Jacksonville Review – Dec 2023/Jan 2024
After Mountain Iron Works recently put the finishing touches on the installation of custom iron fencing to replace the original surround of the Pape/Prim block (Masonic 273) that had been stolen, some new details came to light. First, while the Friends of Jacksonville’s Historic Cemetery contract with Mountain specified a “patina finish,” we were pleased to find that the acid wash method they employed had indeed taken the new metal shine off the new iron components leaving an appropriately aged appearance, as the original would likely now look if it were still in place.
In addition, we learned that Eric at Mountain Iron Works was able to incorporate a piece of the original gate latch that had remained attached to the block’s one remaining gate bollard. That piece is identical to one on the nearby Ish block gate (IOOF 391), further evidence of the historical accuracy of project manager John McGlothlin’s design for the Pape/Prim restoration.
With the total restoration of the Pape/Prim block now complete, the FOJHC is pleased to acknowledge the generosity of our donors, the craftsmanship of Mountain Iron Works, and the leadership of John McGlothlin and our entire restoration team in making this project possible!
The newly restored Pape/Prim block is located on the left and just a short distance along the pathway leading up the hill from the Sexton’s Tool House and the Interpretive Center/Pavilion.
October 21st offered up beautiful weather for our Fall Cemetery Clean Up. Our board member and event coordinator, Dee Reynar, reports another large turn-out of volunteers, who focused their efforts on the Odd Fellows, Masonic, and City sections (E, N & W), plus the Catholic section. They filled the City’s large trailer with loose material and left many leaf bags along the paths for Sexton Richard Shields’ team to collect on regular rounds.
With the completion of these two successful volunteer projects, the end of the year approaches and it’s time to take a moment to say thank-you to all the Friends who continued to honor our late founder Dirk Siedlecki’s memory by attending and participating in events in the cemetery (Spring and Fall Clean-Ups, History Saturday presentations and tours, Flags for Our Veterans), tending to their Adopt-A-Block plots, cleaning cemetery headstones and markers, and restoring plots in which curbing and fixtures have become damaged over time. The Friends board thanks you—one and all—and appreciates your patience and support!
Finally, a special thanks to our donors, without whose support projects like the Pape/Prim block restoration would not happen. While this year has gone by quickly, there’s still time to consider a donation to help with future Friends projects. Please send donations to: Friends of Jacksonville’s Historic Cemetery, PO Box 1541, Jacksonville, OR 97530.
The FOJHC is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation. Donations are tax deductible to individuals choosing to itemize deductions for federal or Oregon state income tax purposes.
Visit www.friendsjvillecemetery.org for more information about events and restoration efforts.
Featured image: Restoration Complete, Pape/Prim Block 273, Masonic Section, Jacksonville Cemetery. Photo: John McGlothlin.