The Ocala banner., 1922-06-30
THE RECENT REAUTiFicATloN OF
EVERGREEN CEMETERY

There are several acres of land en-
closed by fence situated in the north
west part of the city, which for years
has been familiarly and carelessly
known as ''the old cemetery" A very
old one it is, and very much neglect
ed one it was, until recently. The
pretty original name, Evergreen cem-
etery" had fallen out of use as not
appropriate. However, this neglected
spot is the property of the city of
Ocala. 1t is probable that the frequent
changes in the personnel of the city
fathers, may have obscured the sense
of duty owed by the city to honor the
resting place of our dead.
AS if by magic, several months ago,
the conscience of the city was awak-
ened by the earnest efforts of few
devoted and loyal women, whose
hearts were troubled over the condi-
tion of Evergreen Cemetery, feeling
that it was reproach to all of Ocala
women, whose personal interest in
this dreary spot caused them to think
of others, whose hearts too must be
saddened each time love or duty call
ed them to visit the place where their
dear ones sleep
So, few ladies met at the home of
Mrs Sue Frink and decided to form
the Evergreen cemetery association
and resolved that the old cemetery
should be unclaimed and made an
honor to the city of Ocala instead of
an eyesore. Realizing that outside
work must be secured they sought
it from men, whose interest in the
work they felt should be equal to eheir
own.
The first call was made on Mr.. W.
t. Gary, who willingly responded with
financial help and also agreed to get
some member of the city council to
act for the ladies by stating the pro-
posed nature of their work also urg-
ing that their request for help be
granted in the form of city laborers
to do the hard work of cleaning the
grounds Of over growth OF weeds and
accumulation of rubbish of all sorts.
DR.. Henry performed his task and the
council granted number of laborers
for the work, provided the ladies'
would oversee, and direct the work
This they did most cheerfully and
capably with the result that the for
meT dark spot can again claim the
pretty name of Evergreen cemetery -
where sleep old time soldiers, old
time citizens, tax payers, city officers,
old friends who walked amongst us
and talked of their city's uplift, plan
ned fine things for the city's growth
and Improvement Therefore it is
right that the place of their last, long
sleep be held in honor by those still
active in life's affairs, still spared to
breathe Gods free air.
The following are among those the
committee wish especially to thank
for work, contributions and help in
other ways:
W. T. Gary, financial aid and his in
fuence in getting others to help.
DR.. Henry, for presenting to the city
council the ladies' request for help.
The city council for the lending of
laborers to do the necessary cleaning
and clearing.
Mr.. j. L. Smoak, for repairing and
rehanging the broken entrance gates
and to Mr.. B. L. O'Neal for painting
the gates and to Mr.. Fred McAteer
for the beautiful lettering Evergreen
cemetery on the archway over the
gate also for financial aid.
Ray & Thompson for the contribu-
tion of the lumber for the handsome
arch surmounting Evergreen's front
gate, and Mr.. B. L. O'Neal for time
and knowledge in planning and erect
ing the arch, which is such a marked
improvement to the cemetery.
Mrs. Quarterman, of Fairfield, who
gave three fine rustic seats, one for
her family lot, the other two to be
placed in convenient places for those
desiring a place to rest.
A very graceful act that has been
done through the efforts of Mrs. Sue
Frink is the marking Of the grave of
the first sleeper in this ancient GENE
terry. 1t is the grave of Gadsden t.
Thigpen, who died in 1850, small
white marble tablet with name and
date now marks this spot and reminds
US of the caution contained in the
good book, Remove not old land
marks
Even the outside approach to the
cemetery entrs pee has been nicely
cleaned up. This work was done
through the courtesy of the railroad
section master, when his attention
was called to its condition by the
committee of ladies in charge OF the
work.