufacturing became standardized a stock of 
 metallic and wooden coffins was purchased. About this time a hearse and 
 box wagon were bought, being among the first vehicles of this kind in the 
 vicinity. 
 
 Mr. Boies passed away in 1890, and the extensive business that he had 
 built up was then incorporated under the present name, Mrs. Boies being 
 president and the son, Warren D. Boies, manager. On the latter's removal 
 to Chicago some years ago, his place was taken by Selden Morse Clapp. 
 grandson of M. V. Boies, who is now in charge. 
 
 The present quarters are modern in every respect, with offices, casket 
 display rooms, a preparation room, a large funeral chapel, which is ex- 
 tensively used, a large garage for rolling stock, and other adjuncts necessary 
 to a modern mortuary. The chapel is finished in fumed oak, with beautiful 
 stained glass windows of Gothic design. It seats sixty people, but by 
 opening into the reception room accommodations are provided for forty 
 more. Mr. Clapp is assisted by two male licensed em])almers and by Mrs. 
 Lottie Boies Clapp, also licensed as an embalmer, who looks after the 
 department for ladies and children.
 
 252 
 
 ROCK 1 S L A X D A R S E X A 
 
 The Moline Paint Mfg. Company 
 
 The Tri-City community, a leading center for the manufacture of imple- 
 ments, vehicles and other equipment for farm, shop and domestic use. is 
 
 a heavy consumer uf ])aint. much of it for 
 dipping purposes. On the ground and 
 catering to this demand is the Moline 
 Paint Mfg. Company, of which C. P. 
 Skinner is head. 
 
 In 1908 the j. C. Scott Paint Com- 
 pany, a Freeport concern of some years 
 standing, removed to Moline. Mr. 
 Skinner became associated with it as trade 
 manager. In April. 1910. interests of the 
 stockholders of the firm were purchased 
 and the present company incorporated 
 with S15.000 capital. 
 
 From the first the present company 
 has supplied large quantities of paste 
 paints to the big implement-making con- 
 cerns of the vicinity, being able, because 
 of favorable location, to keep in close 
 t(^uch with their needs and to give prompt 
 service. Quantity production in this particular line was also of great ad- 
 vantage in meeting comi)etition. 
 
 During the last five years the making 
 of house paints has been given increasing 
 attention, and with results that are highly 
 satisfactory. A large percentage of the 
 firm's business is now done in this line. 
 with sales covering an ever widening field. 
 
 Direct distribution to the consumer 
 is contemplated in plans that are well ad- 
 vanced at the time this is written. This 
 method, with the return of normal busi- 
 ness conditions, is expected to result in 
 a very material increase in output and the 
 expansion of the concern's facilities. 
 
 Officers of the Moline Paint Com- 
 pany are : 
 
 President — Charles P. Skinner. 
 \'ice-President — M. C. Skinner. 
 Secretary and Manager — W. C. Skiinier. 
 Treasurer — Charles D. Rosenfield. 
 
 Charles P. Skin 
 
 ^'. C. Skinner, Secretary and Manager
 
 ROCK ISLAND A R S li N A L 
 
 253 
 
 The Maehr Company 
 
 The Maehr confectionery and bakery is the oldest in point of contin- 
 uous service in the city of Davenport. It was founded in 1887 by Frank 
 Maehr, a candy maker by trade, and a native of the community. Throughout 
 the years of ceasless change in 
 methods of manufacturing and sell- 
 ing confectionery goods, the firm 
 has kept abreast of the times and 
 maintained its reputation for the 
 high class of its goods and the 
 efficiency and completeness of its 
 service. 
 
 The first Maehr establishmeni 
 was located at 323 West Third 
 street. After two years the busi- 
 ness of Ed. Brehmer at 110 West 
 Second street was purchased and 
 the premises there occu])ied. Here 
 Mr. Maehr specialized in the mak- 
 ing of cream pie, the excellence of 
 which did much to luring his busi- 
 ness into general notice and to 
 build up a lasting patronage. 
 
 As the business became well 
 established Mr. Maehr branched out 
 into the manufacture of candies, 
 fitting up the second floor of his 
 
 building for that purpose. This department has steadily grown, as Maehr 
 candies found favor in an ever widening field. 
 
 Four of the five sons of Mr. Maehr saw service in France during the 
 World War. The fifth, Walter P. Maehr, conducted the business, which he 
 and two of his brothers had taken over in 1916. 
 
 Store No. 2, located at 316 West Third street, to which the business was 
 removed in 1919, is one of the best equipped confectioneries in the west. 
 The first floor is used for retailing, and a high class cafe is conducted. The 
 second floor is devoted to the manufacture of bakery goods and candy. 
 
 Not only does the Maehr Company make its own candy and bakery 
 goods, but it manufactures ice cream and sherbets. It has its own ice- 
 making plant and laundry, and cooling within the plant is done exclusively 
 by means of brine coils. 
 
 The business in August, 1922, was again being managed by Walter P. 
 Maehr, formerly with the Terrace Gardens, and now president of the 
 company. 
 
 Walter P. Maehr
 
 254 
 
 I< ( ) C K 1 S L A X 1) A R S E N A L 
 
 The Moline Consumers Company 
 
 Thirty-i»ne years aj^o llie Moliiic Ctuisuniers Conipaii}-, which now deals 
 extensively in sand, gfravel. cement, ice and coal. ]va(\ its (iri<(in in the 
 Channel Ice Company. 'i"\vo years later, in 1893. James P. Pearson pnrchased 
 a half interest in the hnsincss anrl assumed the management, which he 
 retains at the present time. 
 
 Formed in the lirst place to harxest. store and (lis])ose of ice at whole- 
 sale and retail, the company 
 has made rapid expansion, 
 with several reorganiza- 
 tions to broaden its scoj)e 
 u n d e r the incorporation 
 laws of the State and to 
 provide for additional capi- 
 tal. 
 
 Pari of Molinr Consumers 
 
 (^jmpany firet at 
 
 moorings and 
 
 in artion 
 
 The first change of name took place in 1898, when the company was in- 
 corporated as the Moline Channel Ice Company, with .Mr. Pearson president 
 and manager. In 1903 the concern l)ranche(l out into the coal and building- 
 material field. Among the building materials were sand and gravel, to handle 
 which it was necessary to operate boats and barges. To run the boats to best 
 advantage, the com])any went into the handling of freight and excursions. 
 Since the original charter was not drawn to include all these activities, a new- 
 company, the Moline Sand Company, was formed with capital of $100,000, 
 taken from the surplus earnings of the Moline Channel Ice Company. 
 
 The two companies being inter-dependent to a great extent, the 
 pr<iblem of accounting became a difficult one. and it was finally decided to 
 consolidate them under a new and broader charter, which was done in 1917.
 
 ]>L ( ) C K I S L. A N D A R S ]-: N A L 
 
 255 
 
 The present name was then adopted, the capital fixed at $200,000, and the 
 present officers chosen, as follows: 
 
 President — James P. Pearson. 
 
 Vice-President — G. A. Shallberg. 
 
 Secretary — Charles C. Loptien. 
 
 Assistant Secretary and Treasurer — Oscar ^V. Ellis. 
 
 The properties of the company include a sand and gravel screening plant, 
 located between Twenty-fourth and Twenty-fifth streets, on the river bank 
 ai Moline, and one at ( )ttawa, Illinois. The home plant gets its raw material 
 from a pit about thirty miles up the Mississippi. Transportation is by water, 
 
 the company maintaining two steamboats, pump boats and twelve barges. 
 The plant at Ottawa was acquired in 1916, and includes a large tract of land 
 underlaid with some of the best gravel in Illinois. The Moline plant has a 
 capacity of 700 tons a day, and that at Ottawa of 800 tons. P)Oth are well 
 supplied with rail shipping facilities. 
 
 The Moline Consumers Company has reached its present position of 
 financial security through able business management and satisfactory and 
 consistent public service. Its total business runs into large figures. 
 
 Over fifty thousand barrels of cement, in addition to a great quantity of 
 brick, lime and other building materials, are now handled annually. 
 
 The wholesale and retail coal business in 1920 totaled 24,000 tons. 
 
 Fifty thousand tons of ice were harvested in the winter of 1921-22, being- 
 stored in the company's houses and disposed of thrtiugh various channels, 
 half of it being used by the Rock Island road in the icing of refrigerator 
 and dining: cars.
 
 256 
 
 k ( ) e" K 
 
 S L A X 1) 
 
 A R S 1". X A I. 
 
 The Rock Island Southern 
 
 Offering freight and passenger service between the Tri-Cities and 
 points directly south, the Rock Island Southern Railway Company connects 
 three county seats and taps a territory rich in agricultural resources. Along 
 its line are to be found coal mines, brick yards, gravel and sand plants and 
 commercialized shale and clay deposits, as well as modern grain elevators 
 and adequate stock yards and station shipping facilities. Through the Rock 
 Island Southern Railroad Company it has access to Galesburg. At the south 
 it connects with the C. B. cS: Q., the A. T. & S. F. and M. .& St. L., at the 
 north with the C. R. I. <S: P.. C. B. & Q.. C. M. & St. P., and D. R. I. & N. \V., 
 iind at Gilchrist, midway between the two termini, with the C. B. tJt Q. So 
 situated, it stands foremost as a short line railroad in handling diversified 
 traffic to the benefit of the entire population tributary to the territory it 
 serves. 
 
 The Galesburg-Monmouth line was built in 1907. It is electrically 
 operated, with power station at Cameron. The Monmouth-Rock Island line 
 was built in 1908, connecting at Southern junction with the C. R. I. & P., 
 whose tracks were used to reach the northern terminus. Recently the 
 company took over this road and now operates it exclusively, together with 
 the Sherrard and Cable branches. 
 
 Originally the Monmouth-Rock Island line used electricity as its motive 
 power, but in 1920 it was transformed into a steam road. 
 
 Snider. Walsh & Hvnes 
 
 Nearly fifty years of service is the record of the above insurance, real 
 estate and surety bond firm. Established in 1874, by the late W. H. Snider, 
 the agency has ever maintained close relations with Davenport's manufac- 
 turing, merchantile and home interests. 
 
 Eugene Walsh and Joiin Hynes have been members since 1915, and both 
 are active, not only in their own business but in everything that looks toward 
 the advancement of the community.
 
 ROCK ISL.VND ARSENAL 
 
 257 
 
 Modern Woodmen of America 
 
 On the evening of January 5, 1883, at Lyons, Iowa, Modern Woodmen 
 of America came into existence as a fraternal beneficiary society. That was 
 the beginning of what is now the world's largest institution of its kind, 
 furnishing life insurance protection coupled with fraternal activities. The 
 name, Modern Woodmen of America, was selected by the founder after 
 listening to a sermon in which reference was made to "woodmen clearing 
 away the forest" — suggesting useful employment, honorable labor, and prac- 
 tical accomplishment. A charter was granted ])y thd state of Illinois. May 5, 
 1884, its business then l)eing confined to six central states. In 40 years' 
 
 development the organization has been extended to every state of the union 
 except two, as well as four provinces of western Canada. The fact that the 
 present fundamental law, adopted in the beginning, contemplated and com- 
 prised a thoroughly representative form of government in which all members 
 of the organization have a voice, has contributed largely to the sviccess and 
 popularity of the institution. The fact, also, that its ritual does not interfere 
 with a person's religious or political belief likewise contributes to the 
 unanimity and harmony of its members. No similar organization has equalled 
 or excelled its record of progress and growth. It now has an enrollment in 
 over 14,000 local camps of 1,060,000 members, carrying insurance aggregating 
 $1,606,250,000. 
 
 Its financial record includes payment since organization to date of more 
 than 160,000 death claims, covering disbursements to beneficiaries of more 
 than $278,000,000. Its invested surplus funds on March 1, 1923. aggregated
 
 258 
 
 R () C K 
 
 I S L A X 1) A R S I-: X A L 
 
 over $26,000,000. this record entitling it to i)e classed as one of the strong 
 financial institutions of the age. 
 
 On September 30. 1897, the head office of the organization was located 
 in Rock Island. Its main building was completed for occupancy January 11, 
 1899. followed by the erection of an annex of similar size in 1905. Both of 
 these buildings are owned and occupied exclusively by the Society in 
 handling its vast volume of business. 
 
 The main office building and annex contain the offices of Head Clerk 
 J. G. Ray and his force of 200 employees; the offices of (ieneral Attorney 
 Truman Plantz ; Supreme Medical Directors E. A. Anderson and B. E. Jones; 
 Investment Department Manager A. N. Bort ; Executive Council chamber. 
 and private offices of the Head Consul. Head Banker and Directors. 
 
 The general office of A. R. Talbot, Head Consul, is maintained at Lin- 
 coln, Xebraska. He is the chief executive officer of the society and as such 
 has complete direction of the field forces and organization and promotion 
 work. Head Clerk J. G. Ray, of Rock Island, is the chief administrative 
 officer, through whose office is transacted all of the financial, accounting and 
 administrative work of the organization, involving annual cash receij^ts of ap- 
 I)roximately $26,500,000. and disbursements on account of death claims, 
 averaging 800 monthly, representing about SI. 500.000. The Board of Di- 
 rectors has charge of the financial management of the Society, and. together 
 \\ith the Hea<l Consul and Head Clerk, comprise the ICxecutive Council, or 
 governing body of the institiUion. 1 his Board consists of John D. \'olz. 
 Chairman. Indianapolis. Indiana; I-'. E. Murpiiy. Leavenw(^rlh. Kansas; R. R. 
 Smith. Kansas City, Missouri; .^. S. Tanner, Minier. Illinois; E. R. Korns, 
 Des Moines. Iowa; E. J. Bullard. Detroit. Michigan; and F. B. Easterly, 
 Denver. Colorado. 
 
 The Publication building, originally erected in 1908. was doubled in 
 size through the addition of an annex in the latter part of the year 1922. The 
 
 official magazine, with a monthly 
 circulation of over 1.080.000 copies, 
 tlie mailing-list and ])rinting de- 
 partments, under the supervision of 
 b-ditor John F. Harris, require a 
 force of ai)i)roxiniately 150 em- 
 ])1( lyees. 
 
 Modern Woodmen of America 
 has always ])een a ])atriotic society. 
 It waived nonliability in the Span- 
 ish-American war of 1898, and paid 
 the claims of all soldier members 
 who lost their lives in that conflict. 
 and this same action was taken dur- 
 p hi . „R n„„ iiig the World war of 1914-18. 
 
 rubhcalion building o
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 259
 
 260 
 
 R O C K I S L A \ 1) A K S 1-: X A L 
 
 In addition ti> maintaining local camps or lodges, it has developed one 
 of the greatest semimilitary organizations in its Foresters, or uniformed 
 drill teams, which feature is of special interest to young men. 
 
 Modern Woodmen of America was the first of the great American 
 fraternal beneficiary institutions to recognize and act upon the belief that 
 it is the duty and privilege of a fraternal society to save lives as well as to 
 pay death benefits: that it is more beneficial to its membership and to society 
 at large to expend thousands or hundreds of thousands of dollars in saving 
 the lives of members, than to pay unavoidable early losses running into the 
 millions. Recognizing that pulmonary tuberculosis was a leading 
 cause of death in this country, it not only joined as pioneers in the crusade 
 devoted to educating the people on preventive measures against the disease, 
 but it established an institution to take care of Modern \\'oodmen sutTering 
 
 Sanatorium for treatment of tuberculosis, near Coioraoi> ^pririjis 
 
 from it. And so. on January 1. 1909, the great Modern Woodmen of America 
 Sanatorium was established and openetl at the foot of Mount Cedar, in the 
 Pikes Peak range, a few miles north of the (iarden of the (iods, in the Colo- 
 rado Springs region. Here, at Woodmen. Colorado, was established that 
 which has been developed intt» one of the greatest life-saving institutions in 
 the world, where members of Modern Woodmen of America afflicted with 
 tuberculosis are treated and cared f»»r free of charge, llcre more than 6,000 
 patients have been admitted, and the i)ercentage of cures, improvements, and 
 arrests of the disease equals almost 60 per cent. Its daily capacity is 240 
 patients. Aside from a modest sum realized from voluntary contributions 
 by its members, this Sanatorium, which has a property value of more than 
 $1,500,000 in its present highly developed form and perfected equipment, 
 has been built and is maintained from the General fund of the Society, to 
 which each member contrilnites for that i)urpose not to exceed 5 cents per- 
 month.
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 261 
 
 Crane Co. 
 
 On the fourth day of July, 1855, Mr. R. T. Crane made the first cast- 
 ing in a little frame building in Chicago which started a business that has 
 developed steadily until today Crane Co. stands a leader in its specialized 
 
 pm ami ■■■ 
 
 1 r^r" ( 
 
 Davenport Branch of Crane Co. 
 
 field of power plant piping, sanitation and heating equipment, with branch 
 houses, warehouses, sales offices, exhibit rooms, and manufacturing plants 
 in 140 cities throughout the world. 
 
 The complete Crane line consists of many thousands of articles, such 
 as valves, pipe fittings and steam specialties used in piping equipment for 
 steam, water, gas, air, oil, chemicals, ammonia — in fact "anything for any 
 pipe line." In addition to these products the Crane line includes sanitation 
 and heating materials for buildings of all kinds and sizes. 
 
 The completeness of the Crane line, coupled with the company's high 
 standard of business ethics, and the maintaining of mamifacturing facil- 
 ities to meet the growing demands of the trade, have brought Crane goods 
 into world-wide use. 
 
 The Davenport branch was established in 1912, and, like other Crane 
 branches, is prepared to serve its surrounding territory with everything 
 required for the piping and sanitation equipment of industrial, commer- 
 cial and private enterprises. 
 
