Exploring Almost Forgotten Gravesites in the Great State of Ohio

Dedicated to cemetery preservation in the great state of Ohio


"A cemetery may be considered as abandoned when all or practically all of the bodies have been Removed therefrom and no bodies have been buried therein for a great many years, and the cemetery has been so long neglected as entirely to lose its identity as such, and is no longer known, recognized and respected by the public as a cemetery. 1953 OAG 2978."

Sunday, January 28, 2018

House Bill 168 to Modify Ohio Cemetery Law will be on the Agenda for a Proponent Hearing on Tuesday, January 30, 2018 by the Ohio Senate Finance Committee at 2:30PM in the Ohio Senate Finance Hearing Room

The hearing for proponent testimonies regarding HB 168 to modify cemetery law will be on Tuesday, January 30th at 2:30 PM in the Senate Finance Hearing Room.

Please see the information below for how to submit your written testimony on behalf of the passage of Ohio HB/SB 168 to Modify Cemetery Law and the witness form that needs to be completed and sent along with it to the email address provided in the communication, if you are not attending the event in person.

**** Note, if not attending in person -- the proponent testimony deadline is Monday, January 29th by 2:30p.m., and testimony is submitted in writing to:


Allie Harris at her email address provided below.

Also, a completed witness slip needs to be emailed as well with the testimony as a proponent for HB 168.

A copy of a blank witness slip is provided below that can be completed, scanned, and attached in an email with a proponent testimony..:

~~~~~~~~~~~~
From:


Allie Harris
Legislative Aide
Ohio Senator Scott Oelslager | 29th District
The Ohio Statehouse
Allie.Harris@OhioSenate.gov
Phone: 614.466.0626


~~~~~~~~~~~~


"We will be hearing proponent testimony regarding HB 168 during committee on Tuesday, January 30th at 2:30 PM in the Senate Finance Hearing Room.

You are more than welcome to submit written testimony and/or present oral testimony in person during committee.

In case you would like to submit testimony, I’ve attached to this email a copy of the Finance Committee Witness Slip, which needs to be filled out and returned with your testimony.

If you wish to submit written testimony, it needs to be sent to me (allie.harris@ohiosenate.gov) by 2:30 PM on Monday, January 29th, along with the completed witness slip.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to give me a call at 614-466-0626, or email at allie.harris@ohiosenate.gov

I would be more than happy to walk you through the submission process if you need guidance, or if you have any questions regarding Finance Committee."



Thanks,

Allie Harris
Legislative Aide
Ohio Senator Scott Oelslager | 29th District
The Ohio Statehouse
Allie.Harris@OhioSenate.gov
Phone: 614.466.0626

Summary (2017-11-15) Modify cemetery law [Refer to Committee: Finance]

Wednesday, January 24, 2018

Cremation Garden Coming to Union Cemetery - Wellington, Lorain County, Ohio

~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The story actually refers to the Greenwood Cemetery that is overseen by the Union Cemetery Board.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~  
From Find A Grave.:

"Cemetery notes and/or description:

Located on the north side of Cemetery Road just east of SR 58. 

Records: Greenwood Cemetery c/o Wellington Union Cemetery Board, Village of Wellington, 115 Willard Memorial Square, Wellington OH 44090." 

c. 1835

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Two famous burials

Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Sunday, January 14, 2018

Latest Update Regarding the North Royalton Cemetery and Plans for Upgrades


"City seeking state funding for cemetery upgrades

Hoping to secure dollars to restore vault, possibly add fence or archway"
"The city is seeking $580,000 in state funding for the proposed cemetery upgrades, which include restoration of the gothic-styled receiving vault, the possible installation of a brick and wrought-iron fence with signage along Royalton Road and landscape master plan development and enhancements."
✽✽✽✽
Here is the North Royalton Cemetery on Find A Grave.

Saturday, January 13, 2018

Sharing this information: "Field Experience in Bioarchaeology in Ohio"

Sharing this information.  

Please refer to the details found in the link for more information.  
Thank you.

~*~*~*~*~*~


"A BRAND-NEW, HANDS-ON PROGRAM FOCUSED ON EXCAVATING HUMAN REMAINS FROM ARCHAEOLOGICAL CONTEXTS"

DATES

May 14th to June 8th 

"ELIGIBILITY"

"The program accepts a limited number of participants and welcomes applications from undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate students in archaeology, anthropology or allied disciplines from any country and institution. Current enrollment in a university is not a requirement. Local high school students and other members of the local community are also welcome to apply. All applications are evaluated equally and acceptance decisions are primarily based on merit."

