Elite Theatre

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Uploaded on: September 3, 2022

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July 4, 1912 photo & description credit Davenport Iowa History.

“Here’s another real photo postcard view of the gaily decorated downtown streets during the 4th of July celebration of 1912. On display that day, for the first time in history, was the new flag of America bearing forty-eight stars, emblematic of all the states, including the recently admitted Arizona and New Mexico. Only thirteen stars were permitted in the blue square of the naval flags to avoid overcrowding.

Part of Davenport’s festivities included three days of power boat racing. The fifth annual regatta of the Mississippi Valley Power Boat Association (MVPBA) developed into one of the most anticipated events of the year in the motor boating world. Some of the biggest racing boats from the east were entered and for the first time on record, the Pacific coast provided entrees as well. The Pacific Coast representatives were the famous “Wigwam II” and the record-breaking “Oregon Wolf.” The course was five miles long, extending from below the government bridge, through the Crescent Bridge, to a point opposite Suburban (Credit) Island and back.

Among the businesses pictured here on the north (left)side of the street are Jones Jewelry (322 W. Second Street), Louis L. Kaufmann, harness shop (320), A. C. England & Co, millinery (318), Bruno Zoeckler, book store (316), Grand Union Tea Co. (314), R. Bretscher Shoe Co. (312), Miller & Gruenau Inc., men’s furnishings (310), Lage, Waters Shoe Co. (308), Otto Albrecht Co., cigar store (306), Iowa National Bank (302-304), and on the east side of Harrison Street, Simon & Landauer, men’s furnishings (228-230).

Shown on the south (right) side of Second Street are Robert R. Smallfield, pianos and musical merchandise (313-315), Elite Theatre (311), George Matern, cigar store (309), Emil J. Kistenmacher, druggist (307), Ludwig Bondy, jewelry (305), Math Smith, millinery (303), Security Savings Bank (301), and on the east side of Harrison Street, Harned & Von Maur Department Store (223-229), T. Richter & Sons, furriers (219-221), Jungk Bros. Dry Goods (217-217 ½) and Louis Hanssen’s Sons (213-215).

Even more impressive than this view were the spectacular scenes of the evening when all the stores were lit up around the flags and bunting. It stirred the patriotic hearts of Davenport citizens who were grateful to be Americans and thankful of their blessings."