 An added feature of the Davenport branch is a beautiful exhi])it room 
 on the first floor equipped with a representative line of Crane products, 
 and maintained for the convenience of architects, engineers, dealers, and 
 prospective builders. A cordial welcome awaits the visitor.
 
 262 
 
 ROCK IS L A X 1) A k S l". X A I. 
 
 The Purity Oats Company 
 
 With 250 cm])I.>ycs. a factory payn.ll of $200.(XK) annually and an in- 
 \estnicnt in i)a\eni)()rt of one and one-half millions of dollars, the Purity 
 Oats Company is one of the sulistantial industries of the Tri-Cities. Its 
 outi)Ut is distributed all o\er the United States, and large (juantities are ex- 
 ported, especially to luirope. 
 
 Nine thousand carloads of manufactured goods arc shipped annually, 
 when working to capacity. In addition to oat products, stock, poultry and 
 other feeds are made. The capacity is 1,200 barrels of rolled oats. 225 bar- 
 rels of corn meal and .^00 tons of feed a dav. 
 
 The Purity Oats Company started in business in Keokuk, Iowa, in 1909. 
 From the first it put an improved product on the market. It had a better 
 system of removing all the hull and it originated the "toasty nut flavor," 
 which is still a distinctive feature of its rolled oats. It also was the hrst to 
 pack its goods in the cylindrical pasteboard container, or "can." which is 
 proof against weevils and makes it possible for a merchant to carry a stock 
 for months without deterioration. 
 
 The Davenport i)lant was opened in 191.\ with 5(K) barrels daily capacity. 
 In 1909 the company became affiliated with the American Hominy Company 
 and the factory was enlarged to its present size. 
 
 The American Hominy Company is the largest manufacturer of corn 
 cereals, such as corn meal and cracked and flake hominy, in the world. It 
 has eight ])lants. ti\e handling corn, one wheat and two oats, the second 
 oatmeal factory being the one at Keokuk.
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 263 
 
 The Davenport Clearing House Association 
 
 ( B}^ Albert J. Jansen) 
 
 The Davenport Clearing House Association was organized in 1895, the 
 first actual business being the exchange of checks on Tuesday, September 3, 
 of that year. Before the association was formed the banks were compelled to 
 spend an unnecessary amount of time on certain work, such as the routine 
 business of exchanging checks drawn by the customers of the various banks 
 on other banks in the city. Through the association this was done in a 
 much more satisfactory manner, the clerks of the different banks meeting 
 at the Clearing House daily. 
 
 The association also immediately proved of value in the financial trans- 
 actions of the city and county treasurer, which from that time have been 
 managed by all the banks, acting together. 
 
 First officers of the association were: President, F. H. Griggs; vice 
 president, L H. Sears; secretary and manager, Charles Pasche. 
 
 The first president and vice president served for five years, and the 
 manager one year. During the entire history of the association the man- 
 agers have changed every year, because the office of the association rotated 
 from one bank to another and the cashier or other official of the bank used 
 as headquarters has been chosen as manager. 
 
 The Clearing House Association has a very gratifying record to look 
 back upon, for during the 28 years that it has been in existence the banks 
 of Davenport have been more and more loc^ked upon as leaders in conser- 
 vative and yet progressive banking. The high standing which our banks 
 hold through the state of K)wa and surrounding states is proverbial. No de- 
 positor in one of them ever has lost a [)enny. 
 
 During the war, when the government found it necessary to raise enor- 
 mous sums of money, the Clearing House was useful for the purpose of 
 getting the sul^scriptions for Liberty loans and to enable the people of 
 the community to pay the amount subscribed in a convenient way. 
 
 The effectiveness of this organization had much to do with the fact 
 that while Scott county was expected to subscribe $16,000,000 for the five 
 Liberty loans issued, it actually did subscribe $22,000,000 and the total 
 number of subscribers was over 90,000. During this period, and after the 
 war, when the government issued certificates of indebtedness running for 
 a short time, the Clearing House did its best to help secure the necessary 
 funds. 
 
 The eight Ijanks affiliating with the association are the First National. 
 American Commercial ».^ Savings, Davenport Savings. Scott County Sav- 
 ings, Iowa National, Union Savings, Citizens Trust & Savings, and Security 
 Savings. There are in the city besides four non-member banks. 
 
 Present officers of the association are: President. E. J. Dougherty; 
 vice president. I. J. (ireen; secretary and manager, Plerman Oetzman.
 
 264 
 
 K < > <^" K 1 S L A X D A R S !•: X A L 
 
 A Davenport Builder and Some ul His W ork 
 
 Upper left. Putnam building. Upper right. W. C. Putnam. Below. Department Store building.
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 265 
 
 W. C. Putnam Estate 
 
 One of the noteworthy blocks of buildings through the whole history 
 of Davenport has been that on the north side of Second street between 
 Brady and Main. When Antoine LeClaire laid out his first addition in 
 1839, he built at the corner of Second and Main the LeClaire House, famous 
 all through the pioneer days. He extended the buildings on to Brady 
 street, the stores being known as LeClaire Row and the public hall as Le- 
 Claire Hall. Later on the hotel was known as the Newcomb House and the 
 stores as Velie Block. 
 
 W. C. Putnam bought the property in 1895, borrowing money to do so. 
 Mr. Putnam, who had managed the property for the owners, as his father 
 had done before him, knew its possibilities. He also had confidence in the 
 city, and immediately began imi)r()\ ing and developing the property. 
 
 When Mr. Putnam died, in 1906, he left his entire estate in trust for 
 the benefit of the Davenport Academy of Sciences, subject to certain reason- 
 able payments to his brothers and sister in lieu of their statutory fees as 
 trustees and to a life interest in the homestead to his sister. Li addition 
 he left for the institution his art collections and his art, history and science 
 library. 
 
 The institution selected as the beneficiary of the estate was founded 
 by a group of scientific men back in 1867. It has had an interesting history, 
 l.aiilding up scientific collections, conducting explorations, especially of 
 "mounds," publishing proceedings, bringing lecturers to the city, cooperat- 
 ing with schools in advancing scientific education, and carrying on various 
 activities in the fields of science, history and art. Instead of a group of 
 scientific men, it has developed into a public museum. 
 
 In order that the institution should have an assured income for the 
 future, Mr. Putnam made his gift in the form of a permanent trust fund, 
 the principal of which must remain intact, only the income being at any 
 time available. The bulk of the trust fund was invested in the half block 
 already described, in the center of the Ijusiness district of Davenport. On 
 this property there still remained a considera1)le portion of the loan Mr. 
 Putnam made for its purchase. Mr. Putnam directed that the half block' 
 should not be sold by the trustees but that the old buildings should be re- 
 placed by modern fireproof structures. This the trustees have been doing 
 as rapidly as the situation warrantefl. In 1910 an eight-story oftice building 
 was put up at the corner of Second and Main streets and in 1922 a corres- 
 ponding department store building at the corner of Second and Brady. By 
 the time the remaining center portion of the property is rebuilt and the 
 necessary building loans retired, the trust will produce a large annual in- 
 come for the museum and art gallery.
 
 266 
 
 !\ ( ) r i\ 
 
 I S 1. A X I) A R S J-: N A L 
 
 The Photo Art En<!;ravin<2; & Electrotyping 
 
 Company 
 
 With a few exccplions. the half tones ])riiitc(l in this houk illustrating 
 the story of Rock Island Arsenal and of the Tri-tiiics and their commer- 
 cial and industrial institutions, are the work of the I'holo Art hjii^raving & 
 
 l*!lectrotyi)ing Cc)m[)any. This concern al- 
 so made many of the photographs, retouch- 
 ed others, arranged tlie groupings and did 
 other art work connected with the jiuhli- 
 calion. 
 
 I^slal)lished originall}- to s])eciali/.e in 
 newspaper ]ihotography, zinc etchings and 
 lalf tones, tlie company has rapidly expand- 
 ed to include all hranclies of commercial 
 ])hoto cngra\ing and creative art in the 
 preparation of catalogue and magazine il- 
 lustrations and color plates. It fotind in 
 the Tri-C'ities a line held for its activities. 
 W hen it began doing business in 1910 all 
 art and ])hoto engravings produced for Tri- 
 C'ity concerns was sent to other cities. Now 
 coni])arati\ ely little is done elsewhere. 
 rroni])t. de])endal)le and efticient service 
 tells the stor_\-. The advantage of having 
 work of this sort done at home, where it 
 
 I.vnn H.'KwiiiE lit '11 , ' i 
 
 ^ can i)e closely su])er\iscd bv ])atrons, is ob- 
 
 vious. 
 
 Much of the business id' llic I'hoto Art company originates with the 
 big implement, automobile and other local industrial concerns. In the last 
 decade there has been a vast increase in the use of ])icturcs to sell goods. 
 and color work is being luore and more em])loyed because of the realistic 
 effects that are jxissible with the ])rogressive im])ro\ enient of the art of the 
 ])hoto engraver and ])rinter. 
 
 The riioto Art i'Jigraving C(»mi)anv first occu])ied a small shop at 1517. 
 Second avenue. Rock Island. In 1912 it removed to 2010 Third avenue, 
 wdiere it had more room ;md where, the following vear. an electroty])e 
 foundry was installed. In 1917 Lynn II. lAving. present head of the con- 
 cern, wdio was secretary of the original company, i)urchaseil the controlling 
 interest and the name was changed to the ])resent form. 
 
 Crowded for room for the third time, the company in 1920 removed to 
 1532 Third avenue, Moline. where it has lO.CXX) feet of floor space and its 
 capacity has been increased until it now employs a force of 24 men.
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 267 
 
 Seaman Paper Company of Minnesota, Inc. 
 
 Twenty years ago Ben F. Newhouse, then representing the Seaman 
 Paper Company of Chicago, made his first trip into the Tri-City territory. 
 Ever alert to find opportunities for marketing the products of the large 
 concern with which he was aftiliated, he quickly formed a true estimate of 
 the present buying power and future possibilities of Rock Island, Moline 
 and Davenport and surrounding territory, with the result that he then and 
 there resolved to give close personal attention to supplying the paper needs 
 of this particular field. This he has done throughout the intervening 
 years, and even now, despite the fact that eight years ago he incorporated 
 the Seaman unit in Minnesota, now known as the Seaman Paper Company 
 of Minnesota, he still makes his regular trips to this locality. Even though 
 the Tri-Cities are not in the Minneapolis territory, Mr. Newhouse finds 
 much pleasure in returning periodically to his many business friends here, 
 taking care of their ever-increasing needs for the kind of paper distributed 
 by Seaman. 
 
 The Seaman organization consists of five major corporations, with head- 
 quarters in Chicago, New York, Minneapolis, Detroit and St. Louis. These 
 five units control branches located in Milwaukee, Cincinnati, Cleveland, 
 Toledo, Buffalo, Philadelphia, Boston, Kansas City, Nashville, New Or- 
 leans, St. Paul and Des Moines. 
 
 A number of the country's largest paper mills, with an output aggregat- 
 ing almost two and one-half millions of pounds daily, depend upon the 
 Seaman organization for the absorption of their tremendous tonnage. More 
 than thirty national magazines depend upon Seaman for their paper, not 
 forgetting, of course, the thousands of printers and newspapers which also 
 find in the Seaman organization a trustworthy source of supply. 
 
 During the World War Seaman took a leading part in supplying the 
 government with paper for the targets made at Rock Island Arsenal and 
 distributed to all army cantonments in this country. A special quality of 
 paper was used for this purpose and many carloads of it were delivered at 
 the Arsenal. The paper handled by this organization includes all grades 
 and adapted to all purposes for which paper is used. 
 
 Consumption of paper in the Tri-City district has made a remarkable 
 increase in the years since Mr. Newhouse secured his first order in that 
 field. It is a tribute to his ability, integrity and enterprise, as well as to 
 the high class of the product which he distributes, that the Seaman organi- 
 zation has more than held its own in the competition for the privilege of 
 supplying this market.
 
 268 
 
 R () e- K IS L A X 1) A k S I- X A 1. 
 
 Davenport's Leading Hotels 
 
 Citizens, statesmen and rei)resentatives of the United States (iovern- 
 inent. when \isiting- Rock Island Arsenal, either for hnsiness or for pleasure, 
 always voice their i)raise for tiie splendid hotel acctunniodations offered by 
 the Tri-Cities' leading hotels. Hotel 
 Hlackhawk is a model fireproof building 
 containing 4(X) guest rooms, each equipped 
 with private bath, toilet, and circulating 
 ice water and with servidor service, also 
 ofTering a fine cafe and coti'ee shop. Hotel 
 Davenport has 155 fireproof rooms, about 
 100 of which have i)rivate ])ath. The Dav- 
 enport (irille is also a popular eating place. 
 These splendid hotels are operated by the 
 Miller Hotel Company, an Iowa ctuicern. 
 also operating Hotels Fort Des Moines and 
 Savery. in Des Moines, and the Hotel Han- 
 ford, at Mason City. 
 
 The catering facilities of Hotel Black- 
 hawk are equal, if ULit superior, to those 
 of any hotel in tiie country, and its large 
 lounge. Mezzanine floor and ball rc^om 
 have furnished a magnificent setting for 
 many charming social affairs held in Dav- 
 enport. 
 
 Hotel BUrkhawk, Davenport 
 
 The high standard of hotel service and cuisine maintained in the Miller 
 hotels sets a pace for quality, and the hotels operated by this company are 
 easily among the most "talked of" and certainly the best "thought of" hotels 
 in the country. Residents in the Tri-Cities are mighty proud of these hotels 
 
 and take pride in recommending 
 ilicm to their friends, and it nat- 
 urally follows that visitors look 
 forward with delight to their so- 
 journ at Hotel Blackhawk and Ho- 
 tel Daveni::)rt, because they are 
 clean, wholesome and well man- 
 aged. These hotels are finding 
 increasing favor with automobile 
 parties, especially those on week- 
 end outings from Chicago and 
 other large centers, who come to 
 \isit Rock Island Arsenal and 
 Hot.i Davenport. Davenport Other local attractions.
 
 ROCK ISLAND A R S E N A L 
 
 269 
 
 The Don Sales Company 
 
 Distributors for the Reo line in sixteen Illinois and Iowa counties, the 
 Don Sales Company is one (tf the largest automol)ile agencies in the Tri- 
 City community, maintaining establishments in 
 Rock Island, 111., and Cedar Rapids, Iowa. 
 
 Elbert G. Don, founder of the concern, is a 
 son of the late David Don, a pioneer Rock Island 
 merchant, who dealt in hardware, stoves, etc.. and 
 who retired in 1908. after an honorable career of 
 half a century as a retailer. The son was one of 
 tlie first in Rock Island t(^ make the selling of 
 automobiles a business, and his was the first sales- 
 room in the city. He has been in the game since 
 1909, having handled several standard makes of 
 
 cars. For more than a de- 
 
 ... . . , . Elbt-rt G. Don 
 
 cade he has been ni lousi- 
 ness for himself, latterly on Fourth avenue be- 
 tween Seventeenth and l^ighteenth streets, where 
 in 1920 he purchased the Fred Sauermann build- 
 ing, which is the company's present home. 
 
 The Reo agency was secured in 1916. The 
 Don Sales Company was formed in 1917, Arno J. 
 Tremann, also a member of an old Rock Island 
 family, becoming interested. The Cedar Rapids 
 branch, which was opened in 1919, is in charge of 
 
 Arno .1. Tre.na„n ^^ ^' ■ TrenKUm. 
 
 The Como Hotel 
 
 Under the management of L. A". E. 
 Moore, who became its proprietor in 1921, 
 the Como Hotel, Eighteenth street and Third 
 a\enue. Rock Island, has acquired a reputa- 
 tion for good ser\ice at reasonable rates 
 which has brought it into high favor with 
 transients visiting the ITi-Cities. The Como 
 has 105 rooms. It is modern, and convenient- 
 ly located.
 
 270 
 
 ROCK I S L A X D A R S I-: X A L 
 
 The Eckman Studio 
 
 A number .-i ilie best illustrations in 
 this book are products of the F-ckman 
 
 Studio, located 
 in the Fort Arm- 
 strong' theatre 
 building. Rock 
 Island. Quarters 
 it occupies were 
 especially plan- 
 ned for Mr. l-^ck- 
 man at the time 
 the building was 
 constructed and 
 are thoroughly 
 modern, as well 
 as centrally lo- 
 
 John Eckman. Photographic Arti.t CateCl. 
 
 The Rock Island Sand and Gravel Company 
 
 The R(^>ck Island Sand iJt (iravel Company was organized and received 
 a certificate of incorporation from the Secretary of State of Illinois on 
 April 17th. 1902, to conduct a business for the production of sand and gravel, 
 and to deal in mason supplies and coal. They started out with a small 
 pump boat and towing boat combined and several small l)arges. In 1906 a 
 larger boat was necessary, and from year to year new and larger barges 
 were built. In 1910 a locomotive crane was installed on the levee between 
 Xineteenth and Twentieth streets and hop])ers and concrete wall were built 
 t(» facilitate the handling of their ])roducts. 
 
 The increased demand for screened and washed sand and gravel justified 
 this company installing a washing and screening ])lant. which plant was 
 built in the spring of 1922. at Mill street and Twenty-first avenue. Rock 
 Island. This plant has a capacity of 1000 tons i)er day. 
 
 The officers of this company are Chas. |. Larkin. president. Cieorge H. 
 Richmond, vice-president; W ni. M. McConochie. treasurer; and H. 1. Larkin, 
 secretary and general manager.
 
