Around The Block: Statues

If you’ve ever driven on Scott Blvd then you’ve most likely seen the big limestone statue. The large figure is called “Man on a bench” and is also referred to by Iowa City residents as “The Buddha”. People enjoy taking pictures with The Buddha, often sitting on his hands or feet. The Buddha was sculpted out of 110 tons of limestone by Doug Paul and J.B. Barnhouse.

Beware of Oakland Cemetery, which occupies the “Black Angel”, a well known statue above the graves of the Feldevert family. It is said that if you kiss the black angel, you will die within a week. Obviously this legend convinces school kids to visit her right away. Although the cemetery is only open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., delinquent teens often visit the Black Angel at night to test the legend.