This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.
Perhaps those Rock Island politicians who have trouble getting out the vote these days could learn something from the Rock Island Argus.
In March of 1901, the Argus got a better idea. For three years, the newspaper had agitated for a new modern theater in Rock Island to rival the famous Burtis House across the river in Davenport. When it became clear that the project was a go in 1901, the Argus suggesting letting the people decide what to name it.
Theater promoter George Johnston agreed. He had never seen that done in theaters he had built elsewhere, but he thought it might stir up interest. He agreed to go with whatever name got the most votes.
The Argus printed ballots for voters to send in. The first day's results saw 16 votes cast: five for "Rock Island," three for "Cosmopolitan," two each for "Grand" and "New Century," and one each for several others.
From then on, the voting picked up. By March 16th, the name "Illinois" was in the lead to six votes for "Rock Island." On the 19th, "People's Pride" jumped into the lead with 165 votes compared to 155 for "Illinois." "Columbia" was coming on strong with 149 votes.
Dozens of other names were added to the list: "The Lincoln," "Arsenal City," "The Oberon," "Knickerbocker," and the "Fort Armstrong." There was one vote for "Poopies." President McKinley received several votes, along with "Vendome," and "Uncle Sam's."
On March 22nd, "Columbia" took the lead for the first time, moving ahead of "Illinois." Three days later, "Columbia" led by two hundred and twenty-six votes. In early April, "Illinois made a spurt, and took over the lead on April 5th. For nine days, "Illinois" and "Columbia" changed places several times as new votes came in.
By the last day of voting, Monday, April 15th, "Columbia" seemed to have won. But that morning a flood of ballots descended on the Argus. 7,500 new votes came in for "Illinois," and only 5,700 for "Columbia."
The Argus declared that the new theater would be named "The Illinois." A total of 26,720 ballots had been cast, twice the number cast in any Rock Island mayoral election, and, in fact, more than the total population of Rock Island in 1901. No doubt some children, not understanding the rules, had voted twice.
Rock Island Lines with Roald Tweet is underwritten by the Scott County Regional Authority, with additional funding from the Illinois Arts Council and Augustana College, Rock Island.
