I have not been shy or quiet in my opinions about cemetery desecration. I have spoken about it, and I have written about it. Cemeteries are monuments to those who have gone before. They are places that honor the people on whose shoulders we stand, who built the towns and cities that we have […]
Lack of Respect: Souvenir Hunters in an Unmarked Cemetery Read More »
The mural was old. The colors were still vibrant through, the lines still clear and sharp. It was simple – a farmer in his field, harvesting corn while his dog runs nearby. It was painted in a stylized design that is deceptively primitive. If you’re only glancing at it, it seems to lack any
John Bloom: The Regionalist and Me Read More »
Davenport, Iowa has a lot of iconic landmarks, both historic and otherwise. There are many in the downtown area, where the city has, for several years, been making a tremendous effort in beautifying the area. Largely, they have been successful. The area is now home to several upscale restaurants, businesses, art venues, and museums.
Hell at Sea: Iowa’s Connection to One of the Worst Maritime Disasters Before Titanic Read More »
Writing is my passion. I enjoy sharing the stories that I collect along my way with whoever cares to listen, and more than a few that don’t sometimes! However, like many people out there, I work a day job. Like musicians and writers before, I haven’t yet broken into that mystical land where
Cautionary Tales of the Midwest’s Roadways Read More »
The town of Malone was originally a train depot founded in the mid-1860’s. It soon developed a general store, stockyards, and a post office. Like many rural areas, it was quiet and peaceful. Who would have thought that an event would take place there would forever mar that peaceful landscape? Edward Crampton was
Cold Anger: The Malone, Iowa Murders of 1929 Read More »
Last week, I told the story of the Joseph Bettendorf mansion and how its history is forever intertwined with the history of the city of Bettendorf. This week, I’d like to share with you all the story of when the very same city came screeching to a halt – the day William Bettendorf died. Early
A City Stands Still: The Death of William Bettendorf Read More »
This past weekend, I had the opportunity to attend the quarterly meeting of the Iowa Lincoln Highway Association. As some of you who follow my blog know, I’ve written some about the Lincoln Highway in the past, mostly about a stretch of road that passes through Clinton County, Iowa. This length of road includes
Sitting in With the Iowa Lincoln Highway Association Read More »
August 30th, 1945 was just another day for most people. The Second World War had just come to an end a few weeks before. William Galitz was just another working man making a buck at the F.L. Implement Store in DeWitt, Iowa. The day had been uneventful, and all was well. And then he
Healing Fire: The Explosion That Led to A Small Town Hospital Read More »
When I was a kid, I remember my Dad taking me to City Cemetery in Davenport, Iowa. A big history buff, Dad used to take me to all kinds of cemeteries while doing family history, or just some personal research on something. One of the older cemeteries in Scott County, City Cemetery is,
Desecration: Cemetery Vandalism and Grave Robbery Read More »
There are many things that can hook us into many different facets of historical interest? Do you have one? If so, please share! I love to hear from you folks!
Kitchen Table Stories: Family Tales Hooking You Into History Read More »
