Rock Island, IL Local history programs at the Rock Island Library in December and January will allow attendees to learn more about the history of Black Hawk State Park and about one of Rock Island's more notorious characters.
The following programs are in the Community Room of the Main Library at 401 19th Street. Free parking is available in the library's 20th Street lot.
History of Black Hawk State Park: 1:00 pm , Wednesday, Dec. 10 at Main Library. Beth Carvey, of the Black Hawk State Park will present on the history of the amusement park and the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) at Black Hawk park, as well as more recent information on the new exhibit at the park's museum and on the park's natural areas and trails.
Citadel of Sin: The John Looney Story, 6:00 pm, Tuesday, Jan. 27, Main Library. Roger Ruthhart, co-author of The Citadel of Sin with Richard Hamer, shares details about the life and crimes of organized crime boss John Looney, who based his empire in Rock Island in the early years of the 20th century. Looney controlled gambling, prostitution, bootlegging and protection rackets before being convicted of several crimes in 1925.
All of these events all free and open to the public. For more events at Rock Island Public Libraries, visit the library website at www.rockislandlibrary.org, follow the library on Facebook or Twitter, or call 309-732-READ (7323.)
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