[or-roots] Roseburg IOF Pioneer Cemetery

[Aloha Analanie]

This article appeared in the Roseburg News Review; it
interested me and I thought others on this list might
also enjoy it.  I have snipped it some for the sake of
space; the entire article is online on the Roseburg
News Review website at http://www.oregonnews.com/
--------------------------------------------------

"Roseburg resident John Patrick can't bear the thought
of letting the historic Odd Fellows Cemetery on
Douglas Avenue slip quietly into obscurity.

For around the past nine years, Patrick has taken it
upon himself to maintain the nearly forgotten cemetery
at constant risk of being overtaken by weeds or
desecrated by vandals.

"There are so many people that are forgotten in this
cemetery because it's so old," the 61-year-old said,
his voice gruff with emotion. "And it's a disgrace."

...He doesn't even know anyone buried in the roughly
5-acre plot of land established in 1859. 

...soon there won't be anyone left to look out for the
thousands laid to rest on the green, sloping hillside.

"So it's just me, mowing. And I can't do it, I need
help," he said.

In 1996, Patrick took a keen interest in the site. He
drove by it each day on his to way to the Roseburg
Bureau of Land Management where he worked as a
forester. He'd also read a letter to the editor
written by Odd Fellow descendants passing through
town. It scolded Roseburg residents for allowing the
cemetery to fall into disrepair. 

Patrick shared those sentiments and decided to do
something about it. 

With permission from local Odd Fellows, Patrick
garnered support from the community. That year, about
125 people showed up to the cemetery for a day of
restoration.

"It had never been cleaned up totally for years and
years," he said.

He remembers one grave in particular belonging to Eva
Lena Hall, who lived from 1869 to 1921, that was
completely smothered with weeds. He tore through the
vines and freed the flat stone.

"I remember saying 'Eva, now maybe the sunlight can
shine on your grave,'" he recalled.

Since then, he's continued his crusade to ensure the
cemetery is at least presentable by the time Memorial
Day rolls around each year. But support is waning and
Patrick isn't sure how much longer he can continue to
mow, weed and restore cracked headstones on his own.
He hopes to charge the community once again to take
responsibility for the historic site. 

"I would like to set up a cemetery committee in order
to perpetuate the care of the cemetery into the
future," he said.

...hopes local Boy Scouts, especially those looking
for an Eagle Scout project, might take interest in the
cemetery for a group project. 

With the help of the BLM and the Genealogical Society
of Douglas County, most of those buried in the
cemetery are now on record...

Patrick can't explain exactly why he has remained
involved all these years, and he admits his wife,
Karen, gives him a hard time about it once in a while.
He said, though, that a plea he once saw on a sign in
another cemetery has always remained with him, and he
hopes to erect similar signs here.

"As you are, so once was I. As I am, soon you shall
be. Remember me, remember me," he quoted.

To Patrick, the cemetery's historical significance is
undeniable and most importantly, he feels those buried
there deserve respect. 

"The people that are buried there are some of the
people that made Roseburg what it is," he said.



* You can reach reporter Chelsea Duncan at 957-4246 or
by e-mail at cduncan at newsreview.info.



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