What's New?

The database continues to grow, and there are three new transcriptions available, complete with pictures. I've added a few little elements to the detail page. The biggest advance, which is largely invisible to you, but, which has made me very happy, is that the transcription pages are now generated from the database. No more creating those pages by hand, and, making corrections is now a one-step process. Hopefully, this will mean quicker turn-around time for the transcriptions as they now only have to be entered one time. Just entered into the database are the following: Wesley Chapel Cemetery complete with Google Map Gallery. In addition, You can now see Ralston Cemetery (also known as Osborne Hill Cemetery), and St. Clair-Ross Cemetery. They are small cemeteries, but, that often means that they are the most at risk of disappearing.

Coming Soon!

Data entry is still ongoing for 4-5 completed transcriptions, which includes map and Gallery making.

Featured Article

Memorial Day

Traditionally, Memorial Day was observed on May 30th, so even though the official observance was held last weekend, this article is a good fit.

Memorial Day grew out of Decoration Day, a holiday for honoring those Union soldiers who had fallen during the Civil War. General John A. Logan, the person for whom the fort, and, later, the National Cemetery built on the fort are named, made it a national holiday in 1868.

Given its roots as an observation honoring Union soldiers, (though one southern city identifies itself as the birthplace of Memorial Day), many areas in the South did not recognize the holiday. To this day, seven southern states officially observe "Confederate Memorial Day." Some of these states observe the holiday in April, marking the date of the Confederate surrender, other states chose the birth date of Confederate President Jefferson Davis,or the birth date of Robert E. Lee.

The holiday was first referred to as Memorial Day in 1880s, but, this wasn't the official name until 1967.

The graves of soldiers in these National Cemeteries are decorated with US flags for the holiday, and many remember their sacrifice by visiting the cemeteries and decorating the graves of loved ones.

Cemetery of the Month

When I visit cemeteries, I'm often struck by the stories I see amongst the stones. One of the stories that has stayed with me over the past few months is that of the Osborn triplets, born in 1869. Triplets are quite a rare occurrence in those days, and the thought of these little ones being born in the largely unpopulated wildness that was Arvada in that day means that the fact that 2 of the babies survived past their birth date is a remarkable one. It is a story with a sad ending, however, as these little ones were the first burials in this small abandoned cemetery. Although I've not completed the work on this cemetery, the transcription and pictures of Ralston Cemetery also known as Osborn Hill Cemetery, is ready, and you can visit the site.

Around the Web

In honor of Memorial Day, is this story about a Buffalo Soldier whose remains were interred in a n unmarked grave in the Arvada Cemetery. This War Hero's remains moved to Arlington National Cemetery

Coloradans can have their funerals at home, perhaps saving some money during these difficult economic times.

As cemeteries struggle to find ways of remaining viable and part of the community, some have turned to hosting weddings, as in this Wisconsin community.

We had a great turnout for the Friends of Riverside Cemetery annual meeting on May 16. About 50 people came, and three new volunteers were elected to the Board. It was a fun time, and great to meet other people interested in the cemetery.

Find us in Facebook!

More pictures! More discussion! More cemeteries! Introducing a new way to keep up with all the Colorado-Cemeteries.com news, and even talk about the site with other "fans."

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