[JohnBovenmyer]

Some reports had up to about 1000 there. Musical entertainment included Lloyd Marcus, Diana Nagy, Rivoli Revue and Polatik. Non-musical speakers included Mark Williams, Amy Kremer, Debbie Lee, Andrea Shea King and Dustin Stockton, plus a few more who's names I didn't catch. All were excellent and those attending were enthusiastic, and judging by their signs very creative! The woman with the DU sign was truly clueless, but local TV kept glued to her during her walkthrough.

In addition to being scenic the site has historical importance for freedom. Back in 1833 a man took what legally should have been his first free steps on the free Illinois island backdropping this crowd. Over the next year he was sent to homestead a claim in the free territory that would become Bettendorf, IA, probably just a few modern blocks from where we assembled. A plaque commemorates him in Davenport. The poor man didn't realize this freed him at the time, but started suing to legally recognize it in 1846. In 1857 the Federal government denied his freedom in the most maligned Supreme Court decision of all time, Dredd Scott.

[iowamomforfreedom]

John, thanks for filling in the details on the speakers and entertainers. I couldn’t remember all their names, just that they were all GOOD!

Bettendorf and Davenport have historical significance in several areas. Thanks for the reminder of the Dredd Scott connection.

I’ll go take a look at the additional links you posted. Just got home from work.