Merry Christmas and Happy New Year - May you and your cemeteries all do well in the coming year!

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas

 and a Happy New Year!

May 2023 be your best year ever!

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I feel that 2023 will usher in a year where Ohio's cemeteries will have more help and hope to gain the much-deserved, yet long overdue, respect and recognition for their importance to their surrounding communities, and truly beyond; regardless of their size or status.  

Thankfully, more resources are being made available than ever that will continue to work for their benefit.  There are more dedicated people coming onboard, some working individually, while others working in groups -- including countless volunteers -- who will ensure longer term protection and preservation of all of Ohio's cemeteries.  

This move forward includes the most recent passage of the Federal Omnibus Bill that includes the African American Burial Grounds Preservation Program. 

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The "Cincinnati Enquirer" has posted a spotlight story (December 24, 2022) about this legislation on their Cincinnati.com  website.  

This is a must-read article to fully understand how it was that an historic African American cemetery in Cincinnati, Ohio, the United American Cemetery, brought the public's focus to the particular plight that so negatively affects African American cemeteries all across America that can no longer go ignored.  Now stronger federal measures will be in place that will address their ongoing problematic issues.

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Also, be sure to check out previous posts on this blog about the Ohio Cemetery Grant Program that has been helping Ohio's Active/Registered Cemeteries, and those cemeteries that should be registered but are not through no fault of their own; with additional details regarding this program.

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Thank you for your help and your advocacy on behalf of Ohio's cemeteries! 

We must remain mindful that our deceased ancestors, relatives, friends, and neighbors were vital to the communities that surrounded them.  They were pioneers, veterans, doctors, teachers, pastors, civic leaders, fathers, mothers and babies who died young.  Each had a unique life story that should not be forgotten. They left their legacies to us who will in turn, pass them on to future generations. This cannot be done without cemetery preservation and the needed protections put in place through stronger Ohio laws.  

Sadly, too much history has already been lost so the need is great!  

Thank you!    

Sharing this story by the Journal-News in Oxford Butler County by Avery Kreemer dated December 14 2022 - The City of Oxford is taking over the Oxford Cemetery

This spotlight story explains the reasons the City of Oxford Ohio in Butler County is assuming responsibility for the Oxford Cemetery. 

Excerpt:

“Regrettably, the association wasn’t able to continue operating the cemetery based on financial reasons,” Oxford Cemetery Association Treasurer Dennis Deahl said to the Journal-News.

Under Ohio Revised Code, if a private entity is unable to maintain burial grounds, the responsibility of that maintenance and operation then falls on the governmental entity; in this case, it means Oxford’s finance department will take over plot sales while the service department handles upkeep starting in 2023." 

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I applaud the City of Oxford for their stepping up to assume responsibility of the Oxford Cemetery so that it will stay a viable cemetery with an owner and one who feels it is worthwhile to do right by the cemetery.  Yes, it seems like that should be a "given" when it comes to something as important as a burial ground for human remains, but as we know in Ohio that isn't always the case.  

But, we end the year 2022 on a positive note when we read an encouraging and uplifting story about people and local governments who demonstrate that will do what it takes to care for their community cemeteries!  It will be a Happy New Year for the Oxford Cemetery! 

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Remembering that OH HB 168 created the Cemetery Grant Fund for Active / Registered Not-For-Profit Cemeteries in Ohio - Yet Ohio's Inactive and Family Cemeteries still await help from the State of Ohio

First, starting off on a positive note, I'd like to share this wonderful spotlight story written by Bob Coupland of the "Tribune Chronicle" of Warren, Trumbull County, Ohio.

This extensive article gives a detailed description of the funds provided by the Cemetery Grant Fund that has been helping Active/Registered Not-For-Profit Cemeteries in Ohio since 2019.

Before this law was passed and enacted no such program was in place by the State of Ohio that helped any cemetery that has needed funding in a manner like what this law has accomplished.

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For additional reference.:

WFMJ in Youngstown (Mahoning County.:

https://www.wfmj.com/story/42772507/5-valley-cemeteries-receiving-funding-for-repairs-improvements

Excerpt: "The Cemetery Grant Fund, which was signed into law as House Bill 168, became effective Oct. 29, 2018. The funds are to be used for exceptional maintenance of cemetery grounds or training for cemetery personnel.

Any registered, non-profit cemetery may apply for the grant, which is funded by $1 of every burial permit fee received by the Division. Cemeteries that applied and did not receive funding this year are encouraged to apply again next year."