 R C) C K I S L A N D .V R S E N A L 
 
 271 
 
 Mercy Hospital, Davenport 
 
 The Catholic Messenger 
 
 The Catholic Messenger was estaljlished in Daxenport. Iowa, in 1882, 
 by the late Thomas L. Sharon. After his death in 1888 the management was 
 assumed by his l^rother, Fred B. Sharon, who is still in charge as publisher. 
 The Messenger is the official organ of the Catholic Diocese of Davenport 
 and of its Bishop, Rt. Re\-. James Davis. For many years after its founding 
 it was the only Catholic paper puldished in Iowa. It maintains all depart- 
 ments necessary for a first-class family newspa])er. It covers besides all the 
 world's news affecting the church. Catholic acti\ities in the social, political, 
 economic and industrial tields. 
 
 The Messenger is affiliated with the National Catholic ^\'elfare Council 
 and uses its extensive news service, through which it obtains the latest and 
 most reliable news of the church throughout the world, gathered by its 
 efficient correspondents, 'idie Messenger is also a member of the Catholic 
 Press Association. It is published weekly at a subscription rate of $2.50 
 per year. 
 
 The present staff of the Messenger consists of Fred B. Sharon, pub- 
 lisher; E. M. Sharon, editor; M. E. Sharon, city editor, and C. L. Stebbins, 
 advertising manager.
 
 272 K ( 
 
 ROCK ISLAND A R S E N A L 273 
 
 Map of Tri-City Community 
 
 u!rba,"tcrn'turv '^"^ ^"l""-'' '^'"'-■^ ''--t Moline. Bclten.Iorf and su-
 
 274 ROCK IS L A X D A R S l". X A L 
 
 City of Rock Island 
 
 I*<>|iiilati<>n (I!fi0 <-eiiMixl — :i."i,I77. .M iini<-ii>iil appropriat inns for tisral year I9'i'i 
 
 Area — ten siiiiare niilt'!*. >.?!. >,..>!. 
 
 r..«al hankiiiK resources (Dee. .;9. Urii)— """''7* ..l"''^'o'..•','l'J^'"' "' "'""'' 'l'"''»-^ <•■'"'••• 
 
 #i:. !>!.->. ,-)«!♦. 
 
 of I!»-,",') — S8-,'.(MMI. 
 
 Postal rereipts (!!»,•-)— ?,'59.6»4. Served by main lines of three railroad HyR- 
 
 tenis. (. R. I. X v., (. It. A; Q. iind 
 MiU-i. of streets — \il. ^■ >| ^. st. I'. 
 
 Miles of pavement h.. Has four-mile frontajce on navicable stream 
 
 Miles of sewers — Xi. and water freiKlit outlets Houtli an<l east. 
 
 Miles of water mains — .le. Midway between CliiraRo on east, and Des 
 
 .Miles of street railwav tracks— .'8.7. Moines on west. Twin-t ities on nortli and 
 
 St. I.ouis on south. 
 
 Miles of main line railroad tracks — 13. 
 .Miles of other railroad tracks — H3.7. 
 
 Klevation altove sea level — 'tH^ feet. 
 
 . . . . , I'ereentaue of population native born whites 
 
 Number of homes in «'ity — <,!(10. "iH I 
 
 Number of owned homes — 1,3.36. j<p,jt „j ^„^f densely populat.tl .ounty in 
 
 -ArreaRe of parks — 83. .5. state except Cook. 
 
 .\sseswed valuation of propert.v (19'i'i) — ?12,- One of f<iur adjoining c-ilies with combined 
 
 417,87.'>. population of I.VI.IHH). 
 
 OCK ISLAND is a healthy, i::r()\ving American city of 35,OCX) stmls. 
 Its location and g^eneral facilities arc ideal fur purposes of com- 
 merce and industry. Its social advantages are such as men every- 
 ^y^^ where are seeking". Its scenic features are unexcelled in the ujjper 
 f '^-^ '^"' Mississippi valley. Its past is rich in historic lore. Its present 
 is full of throbbing human interest. Its future holds a promise than which 
 none is more bright. 
 
 As part of a conniiunity composed of four adjoining cities which, with 
 their suburbs, have a combined population of 150,000, it is able to offer 
 inducements not found outside of the larger centers. 
 
 In presenting Rock Island's points of excellence it is not necessary 
 to indulge in extravagant statements. Its people are content to rest their 
 cause on a plain recital of the facts. Facts also give a basis for comparison 
 much more satisfactory than any free-hand sketch could oti'er. 
 
 Rock Island occu]>ies a point of land formed by the junclion of Rock 
 river with the Mississijipi. ( )n the north and west it has a frontage of 
 more than four miles on na\ igable water. Rock river is on the south and 
 Moline on the east. Across the Mississippi at the north is Da\enport. 
 Lying opposite the east half of the city is the island from which its name 
 was taken and which is occupied by the greatest Arsenal and military 
 storehouses in the world. Here is assembled the largest amount of govern- 
 ment property anywhere in the United States outside of Washington, I). 
 C. The official inventory shows a value of more than $350,000,000. 
 
 On the banks of the river are the inain lines and terminals of three 
 great railroad systems, having belt line connections with all parts of the 
 business and industrial sections of the city, and, with the several branches 
 centering here, giving unexcelled transportation service in all directions.
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 275 
 
 The country round about is rich in agricultural resources and highly 
 developed. A number of permanent highways giving access to it already 
 have been built and an aggressive policy of improvement is being pursued. 
 
 The Mississippi and its navigable tributaries offer the advantages of 
 water transportation, while the Illinois and Mississippi canal, otherwise 
 known as the Hennepin, connecting with the latter stream just south of the 
 mouth of Rock River, opens a way east to the (jreat Lakes for water-borne 
 freight. The Mississippi at this point is spanned by two bridges, one used 
 exclusively by two railroad systems and the other a combination two-deck, 
 double-track structure, the largest in i)oint of carrying capacity north of 
 St. Louis. 
 
 Rock Island has a population, according to the 1920 census, of 35,177, 
 an increase over 1910 of 10,842, or 44.6 per cent. The average increase by 
 decades in the last 70 years has been 61.5 per cent, with a minimum of 16.9 
 and a maximum of 199.8 per cent, shown in 1860. The city is the seat of 
 government of Rock Island county, having a population of 92,297 and 
 averaging 217 people to the square mile, a density of population not 
 equalled in the state outside of Cook county. The adjoining counties of 
 Whiteside, Henry and Mercer, together with Rock Island, have a total 
 population of 192,433, an increase in the ten years prior to 1920 of 11 per 
 cent. Rock Island county's increase from 1910 to 1920 was 31.1 per cent 
 and its average increase by decades over a period of 30 years has been 30 
 per cent. 
 
 Twenty million people live within a radius of 300 miles of Rock Island. 
 
 There is no more accurate index of a city's greatness than the record of 
 its postal receipts. In Rock Island's case a vigorous and steady growth 
 is indicated. The totals, taken approximately for five-year periods from 
 1889, are as follows: 
 
 1889 $ 23.376 
 
 1895 , 28,936 
 
 1900 : 64,894 
 
 1905 80,523 
 
 1910 143,804 
 
 1915 158,716 
 
 1920 240,919 
 
 1922 2.59,684 
 
 Increase in business and resources of the six banks of Rock Island also 
 testifies to the city's expansion in commercial and industrial lines. This 
 was only slightly affected by the war and was not materially reduced after 
 its close, as bank statistics for 1913, 1919 and 1922 given below will show: 
 
 Capital Surplus and Tjoniis and Total 
 
 Stock Profits Iiivestuiciits Deposits Resources 
 
 Feb. 5. 1913 $ 900.000 $ 710,311.S0 $ 8,001.306.20 .$ S,767,44S.14 $10.,563.072.96 
 
 March 4. 19]9_- 900.000 978.89:5. (i7 12,9(K,1:«.43 1;?,6.59,04;10!I 1 ,141 674 73 
 
 Dec. 29, 1922— 1,000,000 1.147.0S().6S 15,144,577.80 15,2<KS,7ti2.4:{ 17.915.569..58 
 
 Rock Island's area is ten square miles, of which seven and one-half 
 square miles are platted, and two and one-half acre property. Within its
 
 276 ROCK IS L A X 1) A R S E N A L 
 
 limits there are six parks totaling 83'!. acres. One of these. Douglas park, 
 centrally located and city owned, has 12 acres and is dedicated to outdoor 
 sports having a fully-equipped baseball diamond, with 5.000 seating capacity. 
 The parks are well distributed so that petii)le living in all jKirts of the city 
 may enjoy their use. 
 
 Public improvements in Rock Island are up to standard and additions 
 to them are being made at a rate which shows a normal increase year by 
 vear. There are 127 miles of streets, of which 67 are paved. Originally 
 most of the paving was of brick, but asphalt has rapidly come into favor in 
 late years. An extensive resurfacing program has been undertaken and is 
 partly ct^mpleted. The mileage of sidewalks is more than double that of 
 the i)ave(l streets. Standard specifications are followed in laying paving 
 and walks and inspection is thorough. 
 
 The city has a municipal water plant valued at one and one-half millions 
 of dollars. Raw water from the Mississippi is purified by the most ap- 
 proved processes. The filters, sedimentation and storage basins are located 
 on the bluff, giving the business part of the city on the flat below the 
 benefit of gravity pressure. Pressure for the hill district is provided by a 
 standpipe 125 feet high. The capacity of the plant is 6.000.000 gallons daily 
 and there is abundant room for enlargement. Water rates are unusually 
 low. the minimum meter rate being 70 cents per month, with 14 cents per 
 hundred for the first 10.000 cubic feet each quarter and a graduated scale. 
 water in excess of 40.000 gallons per quarter being furnished for 6 cents 
 per hundred. There is also a flate rate. The waterworks is on a paying 
 basis and practically debt-free. There are 56'j miles of water mains and 
 53 miles of sewers. Topographical conditions make satisfactory drainage 
 by gravity possible in all parts of the city. 
 
 Public utilities give good service at rates comparing favorably with 
 those in other cities of Rock Island's class. Proximity <^f Moline and 
 Davenport, with unified ownership and management of most utilities, affords 
 marked advantages both in service and cost to patrons. The combined 
 street railway system of the tri-cities long has been accounted one of the 
 very best in the country, and the superior facilities of the electrical and 
 gas plants are attested by the manner in which the World War emergency 
 was met. This conuuunity was the only one in the United States, with 
 the single exception of Chicago, where the placing of war orders was not 
 limited on account (jf an insufficient supply either of gas or power, or both. 
 
 The Tri-City Railway company has 28.7 miles of track in Rock Island, 
 and its repair sh(.ps and its largest car barns are in the city. Its single 
 fare rate is 10 cents, but identification cards are sold monthly for 50 cents, 
 giving the jjurchaser the privilege of riding for a nickel. 
 
 There are 453 miles of single wire power distribution lines in the city 
 and 200.3 miles of gas mains of 3-inch equivalent. The power rate is 6 cents
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 277 
 
 per kilowatt hour for the first 50 kilowatt hours per month and a graduated 
 scale down to L5 cent for 100,000 or more kilowatt hours per month. The 
 light rate is 8 cents for the first 50 kilowatt hours and 4 cents for all current 
 in excess of 3,050 kilowatt hours per month. The gas rate is $L30 per 
 thousand for the first 100,000 cui)ic feet and $1 for all gas used in excess of 
 500,000 cubic feet per month. The number of electric customers was 8.897 
 and of gas customers 7,709 at the close of 1922. 
 
 The Illinois Bell Telephone company has 6,300 telephones in operation 
 in the city, seventy per cent being residence stations. The residence rate 
 for individual lines is $4 per month and the ])usiness rate $8, with free 
 connection with the adjoining cities. 
 
 It may be added that the policy of the utility companies always has 
 been progressive, anticipating and encourging expansion of the city. This 
 has been especially true of the Tri-City Raihvay Company. 
 
 Rock Island is served by the main east and west line of the C. R. I. & P., 
 better known as the "Rock Island" road ; the Chicago-Kansas City line of 
 the C. M. & St. P., and the main St. Louis-St. Paul line of the C. B. & Q. 
 The first named operates a branch from the city to Peoria, and the Rock 
 Island Southern taps the rich country to the south, reaching Monmouth and 
 Galesburg. Two of the city's railroad terminals are in the business district 
 and the third is within easy reach of it. Railroad tracks, for the most part, 
 occupying the river bank, exceptional facilities for transfer of freight to 
 and from boats are afforded and dangerous crossings are few. There are 
 in the city 13.2 miles of main railroad line and ?>2>.7 miles of other tracks. 
 including yards of the C. R. I. & P., the C. B. & Q. and the Rock Island 
 Southern. 
 
 Assessed valuation of property in Rock Island for 1922 was $12,417,875. 
 This is about half of the actual valuation. The 1921 tax rate was $6.74 per 
 hundred dollars. Of this $2.54 was for city and $2.75 for school purposes. 
 The city's bonded indebtedness at the close of 1922 was $82,000, or only 
 about one-eighth of the maximum allowed by law. The school bonded 
 indebtedness was $400,000. 
 
 With its location, transportation facilities and other advantages Rock 
 Island offers unexcelled opportunities for commercial and industrial de- 
 velopment. It does a brisk business in wholesaling and retailing. Two 
 million people live within a radius of 100 miles. The manufacturing enter- 
 prises within its limits number about fifty, with a combined invested capital 
 of more than $15,000,000 and with 3,500 male and 500 female workers, these 
 being the figures for 1922. The output of its factories includes agricultural 
 implements, lumber products, tractors, oil cloth and textiles, stoves, registers 
 and .furnaces, hardware and plumbing specialties, structural steel, farm 
 lighting plants, paints, electrical fixtures, men's clothing, rubber footwear,
 
 278 ROCK 1 S L A \ I) A K S E N A L 
 
 candies, automobile accessories and pipe organs. These are in addition 
 to the products of Rock Island Arsenal shops, in which many Rock Island 
 workmen are employed. Rock Island has abundant room for factory ex- 
 pansion, with sites level and low in price, reached by street cars from the 
 business district in ten minutes, and on paved streets, licit line railway 
 service, and in some cases water transportation, is a\ailable. 
 
 W itli its neighl)oring cities. Rock Island shares the advantages of water 
 power attordetl by rapids in both the Mississippi and Rock rivers. With 
 a minimum flow of the two streams there is a potential energy of 100,000 
 horse power, of which little more than one-tenth has been developed. 
 I'ossibilities in this direction greatly enhance the industrial jirestige of the 
 community. Large quantities of fuel within a radius of 60 miles make prac- 
 tical location of auxiliary ])ower plants at the mines, w'ith economical elec- 
 trical transmission. Coal in commercial quantities is mined near enough 
 to be delivered by truck, while three railroad lines bring supplies from the 
 great bituminous fields of central and southern Illinois. 
 
 Labor conditions, from the standpoint of both employer and employe, 
 are exceptionally good. Diversity of industry gives a variety of training, 
 and skilled workmen are available for nearly all standard lines of manufac- 
 turing. What Rock Island happens to lack usually may be found in adjtnn- 
 ing cities. On the other hand, the worker failing to find a job at his trade 
 in Rock Island may secure one within easy reach in t»ne of the other 
 municipalities, and so unemployment is materially lessened. There has 
 been a marked freedom from serious labor troubles, wages compare favor- 
 ably with those elsewhere, and the cost of li\ing is below the average in 
 communities offering equal advantages. The Tri-City Federation of Labor, 
 with an affiliating membership of between seven and eight thousand, includ- 
 ing 63 unions, maintains headquarters in Rock Island. There is no pre- 
 dominating foreign element in the city. FJghty-tvvo and six-tenths per cent 
 of the people are nati\e born, and of tlic others northern luiropcan strains 
 form a large majority. 
 
 In the distribution of its many fine homes Rock Island is unusually 
 democratic. It has no exclusive residence district, i)erhaps because there is 
 no one part of the city ])rceminently favored for that purpose. There are 
 so many gcnxl locations and builders of the better class of houses have made 
 their own selections according to individual tastes. Latterlv there has been 
 a disposition to favor the bluffs, of which there are se\eral miles overlooking 
 the Mississijipi and Rock river valleys. Lxce])tional opi)ortunities for 
 landscaping are afforded, with the option of northern, western or southern 
 views of valleys and streams, and woo(led hills in the back ground. Most 
 of the city is built on the level bottom land but the hill district is growing 
 rapidly. One may place his home in the valley, on the hillside or on the 
 level upland, 150 feet above the river, lie may locate it in the oj)en to get 
 maximum sunshine, or among the natural forest trees, as he elects. A few
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 279 
 
 sites remain within convenient walking distance of the business center. All 
 residence localities are well served by trolley lines. 
 
 In Rock Island the home owning class is in the majority. There are 
 4.313 rented homes and 4,336 owned, according to a late survey. Of the 
 owned homes 2,347 are free from encumbrance. 
 
 Building ordinances enforced for a number of years have checked the 
 tendency to cheapen construction as building costs advanced and a better 
 class of moderate priced homes has resulted. The rate of building has 
 been fairly uniform year after year. In 1922, which was somewhat below 
 normal, 120 new dwellings were erected and the total expenditure for 
 buildings was $1,624,621. There are two building and loan associations in 
 the city and the banks pursue a policy calculated to encourage the construc- 
 tion of homes. Rents range ratiier lower than in other cities of the same 
 class, the average for an ordinary hve-room house being about thirty dollars 
 per month. There are no slum districts in the city. 
 
