NILES-Who is buried in Silverbrook Cemetery? What does that rather cryptic inscription mean?
This and other questions will be answered as the Niles Daily Star begins a series entitled "Legacies of Silverbrook." A short article, accompanied by a photo will feature one of the interesting gravestones currently being catalogued, restored and cleaned by the Friends of Silverbrook Cemetery.
"It is one way to bring attention to this wonderful historical site. It has already piqued a good deal of interest of the junior high students who got involved in the cleanup days," said Ann Flora, local history/genealogy librarian at the Niles District Library.
Candace Skalla, president of the Friends of Silverbrook Cemetery, said the project has proven to be so interesting to those who volunteer, many return on their own to clean stones and work on the landscape. Often those who have painstakingly cleaned one of the old stones are then interested in researching the story behind the stone.
This week we feature the Dittmer family plot's "angel."
Readers are asked to help to pass on information they may have on some of the many gravestones which are a mystery. Some weeks you will discover interesting facts and tidbits about Niles' past residents.
Here is a sampling of what is to come:
Silverbrook's oldest and its tallest tombstones.
The story behind the old hitching post.
Which gravestones were ordered by mail order?
Who paid for the poor doctor's headstone?
What was the 'holding house' used for?
Who donated a cannon to Niles?
The story behind the Dodge brothers.
The tree trunks and stumps that serve as headstones.
Who is the Revolutionary War soldier buried here?
Which soldier served in both the Mexican and Civil wars?
"We hope the entire city will get behind this project. The preservation of our history for generations to come is at risk, and by doing the work now, we will be able to pass so much more on to those who follow us," Skalla said.
Coming across some records of the 1895 Superintendent of Silverbrook's salary information, it is interesting to note that he received the grand sum of $45 per year-and $75 for his horse. Today's upkeep by the Friends of Silverbrook Cemetery carries no such elaborate price.
"Volunteers will be out the first and third Saturday of each month to work on the Silverbrook project.
This coming Saturday, May 5, we will be out there between 9 a.m. and noon and all who are interested are welcomed to join us," Skalla said.
Much of the wrought iron fence along Cherry Street had been in need of repair for some time. This week, the Skalla's have been out taking sections from one area to fix them in another.
It is hard physical work. The posts and stakes are heavy and worn.
However, it is a labor of love and Skalla's enthusiasm has been contagious judging by the growing interest in the project by young and old alike.
The cemetery was started about 1826, when George N. Bond purchased six acres.
Today, Silverbrook encompasses approximately 80 acres and is the final resting place for more than 26,000 individuals.
Published May 4th, 2007