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Further Link.: Ohio Cemetery Grant Fund Program details

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However, sadly, we still must be mindful and reflect on the fact that Ohio's Inactive Cemeteries are in the category of being Unregistered (AKA Not Registered) cemeteries - meaning no burials in the past 25 years,

Additionally:

Cemeteries or burial grounds deemed to be "Family Cemeteries" - as per the Ohio Revised Code stated in the following sections negatively affects them as well and leaves them out of the Registration process.:

(D) Sections 4767.02 to 4767.04 of the Revised Code do not apply to or affect a family cemetery or a cemetery in which there have been no interments during the previous twenty-five calendar years. As used in this division, "family cemetery" means a cemetery containing the human remains of persons, at least three-fourths of whom have a common ancestor or who are the spouse or adopted child of that common ancestor.

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Now, what the State of Ohio needs to do is to expand the Cemetery Grant Program to include cemeteries that are no longer Active and thus are relegated to being Unregistered that are deteriorating, and in so many cases disappearing, before it is too late for them and they are declared abandoned and thus become "fair game" for any sort of development because they are deemed to be a hazard to society. (See: https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/.../1953-2978.aspx)

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Sons of Union Vets installs 2023 officers - Wilmington, Clinton County, Ohio

Sons of Union Vets installs 2023 officers

"Holiday wreaths to be laid at Lorain County Cemeteries - December 17 2022" - by Jason Hawk - "The Elyria Chronicle Telegram" - Published November 30 2022

Sharing this link to "The Elyria Chronicle-Telegram" article published on November 30th by Jason Hawk that includes a listing of the Lorain County cemeteries where wreaths will be placed at veterans gravesites on December 17, 2022 for Wreaths Across America Day, which is an annual event held nationwide. See this article for all of the specifics for the times for each cemetery.

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This is a must-read spotlight story if your interest is in Lorain County cemeteries! 

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Sharing a link to "Find A Grave" cemeteries located in Lorain County.

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Sharing a link to the national website of "Wreaths Across America". 

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Sharing a link to this article by The Toledo Blade by Matt Markey.: "The Outdoors Page: Tiny cemeteries dot the area landscape" - Posted November 26, 2022

Sharing this article from "The Toledo Blade" by Matt Markey celebrating the importance of lost and forgotten cemeteries and that they should be preserved and protected.  Focusing on those that exist in the Ohio counties shown below in particular.:

"Lucas County has about 73 cemeteries, Wood County hosts around 78, while Ottawa County's burial sites number roughly 48, and Fulton County has close to 80. The exact numbers are not in dispute — they just are not known since the small plots, the family graveyards, and long-since abandoned sites are not all found on a map or a deed."

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Also, learn more about the Lucas County Cemeteries Historical Association from this link. 

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Lucas County, Ohio Cemeteries as listed on "Find A Grave."

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Cemeteries listed on "Find A Grave" with the location given as Toledo. 

Sharing this wonderful story from the Times-Reporter - Tuscarawas County - The preservation of the monument for Civil War veteran, Dr. Noah Webster Yoder

Tim Foor of Hallowed Ground Cemetery Preservation, LLC was chosen as the conservator for the monument of Dr. Noah Webster Yoder , a Civil War soldier who was buried at the Shanesville First Reformed Cemetery in Shanesville, Tuscarawas County, Ohio.  

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The New Philadelphia "Times Reporter"published the online spotlight story (on November 27 2022) detailing the plans for this upcoming preservation project scheduled for Spring of 2023.

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"Donations can be sent to American Legion Post 494, P.O. Box 341, Sugarcreek, Ohio 44681. Write "Save the Monument" in the memo on your check." 

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Hallowed Ground Cemetery Preservation, LLC on Facebook

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From the "Toledo Blade" - November 22 2022 - An eye-opening story about the Ohio History Connection's extensive amount of Native American human remains in their possession

Sharing this "Toledo Blade" story Spotlighting the Ohio History Connection's vast number, estimated at 7,000, of Native American human remains needing to be returned to their proper Tribes.  The University of Michigan and the University of Toledo also have Native American human remains, but each with smaller numbers.  

This is an excellent article worth reading particularly by anyone interested in this topic.

The public in general would also benefit from reading this detailed account to expand their knowledge and gain a greater grasp of the seriousness of this situation that needs a resolution. 