 Rock Island never has been wanting in appreciation of the importance 
 of its public schools. Like most other growing cities, it has had a problem 
 in keeping its school building program up with the increase in juvenile 
 population, but it is believed that a permanent solution now has l)een reached 
 and that henceforth there will be ample room. Since the World War the 
 people have voted additional revenue to meet the greatly increased cost of 
 building and conducting the schools. Most of the needs of the outlying 
 sections have now been met and means are in sight to provide another large 
 high school. Tlje city schools are conducted under a special charter which 
 gives some advantages not conferred under the general law. School affairs 
 are administered by a non-partisan board of education. School sites have 
 been purchased on favorable terms in districts which were in process of being 
 settled and in other w^ays the needs of the public have been anticipated so 
 far as was possible. 
 
 There are fifteen grade schools, high school and manual arts school in 
 the city's system. Three of the grade schools are departmental. In addi- 
 tion there are half a dozen denominational schools with a combined attend- 
 ance of more than 700. The recent growth of the public school system is 
 best shown by comparative statistics on attendance and expenditures: 
 
 Attendance: 1914—4,440, 1919—4,975, 1922—5,685. 
 
 Expenditures: 1914— $292,749, 1919— $303,096, 1922— $396,672. 
 
 The public schools employ 181 teachers and the value of school prop- 
 erty is placed at $1,296,410, of which $980,179 is in buildings, $172,542 in 
 lands and $115,975 in erjuipment. 
 
 Augustana College is the principal school maintained by the Augustana 
 Lutheran Synod of North America, embracing practically all of the United
 
 280 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 States. It occupies thirty-six acres of land at the edge of the bluff in the 
 east end of Rock Island and its buildings and grounds represent a value of 
 nearly a niilliun dollars. Its students number 1.000 men and women and it 
 has graduated an equal nunil)er into the ministry. 
 
 \'illa de Chantal is a girl's boarding and day school, \\ itli primary and 
 advanced departments, conducted by the Sisters ui the X'isitation. a Roman 
 Catholic order. Its students come from many states. 
 
 Organizations for the promotion nf spiritual welfare are liberally sup- 
 ported in Rock Island. A careful survey indicates a church affiliation of 
 eighty per cent of the population. A healthy interest is maintained in all 
 the auxiliary lines of religious endeavor. There are twenty-hve Protestant 
 churches, including practically all denominations, hve Roman Catholic 
 churches and three Jewish synagogues. The V. M. C. A., occupying a fine 
 new home, has a membership of 665 and the Y. W. C. A. a membership of 
 1,000. 
 
 There are a number of benevolent institutions. St. Anthony's hospital, 
 conducted by the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, is a 150- 
 bed institution, and most of it is new and of modern construction and ap- 
 pointment. The West End Settlement is conducted in the industrial dis- 
 trict and covers a large field. Bethany Home cares for homeless children, be- 
 ing supported mostly by subscription. The Rescue Mission, similarly 
 financed, relieves the urgent wants of homeless adults, giving them food 
 and shelter free, or at a nominal cost. There is a municipal tuberculosis 
 sanitorium in which patients are treated without charge. A welfare asso- 
 ciation is maintained by private citizens as a central agency for the dis- 
 pensing of charity. 
 
 Fraternal organizations receive much attention in Rock Island. Masons, 
 with an aggregate membership of 2,000; Odd Fellows, with 700; and Eagles, 
 u ith 1.200. have homes of their own, while Elks, with 1.000 and Knights of 
 Columbus, with 650. maintain clubrooms and both expect to see plans for 
 new buildings soon realized. Woodmen of the World and Loyal Order of 
 Moose are among other fraternals strongly represented. \'eterans of the 
 three wars have active camps. 
 
 The city is headquarters for the Modern AN'oodmen of America, and 
 there are several flourishing local lodges here, one. Camp 26. being the 
 largest in the jurisdiction. Here. also, is the head office of the Woodmen 
 auxiliary, the Royal Neighbors of America. The Modern Woodmen is 
 the largest fraternal organization in the world, and the Royal Neighbors the 
 largest conducted exclusively by women. The two societies employ more 
 than 500 people in their head offices. The Modern Woodmen, with more 
 than 14.000 camps, operates in all states in the union except two, and in four 
 Canadian provinces. It has over one and one-half billions of dollar* of 
 insurance in force and its total disbursements to be4ieficiaries in the forty
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 281 
 
 years of its existence have amounted to $280,(X)0.(X)0. It has an invested 
 surplus of $26,000,000. The society maintains a tuberculosis sanitorium near 
 Colorado Springs, Colo., w^ith a capacity of 240 patients, which is free to 
 members and is accounted one of the most successful anywhere. 
 
 The Royal Neighbors has a membership of nearly half a million; it 
 operates in 45 states and maintains 7,200 local camps. It is on a sound 
 fmancial basis. In addition to adult and juvenile insurance, it provides a 
 fund for the assistance of members who are temporarily in need. Both 
 Woodmen and Royal Neighbors publish ofificial organs which are given 
 nation-wide circulation to the number of one and one-half million copies 
 monthly. 
 
 Business, civic and social organizations are numerous and active. Lead- 
 ing among them is the Rock Island Chamber of Commerce, with a member- 
 ship of 600, drawn from nearly every field of business and professional 
 activity. A paid secretary and stafif of assistants is maintained and the 
 organization is always alert to promote the city's industrial and commercial 
 welfare. Other organizations of the same nature include the Rock Island 
 club. Retail Business Men's association. Industrial commission, Real Estate 
 board. Builder's Exchange, Rotary club, Kiwanis club and Business and 
 Professional Women's clul). 
 
 Women of Rock Island take an active part in civic affairs and in the 
 promotion of the arts. The chief agency through which they work is the 
 Rock Island Woman's club, with a membership of 1,400. Local and Tri- 
 City organizations from time to time sponsor the appearance of the world's 
 leading instructors and entertainers in music, literature and the drama. The 
 favorite place for such programs is Augustana college gymnasium, with 
 seating capacity of 5,000, remarkable acoustic properties, and centrally 
 located for Tri-City patrons. 
 
 Rock Island has two libraries, one public and the other an adjunct of 
 Augustana college. Building of the former was made possible through the 
 generosity of Frederick Weyerhaeuser. The latter was presented to the 
 college as a memorial by the heirs of F. C. A. Denkmann, who, wath Mr. 
 Weyerhaeuser, laid in Rock Island the foundation of the great lumber 
 industry which still bears their names. The public library, which was built 
 in 1903, has more than 37,000 volumes and the collection is growing at the 
 rate of several thousand yearly. There are 12,000 card-listed borrowers and 
 the number of books issued for home use in 1922 was 165,621. There are 
 two main branches, one in the West End Settlement and the other in the 
 Washington school, in the southeastern part of the city. Collections of 
 books are also placed in dift'erent rooms of the various public schools. 
 
 Rock Island's independent recreational facilities are second to none, 
 and they are supplemented by those of its neighboring cities, giving a
 
 282 ROCK I S L A X D ARSE N A L 
 
 range of offerings to suit any taste. It has scenic attractions not excelled in 
 the valley of the upper Mississippi, invitinji^ drives and well kept parks. Of 
 its public parks there are six. with a combined area of 83.5 acres. ( )ne of 
 these, Long \'iew park, is held to l)e one of the best impro\cd and most 
 sightly in the central west. It comprises 40 acres. Then there is Black 
 Hawk's Watch Tower on the high bluff on Rock River, which is one of 
 the historic spots of northern Illinois. Rock Island .Arsenal grounds are 
 beautiful and threaded with miles of fine roadways. The Rock Island 
 Arsenal Golf club's course is famous and has been the scene of noted 
 tournaments. There are fine facilities for outdoor Ijathing in summer and 
 for skating in winter. F'ishing and boating are popular and organizations 
 are maintained to promote both. Amateur sports of all kinds flourish under 
 the direction of the schools. V. M. C". A. and other organizations. The city 
 also has commercial basel^all and football teams in season. Boxing is well 
 supported. Public playgrounds are operated for the benefit of the children 
 in all parts of the city and in summer play is supervised. 
 
 Rock Island is headquarters for the corps of United States engineers 
 in charge of improvement and maintenance of the Mississippi river and 
 adjacent waters from the mouth of the Missouri river to the mouth of the 
 Wisconsin. Offices are in the Federal building. A staff of twenty-five men 
 is employed, in addition to those manning the government fleets used in 
 river work, the government boat yard in the Hennepin canal near Milan 
 and the government drydock at Keokuk. Through this office from $700,000 
 to $1,000,000 is expended annually, depending upon the size of congressional 
 appropriations, mainly for the purpose of creating and maintaining a channel 
 depth in the Mississippi at all times of at least six feet. Accomplishing 
 of this end is expected to greatly facilitate the eflforts of those endeavoring 
 to develop the freight-carrying possibilities of the stream. An outdoor 
 force of from 800 to 1.000 men is kej)t at work on river improvement in this 
 section during the summer season. 
 
 In addition to the river engineers, permanent offices are maintained in 
 the federal building for the United States revenue bureau, department of 
 commerce. dei)artment of justice, treasury de])artment and postal dej^artment. 
 The structure is three stories in height and represents an investment of 
 $225,000. The local postoffice occupies the entire gmund floor. 
 
 Rock Island has adequate fire ])rotection. Its fire department, which is 
 imder civil service, has six stations, with thirty-two men and standard 
 motorized equipment throughout. There are two pumps, one (»f 1.000 
 gallons capacity ])er minute and the other 700 gallons. Fire insurance 
 premiums are based on a Class Three rating. Average fire losses during the 
 last decade have been $174,222 yearly. In case of a general fire aid from 
 Moline and Davenport can be secured in 10 minutes. 
 
 Streets and alleys of the city are well kept. The sum of $30,000 is ex- 
 pended annually for this i)urpose. The city maintains an incinerator for 
 garbage disposal.
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 283 
 
 There is a state free employment bureau in Rock Island, Avhich, during 
 the last five years, has found work for an average of 75.569 men and women 
 annually. 
 
 A live county farm bureau is in existence, with headquarters in Rock 
 Island. This organization has a membership of 700 and maintains a paid 
 advisor. There is also a home bureau reaching 800 women in the rural 
 sections, and having a competent director. Fine results have been obtained 
 by both organizations. 
 
 Not the least important evidence of Rock Island's attractiveness is its 
 popularity as a convention city. This ha^ resulted in the holding there in 
 recent years of many state and a number of national meetings. 
 
 HISTORICAL 
 
 It was from the island, now the site of the greatest manufacturing 
 Arsenal and military storehouse in the world, that the county of Rock Island 
 and city of Rock Island received their name, and in the order named. Rock 
 Island county was created by act of the Illinois legislature Feb. 9, 1831, and 
 the first election of county officers took place July 5, 1833. 
 
 The city, or as it was then known, town of Rock Island did not come 
 into being till 1841, when the legislature changed the name of the village of 
 Stephenson to Rock Island and provided a charter, under which the first 
 election was held in July of the same year. A city charter was adopted by 
 the legislature and approved Feb. 12, 1849, and served as a plan of municipal 
 government till Feb. 16, 1857. when one better suited to the needs of the 
 growing community was provided. This was in force till 1879. Nov. 4 of 
 that year the people voted to incorporate under the general law. 
 
 The site of the present city of Rock Island was a favorite one with the 
 Indians as far back as written history of the locality goes. Once it was 
 inhabited by the tribes of the Illini. The Sacs and Foxes, first known to 
 have dwelt along the lower St. Lawrence in Canada, came into this part of 
 the country from southern Wisconsin, driving the Illini remnants southward 
 and taking possession about the year 1722. A village was built on Rock 
 river in the southern part of the present city of Rock Island, the site being 
 favored because it was protected by water on three sides and there was a high 
 blufif at hand, now known as Black Hawk's Watch Tower, which served as a 
 look-out to scan the country round about for the approach of hostile bands 
 of warriors. This village, known to historians as Saukenuk, became one of 
 the most populous found by the early white explorers. 
 
 Being a strong, courageous people, wisely led, the Sacs and Foxes 
 prospered and more than held their own in the wars they carried on with 
 other nearby tribes. They took some part in an expedition against the 
 Americans at Cahokia in the Revolutionary war and their village was burned
 
 284 K () r K 1 S I. A X 1) A R S K N A L 
 
 in reprisal. Again in the war of 1812 the Indians were active on the side of 
 the British. From that time on there were many clashes with the white 
 settlers till finally Black Hawk, who became chief early in the nineteenth 
 century, was driven, with his folK)vvers, across the Mississippi as a result 
 of the Black Hawk war of 1832. 
 
 'J'he first house (»n the present site of Rock Island was built in 1826, on 
 the river bank near the south end of the Rock Island railroad bridge at 
 the foot of Twenty-ninth street, by Colonel Da\enport and Russell I^'arnham. 
 This structure, later known as the house of John Barrel, was the seat of 
 the original county government and the center of the settlement known as 
 Farnhamsburg. The town of Stejjhenson was laid out under legislative 
 authority in 1835 to be the county seat. It conij)rised twenty blocksi adjacent 
 to the present court house square. It was later enlarged to include 
 Farnhamsburg and other contiguous territory. 
 
 Protection offered by Fort Armstrong against Indian depredations 
 attracted settlers to the locality in the early days. The place became a 
 favorite crossing point on the Mississippi, partly because of the presence 
 of the fort and j)artly because the stream was narrow and the banks high, 
 making approach easy, and providing good landings. After the Indians 
 were gone the land nearby was rapidly taken up and the settlement grew 
 apace. First comers were hardy American stock traveling by wagon, on 
 horse and afoot from the east, or by boat from the south. There were 
 migratory waves from southern Illinois and Kentucky, from Indiana, Ohio 
 and Pennsylvania. Some from the eastern states came down the Ohio river 
 and up the Mississippi. 
 
 Advent in 1854 of the Chicago (.K: Rock Island railroad, the first to reach 
 the Mississippi from the east, gave Rock Island a pronounced boom. The 
 l)lace for a time was the sole junction i)oint on the river of rail and water 
 transportation lines. Population grew raj)idly. Business increased. In- 
 dustries, provided witli shipping facilities which were exceptional in that 
 day, sprang up. The village became a city. Rock Island's fame spread, 
 reaching e\cn across the Atlantic. I'>om northern luirope came immigrants, 
 the most desirable class that e\er landed upon our shores. They came look- 
 ing for permanent homes and found them here, building up the city and 
 I'ecoming ])art of it. Many of the ])ioneer families were of (lerman, Irish, 
 Scandinavian or other northern iun-oi)can stock. Tlic cast cud of the city 
 was settled largely by Swedish families and their descendants, overflowing 
 from Moline. Later came Belgians and a scattering representation from 
 Mediterranean countries. The advent of those from across the sea, however, 
 has been gradual and they have been most thoroughly assimilated. The 
 native born element always predominated heavily and does to this day. 
 
 Rock Island's fonndation was laid by men of unusual force, enterjjrise 
 and wisdom. The}' had high ideals and sound judgment. The city was
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 285 
 
 never suffered to lag behind in the procession. It always has been rated 
 as a leader in every field of endeavor. It never was a one-man or a one- 
 industry town. The diversity of its interests has been a leading factor in 
 its steady progress. 
 
 A heavy shipping business was done by water in the palmy days of the 
 Mississippi steamboat, in the fifties, sixties and se\enties. The decline of 
 the water carriers found the community well supplied with railroad facili- 
 ties to take their place, so that the city really was the gainer by the change. 
 
 When the river w-as the artery down which flowed the pine to build 
 homes for the people of the central west the lumber industry in Rock Island 
 throve as it did in few other cities. But passing of the log and luml)er raft 
 into history was not attended by a decline in manufacturing prestige, for the 
 reason that other industries had been i)rogressively develoi)ed as the supply 
 of timber declined and, with n]ore diversified e)pportunities for investment 
 and employment, a broader foundation for community prosperity resulted. 
 
 Since the earliest days Rock Island has gone forward steadily in 
 v/ealth and population. At no stage in its history has its momentum been 
 materially checked. It has encountered the usual obstacles, but in all cases 
 they have been o\ercome and in\aluable lessons learned in the operation. 
 The manner in which it has met and mastered its problems is the best 
 possible assurance for its future. As a city of 35,000 its resources and 
 opportunities are no less outstanding than they were when it was a village 
 before the railroad came. And there is not the slightest reason to doubt 
 that the years to come will bring to it growth and prosperity, even as did 
 the years that are gone.
 
 286 
 
 R () e" K 1 S L A N n A K S F. N A T. 
 
 City ol Davenport 
 
 ropiihition (IJt'iO renNiiH) — .'»6."'i7. 
 
 Aroa — Ifi.'il f<<|iiiir<* nilleH. 
 
 MilfH of !.lrert>. — IK8. 
 
 MileH of pii\ciiifrit — 1''0. 
 
 MllcH of ».«•«. TH— !:<:<. 
 
 >Iile» of «iit«T iiiaiio — I I J. 
 
 .Miles of stri'ct niilwa.v Irai-ks — r>0. 
 
 Milfs of main line railroad tracks — 'i\.!i. 
 
 MileH of other traekw — .i',/.). 
 
 A«TeaKe of parks — 750. 
 
 Total liankinR resourees — $55,:)45,l)(i<l. 
 
 Postal reeeipls (I!»>>) — S4Kl,r.72.;>l. 
 
 AssesHecl valuation of property (1!>22) — $(>!>,- 
 
 «>(i7.(»-.>n. 
 Value of moneys and credits — $I5,IH;:<,450. 
 
 Municipal appropriations for flNral year 
 I !»•»•.' — SKIH,H(M(. 
 
 Number of liomes <l!»iO) — 13,042. 
 
 Number of families — I 1. 388. 
 
 I'ercentaKc of owned homes — 75. 
 
 Niiniher of native born white residents — IH,- 
 SK5. 
 
