Cemetery Preservation Committee Update from the Early Settlers Association of the Western Reserve - Homer Taft, Committee Chair

 "Cemetery Preservation Committee"

by Homer Taft, Committee Chair

"The Cemetery Preservation Committee has inventoried all the available old records at West Park Cemetery and is planning the inventory of those stored at Highland Park.  

There are both alphabetical indexes and lot books of the original grave interment locations that have never been scanned and have additional burials and other valuable information.   

We are developing a plan in cooperation with the Cleveland Public Library Digital Lab to scan over 100 volumes of material, approximately 10,000 pages, and file drawers full of record cards and maps.  

We will need hundreds of volunteer hours to accomplish this task. To volunteer, please email Homer Taft at hstaft@yahoo.com.



We are also trying to build awareness and resources to locate buried monuments, re-set and restore monuments, and better maintain all our cemeteries. Our primary focus initially will be preserving records and documenting monuments and markers on Find A Grave. 

Longer term, we hope to assist local groups to organize to take responsibility for stewardship of local cemeteries and involve descendants of the interred, cemetery neighbors, and history groups to preserve and maintain the cemeteries."

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The website of the Early Settlers Association of the Western Reserve

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West Park Cemetery on Find A Grave

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Highland Park Cemetery on Find A Grave

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Spotlighting The Early Settlers Association of the Western Reserve and their historic cemeteries preservation committees

The Early Settlers Association of the Western Reserve's recent announcements have brought greater awareness to the public about their historic cemetery preservation committee that supports all historic cemeteries in the area of the Western Reserve.  There is also a separate Erie Street Cemetery Committee. 

"Board member Homer Taft has agreed to chair our historic cemetery preservation committee and City Landmarks Office planner Karl Brunjes is now chairing our Erie Street Cemetery Committee. While both committees are in support of preserving historic cemeteries, the Erie Street one is specific to our traditional involvement with Erie Street Cemetery, whereas Homer's is in support of historic cemeteries throughout the area."

"Cemetery Preservation Committee"

"The ESA is recruiting a committee of all persons interested in the preservation and maintenance of Western Reserve Cemeteries and especially the historic and early ones. 

Our goal is to facilitate sharing of knowledge and resources among folks interested in preserving our heritage. 

If interested, please contact Homer Taft at hstaft@yahoo.com."

The Early Settlers Association of the Western Reserve on Facebook

Erie Street Cemetery on Find A Grave

Case Western Reserve University's "Encyclopedia of Cleveland History" describes the geography and history of the Western Reserve.