"ADMISSION PROCEDURE"

"The program has no formal prerequisites and participants will be fully trained for all the activities they experience. Individuals interested in applying for the field experience must fill out and submit the online Application Form.
The application deadline is March 31, 2018. However, applications are reviewed as soon as they are received and successful applicants accepted on a first come, first served basis.
Curriculum vitae and/or reference letters (e-mails) may be requested. The staff reserves the right to verify any of the information reported in the application form and request supporting documentation (e.g., advising reports; references) in its sole discretion. Staff will make final decisions regarding enrolment.

Acceptance will be communicated by e-mail."

Monday, January 8, 2018

Sharing Good News about the North Royalton Cemetery in Cuyahoga County, Ohio

The following information is found in the news story published by "The Royalton Post" from December 9, 2017 by Jaime Anton

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"The project is part of a larger plan that includes not only the electronic sign but also upgrades at the North Royalton Cemetery, repairing the gothic structure, or receiving vault as it is called, that is deteriorating as well as the installation of a decorative wrought-iron and brick fence with possible cemetery signage.
The receiving vault was once used to store remains during winters for spring burials.
The city has contracted with restoration architect Chambers Murphy and Burge, that specializes in these types of projects. They are expected to provide cost estimates for stabilizing the structure and well as estimates for other options council will consider such as returning the vault to its original purpose, converting it into a private mausoleum for an individual or family to purchase or transforming it into a small chapel.
“They should have something for us to help decide the next step for that building shortly,” Jordan said.
Ward 1 Councilman John Nickell said he is fascinated at the idea of altering the now unused vault into something functional.
“That intrigues me, to turn it into a mausoleum and make it functional. It is an interesting building with interesting architecture,” he said.
As a side note, Jordan said there is a section of the cemetery’s master plan that calls for an above-ground structure to store cremated remains on the east side of the cemetery.
“That option will be explored in the future,” he added.
The city is also in the midst of receiving estimates for a cemetery fence along Royalton Road, and a proposal is expected soon.
“Everything is still all progressing well enough for winter design and spring construction,” Jordan said.
These improvements – the pavilion, electronic sign, vault repairs and cemetery fence – will likely be combined into a promissory note up to $1 million.
Jordan also noted that the Good Karma Broadcasting radio tower property has pledged to replace the fence that lies between their property and the rear of the cemetery. They were trying to get the work done by the end of the year, weather permitting.
“It’s rusty, has holes in it and is in bad shape,” Jordan said.
Ward 6 Councilman Dan Kasaris said everything is coming together to make the center of town a better place to visit and learn about some of the city’s history.
“The receiving vault is a safety issue waiting to happen. I suggested restoring it a couple of meetings ago, and I’m happy to see we are looking into that,” he said. “And the pavilion, what we’re doing there is exciting.”
Other than a few events like home days, harvest fest, the pet carnival and the holiday lighting ceremony, the City Green is underutilized, he said.
“What the mayor and consultants have been working on is a good idea to bring residents to the center of town,” he said."
Here is the North Royalton Cemetery on Find A Grave.

Saturday, January 6, 2018

Happy 2018 and Wishing You All the Best with Your Cemetery Preservation and Gravestone Restoration Goals

Wishing everyone a healthy and happy 2018!  

The New Year is starting off in the deep freeze for many of us with winter storms and temperatures well below zero.  With such restrictive weather adversely affecting outdoor activities that many of us are now experieincing, it can be difficult to think about cemetery preservation plans for the rest of the year.  But, now really is a good time to conduct research and make plans so they can be implemented when Spring and Summer arrive with ideal weather.  

As a side note, this blog now is in its tenth year and many cemetery and gravestone topics and their problematic issues have been presented.  Several photographs of gravemarkers have been posted from almost forgotten cemeteries in Ohio.  I refer to some cemeteries as being "Almost forgotten" because in truth, they are not forgotten because those of us who care have taken the time to rediscover them.  

Our bringing awareness to almost forgotten cemeteries and gravesites inspires others to recognize and respect them as well.  Rallying residents to work together in their communities and volunteer their time, devise ways to raise funds, and do other hands-on work revitalizes too long neglected cemeteries so they can resume their rightful roles as vital sacred places in their communities.  

"All Cemeteries Matter!"  Please keep that thought close and make it a key consideration.  That lonely little cemetery with broken and buried stones tucked away on a rural road holds a history all its own; and is waiting for you to discover its hidden stories that others have missed.  You can be its hero! 


I personally predict that 2018 will be the Year of the Cemetery!  

Thank you for stopping by and thank you for Exploring Almost Forgotten Gravesites in the Great State of Ohio!