 Number of rcKistered \oters (l!».J«) — iK.OOO. 
 
 Iowa's prin<'ipal eastern jtatewa.v. 
 
 Served by three Kreat railroad n.vstems iind 
 two interurbans. 
 
 Has seven miles frontaKe on na\iKabIe water. 
 
 Largest cit.v between Cbicai^o and I>es ^loines 
 and St. Louis an<l T win-<'it ies. 
 
 .Most important JHbbinK and retail center in 
 its tcrritor.v. 
 
 One of four ad.joininK cities with combined 
 liopiilation of l.'iO 000. 
 
 IRST in Iowa in wealth and third in population, Davenport, the 
 state's main gateway to the east, is showing other cities in the 
 upper Mississippi valley how to do it. The source of its strength 
 lies in the strong common sense of its peoi)le, their capacity for 
 organization, and their will to go forward. These influences, 
 operating for more than three-quarters of a century in a favored environ- 
 ment, have won victories in commerce and industry and over the material 
 obstacles to municipal growth and greatness such as few communities can 
 boast. They have resulted in an impetus which even the reconstruction 
 period following the World War did not \isibly check. 
 
 Davenport is the "big brother" in the Tri-City group. It enjoys the 
 advantage incident to its location west of the Mississi))pi, being the con- 
 verging i^oint of lines of trade and travel from the great west, upon which 
 it takes the customary toll. It excels in facilities for the distribution of 
 goods, l)oth by wholesale and retail, and for the accommodation of transients. 
 Its people ha\e expressed their faith in its future by liberal support of 
 improvements, both i)rivate and public. With their surplus resources they 
 have invested in enter])rises which carry the city's name and influence far 
 beyond its immediate environs. It is a social and recreational center, noted 
 also for its educational and research work and for the extent to which it 
 patronizes the arts. 
 
 Nature bountifully endowed the jjlace where Davenport has been builded 
 with those things which make life desirable. Well rounded hills rise not 
 too abruptly above the Mississippi, flowing past at the south, i)rovi(ling a 
 site well calculated to dis])lay the structural handiwork of man and supply- 
 ing vantage points from which to see, as well as to be seen. Safe above 
 flood water, the lower levels give ample room for business and industrial 
 development, while the rolling uplands and the hillsides, with their southern 
 exposure and perfect air drainage, are ideal for residence purposes.
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 287 
 
 Here the early settlers found water to carry goods, to generate power 
 and supply the needs of a city. Here was stone and sand and gravel and 
 lumber, floated down from the great pineries of the north, with which to 
 build. Fuel above ground in the native forests was at hand and beneath 
 the ground not far away coal in unlimited quantity. Here was abundant rain- 
 fall and a climate not too cold and not too warm. Stretching away to the west 
 for hundreds of miles was fertile land, the product of which must ever flow 
 eastward to be exchanged for manufactured goods, which in turn must flow 
 westward by the same route. 
 
 To this place, so highly favored, came first the explorers, then the traders 
 and then the pioneer settlers, pressing back the copper-hued tribes. The 
 first whites were of the cleanest and most enterprising native stock. Later 
 comers included the best that Europe had to offer, the German element 
 predominating. To the river bank opposite came the first railroad reaching 
 out from the east, and here the first bridge was thrown across the Mississippi. 
 Out of the city the first rails pushed across the prairie westward to the 
 Missouri and on toward the mountains. 
 
 And so grew the city of Davenport. Since the first house was built 
 each year has brought it added population and wealth. It boomed but once, 
 during the fifties, when in a single decade it advanced out of the village 
 class. At other times it just expanded gradually and steadily and along 
 safe and enduring lines. Let the United States census reports tell the 
 story : 
 
 1S50 
 Population 1 848 
 
 Percent of Increase 
 
 Davenport is the seat of government of Scott county, with a population 
 of 73,952, which also has shown a steady growth, averaging 19.7 per cent 
 in the last three decades. With the adjoining counties of Clinton, Cedar 
 and Muscatine added to that of Scott there is a combined population of 
 163,925. 
 
 Numbers are significant, but increase in population in the case of 
 Davenport has been accompanied by material prosperity that is even more 
 striking. The city now has twelve banks and their total combined re- 
 sources at the close of 1922 amounted to $55,945,060. Total annual bank 
 clearings are approximately half a billion. The following figures, taken 
 from reports of all banks in the city and totalled, oft'er the best possible 
 evidence of financial stability and growth, both in the World War period 
 and during the era of reaction following it : 
 
 Capital Surplus and Loans and Total 
 
 Stock Prutits Investments Deposits Resources 
 
 Feb r,, 1913__- .$1,000,000 !«2,1S4.2.'^1 $20,470,124 $.'i0.824.0.-.7 .$;50 000 502 
 
 Mch. 4, 1019 2. 150,000 ;?,0S1,C05 42,090,371 44,0(50,713 51,i»71,025 
 
 Dec. 20, 1022 2,000,000 4,015,734 48,144,843 40,0(54,952 55,945,060 
 
 1860 
 
 1870 
 
 1880 
 
 1890 
 
 1000 
 
 1010 
 
 1920 
 
 11,2(57 
 
 20,038 
 
 21,831 
 
 26,872 
 
 35,2.^4 
 
 43,028 
 
 .'56,727 
 
 500.7 
 
 77.8 
 
 8.0 
 
 23.1 
 
 31.2 
 
 22.1 
 
 31.8
 
 288 R () C K I S I. A X D A K S F. X A L 
 
 'I'lie <,^rc.\vtli of the citv's postal receipts also is unusual, and accurately 
 reflects the expansion of its business and conuuercial interests. Xote the 
 show i nor |)y ti\e-year periods since ISXX): 
 
 I'.rio ? sr..-oo.oo 
 
 UKT. 11S.S7N.T.'. 
 
 I'.iio — ls;'.,t;_'".t.7;: 
 
 l!»i:> i;7l.:tiiJ.iis 
 
 1«.I20 1. 44(l..Vi7.H 
 
 V.rS2 4si:>72.!(l 
 
 Assessed valuatiim of property in the city of Davenport for the collec- 
 tion of revenues for 1923 was $69,667,020. Municipal taxes were levied upon 
 approximately one-half of this sum and upon $15,603,450 listed in moneys 
 and credits, at the rate of 2.7 mills on the dollar. Municipal api)ropriations 
 f..r 1922 were $848,300. 
 
 Davenport takes a high place in the character and extent of its public 
 improvements, and travelers commend it for its well-kept appearance. It 
 has 188 miles of streets and 63 miles of alleys. One hundred twenty miles 
 of streets and alleys are paved. Pavement, especially in the business dis- 
 trict, is kept in good condition by prompt repairs or resurfacing when 
 necessary. Streets as originally laid out are wide enough to meet the needs 
 of an ever growing traffic. The coming of the motor vehicle did not cause 
 the inconvenience so often sullered by other cities which had been planned 
 on less liberal lines. 
 
 Davenport lies admirably for purposes of drainage. There are 20 
 miles of storm drains and 113 miles of sewers. The river furnishes a con- 
 venient outlet. Clogging and overflowing of drains and sewers rarely takes 
 place. 
 
 Connecting uj) with the city's streets are eight priiuary highways leading 
 out into the country on the Iowa side, which are being permanently surfaced, 
 mostly with brick. Scott county has in hand and nearing completion at the 
 close of 1922, a road improvement program involving an outlay of $3,000,000 
 and calling for work on all primary thoroughfares centering in the county 
 seat. Similar work undertaken on the Illinois side promises early comple- 
 tion of hard roads east, north and south. To reach the Illinois side Daven- 
 port enjoys the use of the two-deck, double track Rock Island bridge, govern- 
 ment owned and maintained, and the only one between St. Louis and St. 
 Paul on which no tolls are charged. 
 
 Davenjxirt and liettendorf. its eastern suburb, together have seven miles 
 of frontage on navigable water. A])i)rcciating the advantage of water trans- 
 portation and believing in the future of the Mississippi in this connection. 
 Davenport has taken the lead among upper river cities in levee improvement. 
 Nearly a mile of sea wall has been built, at any i)oint of which freight may 
 be transferred by gravity or power from rail to boat and vice versa, doing 
 away with expensive hand labor. There are also 1,000 feet of ])aved sloping 
 levee. The Davenport Levee Commission was organized for this undertak-
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 289 
 
 ing. It issued bonds, which are being retired by rentals from reclaimed 
 land, $205,000 being outstanding at the close of 1922. A municipal wharf 
 has been constructed for a packet terminus. Most of the reclaimed land, 
 which lies adjacent to the business district, has been transformed into an at- 
 tractive park, known as LeClaire park, and comprising 11 acres. Area of all 
 the land reclaimed when the sea wall is extended down stream to the present 
 city limits will be 125 acres. It is estimated that the cost of the whole 
 improvement will be $1,000,000. The entire benefit, which will be much in 
 excess of that sum, will accrue to the city. Work already done has wonder- 
 fully bettered the appearance of the waterfront, making it a mcidel which 
 is being copied elsewhere. 
 
 The area of Davenport is 16.24 square miles, of which 10 square miles 
 are platted. About three-fourths of the city lies on the bluff, reaching a 
 maximum altitude of 150 feet above the river and of 728 feet above sea level. 
 The lower land, well adapted to business and industrial uses, is adequately 
 served by rail, as well as water transportation facilities. Railroads parallel 
 the river the entire length of the city and branch out into all parts of the 
 industrial district at the west end. Three lines cross the city transversely, 
 striking back into the country in different directions. In addition to the 
 trunk lines of the C. R. I. & P., C. B. & Q. and C. M. & St. P. roads, there 
 are the D. R. I. & N. W.. a belt line, and two interurbans of the C. D. & M., 
 one operating up the river to Clinton and the other down to Muscatine. 
 There are within the city 28.5 miles of main line and 35.9 miles of other 
 tracks. In addition to the latter there are nine miles of switch tracks form- 
 ing the terminal yards of the C. M. & St. P. at Nahant. just west of the 
 municipal bounds. There are 32 steam passenger trains in and 34 out daily. 
 Interurban trains number 22 each way. In 1922 the railroads received 26,991 
 carload lots of freight and forwarded 11,124 carloads. 
 
 Davenporters are fortunate in the character of the pul)lic utilities which 
 serve them. Standards are unusually liigh and costs compare favorably 
 with those in other cities. The Tri-City Railway & Light Company owns 
 and operates street railways, gas and power plants and a central heating 
 plant supplying steam to office and business blocks in the down-town district. 
 
 The water plant is privately owned and is one of the best in the country. 
 
 For many years Davenport has had exceptionally good street railway 
 facilities. It claims the first electric car regularly operated in the United 
 States. There are now 50 miles of street railway track. An 8-cent fare is 
 charged. 
 
 Facilities for the production of gas and electrical energy for power and 
 illumination are considerably in advance of the city's normal needs, and 
 it is the policy of the company always to so maintain them. There are 205 
 miles of gas mains, reduced to a three-inch equivalent, and 703 miles of wire 
 for power distribution. The lumiber ()f gas and electricity users is significant
 
 290 ROCK 1 S L A X D ARSE X A L 
 
 of the high standards of living prevailing. There are 13.379 of the former 
 and 13.368 ..f the latter. The 1920 census showed 12.042 hemes and 14.388 
 families. 
 
 The Davenport Water Company installed one of the first mechanical 
 filters used in the middle west. Its raw supply is taken from the channel 
 of the Mississippi at a point well above the center of the business district, 
 and so effective is the process of purification that turbidity is entirely elim- 
 inated at all times, and the supply always has met the most exacting tests. 
 Large storage reservoirs on the bluff give the business section the advantage 
 of gravity pressure. There are 114 miles of water mains and they are of 
 greater capacity than is commonly used. Capacity of the filters is 9.000.000 
 gallons per day, twice the average consumption, and the cajiacity of the 
 pumps is 31.000.000 gallons. 
 
 Davenport has but one telephone system and through it is given free 
 connection with adjacent cities on the Illinois side and also with villages and 
 many rural subscribers in Scott county. There are 1.904 business and 9.279 
 residence stations connecting with the local exchange. Rates are $4 per 
 month for residence and $8 per month for business service. 
 
 Davenport's business interests are well balanced. It is not preeminently 
 an industrial city, yet it excels in certain lines of manufacturing, and there 
 has been a marked expansion in this direction in recent years. The 1920 
 census showed 219 industries, with value of yearly output of $55,000,000 and 
 5,271 workers employed. The two years following saw a material increase 
 in the number of concerns, but there has been no detailed survey since that 
 made by the federal government. Among the factories are several marketing 
 part of their output in foreign countries and a larger number distributing 
 products on a nation-wide scale. These concerns carry the city's name abroad, 
 giving it invaluable advertising. 
 
 Thousands of freight cars are made annually in the Rettendorf shops, 
 the largest single industry, with 30 acres under roof. The city leads in the 
 making of washing machines, metal wheels, brooms, ready-cut houses and 
 motion picture projectors. Other products finding a universal market are 
 light locomotives, pumps, type-setting machines, cereal products and pearl 
 buttons. Foundry products, cigars, candy, bakery products, overalls, optical 
 goods, ladders, industrial gases and packing house products are also exten- 
 sively manufactured. There is a $2,000,000 cement mill on the river bank just 
 above the city and another one is planned, to be located a few miles below 
 town. 
 
 Davenport enjoys unusual advantages which appeal to manufacturers. 
 Arriong them are presence of water power, nearness of fuel and raw ma- 
 terials and facility and economy of distribution in a territory of exceptional 
 buying power. There is also a large supply of well-trained labor, in which
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 291 
 
 the city's resources are supplemented l)y those of its nearby neighbors on 
 the Illinois side. 
 
 Good transportation facilities and favorable freight rates also help 
 enhance the city's prestige as a jobbing and retail center. There are 120 
 wholesale establishments, with an annual business estimated at $50,000,000. 
 They employ 700 traveling salesmen. 
 
 Retail concerns include six department stores, eight ladies' ready-to- 
 wear, 23 clothiers, 20 shoe stores, 193 groceries and 30 drug stores. 
 
 The city is headquarters of the Federal System of Bakeries, w^ith 
 hundreds of shops in all parts of the United States, and is the home of 
 several large construction companies prepared to execute almost any kind 
 of a contract in any part of the country, and doing an annual business run- 
 ning up in the millions. 
 
 Davenport has many fine buildings. Among the most imposing are the 
 Blackhawk hotel, with 416 rooms, largest in the state, the $1,000,000 Kahl 
 office building and the new eight-story Parker department store, which has 
 no superior in middle western cities. A $1,000,000 Masonic temple is in 
 course of construction. Among the public buildings are a central high school 
 of unusual size and completeness, an imposing court house, fine city hall 
 and federal building and a large library. Commodious and well appointed 
 homes crown the prominent bluffs overlooking the valley and the landscap- 
 ing is effective to an unusual degree. Camp McClellan addition in the east 
 end, commanding a view of the river and Rock Island Arsenal, and built up 
 with residences of the more costly class, is one of the show places of the 
 community. 
 
 Good homes are the rule, and the tendency constantly is toward im- 
 provement in average quality. New additions are being laid out rapidly. 
 There is unlimited room for growth, most of the suburbs being on rolling 
 ground and well supplied with paved streets and trolley lines. The 1920 
 census showed 12,042 homes, but it is probable that 13,000 would be nearer 
 the correct number for 1922. In that year 360 new residences were con- 
 structed and $3,249,000 was expended on buildings. It is estimated that 
 three-fourths of the homes in the city are owned by the occupants. That is 
 an unusually large proportion, and speaks well for the thrift, enterprise and 
 stability of the people. Residences and lawns, as a rule, are well kept, 
 reflecting the prosperity and content of the owners. Rents are not exorbitant. 
 An exceptionally liberal policy is pursued in the financing of home building 
 enterprises. 
 
 In the matter of schools Davenport is second to none. There are 17 
 grade and three intermediate schools and one high school in the public 
 system, with 13 parochial and diocesan schools and 17 miscellaneous. The 
 high school, built on a commanding site in 1907, at a cost of $350,000, is one 
 of the conspicuous structures of the city. It accommodates 1,600 pupils.
 
 292 R () C K IS L A \ D A R S I". X A L 
 
 Schools maintained by religi»»us denominations include St. Ambrose college 
 for boys and the Academy of the Immaculate Concejition for girls, both con- 
 ducted by the Rtmian Catholic church, and St. Katharine's school for girls, 
 under the auspices i»f the I*!piscopal diocese ""f Iowa. The miscellaneous 
 schools include the Palmer School of Chiropractic, with 2.500 students, draw n 
 from all states in the union and from many foreign countries. 
 
 Public school attendance for the 1921-22 year was 9.621. School ex- 
 penditures the same year were $820,000. \'alue of school property was 
 S3.006.920 in buildings and grounds, and $280,246 in equipment. The school 
 bonded debt was $1,023,000. 
 
 Public school pupils are given every advantage to promote their educa- 
 tional advancement and physical welfare. There is special instruction in 
 drawing, music, manual training, cooking, sewing, physical culture and 
 nature study. School physicians and nurses are employed. Special schools 
 are maintained for deaf children and those with defects of speech. A 
 training course for teachers is part of the regular high school course. 
 
 The Davenport library is well housed, centrally located and complete. 
 At the close of 1922 it had 78.158 volumes and the circulation for the year had 
 been 456.564. Eight stations in various parts of the city are maintained. 
 
