I am pleased to report that our restoration work on the Love block in the Masonic section of the cemetery was completed on April 29. The rainy weather delayed our finishing up the project but like you all, we were delighted with the much-needed rain and snow in the higher elevations.

It was the biggest project we have taken-on to date and it required that the large sandstone retaining walls on three sides of the block, along with the entry steps all be removed and raised and reset once the ground was leveled. The headstones were all raised, leveled, and reset. The large monument, noting the final resting place of Anna Sophia Harris Love, John Love’s wife and their daughter, Maggie, was raised using jacks and securely reset. The symbolism of a hand, with a finger pointing upward, which had been damaged years ago, was recreated by John McGlothlin. The entry steps have two large urns on either side, one of which was wired together, were removed repaired and placed back in their original location.

In addition to myself, the entire project was completed by volunteers, John McGlothlin and brothers, John and Kurt Elliott. A total of ninety-one hours of labor were contributed to the project. Thank you to the city for providing the gravel used in the project.

If you haven’t already heard or read, our new Story Boards have been installed within the cemetery grounds. There are 3 in the IOOF section, 4 in the Masonic section and 4 in the City section with more to come. We hope that you and all those visiting the cemetery enjoy learning more about our early Pioneers. Our sincerest appreciation to the generous donor who provided funding for the project through the Jacksonville Boosters Foundation.

History Saturday in the Cemetery Talk and Tour, Saturday, June 11,
10-11:30am—Our second History Saturday program will be on the Flora and Fauna that can be found and appreciated in the Jacksonville Cemetery. The program is free and no advance reservations are required. You may meet your docents at the top of the Cemetery Road where parking is available. May we suggest wearing comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen and a hat. Programs are presented on the second Saturday of each month through September 10. See our website at friendsjvillecemetery.org for a complete listing of topics to be covered. Donations are always appreciated and help to support our work in the cemetery, thank you for your consideration.

Marker Cleaning Workshop, Saturday, June 18, 9am-noon—Join our group of dedicated volunteers and learn how to help clean and preserve our cemetery’s beautiful monuments. All the necessary tools and instructions will be provided along with our appreciation. Meet at the Sexton’s Tool House at the top of the Cemetery Road. Dress for the project and we suggest a hat, sunscreen and perhaps a stool to sit on.

Love block before and after photos by John McGlothlin