Help for rural cemeteries sought

PARKERSBURG - Wood County Historic Commission officials asked the county commission for support in trying to spruce up and maintain the smaller rural cemeteries.

"We were forwarded a recent letter from visitors who came to the area from Texas expressing their disappointment in the lack of upkeep of the local cemeteries. We've talked to the Landmarks Commission about this as well, it's something we've been concerned about for some time. It's not the cemeteries in the city, they are under control now. These are tombstones, smaller cemeteries in the rural areas. They are all over, but many of them are out of sight, and we can't forget them. We don't want them to become lost," Bob Enoch said. There are more than 320 cemeteries in the county.

"We know there are more. Some are being cared for by family members, property owners, farmers, many are not being maintained and will be lost. You are the only ones we can turn to for help, it's a big problem. The solution isn't going to be easy. We are planning on having a public meeting to gauge interest, but in the end it will come down to support from you all. It is very sad to see the condition of some of these cemeteries," Enoch said.

He noted there are maintenance programs in neighboring Ohio and Kentucky for these types of cemeteries.

"They have taxes that help with maintenance," Enoch said. "In Ohio, township trustees have the responsibility, but there is a tax that helps fund this program," Enoch said.

"In Wadesville, neighbors and others contribute money to maintain the cemetery out there. I think we would be interested in hearing what possible solutions they have found in other areas. It is a problem. You have the list of them. Are there living family members who might be interested in helping out?" Commission president Bob Tebay asked.

"I'm hoping that our public meeting will draw attention to this," Enoch said, he did not have a time or date for the meeting yet. He noted 35-40 of the cemeteries have trustees.

"But that mean guarantee perpetual maintenance either," Tebay noted.

"People over the years have done work on these cemeteries,this list is fairly complete, but I know there are others, and we need a complete inventory of all of them," Enoch said. "Families may have lost contact, and may not know about these cemeteries."

"I think the public meeting will be your first step. We are certainly in support of your efforts," commissioner Blair Couch said.

Enoch said there is a preservation fund set up through the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation, and possibly contributions could be set up through that fund to go toward upkeep for the rural cemeteries.