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Pioneer cemeteries-- Volunteers sought for two May 3 projects |
CAROL HERRICK OF Osage poses with a headstone she took from the old Dudley Cemetery 40 years ago in order to preserve it from vandalism and neglect. The stone was sitting over the grave of her great-aunt, who died as a young child. (Press-News photo Volunteers are being sought by coordinators who are planning work to
clean-up and restore a pair of Mitchell County's pioneer cemeteries. A May 3 work day has been set aside for crews to work at the cemeteries of Farley, in Mona, and at Dudley, a ghost town site in section 17 of East Cedar Township. The Mitchell County Pioneer Cemetery Restoration Project (MCPCRP) has
targeted these two cemeteries for work this year to restore dignity to the
last resting sites of those who helped to settle the county. DUDLEY--The small cemetery at Dudley, located in the 3100 block of
Hickory Avenue. The work there is mostly in clearing out dead falls and
brush from among the few tombstones still standing there. Some probing
for sunken headstones may also be done. Larry Fox of Osage is coordinating
that effort. To offer assistance, contact him at 732-5989 for the starting
time. FARLEY--This old site is thought to have served not only Mona, but Lyle,
less than a mile north, in Minnesota. Workers started the restoration last
fall of the century-old burial place of the families who helped settle
Mitchell County. Work remaining to be done is tilling the ground which
has been uplifted by pocket gophers. Ahead of the tillers, however,
coordinator Merri Cross of Riceville needs a battery of workers to probe
the ground for sunken headstones. Several lost markers and headstones
were found last fall through probing. Others are expected to still be
under the surface. Other work includes the task of straightening and repairing tilted and
broken markers. The work agenda also includes seeding the area. As you get
to Mona from Highway 218, follow the signs to the old cemetery, which is
located south of the town. |