Learn what challenges exist and what options are available for the Ohio History Connection to move forward and resolve this pressing issue of returning the Native American human remains in their possession to their proper Tribes.  We look forward to follow-up articles about this subject in the future.     

 

 

Sharing a listing of the cemeteries with Ohio Historic Inventory Forms that are in the Ohio History Connection's database

Sharing information that  Ohio's (SHPO) State Historic Preservation Office is currently revising its procedures for how the "OH-I Form" - the Ohio Historic Inventory Form - is completed and submitted to their office for review. 

These forms can be completed for cemeteries as well as for structures.

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Below is the late James L. Murphy's "Forgotten Cemeteries and the Ohio Historic Inventory" that was my introduction to this form and the value of completing and submitting it to the Ohio History Connection's Preservation Department for the benefit of the cemetery.  Once the form is accepted and approved the cemetery is assigned its own number and becomes a permanent record in their database. 

While mostly professionals complete the "OH-I Form", anyone can complete them and submit them to the Ohio History Connection's Preservation Office. 

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Below:
This is a listing as of November 16, 2022 of Ohio Historic Inventory Forms that are being reviewed but not yet in the Ohio History Connection's database.: 

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Remembering James "Jim" M. Callihan born in Byesville, Guernsey County, Ohio who worked with my father for many years at the General Industries Company in Elyria, Ohio

Remembering Mr. James "Jim" M. Callihan today on this Veterans Day, November 11, 2022.  Jim was honorably discharged from the Army Air Corps in 1947. 

It was my pleasure to meet Jim and Ruth Callihan on October 20, 2012 at their lovely home in Elyria, Ohio.  

Thanks to the Internet, I was able to make a connection to them and exchange information about the General Industries Company where Jim had worked starting in 1952 as a sales manager and general sales manager retiring in 1990.  However, he stayed on serving as a consultant with the company through 2003.  

My father, Harry Limes, worked at General Industries from 1934 retiring from a position of foreman in the Plastics Division.  

My mother, Virginia (Zagorsky) Limes, worked at General Industries as well as a molder from 1940 to 1947 following the shutdown of her first employer, Central Glass Works in Wheeling, West Virginia that occurred in1939.  My father was my mother's boss. They were married on December 7, 1944. 

Thus, the General Industries Company has held special significance in my life because my parents met there. My father died in 1988, and my mother died in 1995.  

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Sharing an excerpt from a letter to me from James Callihan: 

"I came to GI from Cambridge, Ohio (130 Miles south) and was hired by Allan Fritzsche in July 1952 as Sales Manager of the Plastics Div. when I was but age 26 where for many years I worked and developed friendships with many co-workers including Harry.  

In the photo you sent, it included Bill Foster who was the son-in-law of Fritsche who owned the company at that time.  Bill Foster was to become the President for 23 years to his retirement in 1980.  We both kept in close touch throughout our retirement years and he died in Florida at age 86.  I talked with him 6 months prior to his death.

I later became General Sales Manager then Vice President of Sales & Marketing of both Plastics and Motors Divisions and upon retirement was Senior Vice President of the Company which as your know burned down a few years ago.

 I have many wonderful memories of my years with GI and there are only a few of us still alive of the management group.  Milan Bendik who was V.P. of Personnel lives close by.

  I noted a 1948 picture of the GI league bowling team I'll send you of which included your dad and Joe Ursem who was a compression molder. Joe's daughter, Joanie, was secretary to Bill Foster and  myself for several years.

Below is a group photograph of the November 1947Bowling team at the General Industries in Elyria.: 

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I finally succeeded in a plant wide clean-up effort but it took about 5 years to get there!! The first time I walked thru the plant at GI, I was walking thru water due to steam line leaks and it looked and felt like I was walking on boardwalks in the old west!!

Orlo Marsh who was then V.P. was the first GI Exec. to interview me and tour plant in Cambridge and he was astounded at how clean it was and it opened his eyes to what GI had to do to become more competitive and produce less scrap due to contamination of bakelite dust flying all around. First thing we did at GI was build enclosures around every one of the molding presses in the first 6 months after I arrived!

Following that we fixed all the water line leaks, removed all the wooden planks on the floor that were deteriorating due to the water."

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Truly, Jim Callihan was the proverbial "walking Encyclopedia" recalling memory after memory from his tenure at General Industries including the company's extensive history. 

Eagerly I "soaked in" all of the details no matter how small, but for me were so significant, as he moved along sharing them with me.

