Ernest Rodriguez Memoirs: A Tricultural Experience
Scope and Contents
This is a memoir written by Ernest Rodriguez documenting moments from his life growing up with three cultures - as Mexican-American, African-American, and Caucasian. He shares remembrances from living in Holy City in Bettendorf and Cook's Point in Davenport, as well as many people and events with his family of origin and his own family.
Dates
- Creation: 2019
Conditions Governing Access
This collection is open for research.
Conditions Governing Use
Materials are available for use in the Richardson-Sloane Special Collections Center only.
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Biographical / Historical
Ernest Milton Rodriguez was born March 6, 1928 in boxcar number 8 in "Holy City", Bettendorf, Iowa to Alberto Norberto and "Muggie" (Adams) Rodriguez according to his birth certificate. He grew up in a large blended family often moving between homes in Bettendorf and Davenport. His mother was of mixed Caucasian and African descendency, born in Alabama. His father was of Mexican descent.
Ernest Rodriguez graduated from Davenport High School and served as a Corporal during the Korean War. He worked in various occupations throughout his life experiences.
Rodriguez has been active in Quad-City minority and interracial groups for many years, working for and being appointed to a number of committees, organizations and boards since the 1970s. He has been active in the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) since it was formed in 1959.
Mr. Rodriguez has been married twice and has a large extended family. In 2022 he sat down for an oral history interview with a member of the Richardson-Sloane Special Collections Center, Davenport Public Library.
Extent
0.005 Linear Feet (in one folder in one 2.5" letter archival box.)
Language of Materials
English
Physical Location
Range 33 Section 03 (shares box)
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Richardson-Sloane Special Collections Center Repository
321 Main Street
Davenport IA 52801-1490 United States
specialcollections@davenportlibrary.com