Zearing, Iowa 1956 History

Joseph made a blue print of the proposed park which is in existence in 1955. If the blue print had been followed in every detail we think that, the park would be a model park today.

The trees used in the Zearing Park were moved in from Illinois Grove and from locations in Lincoln township. They were larger than nursery trees. That resulted in a useable park in record time.

In 1946, a cement tennis court was built at the park. The cost of the court was $600. Most of the labor was donated. Dr. Charles L. Hall was in charge of the project.

The park has a shelter house. It also contains some excellent horseshoe courts.

Picnic Point Lake is located on the site of the former Dakins private lake. Dakins Lake was a popular swimming place in the early 1920's. At that time the Zearing baseball diamond was located west of the lake. Dakins Lake was abandoned because of the difficulties in keeping the dam in repair.

When the National Soil Conservation Field Day was planned in 1950, a number of local residents suggested that a new dam be constructed. The cost of such a project was in excess of $3,000. The money was raised by voluntary contributions from persons interested in the project.

An excellent dam was constructed during the field day on September 19, 1950. Later a contest was held to select a name for the new lake. Rev. Richard S. Anthens submitted the name, Picnic Point Lake, and won the contest.

The lake is a popular fishing spot at the present time. It is maintained by the Zearing Wild Life Club. Memberships. in the club are sold annually to provide funds for maintaining the lake.

Many members of pioneer families in Iowa were either buried near the family home or taken to distant cemeteries. New communities had to establish cemeteries. A community did not establish a community cemetery until there was a public demand for one.

Our community was not any different. Our deceased pioneers were buried near the family homes or taken to distant cemeteries. There are stories which can not be proved of unmarked and forgotten graves in our community in 1956. In most cases the evidence seems to indicate the stories were true concerning the burials. However, most of the bodies were moved to an established cemetery later.

One of the pioneer burial grounds can be located in 1956 by going to the corner east of the Zearing Cemetery. Proceed north on the east side of Section 16 for almost one-half mile. In the field