Christina Wightman will discuss the symbolism, history and architectural highlights of Woodlawn Cemetery
By Kathryn Ross, pictured is Wightman
WELLSVILLE – Learn about the history and the beauty of Woodlawn Cemetery at a special program at 6:30 p.m. November 6th in the David A. Howe Library.
Town of Willing Historian Christina Wightman will present a program on one of the oldest cemeteries in the area. She is a 20-year member of the Woodlawn Cemetery Association and has served as President of the Association for the last four years. This program is sponsored by the Thelma Rogers Genealogical and Historical Society of Wellsville and is open to everyone free of charge.
Woodlawn Cemetery began its existence as the Farnum Cemetery and became known as the Woodlawn Cemetery in 1903, when the name was changed and the property transferred. Wightman plans to explain the change in her talk.
The first person to be buried there was John Shingler in 1835, whose grandfather Nathan Sayre followed in 1841. He was a veteran of the Revolutionary War. According to Wightman, there are veterans of the War of 1812 and all of America’s wars buried in the cemetery. It also includes graves of those who died as a result of the collapse of the Austin. Dam, in Pennsylvania. Many of the village’s founding fathers, builders, business developers, leading citizens and members of the community are buried there.
“It is the fabric of the community. I want to get people to realize the historical value of this cemetery,” Wightman said.
The 36-acre cemetery on the south side of the village contains over 9000 graves, four mausoleums, stone monuments and more. Wightman plans to discuss the symbolism and landscaping of the cemetery.
“When cemeteries were developed they tried to landscape them and make them places where people could visit and could spend time with their loved ones,” she noted.
The winding roads, landscaped gardens and well-tended sites were designed by an artist. “A lot of work went into designing the cemetery,” Wightman said, adding that for her. One of the defining characteristics of the Woodlawn Cemetery is its architectural beauty.
Following her talk, Whiteman will entertain questions.
This program is one of the many sponsored throughout the year by the TRGHS for the public. Look for future programs to be announced.
