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Sycamore
Portrait of Strength: The Great Sycamore of Frisco Park Standing in quiet majesty at the corner of Frisco Park, the great sycamore rises as a portrait of strength and spectacular beauty. Its brilliant white branches stretch boldly against the deep blue sky, a living sculpture shaped by time, weather, and memory. Few trees command attention the way this one does—rooted firmly in history, yet reaching endlessly into the future. Looking upward beneath its towering canopy, one ca
David Black
6 days ago


Wolf Moon Surprise
Photographing the Wolf Moon Rising - Moment to Remember Having the opportunity to photograph the Wolf Moon was an exciting moment—another chance to aim an iPhone lens toward the sky and hope for magic. Photographing the moon has always carried that sense of anticipation, yet rarely delivers the image photographers dream of: the familiar face of the Man in the Moon, the one found on childhood pages read by mothers, fathers, and grandparents. Tonight I was excited that stepping
David Black
Jan 3


Looking Ahead While Looking Back
Spending the weekend exploring David’s Doings in the Malden Press-Merit was an experience filled with memories of my days at Malden Junior High School. At the age of thirteen, I wrote my column without realizing how profoundly it would change my life. Growing up in the town I loved so well, I was given the rare opportunity to write about the days I observed at Malden Junior High—simple moments that, in hindsight, shaped my future. Eighth grade was an exciting time. High s
David Black
Dec 31, 2025


People, Places, and the Stories That Still Matter
I want to begin by thanking the readers who have signed up for the Bootheel Beacon newsletter and the many visitors who find us through social media—especially Facebook. Your interest, your clicks, and your encouragement matter more than you may realize. As we look toward the coming year, advertising must be the catalyst that sustains the Bootheel Beacon. Creating, contracting, and publishing advertising is the essence of what will make—or break—the success of this community
David Black
Dec 23, 2025
Allen Black Newspaper Archives
The Allen Black Newspaper Archives: Exploring Malden’s History Through Its Newspapers One of the Malden Historical Museum’s most successful and widely used historical databases is the Allen Black Newspaper Archives , an extraordinary research tool that allows families, historians, students, and lifelong Maldenites to explore local history through original newspaper records. This comprehensive digital archive connects generations of residents to their past through published l
David Black
Dec 22, 2025


Bootheel Beacon preserving the past, strengthening the present
At its heart, Malden Historical Museum is more than a building filled with artifacts—it’s a living partner in keeping our community connected. One of the most meaningful ways it does that is through its sponsorship of the Bootheel Beacon . This partnership bridges past and present. While the museum preserves Malden’s stories and stories in other communities of southeast Missouri through photographs, documents, and exhibits, the Bootheel Beacon carries today’s stories forward
David Black
Dec 20, 2025


Rediscovering Malden Through David’s Doings: A Journey of Memory and Community
Malden, Missouri, is more than a dot on the map. It is a place where stories live in the streets, where memories shape the present, and where community ties run deep. David’s Doings captures this spirit by weaving together moments from the past and present, offering a unique window into life in Malden and the Missouri Bootheel. This column is not just about events; it is about the people, places, and everyday experiences that define a hometown. The Roots of David’s Doings Da
David Black
Dec 19, 2025

David's Doings
by David Black - Staff Writer
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