Woodland Cemetery's history shines in new book
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Proceeds from "Woodland Cemetery in Des Moines" will go to cemetery improvement projects. Volunteers have restored thousands of markers there in recent years. Photo: Courtesy of The History Press/Mary Christopher
A new book highlights the intriguing lives and interments of more than 120 people buried at Des Moines' Woodland Cemetery.
Why it matters: The 176-year-old cemetery is a part of the historic fabric of the metro.
- The stories bring insight into what makes us DSM, authors Mary Christopher and Mike Rowley tell Axios.
State of play: "Woodland Cemetery in Des Moines" was researched and written by metro volunteers, who donated more than 2,000 hours for the project.
- All book proceeds go toward cemetery restoration.
The intrigue: The book's articles are short and focus on forgotten events, unique people or unusual memorials.
- Some stories are about the metro's early leaders. Others center on people with lesser-known or unknown identities, including immigrants and a sex worker.
- One is about a dog who spent days at her former caretaker's grave and was credited with saving the woman's life who later rescued her.
Zoom in: The inspiration for the 192-page book came during the pandemic when Christopher took walks in the cemetery and became curious about the people buried there.
What's next: Preorders are open at Beaverdale Books or online.
- Book launch is April 29 at Franklin Library, 4-6pm.
- Another event is April 30 at Beaverdale Books at 6:30pm.
👀 Worthy of your time: Those who want to embrace death and history can take a Woodland Cemetery tour, some focusing on pioneer women.
- There are also QR codes linking to videos at dozens of headstones.
