Jacksonville Review – August 2024
THE FRIENDS OF JACKSONVILLE’S HISTORIC CEMETERY’S “2nd Saturday” activities for June began with a wonderful turnout for the plaque dedication in honor of Dirk Siedlecki. Located on the north side of the Sexton’s Tool House in an area beautifully landscaped by the Jacksonville Garden Club, the boulder-mounted plaque provides a brief reminder of Dirk’s life and work on behalf of Jacksonville and its historic cemetery. Friends President, Eric Rogers, spoke to highlights of Dirk’s extraordinary volunteer career, and combined with personal remembrances, prompted similar comments from others in attendance. Clearly, Dirk was both loved and respected, and is missed by all.
Following the dedication, our regular History Saturday in the Cemetery featured an interesting talk on Courtship and Love Customs in Early Jacksonville. Our thanks to Friends docents Lynn Ransford and Anne Peugh for explaining the often-surprising rules of proper social interaction of the day, at least some results of which will be explored further in September’s talk on Love and Marriage.
“2nd Saturday” activities concluded with the Friends board welcoming new member Bradley Harris. Bradley will serve as Treasurer, taking over duties from retiring board member Peggy Jennings. We thank Peggy for her many years of invaluable service to the Friends!
The Britt Classical season in June is a favorite time for many in Jacksonville, with sounds of the orchestra often making their way up the hill to be heard in the cemetery. BrittKids Koncerts also offers a variety of children’s musical events around the valley. As a reminder, Britt Kids is also the name of a 2014 Meet the Pioneers segment focusing on the lives of Peter Britt and his children, Mollie and Emil… the original Britt Kids! This fun and educational video is available to view, free of charge, at tinyurl.com/jvcembrittkids.
History Saturday in the Cemetery, Saturday, August 10,
10-11:30am, “Let us entertain you… Entertainment and Leisure”—No advance registration required. May not be suitable for the very young. Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. There is no fee for the tours, however donations supporting our programs are greatly appreciated.
Marker Cleaning Workshop, Saturday, August 17, 9am-noon—Come learn the latest tools and techniques to safely clean and preserve the many grave markers in our cemetery that are covered in moss, lichen, and dirt and have become difficult to read. This is a hands-on workshop, so dress accordingly. Bring a stool to sit on, plus sunscreen and a hat.
All Events—Meet at the Sexton’s Tool House, top of Cemetery Road. Parking within the cemetery.
Please check our website at friendsjvillecemetery.org for future events and programs.
Featured image: Friends Volunteer, Jack Reynar, Cleans a Marker in the Vrooman Block (IOOF 281). Photo by: (Grandma) Dee Reynar.