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The photograph below is a colorized birds eye view of the General Industries Co. plant in Elyria, Ohio (circa 1930s) which sadly burned down to the ground in 2008. 

Fortunately my parents weren't alive to know about its demise.

Mr. Callihan took a moment out from our conversation to show me some of the video of the fire he had saved on his computer.  I could see how sad it was for him to view some of it.:

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Below - left is my bakelite bomb fuse and to the right is my lucite bomb fuse made at the General Industries Co. in Elyria during WWII.  These might have been "seconds".  My mother told me she helped to make these for the war effort.    

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Below is another example of Lucite with a religious medal encased in it made probably by my mother.: 

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Thankfully, Mr. Callihan donated all of his "GI" collection to the Lorain County Historical Society ensuring the material will be available for viewing and study by researchers seeking to learn more about the company. 

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Below is Mr. James "Jim" Callihan in 2016 in Colorado where he relocated following the death of his wife in 2015.: 

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Rest in eternal peace, Jim.  

Thank you for touching my life in such a memorable way!

Sharing this story from Seneca County, Ohio - From "The Advertiser-Tribune" in Tiffin - by Vicki Johnson - "Restoring History" - October 29, 2022

Sharing this well written in-depth article from "The Advertiser-Tribune" that covers important elements being addressed during the course of the preservation work slated for the Rock Run Cemetery in Seneca County, Ohio.  

Local historian, Stephen Hartzell, and cemetery preservation professional, Steve Coffman - Monumental Task Cemetery Preservation LLC, both who hail from Tiffin, have laid out a sound plan from the beginning point of this preservation project and concluding with a public plea for crucial donations.

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Excerpt from this story.:

"A $54 donation can pay for a gallon of D-2, the chemical that cleans gravestones without causing damage, or it can help purchase other supplies.

An $85 donation can pay for a package of epoxy for repairing broken stones.

Any donation amount is welcome. Make checks payable to “Eden Twp. Rock Run Cemetery Fund” with “For repair and restoration” in the notes section. Mail checks to Eden Township, c/o Julie Vogel, Fiscal Officer, 4826 E. CR 6, Tiffin, Ohio 44883."  

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"Ohio Cemeteries Receive Funds for Maintenance and Training" - October 20, 2022 - Announcement from the Ohio Department of Commerce."

On October 20, 2022, the Ohio Department of Commerce's Media Center published a news update naming the 2023 recipients of Ohio Cemetery Grant funds. 

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"Ohio Department of Commerce awards $104,000 to assist 44 nonprofit cemeteries"

"COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing awarded $104,000 in grants to 44 Ohio cemeteries through the Fiscal Year 2023 Cemetery Grant Fund.

The Division registers more than 4,100 cemeteries in the state and administers by the Ohio Cemetery Dispute Resolution Commission which assists in resolving complaints against registered cemeteries through mediation and conciliation."

“This is the fourth year the Division has awarded the grant for registered nonprofit cemeteries, which can be used for exceptional maintenance of their grounds or training of their personnel,” Division Superintendent Daphne Hawk said. “We are honored to provide funds to help Ohio’s cemeteries improve recordkeeping, restore monuments, repair fencing, and improve signage.”

"The grant is funded by $1 of every $2.50 from burial permit fees received by the Division. Cemeteries that applied and did not receive funding this year are encouraged to apply again next year."

"Grants were awarded this year to cemeteries in 32 Ohio counties. A full list of 2023 Cemetery Grant recipients is below.

For more information about how the Division works with Ohio cemeteries visit com.ohio.gov/real."

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I have been advised that if the cemetery grant is for over $1,000, the cemetery owner would have to match the grant dollar for dollar.

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Below are links to a sampling of news stories published regarding the 2023 recipients of the Ohio Cemetery Grants.:

WHIO TV in Dayton.
Lima Ohio.com.

 WKBN TV in Youngstown. 

 Sentinel-Tribune in Bowling Green.

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Quoting from the Wilmington News-Journal - Clinton County, Ohio.:

"One of those grantees is in Clinton County. 

The Jefferson Township IOOF Cemetery, operated by the township, will receive $2,500 to repair and seal the driveway and to install street and section signs."

