Jewish Federation, Cemetery Walk, make history
The Jewish Federation hosted a History Walk on Aug. 20 at Hebrew Cemetery, Rock Island. The hot sun baked the Hebrew Cemetery in Rock Island on Sunday (Aug. 20), but that failed to deter some 150 folks who took part in a most interesting event. Organizers from Congregation Beth Israel of the Tri-City Jewish Center said they were concerned about the toasty weather during the Living Jewish History Epitaph Walk at the Hebrew Cemetery. Dozens and dozens of bottled water was iced in coolers, and placed around the grounds. The Walk included several stops at tented areas, so attendees were able stand in the shade. Fascinating materials included a description of how the Hebrew Cemetery started; it took about two years for all parties to agree to allow the Cemetery Association to develop eight acres of land in South Rock Island Township. Approval was finally granted and the land was suitably developed in March, 1920. The first burial was in January, 1921, but the ro