First-ever Book on Jacksonville’s Historic Cemetery Just Published—I am very pleased to announce that the first book ever written and published about Jacksonville’s Historic Cemetery, Silent City on the Hill, is now available thanks to Bill Miller, who along with the assistance of his wife Debbie, have turned years of research and a love of history, into a wonderful and interesting read.

The book covers the history of the cemetery, stories of its residents, interesting facts and trivia, those who have and who now care for the cemetery, maps, events and activities and wonderful pictures.

Many of you know Bill and Debbie as dedicated volunteers of the Friends of Jacksonville’s Historic Cemetery helping during our community clean-up days, cleaning markers, and filming our yearly Meet the Pioneers Programs. They have also presented one of our recent highly-popular and successful History Saturday Programs, “A parents’ lament: The children buried in the Jacksonville Cemetery.”

Bill is a former Southern Oregon Historical Society Historian and a reporter and history columnist for the Mail Tribune. When he and Debbie are not out and about checking-out leads on a story or researching one, they make their home in Shady Cove.

The Millers have designated the Friends of Jacksonville’s Historic Cemetery as a recipient of a generous portion of the proceeds from the sale of the book.
There will be a book signing and wine tasting event on Thursday, August 7, 4:00-6:00pm at Caprice Winery, located at 970 Old Stage Road, one mile north of the Post Office, just outside Jacksonville. Thank you and much appreciation to Caprice owners Jeanne and Jim Davidian for hosting this event.

Copies of the book will be available at our Cemetery Events and Activities such as History Saturdays, Marker Cleaning Workshops, and Meet the Pioneers. Books are $14.95 and are also available at https://www.createspace.com4848293.

History Saturday, August 9—Starting at 10:00am on Saturday, August 9, the talk and walking tour in Jacksonville’s Pioneer Cemetery is titled, “Rogue River Natives, Rogue River Indian Wars,” presented by Robert Hight and Bill Miller. It promises to be a very interesting and moving presentation as we look back at our history and our relationship with the Native Americans. Meet your docents at the Sexton’s Tool House at the top of the Cemetery Road. Wear your comfortable walking shoes, bring a hat, sunscreen and something to drink. No advance reservations are required and there is no charge. Donations are always appreciated and help support our educational programs and ongoing restoration work in the cemetery. History Saturday in Jacksonville is on the second Saturday of the month, May through September 13, 2014.

Cemetery Marker Cleaning and Workshop, August 16—If you’d like to cool off a bit, then join us for a fun volunteer project and help us clean the cemetery markers in Jacksonville’s Pioneer Cemetery. Come and learn the proper cleaning techniques and the correct tools to use. We meet at 9:00a.m. at the Sexton’s Tool House at the top of the Cemetery Road. All the required tools and instructions will be provided, as well as directions to the area where we will be working. Due to the nature of the work, expect to get a little spray of water or splatter, so dress accordingly. It’s a good idea to bring along your hat, sunscreen and a folding chair or stool! The final marker cleaning and workshop for the year will be on September 20, 2014.

Be sure to visit our website for additional details and information about all of our Events and Activities at www.friendsjvillecemetery.org.