The three-story Palmer Mansion was originally built by Louis Dessaint in 1874 in the Second Empire architectural tradition.

The woodwork throughout the Mansion is of solid butternut, and the foundation was constructed from two feet thick stone.

The Petersons, owners before B.J. and Mabel Palmer, installed Italian carrara marble fireplaces and parquet floors in the early 20th century.

The Palmers bought the Mansion at 808 Brady St. in Davenport for $25,000 in 1912.

In 1920, the Palmers added a large enclosed porch in which to display their collections. It has a series of rooms on the east and south sides of the original house and a solarium. The unique character of the porch earned the house a place on the National Register of Historic Places.

B.J. and Mabel Palmer collected elephant representations, idols, lamps, knives, Navajo and Indian rugs, canes, Oriental art and Abraham Lincoln memorabilia.

In 1922, B.J. Palmer purchased an Aeolian player pipe organ for $75,000. This pipe organ, installed in the Music Room, is one of the largest in the QuadCities. The commercial organ was used during broadcasts on WOC radio, which was the first radio station west of the Mississippi. B.J. owned and operated this station. One of the early announcers was Ronald Reagan.

When a Palmer classroom building was constructed, four white oak trees had to be cut down. B.J. did not want them completely destroyed, so he had the four broad trunks incorporated into the Rustic Room at the Mansion. Carved into the trees are a parade of elephants, assortment of dogs and many Oriental objects.

Through B.J.'s long tenure as President of Palmer College until 1961, the Mansion also served as an office facility and conference center for chiropractic discussions at what is now Palmer College.

Famous guests who have visited the Palmer Mansion include: American presidents Ronald Reagan, Herbert Hoover and Harry Truman, entertainers Harry Houdini and Jeanette McDonald, and boxer Jack Dempsey.

The Palmer Mansion is open only by appointment. Tour information is available at (563) 884-5404.