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Ohio Cemetery Dispute Resolution Commission

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Casey Camp members were a part of WCH cemetery tour - Washington Cemetery - Washington Court House Ohio

Casey Camp members part of WCH cemetery tour

Cemetery tour set for this Saturday - October 15, 2022 - Washington Cemetery - Washington Court House, Fayette County, Ohio

Cemetery tour set for this Saturday

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Sharing from the Record-Herald, Washington Court House, Fayette County, Ohio.:

Excerpt: 

"Guests can meet at the Fayette County Commission on Aging, located at 1179 S. Elm St.

Hayrides will depart from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. that evening but while guests wait, they can enjoy drinks and snacks while learning a little bit about what the Commission’s function and responsibilities.

“There will also be a Civil War camp set up there that people can enjoy while waiting as well,” added McCane.

“The hayrides will depart from the Commission on Aging and head for Washington Cemetery. Once the guests arrive at the cemetery, there will be 17 stops,” explained McCane. “The individuals at the cemetery will tell a little bit about the person at each of those stops and will also be dressed up as the person being discussed.”

Attendees to the event will then have the chance to stretch their legs while touring the inside of the Judy Chapel.

McCane explained that there would be many members of the community participating in the tour.

“We will have members from the Fayette County Historical Society, students from Washington High School, Joe Denen, our city manager, as well as Vernon Stanforth, our county sheriff. We also have several people from Carnegie Library participating along with members from the Henry Casey Camp that will be dressed up in their military uniforms.”

Remembering Kathleen "Katie" Karrick - Cleveland's Cemetery Lady

 Sharing my Find A Grave memorial dedicated to Kathleen "Katie" Karrick, a well known cemetery historian and grave marker symbolism expert to many in Cleveland and Cuyahoga County.  

Katie's work was also recognized well beyond those borders.  She was popularly known as "Cleveland's Cemetery Lady."  

Katie worked at Cleveland's historic Lake View Cemetery from April, 1992 - September, 2013 - 21+ years.  She was a researcher who provided informative presentations of the symbolic meaning of the Wade Memorial Chapel, which has an interior designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany.

Katie developed and presented slide lectures for Lake View Cemetery Speaker’s Bureau.

She also contributed to the association's newsletter, “The Heritage.” 

In 1998, Katie started the "Stones & Bones" Tours at some of Cleveland's oldest cemeteries.  She extended her program with guided tours in cemeteries throughout Ohio.  

In 2000, Katie started the Ohio Cemetery Preservation Society. 

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On September 10, 2010 I attended a presentation hosted by the Bedford Historical Society where Katie was featured as a main speaker.  I took notes that evening.  I would like to share a few of them I took as she spoke.  

• • Katie began by explaining that the early settlers buried their dead near where they worshipped.  She stated how overcrowded graveyards had become a source for diseases and because of that over time people began to establish them outside of populated areas. 

    This type of location change was part of what became known as the rural cemetery movement.  She said by 1845 dozens of rural cemeteries were in various stages of development. 

     Photo examples were shown of round-topped upright tablet style markers that appeared to be abutting each other in groupings of two and three, however, they were actually single monuments.  The markers appeared to be of white marble.  Katie said these markers were for siblings. 

    Katie made us aware that the Victorians felt nature had a vital connection with cemeteries.  
  • Thus, many garden cemeteries and landscaped cemeteries coming on the scene incorporated such aspects as curving paths and roadways.  She said they wanted to have a ‘view of their own city’ so many cemeteries were built on hillsides or on land where the city could be seen from the burial ground areas.

    She cited how roses carved in a stone denoted it was for a female while acorns and leaves were carved on stones for males.  

  • Often the anchor was created on a stone to convey the message of hope.  

  • A broken column on the front of a monument told the story of a life that was cut short.  

  • Weeping willow tree carvings on stones became quite popular.  

  • Examples of these can be seen today at several older cemeteries in Ohio.  

  • Reclining lambs carved atop small stone and marble markers for young children and babies symbolize their innocence.

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  • Other monument photos included in Katie’s presentation were examples of zinc markers and monuments also known as "white bronze".  Katie said these were sold as an inexpensive alternative to stone.  In reality, however, the zinc material held up better.  Many such monuments remain in excellent condition today and can be seen in several cemeteries throughout Ohio.  The monuments were constructed in panels that are removable. I must add that her photographs of these uniquely ornate and statuesque monuments became my favorites!  

  • From the audience’s interest and participation, it was evident that most left the cemetery workshop with an enriched knowledge of the meanings of several examples of funerary symbolism that will serve them in good stead on each cemetery visit. 

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    • Thank you Katie for being an inspiration to those of us who have followed you and your work!