Cemtery Ish Block Repairs Needed

Jacksonville Cemtery's Ish Block

The Friends of Jacksonville’s Historic Cemetery have declared 2013 to be the year to begin a major fund raising campaign to Save the Ish Family Block, and restore it and all of its beautiful contents.

The Ish Block, one of the most photographed blocks in the Jacksonville Cemetery, is located in the IOOF Section of the cemetery. It has been featured in many publications and most recently in the fall edition of 1859 Oregon’s Magazine. It is such a perfect example of Victorian Era style monuments that can be found in the cemeteries of Oregon. We are most fortunate to have this wonderful art treasure located right here in Jacksonville. In addition, the block is surrounded by wonderful sandstone curbing with an entrance step, urn pedestals, and beautiful iron fencing and gate.

Jacob Ish was born in Loudoun County, Virginia and in 1860 sold his estate and along with his wife Eleanor and his three brothers; all came west to avoid the havoc threatened by the approaching Civil War. He purchased 320 acres about three miles from Jacksonville and started a ranch which eventually became one of the largest in Southern Oregon. The “Ish” ranch soon became known far and wide for its broad and fertile acres, sturdy stock and immaculately maintained buildings. Jacob Ish found it extremely profitable to furnish supplies for the government troops stationed at Fort Klamath and to the stage stations along the road from Grants Pass to San Francisco. He eventually became one of the largest land owners in Jackson County, with over 5,000 acres, including the site of the present Rogue Valley – Medford International Airport.

Jacksonville Cemtery's Ish Block

The restoration work will be a major undertaking and the largest to date for the FOJHC. It will require professionals who have the necessary knowledge and skills to work on historic sites. Volunteers will be able to assist with some of the manual labor and help keep the cost down, however this is going to be an expensive undertaking. A fairly recent estimate to totally restore the block was approximately $25,000.

The FOJHC has set aside $5,000 towards this project and are reaching out to the extended members of the Ish family for possible assistance. Additionally, we have received over $2,000 in donations during the past couple of weeks to be put toward this project.

FEBRUARY 23, FUNDRAISER – TO SAVE THE ISH BLOCK

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) will be holding an all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner on Saturday, February 23, 2013 to help raise funds for this project. The dinner will include salad, garlic bread, dessert and coffee. Dinner will be served starting at 5:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. in the dining room of the IOOF building which is located on Oregon Street, corner of Main Street, next to the Good Bean and across from Old City Hall. The cost is $12 for adults and $5 for children age 12 and under. Tickets will be available at the Jacksonville Visitor Information Center, located next to the Post Office and at the door on the evening of the dinner. Please join us for a great community meal and help support a very important Jacksonville restoration project. The FOJHC is most appreciative of the Odd Fellows for their generosity and support of this major project in Jacksonville’s Historic Cemetery.

We will be working on other fund raising ideas, as well as pursuing Grant opportunities. We would very much appreciate your support in our efforts to make this restoration project a reality by attending the fund raisers and by making a donation to save this beautiful treasure in our cemetery. A donation in the name of someone who enjoys history, loves visiting old cemeteries, doing genealogy and family research, or just to help preserve Jacksonville’s Pioneer Cemetery, makes a wonderful and memorable gift. Donations can be made to the:

 Friends of Jacksonville’s Historic Cemetery

P.O. Box 1541

Jacksonville, OR 97530

The FOJHC is a 501 (c) (3) Oregon non-profit organization and all donations are tax deductible.

Thank you for your consideration and ongoing support.

Dirk J. Siedlecki

President – FOJHC