Rock Island, IL: In the late 1890s, Mattie Poole was THE name in hand-painted china. The Moline woman built an enduring legacy from her crowded art store and studio, teaching the art to many local women as well.
Gretchen Small, program director at Deere-Wiman and Butterworth Center, brings Poole's entrepreneurial spirit to life in a free history presentation on Wednesday, August 26 at 6:30 pm at the Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street.
Poole was well ahead of her time when it came to both progressive marketing skills and business acumen. Her building on Moline's 5th Avenue still stands today, evidence of her achievements in what was then a man's world. Collectors of Poole china (often marked "Mrs. S.D. Poole" or "M.W. Poole" on the back or underside) are encouraged to bring pieces from their collections to show and discuss.
The presentation in the Main Library Community Room is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Rock Island Library at 309-732-READ (7323), visit the library website at www.rockislandlibrary.org, or follow the library's Facebook and Twitter sites.
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