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Tag Archives: cemeteries
Living Memory History: The Davenport Memorial Park Cemetery Christmas display
It started as a very small and simple display during December 1937. Just a manger near a waterfall and lights on two nearby trees. It became what was thought to be the nation’s largest Christmas display with thousands of families … Continue reading
Scott County’s Rotten Bridge
If you read this blog, you already know how much we love solving local history mysteries around here. Our latest one, featuring a peculiar epitaph referring to a tragic death, is perfect not only for this chilly month known for … Continue reading
Posted in Genealogy, Local History
Tagged Bridges, cemeteries, Databases, Frank Meyer, gravestones, Lorraine Duncan, Maysville Cemetery, scharlott blevins, SCIGS, Scott County, tombstones
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A Genealogical Mystery: The Beiderbecke Family
The Beiderbecke name has been made internationally famous due to the talent and success of jazz musician Bix Beiderbecke. Locally, though, the Beiderbecke name has been well-known in the area since 1856 when Charles Beiderbecke, Bix’s grandfather, moved to Davenport … Continue reading
Before the Arsenal
As many of you may have seen in the newspapers, this month marks the 150th anniversary of the Rock Island Arsenal, though the Mississippi River Island it sits on has been part of the history of the Quad-Cities since a … Continue reading
Posted in Local History
Tagged Black Hawk, Black Hawk War, cemeteries, George Davenport, Makataimeshekiakiak, Rock Island Arsenal
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Summit Cemetery: Memories of a Rural Past
It catches the eye. Nestled amongst more elaborate headstones in Summit Cemetery is a small wooden grave marker. It is simply engraved “Lena Smith 1915 – 1932.” One cannot walk by, but feels the need to stop and ponder about … Continue reading
A Cemetery by Any Other Name
In July of 1900, the West Davenport Cemetery Association was looking for a new name for the cemetery. They were worried that it was too easily confused with Davenport’s City Cemetery, which was also located on the west part of … Continue reading
The Orphans of Oakdale Cemetery
One of the most persistent local legends in Davenport centers on Oakdale Cemetery on Eastern Avenue. In this cemetery is a special section where children from the Iowa Solders’ Orphans’ Home*, standing just across Eastern Avenue, were buried. And it is said that if you … Continue reading
