20 July 2012

Dear Friends of Spring Hill Cemetery,

A small but hard-working group of six of us gathered at the cemetery for today's workday. Regional Parks supported us, as usual, with the wonderful tool trailer and dump truck. It was HOT today, with the temperature reaching 87 degrees by the time we broke off at noon. Today's focus was again maintaining the paths, as well as controlling ivy and pulling vinca minor off the graves.

This year the cemetery trees seem to be dropping leaves early, as our paths were covered in leaves. Even with our small crew we easily filled the dump truck with the debris raked up from the paths and graves. After raking all the paths, we started in on the vinca.

Some of our markers are being overrun with vinca, in some cases obscuring monuments. We began the task of clearing it from behind Jacob and Anna Christina McReynolds, and around the Titus, Ward, and Ogan areas. The first attachment shows Sally and Patsy attacking invading vinca, with a newly raked, redwood-lined path in the background. And the third attachment shows us loading the dump truck with the gathered leaves and vines. Clearing vinca from the monuments will become an annual spring task, as it is much easier to accomplish when the ground is still somewhat soft from winter rains.

The second picture shows Hattie and Lulu's double headstone in the Zilhart enclosure. As you can see, someone has lovingly decorated the stone and surround with colorful ribbons. The Zilhart enclosure is one of the most visible features of the cemetery. As you can see in the picture, time has taken its toll on the wood, with mold discoloring the enclosure. Next month one of our tasks will be to gently clean it, hopefully restoring it back to its usual, white glory.

I will be unable to attend our next workday, but Jeremy Nichols is kindly stepping in for me. It is scheduled for Friday September 7th. Please mark your calendars and try to join in, if possible.

Best Regards,

Sue

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