Designing the QC with Ellen Shapley

Untold and Unusual Stories, Part 2

Discover the architects, trends, and styles that created the Quad Cities' unique sense of place.

Uncover the histories of three 20th-century architects and one Hollywood “starlet,” all Davenport natives who were part of the rich architectural heritage of the Quad Cities. Our story starts in 1939 in McClelland Heights, weaves its way across Locust Street with a couple stops along the way, and then heads toward the northern reaches of Brady Street in the 1940s. Next, we’ll make our way east to Chicago, then on to New York and Connecticut to follow the remarkable careers of our young architects. Finally, back in Davenport, we’ll catch up with the starlet turned prolific “femme fatale” of movies and TV for a delightful story of her visits with her mother, Alma White. Creative in her own right, some say Alma designed the star’s 1922 childhood home and the gardens that surrounded it.

Ellen Shapley, an enthusiast and sleuth of architectural wonders, loves to explore our cities and share her observations. She has captivated audiences with her tours and talks across Chicago, Portland, Hood River (Oregon), and right here in the Quad Cities. Dive deeper into her explorations by checking out her Facebook page: ArchiTouring the Quad-Cities.

This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Bettendorf Public Library. If you need accessibility accommodations, please call 563-344-4175 in advance.

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