Man Haunted by Childhood Home in Iowa

Kristian Day reflects on the family home he grew up in and the lingering connection he feels to it.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Kristian Day, a filmmaker and writer based in Des Moines, Iowa, describes his lifelong attachment to the house he grew up in as a child in Rock Island, Illinois. Even though he hasn't lived there in 26 years, he still feels a strong connection to the home and has watched it deteriorate over the years. The article also touches on his family's history in Des Moines, where his grandfather's family lived, and the new relatives he discovered through genetic testing, though his father seems disconnected from that part of their past.

Why it matters

The story highlights the powerful emotional bonds people can form with the places they grow up, even long after they've moved away. It also explores the ways in which family history and a sense of roots can shape one's identity, even when the details of that history are hazy or disconnected.

The details

Kristian Day grew up in a house on 32nd Street and 18th Avenue in Rock Island, Illinois, where he lived until he was 14 years old. Even though he hasn't lived there in over two decades, he still feels a strong attachment to the home and has watched it fall into disrepair over the years. The article also discusses his family's history in Des Moines, where his grandfather's family lived on East 38th Street. Kristian's father, Homer Day, worked for the Rock Island Lines railroad company, and his uncle Dennis eventually built an addition on the family's Des Moines home. Kristian's grandmother, Anne Day, stayed at home but money was tight. The family later moved to Rock Island, Illinois.

  • Kristian Day grew up in the Rock Island, Illinois home until he was 14 years old.
  • Kristian hasn't lived in the Rock Island home for 26 years.
  • Kristian's grandfather, Homer Day, worked for the Rock Island Lines railroad company.
  • Kristian's uncle, Dennis, built an addition on the family's Des Moines home.
  • Kristian's grandmother, Anne Day, stayed at home but money was tight before the family moved to Rock Island, Illinois.

The players

Kristian Day

A filmmaker and writer based in Des Moines, Iowa who grew up in a house in Rock Island, Illinois.

Homer Day

Kristian's grandfather who worked for the Rock Island Lines railroad company.

Anne Day

Kristian's grandmother who stayed at home but money was tight before the family moved to Rock Island, Illinois.

Dennis

Kristian's uncle who built an addition on the family's Des Moines home.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

The story highlights the enduring emotional connections people can have to the places they grew up, even long after they've moved away. It also explores how family history and a sense of roots can shape one's identity, even when the details of that history are unclear or disconnected.