John Davis married Sara Hart over her family's disapproval. When Sara passed away after 50 years of marriage in 1930, John built an elaborate memorial to her. It is estimated that he spent over a hundred thousand dollars on the memorial during the depression. Was it out of devotion to his late wife? Was it out of guilt for not treating Sara better? Was spending on the memorial to keep her family from getting an inheritance? The city of Hiawatha desperately needed a hospital and swimming pool and could have used a donation. Was Davis embittered toward Hiawatha? Nobody knows for sure.
There are eleven statues depicting John and Sara at different stages of their lives. John lost his left hand to an infection at some point.
I've seen this on some travel show, I think. I envy you getting to see it!
Posted by: Dane | 26 July 2010 at 11:42 PM