 More than eighty per cent of the people of Davenport claim church 
 affiliation. All told there are 43 churches, including practically all denom- 
 inations. There are two cathedrals, this being the see city of the Roman 
 Catholic diocese of Davenport, comprising the southern half of Iowa, and 
 of the Episcopal diocese of Iowa. Auxiliary religious organizations are well 
 supported. The Y. M. C. A. has a membership of 1.300 and the Y. W. C. A. 
 of 1.200. The former occupies a building specially erected for its use. and 
 the latter has extensive rented quarters. 
 
 Few cities are so well supplied with organizations, business, educational, 
 welfare, recreational and for the promotion of science and the arts as is Dav- 
 enport. They are numbered by the scores, their purposes cover almost the 
 whole field of human endeavor and nearly every resident is enrolled in one 
 or more of them. Many are German in origin and character, led by the 
 Turners and their various branches. The spirit of mutual helpfulness which 
 pervades the community is manifested in numerous beneficiary and welfare 
 societies, some with but a few members and some with many hundreds. 
 These have headquarters in all parts of the city and do a magnificent work. 
 People of means and benevolent inclination have endowed a number of 
 these with jjraiseworthy liberality, enable them to operate on a broad scale 
 and to build, equij) and plan adequately for the future. 
 
 Leading among the business organizations is the Davenport Chamber 
 of Commerce, occujjving a handsome home of its own and maintaining traftic, 
 credit, manufacturing and retail bureaus in charge of paid secretaries. The
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 293 
 
 traffic bureau has complete tariiif files and the credit bureau keeps up-to-date 
 ratings to the number of 80,000. The Chamber of Commerce is headquarters 
 for the live men of the community, and is doing eiTective work in furthering 
 the city's interests and exploiting its advantages. Its motto always has 
 been "Business Before Pleasure." 
 
 Benevolent work is participated in by such organizations as the Ladies' 
 Industrial Relief and the Davenport Friendly society, having buildings of 
 their own equipped for educational and recreational, and, in the case of the 
 former, for charitable work. The Visiting Nurses' association keeps six 
 nurses whose services are free to those unable to pay for them. The Lend-a- 
 Hand club looks after the Avelfare of working girls and is building a 
 $200,000 home for them, a complete club, with all customary club facilities, a 
 large dining room and quarters for 80 lodgers. 
 
 There are four hospitals with a combined capacity of 300 beds. Elee- 
 mosynary institutions include the Clarissa C. Cook Home for the Friendless, 
 a refuge for women, the Fejervary Home for Aged Men, and St. Vin- 
 cent's Orphan's home. The Iowa Soldiers' Orphans' home, maintained by 
 the state, and capable of caring for 500 inmates, is located in the city. Pine 
 Knoll sanatorium, maintained by the county for treatment of tuberculosis, has 
 a capacity of 50 patients. 
 
 The public museum of the Davenport Academy of Sciences, organized 
 in 1867, ranks with the museums of cities with many times the population 
 of the Tri-Cities. The collections fill to overflowing two large connected 
 buildings owned by the institution. There are departments of natural his- 
 tory, commercial geography, local history, American ethnology and arch- 
 aeology (especially Mississippi Valley mound-builders), and exhibits from 
 Egypt, Greece, Rome, China, Japan. Peru, Alaska and other parts of the 
 world. The museum is visited by 15,000 people in a year. It has been built 
 up by the generosity of many citizens. Its endowment is assured by a 
 trust fund and it is planning fcjr a new^ fireproof museum and art gallery 
 building. 
 
 The C. A. Ficke collection of paintings, valued at half a million dollars, 
 recently has been given to the city, and public spirited citizens have under- 
 taken to provide a home for it. Permanent literary, debating and study 
 clubs are numerous and reach a great many people. Women's organizations 
 number more than a score. Many of them are educational in their purpose, 
 while others are devoted to the arts, especially to music, which Davenporters 
 liberally patronize. The Tri-City Symphony orchestra, taking rank with 
 the best in the country, and the Tri-City Musical Association, which 
 sponsors entertainments by the world's leading musical celebrities, are 
 strongly supported in Davenport and their programs there are given in the 
 coliseum, well adapted to such uses and having a seating capacity of 3,000.
 
 294 ROCK IS L A X 1) A R S F. N A L 
 
 Aniono; the fratcrnals. the Masons hui*;' have held a leading: plaee. Their 
 original temple having been outgrown, the Masonic bodies are now erecting 
 one of the most jiretentious structures of its kind in the country, to be thrown 
 open during 1923. The Elks, Turners. Ancient Order of Hibernians. Knights 
 of Columbus and Danish Brotherhood have buildings of their own, while the 
 Eagles are building and the Odd Fellows expect to do so soon. Few 
 fraternal organizations that are more than local in character are without 
 branches in the city. There are half a hundred labor unions, embracing all 
 crafts and most of them affiliating with the Davenport Trades and Labor 
 Assembly. 
 
 In the planning of Davenport, recreation has been well provided for, 
 and there are numerous organizations to promote that end. Among these 
 may be mentioned the Outing club, with house and grounds only a few blocks 
 from the center of the city, the Rock Island Arsenal Golf club, more than 
 half of the members of which are Davenporters, certain 'branches of the 
 Turners, and numerous clubs to encourage shooting, bowling and other 
 sports, both outdoor and indoor. There are 14 parks, w^ell distributed 
 within the city limits, and having a combined area of 379 acres. Of these 
 Vander\'eer park is noted for its flowers, while in Fejervary park is a 
 small zoo. Credit island, a tract of nearly four hundred acres, is owned by 
 the city and is equipped with golf course, bathing beach, baseball grounds 
 and other recreational facilities. It is open to the public free of charge, and 
 though outside the municipal limits, is easily reached. At LeClaire park, 
 on the levee, the city, in 1922, constructed a well appointed natatorium costing 
 $100,000. Attractive and well improved drives leading out into the country 
 in all directions have a strong appeal to motorists. A well-appointed 
 tourists' camp is provided for visiting automobile parties in summer time. 
 
 Efforts to beautify the city have been highly successful in Davenport, 
 and there are many sightly spots within and near its borders. There are 
 no "Keep off the grass" signs in the public parks. All schools have play- 
 grounds, well equipped, and there are three public playgrounds with wad- 
 ing pools. The Davenport Boat Club has a harbor and club house and has 
 sponsored a number of regattas, attracting power boat enthusiasts from all 
 over the middle west. 
 
 Indoc)r recreation is supplied by four theatres and 15 motion picture 
 houses, among which the new Capitol theatre is recognized as one of the 
 fmest in the country. 
 
 Davenport's fire protection ranks with the best. Fire insurance is 
 written on a Class Two basis, a rating accorded few other cities. Large 
 pumping capacity of the water company, over-size mains in the fire limits, 
 enforcement of a satisfactory building code, and effectiveness of fire fight- 
 ing forces and equipment are factors considered in establishing the low 
 rate. There are seven fire stations, with 67 men. Equipment is all motorized
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 295 
 
 and includes two large pumps. There are LI 50 fire hydrants in the city. 
 Help from Rock Island and Moline is always available on short notice. 
 Average fire losses for the past 10 years have been $176,727. 
 
 There are two police stations, with a force of 62 men. Law enforce- 
 ment is efl:'ective. The number of arrests for the last 10 years has averaged 
 2,398 and the average annual collection of fines has been $8,378. Unusual 
 attention is given to directing of traffic in business streets. A federal law 
 enforcement organization is maintained in the city, including a United States 
 commissioner, deputy United States marshal and prohibition agent. There 
 is an adequate local health and inspection service. 
 
 The federal government maintains a weather station in Davenport fully 
 equipped and manned by a meteorologist and two assistants. Weather data 
 from all over the country and river stage bulletins from points on the Miss- 
 issippi from Dubuque down to Muscatine are collected daily. Reports are 
 sent out over the Tri-City district and are broadcasted by radio, making 
 them available for many miles. Records kept since 1871 show an average 
 rainfall of 32.27 inches, average winter temperature of 24.3 degrees, spring 
 temperature of 49.1, summer temperature of 73.1 and autumn temperature of 
 52.4. The average growing season has been 174 days. There have been no 
 crop failures in the vicinity in 50 years. 
 
 Davenporters take great pride in their city. They are ever alert to add 
 to its advantages and always have a warm welcome for visitors. Many con- 
 ventions are entertained. There are half a dozen hotels of high rating and 
 a score of others in which visitors may find comfortable quarters and at 
 moderate cost. One of the city's leading attractions is the Mississippi Valley 
 Fair and Exposition. This was opened in 1920, and took high rank from the 
 start. The grounds, just outside the city limits, comprise 90 acres and repre- 
 sent an investment of $550,000. There is a modern half-mile track, grandstand 
 of unique design, built to afford occupants a view of aerial spectacles, as 
 well as those occurring on the ground, and with large seating capacity, to- 
 gether with all other necessary buildings of a class usually found only at 
 state fair grounds. The annual fair, open for a week in 1922, drew a paid 
 attendance of 80,899. 
 
 The Scott County Farm Bureau, formed in 1912. with headquarters in 
 Davenport, is one of the three oldest in the state. It has 1.200 members, a 
 paid secretary, or advisor, and is one of the most active and progressive in 
 the country. Agricultural interests of the county have experienced much 
 benefit from its work, which is covering an ever widening field. 
 
 Davenport has Battery B of the state militia, with a total membership 
 of 80, and an artillery armory of large size and modern design, which is 
 battery headquarters of the Iowa National Guard. 
 
 One of the best boat harbors on the Mississippi is located at the west end 
 of Davenport, in the slack water formed by building a dam, also used as a
 
 296 ROCK ISLAND A R S R N A L 
 
 driveway frtun tlie niaiiilaiul to the head t»f Credit ishind. Many craft winter 
 here and some boat building and repairinj^ is done. 
 
 Already well supplied with land and water transp<jrtati()n facilities, 
 Davenport expects also to figure prominently in the development of airroutes. 
 It now has a commercial flying organization and an aviation field where 
 aviators are trained and airships are built. The city is on the main New 
 York-San Francisco) route of the United States airways systems as mapped 
 out by the a\iation branch of the army, and expects also ultimately to be made 
 a junction point between the east and west line and the main one crossing" 
 the country n<Trth and south and connecting New Orleans, Memphis, and St. 
 Louis with Minneapolis and St. Paul and points in Canada. 
 
 HISTORICAL 
 
 The first house built by white men on the site of the city of Davenport 
 was a rude cabin put up in 1833 by Antoine LeClaire and a party of French- 
 men. LeClaire. who figured prominently in the pioneer life of the com- 
 munity and was a leading resident of the city for many years, was half 
 Indian and had an Indian wife. His cabin was placed in the midst of the 
 Fox Indian village, which the white men had named Morgan. The Indians 
 left in 1834 to take up their abode on the Cedar river. The townsite was 
 laid out in 1835-36. and named in honor of Col. Ceorge Daveni)ort, an 
 Indian trader and first settler on the island, near I'^^rt Armstrong. 
 
 It is probable that the first white man to see the site of Davenport was 
 Radisson, a Frenchman who explored this part of the country in company 
 with a band of Indians about 1660. 'J'here is authentic rec(jrd of the coming 
 in 1673 of Marquette and Joliet, who met a tribe of Illini Indians there. 
 White men came to the locality to stay when Fort Armstrong was built in 
 1815. The year previous an American exi)cdition headed by Lieut. Zachary 
 Taylor, afterward president of the United States, had been defeated by 
 Indians and British in what has since been known as the battle of Credit 
 Island, fought mostly within the present city limits. 
 
 LeClaire came in 1818, as interpreter for the commandant at the fort. 
 He acted in that capacity when the treaty following the Black tiawk war 
 was negotiated in 1832 at a point now within the city. In this treaty the 
 Indians ceded the land to the government, but reserved a cpiarter section 
 for the wife of LeClaire. On this land the first house was built. Two men 
 claimed the original townsite. LeClaire bought tiut both for $150 and joined 
 with half a dcjzen others in i)latting the ground. I^'ifty or sixty lots were 
 sold at auction, mostly to St. Louis speculatt)rs, and the men at the head of 
 the enterprise divided the rest among themselves. The town was incor- 
 porated late in 1838, and the first election was held April 1. 1839. A new- 
 charter was voted by the legislature in 1843 and a third one in 1851. which, 
 amended fr<jm time to time, is still in force.
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 297 
 
 What is now Iowa was once a part of the territory of Wisconsin. 
 Iowa territory was laid out in 1838. A county government was set up the 
 same year and Rockingham was the first county seat. County commissioners 
 did not meet in Davenport till 1840. 
 
 Davenport remained a very ordinary frontier settlement, though 
 enjoying the advantages of a large river traffic, till the coming of the railroad. 
 The Chicago & Rock Island was completed to the latter city in 1854. Several 
 years earlier Davenporters had become actively interested in promoting a 
 trans-continental line, and in 1852 the Mississippi & Missouri Railroad 
 company was organized to build across the state of Iowa and join the two 
 streams, with Davenport as the eastern terminus. Ground was broken in 1853 
 and some road had been built before the iron horse was brought across the 
 river to help with the undertaking. 
 
 The first locomotive to cross the river was ferried over on a flatboat 
 July 19, 1855, and was christened the Antoine LeClaire. It pulled the first 
 train out of Davenport Aug. 22 of/ that year. During the winter following 
 another locomotive and seven freight cars were hauled across the river on 
 the ice. The first locomotive crossed the bridge April 21, 1856. Not till 
 a dozen years later was the road, now part of the C. R. I. & P. system, com- 
 pleted to Council Bluffs. 
 
 Davenport grew rapidly as a result of its advantages of location and its 
 superior transportation facilities. It became an important distribution center 
 for eastern Iowa, handling a good share of the building materials and other 
 goods consumed in the developing of the territory, and of the farm products 
 given in exchange. 
 
 Manufacturing began with lumber and flour, two basic necessities most 
 in demand in the locality. For many years a large business was done, 
 especially in lumber. When the lumberman and the miller passed on north 
 and west to be nearer their supplies of raw material their places were taken 
 by other manufacturers making such things as wagons, implements, clothing 
 and food products, and laying the foundation for the later industrial growth 
 of the community. 
 
 When it began to assume importance as a city Davenport's banking 
 resources grew rapidly. It always has been noted for the number and 
 strength of its financial institutions. Confidence in them for years has 
 brought depositors from other localities and has helped to make the city 
 a center for the buying and selling of securities and for the financing of all 
 sorts of enterprises. An important step for the advancement of community 
 interests took place in 1895, when the Davenport Clearing House Association 
 was formed. 
 
 In the early days, as now, the city excelled as a trading center. The 
 opportunities presented attracted men with business ability and means to
 
 298 R (J C K IS L A X D A R S !•: X A L 
 
 operate on a large scale. Low freight rates by water prevailing in the days 
 of the steamboat were met by the railroads, with which the city was well 
 supplied, and the resulting advantages made it easy to compete with other 
 centers, especially those not on navigable streams. While the river does 
 not now figure prominently as an artery of commerce, Davenporters are 
 confident that its prestige will be at least partly restored, and at no distant 
 date. When this is done and the proposed water way link to the Great Lakes 
 in Illinois is completed substantial benefits await the river towns, and Daven- 
 port will be in position to share in them. 
 
 In the four score years of its career Davenport has traveled far. and not 
 in vain. It has done big things, and by doing them has found the wisdom 
 and the strength to grapple with even larger ones. It breathes the atmosphere 
 of success. It has won the fight that faces every city which would be 
 truly great.
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 299 
 
 Moline, East Moline, and Silvis 
 
 Moline population (1920 census) — 30,745. 
 Average population gain by decades since 
 
 1860 — 58 per cent. 
 Number of industries — 55. 
 Capital invested in industries — $108,000,000. 
 Total banking- resources (Dec. 29, 1922) — 
 
 $18,7n,497. 
 Postal receipts (1922) — $272,546. 
 Area of city — 6.5 square miles. 
 Miles of paved streets — 58. 
 Miles of sewers — 68. 
 Acreage of parks — 170. 
 
 Capacity of city pumping plant — 17,000,000 
 
 gallons. 
 Annual expenditure for public education — 
 
 $450,000. 
 Number of liomes (1920 census) — 6,535. 
 Number of owned liomes — 5,000. 
 Has water power and good steamboat liarbor. 
 Combined population of Moline, Kast Moline 
 
 and ^iilvis — 11,950. 
 
 Greatest implement making center in the 
 
 world. 
 Number of workers employed in industries 
 
 of the three cities — 10,000. 
 Annual carload shipments in and out — 10,000. 
 
 OLINE, East Moline and Silvis together comprise the industrial 
 unit of the Tri-City group. Jointly they cover an area of more than 
 ten square miles and have a population of 41,393 souls. Moline and 
 East Moline form the largest agricultural implement manufacturing 
 center in the world. Silvis is the home of the repair shops of the 
 
 Rock Island Lines, one of the most complete establishments of the kind in 
 
 the country. 
 
 Moline, known wherever man cultivates the land with modern tools as 
 the Plow City, has a population of 30,734, according to the 1920 census. 
 East Moline, laid out a score of years ago to accommodate Moline's indus- 
 trial overflow, had a population of 8,675 when the last federal count was 
 made, and Silvis was credited with 2,541 people. The combined population 
 of the three cities named increased 13,336, or 47.7 per cent in the ten-year 
 period from 1910 to 1920. Moline's gain has averaged 58 per cent by decades 
 since 1860. East Moline's increase was 214.2 per cent from 1910 to 1920, 
 while that of Silvis was 118.4. 
 
 Moline, besides offering many advantages by reason of its exceptional 
 location with reference to assembling of materials and distribution, its fine 
 transportation facilities and the high class of its labor, is an ideal home city. 
 So, also, are East Moline and Silvis. This is primarily because of the 
 character of the people, the great bulk of its bread-winners being skilled 
 workmen who, favored by steady employment at good wages and being as a 
 rule by nature thrifty, have established homes of their own. Sober and in- 
 dustrious, fairly rewarded for their labor, they are contented and stand for 
 the things that make a city attractive. 
 
