What's New?

I really had wanted to report a great number of new additions to the site this month, but, alas, it was not to be. So, I will mention only that there are a great number of things underway at Riverside Cemetery in Denver this month. The last Doc-a-Block training session of the year will be held on Oct. 19, from 10:00-noon, at the Taxi center. If you'd like to join us for this session, please drop me a line using this online form. We always need volunteers, and if you're planning on attending, dropping us a line will to make certain we know to look for you, and have enough handouts.

Coming Soon!

I thought about simply repeating last month's entry for this section, but, that made me sad, so, I'm going to just say that everything is still in the works, and there are some additional exciting plans that are shaping up for the site. I'm giving up making guesses as to when you might see these grand plans on the site. I'm hatching up some schemes for audio tours of some cemeteries, as well as the ongoing improvements on the site.

October is Riverside Month!

October is an exciting month for the Friends of Historic Riverside Cemetery. In addition to the Doc-a-Block training, on Oct. 31st from 2-4, a special tour event will be happening. Costumed actors will give portraits of some of Riverside's prominent pioneers, as visitors are guided through the cemetery. The tours are free, thought donations are welcome. After the tour, hop over to the Wynkoop Brewery for some Riverside R.I.P. Pumpkin Ale and an exhibit and sale of artwork inspired by Denver's oldest operating cemetery. For more information on these events, visit the Friends of Riverside Cemetery site.

Featured Article

Haunted Cemeteries

There are some who feel that all cemeteries are haunted places, and insist that the departed who rest within a cemetery's borders linger in some form. I would not be in that number. Some cemeteries, however, have had stories of supernatural occurrences which are more than just a "creepy feeling."

Nevadaville, just above Central City, at one time was more populated then Denver. Springing into existence during the 1859 gold rush, people crowded into the hastily built camp. The area, now a nearly abandoned ghost town, has a large, secluded cemetery. Known as the Bald Mountain Cemetery, rumors of strange lights appearing within the cemetery. Colorado historian Carolyn Bancroft noted in her book "Unique Ghost Towns and Mountain Spots," that perhaps some of these rumors could be attributed to light reflecting off of photos mounted on headstones which were protected by glass.

Just down the hill from Nevadaville, is Central City's Masonic Cemetery. Many have told the story of John Cameron, who died Nov. 1, 1887 at the young age of 28. John was one of the well-liked and eligible bachelors of the bustling mining community. When he died, suddenly, in 1887, his parents and many admirers mourned his loss, and he was buried on the hill in the middle of the cemetery. A mysterious woman was said to visit the grave site frequently during the winter of 1887. By the time summer arrived, the regular visits had ended, but, on the anniversary of his death, the woman reappeared, and left flowers. Rumors have persisted that the woman still appears to this day, leaves flowers, and then fades away.

People in the town of Silver Cliff have long told tales of the ghost lights of the Silver Cliff Cemetery. Locals report that the lights can be seen most nights. Many have spent evenings in the cemetery, and say that the lights start out as small pinpoints of light, in a wide variety of colors. As the night progresses, the lights grow as large as 3-4 inches in diameter, and some move around, darting from marker to marker, without stopping. Other lights simply hover, or float, drifting slowing toward the ground, or amongst the markers. People who have seen these lights insist they are not insects, nor are they reflected lights from town.

Around the Web

Archeologists in Greece have been learning much from the excavation of an ancient cemetery.

Remember last month's feature article about ground-penetrating radar/dowsing? Well, here's an example of GPR in action

In Iowa, remains from a long forgotten cemetery have stalled a condo development.

Cemetery records help solve part of a mystery of a grave marker found inside a house.

Economy got you down? A cemetery in Texas is offering free burial space.

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