Masonic Temple, Rock Island, Illinois
Rock Island’s Masonic Temple is a funny little example of the declining influence of fraternal organizations in the US.
Quad Cities
CRI&P Railroad Depot, Rock Island, Illinois
The Rock Island Line may have been a “mighty good road”, but the Chicago, Rock Island, & Pacific passenger station in its namesake city is surprisingly humble. Built in 1902 and designed by Frost & Granger out of Chicago, this was the CRI&P’s third (and final) passenger depot in Rock Island.
Fort Armstrong Theatre, Rock Island, Illinois
A flamboyant brick and terracotta movie theater opened in 1921, the Fort Armstrong Theater is a preservation success story from an era where those were rare for small cities like Rock Island.
St. John's M.E. Church, Davenport, Iowa
The neighboring houses were razed and at some point St. John's lancet arch belfry openings were filled in, but otherwise this gothic revival church in Iowa looks like it hasn’t aged a day. Built in 1903, St. John's M.E. Church was designed by Clausen & Burrows.
Linke Tourist Homes, Davenport, Iowa
The 1930s version of an Airbnb, tourist homes were regular-ass homes with rooms rented out to travelers by the homeowners—in this case, John and Edith Linke.