 Manufacturing plants in Moline and East Moline are segregated along 
 the river, giving the advantage of level sites and accessibility to rail and 
 water transportation. Roth cities have room on the flat at the foot of the 
 bluff's for flourishing business districts, \Vhile the hills and level upland 
 farther south are ideal for residence purposes. Moline has spread across 
 the latter, nearly two miles in width, and is about to invade the valley of
 
 300 ROCK IS 1. A N 1) A R S IC N A L 
 
 Rock river, tlie blutifs of whicli already are nccupied by residences. Silvis 
 is not on the river, but its manufacturing district is conhned to the bottom 
 of the valley, in conformity with the zoning of its neighboring cities. 
 
 The progressive spirit of her citizens has made Midine's development 
 safe and sure. J^stablished originally as a mill town, it always has aimed 
 chietiy at industrial expansion. ])ut its enterprise alst) has sought and found 
 other outlets. Many big civic undertakings have been successfully handled 
 and it has weathered periods of depression with never a step backward. Its 
 people have shown their faith by their works, and their works have created 
 a city that is fair to look ujxm. and as good as it is fair. 
 
 A typical achievement i»f Moline was the removal of its business district 
 from the north side to the south side of the railroad tracks which bisect the 
 down-town section. The advantage of having the main retail area on one 
 side or the other was obvious. Crossings were dangerous and often were 
 blocked by trains. Overhead tracks were out of the question. There was 
 urgent need that something be done, and something w-as done in a surpris- 
 ingly short time and with most gratifying results. 
 
 In the early days the city's retail business was done mostly in two blocks 
 on Second avenue. I^xpansion brought Third avenue to the front, three or 
 four blocks there becoming the center of activities, with a gradual encroach- 
 ment upt»n P^ifteenth street on the other side of the tracks. And then the time 
 came, early in the i)resent century, when still more room was needed. Third 
 avenue was inadequate, and anyway the big implement makers had iinaded it 
 with their warehouses and were in need of still more space there. 
 
 The removal across the tracks did not just hai)pen. It was planned 
 deliberately and systematically. It began in 1903. New business blocks 
 began to rise on Fifteenth street, on Fifth and even on Sixth avenues. Now. 
 after twenty years, there are probably only two or three merchants still on 
 Third avenue who were there when the movement l)egan. The jiresent 
 business district is almost entirely new. which gives it an air of modernity 
 not often found in a city that has been established for more than half a 
 century. 
 
 The first lot purchased for business purjjoses south of the tracks in the 
 transaction which started the exodus from Third avenue cost $112 per front 
 foot. Three years later an adjacent lot sold for $300 per foot. Now it has a 
 value of $1,000 ])er foot. The residence district has been i)ushed farther 
 and farther south as the business district grows. There are also several 
 groups of retail establishments on the bluff. 
 
 The move across the railroad tracks was the beginning of a new era 
 in Moline. In fact, it may be considered the city's conuiiercial re-birth. 
 
 Joel Wells was the first white settler in the territory that afterward be- 
 came Moline. lie and his two sons are said to have come to this vicinity
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 301 
 
 some time between 1829 and 1832. They at one time had possession of most 
 of the land now forming the heart of the city. Other settlers arrived and 
 the tract was devoted to agricultural purposes until after 1841. 
 
 In 1841 D. B. Sears and Spencer H. White constructed a dam from the 
 Illinois shore to the island now^ occupied l)y the Arsenal, to harness the 
 Mississippi rapids for the operation of a flour mill. Organizers of the mill 
 company were Messrs. Sears and White and John W. Spencer. The plant 
 was erected at the southern end of the dam and Thomas G. Patterson was 
 the first millwright employed. 
 
 In 1842 the first industrial enterprise of the present Plow City was 
 launched. Later Mr. Sears obtained control by purchasing the interests of 
 his partners. He built another dam from Rock Island to Benham's island 
 and placed a new mill there. Other small factories, attracted by the power, 
 soon were located on the mainland and on the island, and so grew a nucleus 
 for the later development of the community. 
 
 Meanwhile the spiritual and intellectual welfare of the settlers were not 
 being neglected. In 1834 the first religious organization was formed by the 
 Methodists. There were few members. Rev. Thomas McMurty, the pastor, 
 opened the first school in 1835, and served as teacher. 
 
 Workmen employed at the first mill were without permanent shelter, 
 and in 1842 Spencer White built the first frame house to serve as a home 
 for the men. The following year the mill company laid out a town and 
 divided it into lots, some of which were qttickly sold. In 1843, also, the town 
 was named. Selection of the name devolved upon a small group of pioneers 
 who were interested in the enterprise. They did not agree, and so on the 
 plat of the town were written two titles, Hesperia and Moulin. Hesperia 
 means the star of the west. Moulin, from the French, means a mill. Charles 
 Atkinson, who had the distinction of building the first brick house, held out 
 for Moulin, and that name prevailed. The spelling of the name in some way 
 was changed to conform with the pronunciation. 
 
 Moline was incorporated in 1848. Daniel ( )]:)ermyre was the first village 
 president, Daniel Cordon clerk. Cyrus Kinsey treasurer, Charles Atkinson 
 assessor, A. M. Hul)])ar(l constable and collector, and John Patterson super- 
 visor of the roads. A special act of the legislature permitted re-incorpora- 
 tion in 1855. City organization came in 1872. July 1 of that year the law- 
 providing for the incor])oration of cities became efl:'ective. Two days later 
 the village trustees were asked to have the question of a change submitted to 
 the people. This was done and the proposition carried 261 to 22. Daniel L. 
 Wheelock was the first mayor. Orrin Ferguson clerk. Charles F. Hemenway 
 treasurer and Jolni T. Browning attorney, jolm Deere was the second 
 mayor. 
 
 It is to John Deere, more than to any other man, that Moline owes its 
 prestige as an implement-making center. Deere began making plows in the
 
 :>02 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 
 
 forties, and the excellence of his product, the quantity of his output and the 
 vigor with which he sought new fields to market it soon spread the fame of 
 the town. Gradually the Deere shops grew and their growth attracted other 
 manufacturers, who set up plants to make plows and other implements, farm 
 wagons, light vehicles, machinery, etc. Moline also once had its lumber 
 mills, but their departure a score of years ago was scarcely noticed in the 
 general industrial growth. 
 
 In time absorption of the individual enterprises by the Deere interests 
 began. The Moline Plow Company also entered the field as competitor. 
 Both major concerns acquired complete lines of plows, cultivating and 
 harvesting machinery, tractors and motor and other vehicles. For the most 
 part these were secured by purchase of home or outside individual manufac- 
 turing enterprises which were taken over and operated as a unit. To a large 
 extent the industry has been consolidated in Moline and East Moline. with 
 many millions invested, an immense output and with distribution facilities 
 in practically all parts of the civilized world. 
 
 \\'hile the early growth of Moline and the later development of East 
 Moline was given the greatest impetus by the implement-making business, 
 neither place can be called a one-line manufacturing city. Muline has approx- 
 imately 55 industries, including, besides the farm implement plants, one of the 
 leading automobile factories in the country. Heavy machinery, furniture, 
 steel products, automobile bodies, tools, wood products and licorice are a few 
 of the other products that are turned out in large quantities. East Moline also 
 has a big automobile factory, in addition to concerns making gasoline motors, 
 laundry machinery, scales, storage batteries and metal and wooden novelties. 
 
 \'alue of the output of Moline factories for 1919, shown in the 1920 fed- 
 eral census, the latest official figures available, was $-14,811,021. Capital 
 invested was listed as $108,000,000. The number of workers employed was 
 5444 and the annual wages $9,470,632. In that year East Moline factories 
 employed about 2.600. the annual wages amounted to a little less than half 
 of the Moline total, and the output and capital invested were in proportion. 
 The number of men etnployed in the SiKis railroad shops and yards was 
 nearly 2.000. 
 
 Moline's acreage is 4.183. X'irtually all of this is platted. It has 97 
 miles of streets, 58 miles of pavement, 94 miles of sidewalks and 68 miles 
 of sewer mains. 
 
 The assessed valuation of ])roj)erty in the city in 1922 was $11,980,000. 
 Current appropriations were $528,999. The 1922 tax rate was $7.71 on the 
 hundred dollars valuation. The city's bonded indebtedness in 1922 was 
 S171.500. 
 
 There are 170 acres of parks and recreational centers in Moline. Two 
 of the parks have lakes where wading and bathing are enjoyed in the summer 
 and skating in the winter. Browning field is a completely equipped athletic
 
 ROCK I S L. A N D ARSENAL 303 
 
 field, with a steel constructed grandstand haxing- a seating capacity of 5,000. 
 Professional baseball and amateur games are played there. It is easily 
 reached from the business district. The six parks are conveniently located 
 to serve the entire city. Public playgrounds are conducted in each of the 
 parks by the Community Service League. 
 
 Recreational facilities include many attractive drives in and near the 
 city. There is a vehicle bridge connecting with Rock Island Arsenal, the 
 golf course of which is reached more directly from the business district of 
 Moline than from that of either of its neighboring cities. Many business 
 and professional men and manufacturers avail themselves of the advantages 
 offered. Campbell's island, named after the commander of a river expedi- 
 tion which was attacked and defeated by the Indians during the second war 
 with England, is maintained as a watering place, with bathing beach and 
 summer camps patronized by thousands each season. There are many camps, 
 also, on Rock river. Aquatic sports are popular. Pigeon clubs are numerous 
 and flying contests are held in season. East Moline St. Elroy Driving club 
 has a half-mile track on the outskirts of that city and holds regular meets in 
 summer and autumn. 
 
 Moline has pure filtered water, the raw supply being taken from the 
 channel of the Mississippi. The pumping capacity of the plant, which is 
 owned by the city and valued at $1,198,914, is 17.000,000 gallons daily. The 
 filter capacity is 5,000,000 gallons, or more than twice the average daily 
 consumption. A filtered reserve of several million gallons is maintained. 
 Water service is meterized throughout the city. The minimum quarterly 
 charge for a five-eighths-inch meter, the size used by the average family, is 
 S2.25 ; for a three-ciuarter-inch $3, and the rate graduates up to $30 for a 
 6-inch meter. There are 78 miles of water mains and 749 fire hydrants. The 
 factory district is supplied through separate raw water mains with private 
 pumping plant. 
 
 The fire department is modern and completely motorized. Four stations, 
 centrally located, are manned by a crew of 28. The average annual fire loss 
 for the ten-year period ending with the close of 1922 was $85,000. Because 
 of its well organized department, complete fire-fighting apparatus, adequate 
 water supply and strict attention to lessening of fire hazards, the city has an 
 unusually low fire insurance rate, being based on a classification of two and 
 one-half. 
 
 Moline has an efficient police department of 28 men. Law enforcement 
 is uniformly efifective, the city being kept unusually free from vice. Good 
 order is maintained in public places and traffic regulations are not allowed to 
 become a dead letter. There is a city court with resident judge. 
 
 Great pride is manifested in the schools of the city. There are 16 
 buildings, including a central high school costing $250,000. Total enrollment 
 of pupils is 4,900. Annual expenditures for school purposes is $450,000. The
 
 304 R O C K I S L A X D A R S i: N A L 
 
 value of school property is $1,600,000 and llic school debt $321,000. There 
 are two Roman Catholic parochial schools with a combined attendance of 800. 
 
 Religious organizations arc well sujjpttrted. There are 27 churches, 25 
 Protestant and two Roman Catholic. Combined altiliations of the former 
 are 8,000 persons and of the latter 4.500. Four new church buildings were 
 started in 1922. Another, begun in 1919. was approaching completion. 
 Church property has a total valuation of one and one-quarter millions. 
 
 There is a commodious Carnegie library, located in the business district 
 and stocked with 32.000 volumes. 
 
 Moline has three hospitals with a combined capacity of more than 200 
 beds. One of these is city owned and supported by a 3-mill tax. There are 
 a nurses' home, maternity home and detention hospital in connection and a 
 training school for nurses is conducted. One of the other hospitals is main- 
 tained by the Rock Island district Lutheran churches, and its equipment 
 includes a modern X-ray laboratory. It also has a nurses' training school. 
 The third hospital, a private one, specializes in health baths. 
 
 Moline's status as a hotel city was materially advanced by the construc- 
 tion of the million-dollar LeClaire hotel, nearing completion at the close of 
 1922. This 15-story structure has 202 guest rooms and 70 family apartments 
 and is one of the largest and most costly to be found in any city of Moline's 
 population. Other local hotels together have regular facilities for the 
 accommodation of 200 guests. 
 
 The city is well cared for in the matter of public utilities. Its power 
 and gas supply and street railway and telephone service are not excelled 
 anywhere. The power plants generating electricity both by steam and 
 water for the entire tri-city district are located within its boundaries, as 
 is the gas plant supplying the cities on the Illinois side of the river. The 
 capacity of these is far beyond the normal needs of the community. At the 
 close of 1922 there were in the city 182.6 miles of gas main, reduced to 
 3-inch equivalent, and 423.13 miles of single wire power distribution lines. 
 The number of electric customers was 7.238 and of gas customers 6.940. The 
 Tri-City Railway Company has two lines operating the full length of the 
 city east and west and two north and south. There are three lines connecting 
 with Rock Island, one with East Moline and one with Silvis. The combined 
 mileage of tracks is 20.63. 
 
 In East Moline and Silvis there are 63.7 miles of gas mains and 280.41 
 miles of power distribution lines, with 2.671 electric customers and 1.593 
 gas customers. Total mileage of street railway tracks is 8.6. 
 
 There is but one telephone system, that of the Illinois Bell Company, 
 with 5,700 stations in Moline and 1,100 in East Moline and Silvis. 
 
 The power, light, gas and telephone rates are the same as in Rock Island, 
 being exceptionally low, and the street railway fare, also, is 10 cents, with the
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 305 
 
 privilege of riding for a nickel extended to those who purchase monthly 
 identification cards, for which 50 cents is charged. The average fare col- 
 lected under this plan is a little more than six cents. 
 
 Moline is served by the trunk line of the C. R, L & P., the main north 
 and south line and the Sterling Ijranch of the C. B. & Q. and the Chicago- 
 Kansas City line of the C. M. & St. P. It also has a belt line, the D. R. I. & 
 N. W., connecting with Davenport, Rock Island, East Moline, Silvis and 
 Carbon Cliff, and having a system of terminals and service tracks in the 
 industrial district. The Milwaukee road uses its main line and the terminals. 
 There are 50 trains in and out daily. In Moline and the two cities adjoining 
 on the east there are 29 miles of main track and 111 miles of service and other 
 tracks, the switch yards including the iMg division terminal of the C. R. I. & 
 P. at Silvis. 
 
 Freight shipments in and out of Moline and East Moline run about 40,000 
 cars annually. In 1922, which was below normal, there were 15,032 carload 
 lots received and 11,083 forwarded. 
 
 In the days when water transportation flourished Moline, by reason of 
 the rapids and the water power development of its river front, was practically 
 cut off from steamboat connections. In 1907, however, the government built 
 a lock, and subsecpient improvement of the rapids has given the city an ex- 
 ceptionally good slack water harbor through wdiich all craft navigating the 
 Mississippi at this point must pass. With railroads on the river bank and most 
 of its big industrial plants within convenient reach, the city is bound to be a 
 source of much business for river craft in the event of their revival. At 
 this time the river is valuable mainly for the power it furnishes and for the 
 possibilities of further development in this direction that it affords. 
 
 Supplementing its railroad and water shij)ping facilities is a system of 
 improved highways wdiich promises to play an equally prominent part in 
 keeping Moline on the map. With one hard road to the east connecting with 
 city pavement at Silvis completed at the close of 1922, state and county 
 building programs already financed promised two more concrete highways 
 in 1923. One of these was to be extended south, via Coal Valley, and the 
 other northeast through the upper end of the county, paralleling Rock river. 
 Two other routes, leading east and north, were to be improved with either 
 concrete or gravel. Southwest the city has highway outlets through Rock 
 Island and north and w^est through Davenport. Rock Island in late years 
 has co-operated with Moline in laying out and improving through streets 
 to facilitate exchange of motor vehicle traftic, and further plans in this direc- 
 tion are being considered. Interests of all the adjoining cities in this 
 respect are looked after practically as well as if they were under a single 
 municipal government. 
 
 Moline already has made material advances as a retail center, having 
 three large department stores and many other prosperous concerns dealing
 
 306 R L) L K IS L AND A R S I-. X A L 
 
 in the various lines of gmxls. Removal i>f the business district across the 
 railroad tracks greatly aided its business revival. The city's commercial 
 interests are looked after by several live organizations of business men. 
 Completion of the road building program is expected to bring great benefits 
 to retailers. 
 
