A series of award-winning stories about our region's traditions, institutions, and people, past and present. Rock Island Lines is written and read by Roald Tweet, Professor Emeritus of English at Augustana College.
The stories in these three-minute modules are rooted in a specific place; a "kidney-shaped limestone island plunked down in the middle of the Mississippi River." It's the logical site for a storyteller. It is from the rich heritage of our region that Tweet spins his histories, biographies, and "stretchers."
Roald has spent much of his life travelling up and down the river, with forays overland, east and west, talking to the people, reading their journals, and enjoying the humor and history of America's heartland. His observations about life around Rock Island strike responsive chords across the region. It's a viewpoint that will enrich and enliven your day.
Listen below or subscribe on iTunes or RSS.
Sponsored by
Quad City Bank & Trust
-
CommunityThis is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.Whenever we peaceful types are reminded that the pen is mightier than the sword, we feel better. We often forget that…
-
CommunityThis is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.At five in the afternoon on Washington's Birthday in 1854, a small locomotive gaily decorated in streamers and bunting…
-
CommunityThis is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.Every community seems to have one man so important he is known only by his first two initials. Talk about "F.W." or…
-
CommunityThis is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.Habits die hard. Men and boys once stood along the levees and landings near Rock Island to watch steamboats come and…
-
CommunityThis is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.Often it happens that Rock Islanders tell their own stories best. Here is one from Dr. Alex Stone, a retired…
-
CommunityThis is Roald Tweet, on Rock Island.One January morning, Rock Islanders woke to fourteen inches of snow. It fell fast, blowing into drifts on the downwind…
-
CommunityThis is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.If you're on a tight budget and can't afford that nine-thousand-dollar cruise around the world in 80 days, drop over to…
-
CommunityThis is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.Earlier this summer, Father James Grubb celebrated the 40th year of his ordination with a solemn High Mass at his…
-
CommunityThis is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.When Bailey Davenport won the race for mayor of Rock Island in 1861, he already had several unofficial titles. Some…
-
CommunityThis is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.In 1856, Rock Island became a battleground in the transportation wars. In May of that year, the tracks of the Chicago…