The History of Cigars in Davenport, Iowa chronicles cigar manufacturing in Davenport. Pictures of cigar boxes and cigar memorabilia are displayed in the book. Information on the cigar factory owners and dates of operation are included.

German immigrants created leafy beer gardens here nearly two centuries ago, establishing Bucktown as the heart of entertainment in downtown Davenport for generations. In 1916, the founding of the Tri-City Symphony Orchestra at the Burtis Opera House embodied the neighborhood's reputation for high culture. The numerous saloons and theaters, as well as the forty-two documented brothels that flourished within two blocks, lent a bawdy side to the good times. Varied industries thrived through World War II, and downtown bustled with shoppers visiting department stores like Petersen's. Later, the neighborhood struggled and declined as a farming crisis hit the region hard. With revitalized landmarks like the magnificent Hotel Blackhawk and the historic Redstone Building, the community is growing more vibrant as a place to live, work and play. Author Jonathan Turner explores this dynamic history and transformation.

Vols. 12-20 include: Cigar Maker's International Union of America. Annual financial report (title varies slightly), 1886-94. (From 1886-91 issued as a numbered section of the periodical.)

The Quad Cities have a rich history of brewing that started with the influx of German citizens in the 1800s. Breweries were established on both sides of the Mississippi River. Some of these historic breweries managed to reopen after Prohibition, but national competition ultimately closed the last of these stalwarts in 1956. In 1989, Iowa created a special class "A" brewpub permit, and the first of many brewpubs in the area, Front Street Pub & Eatery, opened in 1992. Blue Cat Brew Pub, on the Illinois side of the river, opened shortly after. The brewing renaissance has helped to establish the Quad Cities as a craft beer destination. Join authors Michael McCarty and Kristin DeMarr as they celebrate the heady heritage of the region.

Just as this publication was ready for the printer, a very rare cigar box was listed on an internet auction site. Recognizing its rarity and extraordinary appeal, a decision was made to bid on it with the hopes of purchasing it. As author, I won. But I also knew that it was too late to include this Davy Crockett cigar box alongside the more than 100 other cigar boxes already headlined and profiled in this particular 200-page volume. After winning the bid a final decision was made to illustrate this cigar box on the back cover of this production. In so doing readers have a chance to scrutinize a very rare and a one-of-a-kind cigar box. Of course, any cigar box that lithographically headlines Davy Crockett usually identifies the famous American frontiersman with the Alamo (see this Volume, page 114) and how he and 200 Texans were killed in 1836 by Santa Anna’s 1500 strong Mexican forces. A wide-spread interest in Davy Crockett ever since has become the norm. Tennessee Ernie Ford popularized him in 1955 with his hit “The Battle of Davy Crockett”. John Wayne immortalized Davy Crockett when he played the famous frontiersman in the 1960 Hollywood blockbuster, The Alamo. The stunning lithographic print on the inside lid of a wooden cigar box made by William Simpson of Massachusetts, circa 1900, now highlights this back cover of this book and demonstrates the ultimate bravery of a young Davy Crockett protecting individuals inundated with a blizzard and petrified of wolves trying to push their way into the pioneer Log Cabin (see this Volume, pages 108- 109) that the legendary frontiersman is valiantly guarding and resolutely defending. This Davy Crocket lithographic print is one of the highlight prints of the book....