 In banking resources the Pk»\v City is keeping pace with its general 
 growth. It has six banks, all in sound condition and with combined resources 
 at the close of 1922 oi $18,774,497. There are several imposing bank build- 
 ings, the home of the Moline Trust & Savings bank, completed in 1922. be- 
 ing one of the city's sky-scrapers. Steady grcnvth in all departments has 
 characterized the city's banking history. The following totals for all banks, 
 taken from official statements made at three different times in the last decade, 
 bear out this assertion : 
 
 Capital rrofiis ami I^oans and Total 
 
 Stock Surplus Investments Deposits Uestiurces 
 
 Feb. :$, 1913— $ 97.5.000 ^^S.fii'i.W ? n OSO.141.97 ?;10.13.''..7,32.6.t |;il,7;W..>'i6.S9 
 
 .Mar. 4. 1919 1.07.^.000 (-,11.4.51.82 14..5t)7. 174.79 1.5.(>72 247.12 17..521..54.5.2t» 
 
 Dee. 29. 1922— l.:«)0.()00 l«tl. 4.50.19 1«,2S2.S03.15 15.782.710.79 1S.774.497..S1 
 
 Nothing can better show the growth of Moline than the steady increase 
 of its postal receipts during the last 30 years, which amounted to over 1.000 
 per cent. The following figures show the advance made in approximately 
 5-year periods since 1891 : 
 
 1891 I 24.4.^•{.28 
 
 1895 27..312..54 
 
 1900 4:{.:i.s5.)»; 
 
 1905 (V5.4S0.8.'} 
 
 1910 12fi.3.50.4;i 
 
 1916 1S2.749.24 
 
 1920 272.546.75 
 
 Moline is an own-your-own-home city. At the last census there were 
 6,535 homes, and of these approximately 5.000 were occupied by their owners. 
 This is a most exceptional showing. A larger i)ercentage of the industrial 
 workers own their own homes than in any other city in the country, it is 
 said. The average value of these homes is high and they are well kept. 
 The rolling character of the residence district gives scope for effective 
 landscaping, and the opportunity has not been neglected. A score of costly 
 residences established by founders of the city's large industries and their 
 families crown the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi and Rock rivers and 
 add materially to the natural beauty of the sky-line, viewed from either the 
 north or the south. Growth of the residential section is mostly toward the 
 south. More than a million dollars is spent normally each year on new homes. 
 In 1922. which was below the average. 68 new residences were erected. The 
 total expenditure, based on cost estimates given when building permits were 
 issued, was $733A73. These estimates did not include plumbing, wiring, 
 improvement of grounds, and other items, so that the sum actually spent was 
 at least $1,000,000. 
 
 Population classification statistics of the 1920 census gave Moline 23.002 
 native white residents. 7.391 foreign born and 338 colored. The number of
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 307 
 
 dwellings was 6,535 and families 7,564. Sweden was the birthplace of 3,640 
 of the foreign born and Belgium of 1,615. From the earliest days the 
 Swedish element has been prominent in the city, and this fact has been one 
 of the most potent in connection with the industrial development of the 
 community. The industry, thrift, sobriety and spirit of co-operation and 
 high quality of citizenship of this class has profoundly affected the Plow 
 City's destiny. 
 
 Li East Moline, in 1920, there were 5,857 native white, 2,423 foreign born 
 white, 409 negroes; 1,287 dwellings and 1,357 families. The Silvis classifica- 
 tion showed 1,898 native born whites, 636 foreign born, 7 negroes, 517 dwell- 
 ings, 605 families. 
 
 Moline has 13,000 registered voters and East Moline 3,000. 
 
 Organizations for business, fraternal, social, educational, recreational, 
 patriotic and welfare purposes are numerous in Moline, East Moline and 
 Silvis. The Moline and East Moline Chambers of Commerce have a large 
 membership and are wide-awake. The Moline Woman's club is one of the 
 strongest in the state. The city is headquarters of the Tri-City Manufac- 
 turers' association. Masons, Odd Fellows, Elks and Eagles are well estab- 
 lished. There are many Swedish organizations and a number formed by 
 Belgian-Americans. There is an Industrial hall, the home of the various 
 labor organizations, and owned by the federated unions. Swedish Olive 
 lodge of Odd Fellows has its own building, as have the Eagles, who also 
 maintain a club house on Rock river which cost $50,000. The Elks also have 
 a club house. The Moline Y. M. C. A., with a membership of 600, has a fine 
 home and does a splendid work. The East Moline Y. M. C. A. also is well 
 housed. Moline has a welfare association which extends its activities to 
 East Moline in emergencies. The Red Cross Visiting Nurses' association 
 serves all three of the cities, ministering to the sick and holding clinics for 
 the promotion of modern methods of handling disease and caring for infants. 
 Among cities of 25,000 to 50,000 population Moline ranks as one of the three 
 lowest in the United States in infant mortality, with a rate of 35 per 1,000. 
 
 There is a Federation of Girls' Clubs with 22 affiliating organizations, 
 a participating membership of 600 and a sustaining and associate membership 
 of 400. 
 
 All three cities are liberal patrons of musical and dramatic entertain- 
 ments and of the cinema. There are many fine theatres, the largest being the 
 LeClaire, costing $300,000 and seating 2,000 people. Sports flourish, es- 
 pecially professional baseball, football, wrestling, boxing and bowling. 
 Moline is a member of the Three-Eye Baseball league. 
 
 Public buildings in Moline include an imposing modern city hall, post- 
 office, library and city hospital. In Riverside cemetery there is a mausoleum, 
 built at a cost of $100,000, containing 850 crypts, and the only building of the 
 kind in the Tri-City community.
 
 308 R O C K IS L A N D A R S i: N A L 
 
 Perhaps the most imposing group of buildings in the vicinity is that 
 of the Western Illinois Hospital for the Insane, better known as the Water- 
 town hospital, located on a point of the bluff overlooking the Mississippi val- 
 ley at the northeast corner of East Moline. Here, visible for miles down the 
 valley, are 21 structures, mostly of stone and of striking architectural design. 
 In additictn to the grounds about the buildings, which are well wooded and 
 beautifully parked, there is a farm cultivated mainly by inmates, and one of 
 the show places of the locality. All told there are 590 acres of land in the 
 tract and the valuation of the hospital i)roperty is $1,340,750. The number 
 of patients cared for is about 1.700 and there are 320 employes. 
 
 East Moline was built i)rimarily to take care of the needs of Moline 
 industries, which a score of years ago found themselves without sufficient 
 room for expansion. Incorporation as a village took place in 1903. Its 
 growth was surprising. Pour years later it became a city. It now has all the 
 improvements and advantages of the average city of two or three times its 
 age. 
 
 There are 2,396 acres, or i.7 square miles, in East Moline. The area 
 platted is 1.125 acres. The normal building rate is in keeping with the rapid 
 increase of its population and industrial importance, though many of its shop 
 workers are still drawn from Moline. Its residence district is attractive, 
 especially that on the bluff, and there are many fine homes. 
 
 The city has 40 miles of streets. 13 miles of pavement, 15 miles of water 
 mains. 17 miles of sanitary sewers. 3 miles of storm sewers. 18 miles of 
 alleys and 31 miles of concrete sidewalks. 
 
 Citv property includes waterworks pumping plant, valued at $20,000. 
 city hall, $40,000, and barns. $4,000. Pumping capacity of the water plant, 
 which draws its supply from wells, is 750.000 gallons daily and the capacity 
 (jf the standpipes, which are located on the bluff and furnish pressure, is 
 600.000 gallons. Average fire loss for the last decade has been less than 
 $20,000. Plans are in hand for an extension of the fire department and for 
 the building of a new library. 
 
 There are exceptionally fine schools in East Moline. with five grade 
 buildings and a township high school. Enrollment in the grade schools in 
 1922 was 1.400 and in the high school 282. The high school maintains a 
 uniformed band and orchestra. X'alue of school property is $229,590 and 
 the bonded school indebtedness $97,500. 
 
 There are three growing banks in East Moline with total resources of 
 $3,000,000 and total dejx.sits of $2,250,000 at the close of 1922. 
 
 Receipts of the l^ast Moline i)ostottice in 1922 were $28,230.44. In 1912 
 they were $10,000 and in 1917 $17,920, having nearly doubled in each five-year 
 period.
 
 ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 309 
 
 Three parks, having a total acreage of 32, provide recreational centers. 
 Each park has a playground, conducted by the Community Service Council. 
 A country club is in course of construction and a nine-hoTe golf course is 
 being laid out on a beautiful 110-acre tract, situated just south of the business 
 district. The city is within 10 minutes by trolley of Campbell's island, which 
 is much patronized by campers and week-end recreation parties during the 
 summer months. Many residents also have summer homes on Rock river. 
 
 Silvis was founded in 1906 as a place of residence for workers in the 
 repair shops of the Rock Island road. It was named after C. L. Silvis, wdn) 
 took a leading part in its inception. It was incorporated as a city in 1920. 
 In 1910 the population was 1,163 and in 1920 more than double that number. 
 Resides the railroad shops, Silvis has the general store of the entire Rock 
 Island railroad system and receiving yards which are exceeded in size at but 
 few points. Normally about two thousand men are employed in shops, 
 storehouse and yards. Many of these reside in the adjoining cities, being 
 transported to and from work by special shop train. 
 
 Silvis has three miles of paved streets, connecting with which is the 
 first concrete highway to be built eastward from the Tri-City community. 
 Its water supply is taken from artesian wells. Sewer and) water mains cover 
 the city. The sewer outlet is in Rock ri\er. The city has two municipal 
 parks and an automobile tourists' camp. It has just erected a $45,000 city hall.
 
 From the I'rcss of 
 
 DUIKKILL PKINTINti COMPANY 
 
 Rock Island, 111.
 
 INDEX 
 
 CHAPTERS 
 
 Page 
 
 Foreword 7 
 
 Location and Advantages 1 2 
 
 Record During the World War 14 
 
 Main Items of Production 19 
 
 Vast Program of Construction 24 
 
 Expansion of Shop Personnel 45 
 
 Military Personnel 49 
 
 Civilian and Military Guard 52 
 
 Post- War Activities 55 
 
 Savanna Proving Ground 59 
 
 War with Spain 6 1 
 
 Fort Armstrong 67 
 
 Squatters' Rights 7 1 
 
 Building the Original Arsenal.. 76 
 
 What the Arsenal has Cost, and Its Present Valuation 80 
 
 Military Prison in Civil War 85 
 
 The Arsenal's Water Pow^er 87 
 
 Improvement of the Rock Island Rapids 93 
 
 Bridging the Mississippi 97 
 
 Passenger Transport 1 03 
 
 The Military Museum 105 
 
 The Old Davenport House 1 07 
 
 Arsenal Commandants 1 09 
 
 Other Arsenals... 1 1 6 
 
 Resources of the Tri-Cities 1 20 
 
 City of Rock Island 2 74 
 
 City of Davenport 286 
 
 Moline, East Moline and Silvis 299
 
 ii I X D 1-: X 
 
 List of Illustrations 
 
 rage 
 
 Rock Island Arsenal, view from the air (Frontispiece) 2 
 
 Maj. Gen. C. C. Williams, chief of ordnance 6 
 
 Main entrance at west end of island 9 
 
 Pouring molten trinitrotoluol into shells 14 
 
 Loaded shells ready to be issued 15 
 
 Storehouse W-I and group of original shops 18 
 
 Group of interior views of storehouses 20 
 
 Walnut for gunstocks, in storage 22 
 
 Commandant's headquarters 23 
 
 Two views of Shop M 25 
 
 Craneway in field and siege building 27 
 
 Shop R and new steam-heating plant 29 
 
 Two views of Shop L 31 
 
 Artillery vehicle storehouses 33 
 
 Temporary office building No. 2 35 
 
 Storehouse VI 41 
 
 Nitrate and ammunition storehouses 42 
 
 Arsenal employes participating in Liberty day celebration 44 
 
 Women w^orkers in cloth department 46 
 
 Arsenal workers' band 47 
 
 Interior of machine shop 48 
 
 Col. Leroy T. Hillman 50 
 
 Troops in line at presentation of faithful service badges 5 I 
 
 Rock Island Arsenal military drill corps 52 
 
 Rock Island Arsenal woman's military drill corps 52 
 
 Rock Island Arsenal fire-fighting force 53 
 
 Chemical fire truck 54 
 
 Mark VIII tank 5 7 
 
 Col. Jordan presenting faithful service badges 58 
 
 Tractors and tanks in field at Savanna proving ground 59 
 
 Quarters of commanding officer at Savanna 60 
 
 Group of shop interiors 62 
 
 Site of old Fort Armstrong 64 
 
 Rock Island Arsenal Golf Club 65 
 
 Group of veteran Arsenal employes 66 
 
 Fort Armstrong, as originally built 68 
 
 Reproduction of first block house 70 
 
 Grave of Gen. Rodman 72 
 
 Residence of Arsenal commandant 73 
 
 Beauty spots on island 74 
 
 Flag pole at commanding officer's headquarters 75 
 
 View of first storehouse and original shops 77 
 
 Filtration plant 80
 
 INDEX iii 
 
 List of Illustrations Continued 
 
 Page 
 
 Arsenal workers' cafeteria 81 
 
 Entrance to Conferedate cemetery 86 
 
 Power dam, viewed from below 88 
 
 Interior of power house 90 
 
 Typical natural forest tree on island river front 92 
 
 Original Rock Island bridge 98 
 
 Second Rock Island bridge 99 
 
 Present Rock Island bridge 1 00 
 
 Remains of island pier of first bridge 102 
 
 Fort Armstrong avenue 1 04 
 
 Arsenal museum 1 06 
 
 Home of Col. Davenport 1 07 
 
 Looking toward Davenport from west end of island 108 
 
 Rock Island Arsenal commandants during World War period (Col. 
 George W. Burr, Col. Leroy T. Hillman, Col. Harry B. Jordan and 
 
 Col. D. M. King) 1 10 
 
 Arsenal commandants prior to World War (Col. F. E. Hobbs, Col. S. E. 
 Blunt, Col. A. R. Buffington, Col. J. M. Whittemore, Col. T. G. Baylor, 
 
 Gen. D. W. Flagler, Gen. T. J. Rodman, Maj. C. P. Kingsbury) 1 12 
 
 Col. John T. Thompson 1 15 
 
 Regulation uniform for women workers 117 
 
 City of Rock Island, seen from Arsenal clock tower 121 
 
 Looking south from island end of Moline bridge 123 
 
 Looking up the river from head of island 124 
 
 Maps 
 
 Rock Island Arsenal before World War 10 
 
 Rock Island Arsenal after World War 1 1 
 
 Rock Island, mapped in 1870 85 
 
 Rock Island rapids 94 
 
 Tri-City community surrounding Arsenal 2 72-2 73
 
 iv 1 N D !•: X 
 
 Coniiiicrcial Representation 
 
 Augustana College I 82 
 
 Augustana Book Concern 223 
 
 Bechtel. Geo. M. & Co 234 
 
 Beder Wood's Sons Company 226 
 
 Bettendorf Company 1 77 
 
 Bettendorf Oxygen-Hydrogen Company 2 1 2 
 
 Boies, M. V. Company 25 1 
 
 Borg & Beck. Company 1 93 
 
 Builders Sand & Gravel Company 190 
 
 Burlington Railroad 1 38 
 
 Catholic Messenger 2 7 1 
 
 Central Trust & Savings Bank 240 
 
 Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad 143 
 
 Como Hotel 269 
 
 Crane Co 261 
 
 Daily Times 200 
 
 Davenport Clearing House Association 263 
 
 Davenport Democrat 20 1 
 
 Davenport Water Company 192 
 
 Deere & Co 159 
 
 Don Sales Company 269 
 
 Eckman Studio 270 
 
 Faerber Agency 249 
 
 Federal System of Bakeries 1 74 
 
 Federal Surety Company 232 
 
 First Trust & Savings Bank of Rock Island 242 
 
 French & Hecht 243 
 
 Hand, John P. Company 248 
 
 Horst, Henry W. Company 1 25 
 
 Iowa Steam Laundry Company 250 
 
 Knox Mortuary 2 1 3 
 
 Linograph Company 202 
 
 Maehr Company 253 
 
 McCarthy Improvement Company 1 85 
 
 McCabe, L. S 230 
 
 Mercy Hospital 271 
 
 Miller Hotel Company 268 
 
 Modern Woodmen of America 257 
 
 Moline Dispatch 197
 
 INDEX V 
 
 Commercial Representation — Continued 
 
 Page 
 
 Moline Paint Company 252 
 
 Moline Consumers Company 254 
 
 National Construction Company 204 
 
 Peoples National Bank and American Trust & Savings Bank 236 
 
 Phelps Light & Power Company ■. 245 
 
 Photo Art Engraving Company 266 
 
 Purity Oats Company 262 
 
 Putnam, W. C. Estate 265 
 
 Robinsons, Pioneer Bankers and City Builders 228 
 
 Rock Island Argus 1 98 
 
 Rock Island Bridge & Iron Company 203 
 
 Rock Island Fuel Company 224 
 
 Rock Island Mfg. Company 21 7 
 
 Rock Island Plow Company 1 5 1 
 
 Rock Island Railroad 1 3 1 
 
 Rock Island Register Company 2 1 6 
 
 Rock Island Sand & Gravel Company 270 
 
 Rock Island Sash & Door Works 156 
 
 Rock Island Savings Bank 2 39 
 
 Rock Island Southern 256 
 
 Rock Island Telephone System 1 88 
 
 Rock Island Transfer & Storage Company 222 
 
 Rock Island Wood Works 225 
 
 R&V Motor Company 169 
 
 Seaman Paper Company 267 
 
 Sheldon, Geo. Company 206 
 
 Snider, Walsh & Hynes... 256 
 
 St. Ambrose College.. 220 
 
 St. Katherine's School 22 1 
 
 Stapp, L. Company, Florists 246 
 
 State Bank of Rock Island 241 
 
 Sturtevant-Baker Company 2 1 
 
 Tri-City Brick Company 208 
 
 Tri-City Railway & Light Company 162 
 
 V^ictor Storage Battery Company 244 
 
 Villa de Chantal 219 
 
 Weyerhaeuser & Denkmann Company 155 
 
 Walsh Construction Company I 46 
 
 White-Phillips Company 235 
 
 Walsh, R. J. & Co 238
 
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