[or-roots] Roseburg IOF Pioneer Cemetery

[E V Barnes]

We have one of our extended family who for years has
tended one of the cemeteries in Bayview.  It is too bad
we do not have more like these kind hearted people.

Gene Barnes

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Leslie Chapman" <reedsportchapmans at verizon.net>
To: <or-roots at sosinet.sos.state.or.us>
Sent: Saturday, February 05, 2005 10:18 PM
Subject: RE: [or-roots] Roseburg IOF Pioneer Cemetery


> Aloha;
>
> I guess I should feel guilty, I saw that article or something like it a
> while back and have yet to do anything about it. Supposedly I have a great
> uncle buried there. Just what I need, another cemetery to take care of. 
> Aunt
> Nell tells me I am going to be in charge of the Hawley cemetery soon, I've
> been trying to helpo maintain the Gardiner one, am still trying to put
> together the Reedsport cemetery database, and am concerned about the 
> Laurel
> Hill cemetery.
>
> It is sad how many graveyards are neglected.
>
> Les C.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Aloha Analanie
> Sent: Saturday, February 05, 2005 12:56 PM
> To: or-roots at sosinet.sos.state.or.us
> Subject: [or-roots] Roseburg IOF Pioneer Cemetery
>
>
> This article appeared in the Roseburg News Review; it
> interested me and I thought others on this list might
> also enjoy it.  I have snipped it some for the sake of
> space; the entire article is online on the Roseburg
> News Review website at http://www.oregonnews.com/
> --------------------------------------------------
>
> "Roseburg resident John Patrick can't bear the thought
> of letting the historic Odd Fellows Cemetery on
> Douglas Avenue slip quietly into obscurity.
>
> For around the past nine years, Patrick has taken it
> upon himself to maintain the nearly forgotten cemetery
> at constant risk of being overtaken by weeds or
> desecrated by vandals.
>
> "There are so many people that are forgotten in this
> cemetery because it's so old," the 61-year-old said,
> his voice gruff with emotion. "And it's a disgrace."
>
> ...He doesn't even know anyone buried in the roughly
> 5-acre plot of land established in 1859.
>
> ...soon there won't be anyone left to look out for the
> thousands laid to rest on the green, sloping hillside.
>
> "So it's just me, mowing. And I can't do it, I need
> help," he said.
>
> In 1996, Patrick took a keen interest in the site. He
> drove by it each day on his to way to the Roseburg
> Bureau of Land Management where he worked as a
> forester. He'd also read a letter to the editor
> written by Odd Fellow descendants passing through
> town. It scolded Roseburg residents for allowing the
> cemetery to fall into disrepair.
>
> Patrick shared those sentiments and decided to do
> something about it.
>
> With permission from local Odd Fellows, Patrick
> garnered support from the community. That year, about
> 125 people showed up to the cemetery for a day of
> restoration.
>
> "It had never been cleaned up totally for years and
> years," he said.
>
> He remembers one grave in particular belonging to Eva
> Lena Hall, who lived from 1869 to 1921, that was
> completely smothered with weeds. He tore through the
> vines and freed the flat stone.
>
> "I remember saying 'Eva, now maybe the sunlight can
> shine on your grave,'" he recalled.
>
> Since then, he's continued his crusade to ensure the
> cemetery is at least presentable by the time Memorial
> Day rolls around each year. But support is waning and
> Patrick isn't sure how much longer he can continue to
> mow, weed and restore cracked headstones on his own.
> He hopes to charge the community once again to take
> responsibility for the historic site.
>
> "I would like to set up a cemetery committee in order
> to perpetuate the care of the cemetery into the
> future," he said.
>
> ...hopes local Boy Scouts, especially those looking
> for an Eagle Scout project, might take interest in the
> cemetery for a group project.
>
> With the help of the BLM and the Genealogical Society
> of Douglas County, most of those buried in the
> cemetery are now on record...
>
> Patrick can't explain exactly why he has remained
> involved all these years, and he admits his wife,
> Karen, gives him a hard time about it once in a while.
> He said, though, that a plea he once saw on a sign in
> another cemetery has always remained with him, and he
> hopes to erect similar signs here.
>
> "As you are, so once was I. As I am, soon you shall
> be. Remember me, remember me," he quoted.
>
> To Patrick, the cemetery's historical significance is
> undeniable and most importantly, he feels those buried
> there deserve respect.
>
> "The people that are buried there are some of the
> people that made Roseburg what it is," he said.
>
>
>
> * You can reach reporter Chelsea Duncan at 957-4246 or
> by e-mail at cduncan at newsreview.info.
>
>
>
> __________________________________________________
> Do You Yahoo!?
> Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
> http://mail.yahoo.com
> _______________________________________________
> or-roots mailing list
> or-roots at sosinet.sos.state.or.us
> http://sosinet.sos.state.or.us/mailman/listinfo/or-roots
>
> --
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG Anti-Virus.
> Version: 7.0.300 / Virus Database: 265.8.5 - Release Date: 2/3/05
>
> --
> No virus found in this outgoing message.
> Checked by AVG Anti-Virus.
> Version: 7.0.300 / Virus Database: 265.8.5 - Release Date: 2/3/05
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> or-roots mailing list
> or-roots at sosinet.sos.state.or.us
> http://sosinet.sos.state.or.us/mailman/listinfo/or-roots
>