Rich J and his two co-conspirators/researchers, Gerry and Julie, have been busy trying to find a photo of Burnie's wedding. You may remember that this was discussed in the forum.
Charles Burnett "Burnie" Beiderbecke of Davenport, Iowa was married to Mary Dennison Neelands of Maquoketa, Iowa on Novemember 9, 1926. Bix attended the wedding and was best man. The wedding took place in the home of Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Neelans, the parents of the bride.
Rich, Gerry, and Julie spent last Friday in Maquoketa. They visited the library, the historical society, and the church of Reverend A. W. Sinden, who carried out the marriage service. In spite of their great efforts, they have been unable to locate a photo of the wedding (with a possible new photo of Bix!!). They have not given up. They are planning another visit to Maquoketa and exploring other avenues.
Rich writes, "it [John Neelans' home] is a very nice home located in what is now referred to as the "Historic District." All the homes there are 'very nice.'
The address is 405 W. Pleasant Street, Maquoketa, Iowa.
John Neelans operated a grocery store, the B & N Grocery, at 202 South Main Street. The building is still there. I have a photo of that, also.
Unfortunately, (so far), no wedding photos. "
Here are scans of the house and of the grocery building kindly sent by Rich.
More when, and if, news are uncovered by that crack research team of Quad City Bixophiles, Rich, Gerry, and Julie. Rich is the music director of the Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz Festival, a member of the board of the Bix society, and is part of the editorial/production staff of the "Bix Notes". He was one of the lecturers for the 2003 Bix cruise and will do a repeat appearance for the 2005 Bix cruise. Gerry is retired, and has particularly good skills in genealogy research. Julie is a member of the Bix society board, a high school music teacher, and plays reeds with the Josh Duffee orchestra. On behalf of the Bixography, I thank these three devoted individuals for their tireless efforts in their Bix research.
