Update on Cemetery Project

• By next spring we will have completely restored and reset 64 tombstones at Ridgley cemetery and each one cleaned by volunteers.

• Wright Gaddy cemetery will have 16 stones repaired or restored by spring; all 52 stones have already been cleaned.

• Houston cemetery has been cleared of brush, and as soon as harvest is complete, more work may be done to stabilize those stones.

• Three rows of fallen stones at Denison Cemetery have been restored. Look for these as you travel south on the Bridgeport Road especially after the corn is harvested.

• All the Lukin cemeteries have been cleared of brush and fencerows cleared,

• Volunteers have spent several Saturday mornings cleaning stones at Bell and Moffett. About 15 stones have been repaired at Bell and work will commence on Moffett soon.

This fall we will once again begin cleaning stones at Moffett cemetery. We need volunteers; no experience necessary. The first session is September 9, 2023, at 8:00 am.

Directions from Lawrenceville, Illinois: travel south on Illinois Route 1 approximately 9.7 Miles to St. Francisville turn off, turn right onto Sand Barrens Road. Travel approximately 6.6 miles to county road 510 (also called Union Chapel Road per google map), turn left (south) onto this gravel road, travel approximately .5 miles; cemetery is on the left. (You can also use the Bridgeport Road, and turn right onto Sand Barrens Road and get to County Road 510 this way also.) If when you are on Sand Barrens Road, you round a corner and see Hopewell Church, you have gone too far, turn around. It will be the first road on your right when you go back.

Bring water or coffee, but realize there are no bathrooms available. WE don't stay long--usually 1-2 hours. Bug spray, a hat, something to sit on, gossip . . . these are all good too! See you there!

Newspaper ad February 13, 1890 Sumner Press Note that Mr. Wagner warrants all his "monuments to stand". After 130+ years almost all stones need a little straightening or leveling or even more caulk to prevent them from falling over. Donatins to pay for this work to be done are appreciated. Send checks to Lawrence County Historical Society, PO Box 425, Lawrenceville, Illinois 62439 Help us preserve history one stone at a time.