For a long time it has been a custom for families to gather around the burial sites of loved ones on certain days to
pull weeds and trim the grass. Many families gathered in cemeteries around
Memorial Day, but at other times and in other locations the gatherings were in late summer. In addition to the physical work, it was a time to
reminiscence about the past, but it was, also, a time to whisper or talk openly to our deceased family members.
If we talked to dear departed Aunt Molly while in a public place, we
would run the risk of someone thinking we were "tetched" in the head
and call a doctor, but it was perfectly
fine to talk to her while pulling weeds around her headstone.
In order to
do a thorough cleaning job, certain tools were needed - grass clippers or shears and, of
course, every lady needed a pair of old gloves to protect her hands. If flowers
were being planted, they were carried in a large coffee can, along with a gallon
jug of water.
At noon, it
was time to have dinner, sometimes followed by a sermon by the local minister
and a quartet singing gospel hymns.
I love the newspaper notices of graveyard cleanings. In 1897, an article about the cleaning of Mt.
Zion Cemetery in Crittenden County appeared in a local newspaper. The article stated that cleaning occupied the
morning and, at noon, dinner was spread on the ground. In the afternoon,
religious services were held and everyone participated in prayers and songs. Making an
address was Uncle Highly Gilbert, who had assisted in digging the first grave
at Mt. Zion and had lived to see more than 400 other graves dug in the cemetery.
Among those buried in Mt. Zion are Ryland Heath, Col. Wm. Hughes, Chapel Nunn,
Chesley Nunn, Dr. M. Bristoe, Wm. and Jack Will and many others.[1]
Below is one
of my favorites articles notifying people of an upcoming cemetery cleaning.
If you read county or small town newspapers, you will surely see notices of cemetery cleanings. It is a wonderful way to honor our deceased loved ones and also a great way to learn about our family history.
[1]
"Mt. Zion Cemetery," Crittenden Press,
Thurs., 2 Sep 1897, p. 3.
[2]
"Notice," Crittenden Record-Press,
Thurs., 31 Aug 1911, p. 8.
Published 3 Sep 2019, Western Kentucky Genealogy Blog, http://wkygenealogy.blogspot.com/
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