Cemetery building gets facelift

A 133-year-old building at 1187 River Road that still serves the South Buxton Cemetery Association has been recently spiffed up, and last week hosted a meeting of the board of directors.

Built in 1880 for $100 at Tory Hill, the building now has a fresh look with new interior pine paneling, hardwood floors, electrical system, and insulation.

The building houses the office of Jeff Grover, cemetery superintendent, who now has a built-in work station with a new computer program to locate each of the 7,000 graves in the cemetery.

“It’s a morale booster,” Grover said about the renovation.

Richard “Sandy” Atkinson, association president, said the renovation cost about $8,000. Much of the labor was donated.

The structure was originally built to house a $400 hearse that was sold off for $200 in 1885. But, relics preserved in the building today include a refinished postal mail station and a century-old safe bought in 1913 for $27.75. “We resurrected the old safe,” Atkinson said.

The association depends on donations for its work maintaining its cemetery and its roads. Atkinson said the town of Buxton treats the cemetery well and the Narragansett No. 1 Foundation has been a benefit.

Civil War program set

Buxton-Hollis Historical Society will hold its annual meeting, including a Civil War program at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2, at its new history center, 100 Main St., in Bar Mills

This year marks the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettsburg, and Meg Gardner, a society vice president, will present a program about effects of the Civil War on local families and community history. The program includes live music, hors d’oeuvres, hardtack, desserts and beverages. A short business meeting will precede the program. Reservations are not necessary, but would be helpful for planning. RSVP Roberta Ramsell by emailing robertaramsdell@myottmail.com or call 929-4529.

Community challenge honors Weeman

In memory of Joan Weeman, a Buxton community program has announced a goal of making and gathering 500 mittens, gloves, scarfs and hats for the needy.

The Bar Mills Community Church is sponsoring the program. Weeman was a longtime deputy town clerk and historian.

Sewing and knitting workshops will be held through November on Mondays 1-3 p.m. at the church, 13 Hermit Thrush Drive. Donations may also be dropped off or materials to make items can be picked up at the church or Buxton Town Hall, 185 Portland Road. For more information call Mimi at 929-4445.

Richard “Sandy” Atkinson, right, president of the South Buxton Cemetery Association, and Superintendent Jeff Grover meet last week in the recently completed renovation of the cemetery’s historic building.

Copy the Story Link