Explore Wellsville’s largest cemetery and help keep it beautiful!
From the Woodlawn Cemetery Assoc.
Every individual has a story, and ordinary people live extraordinary lives. On May 30th from 11-2 Woodlawn Cemetery and the Thelma Rogers Historical Society have organized a tour of the Woodlawn Cemetery giving you an opportunity to learn about some of Wellsville’s history and hear interesting stories about individuals who have left an impressive mark in the community. Rain date is Sunday the 31st from 11-2.
Sixteen guides will be stationed throughout the cemetery to give you an opportunity to learn about some of Wellsville’s earliest residents. Their stories will take you back in time when people blazed a trail into the area with axes, traveled by horse and wagon, and cleared land for homesteads, and constructed a primitive inn with stacked logs a bark roof. You will learn as you travel through time how individuals lived, built thriving businesses, a railroad, schools, and a hospital as they formed a town. Some stories will stir your imagination, some stories you’ll find humorous, one story about an unusual death that occurred inside the cemetery may intrigue you.
Signage will also be posted throughout the cemetery for a self-guided portion of the tour, giving you an additional opportunity to learn more on your own. The tour will also provide information on meaningful symbolism carved in many beautiful memorial stones lending an appreciation for the skilled craftmanship of stone carvers while learning the meaning of various flowers, plants, animals, and geometric shapes used in their work.
Around 950 veterans are buried in Woodlawn who served our country as far back as the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and Civil War. On the tour you will notice veterans are remembered with flags respectfully placed each year by the American Legion with help of school children for Memorial Day.
Woodlawn’s earliest recorded burial was in 1839, yet before that date, it is believed a squatter by the name of Job Straite, Sr. was buried on the property in a small family cemetery. Edward Farnum owned the property in 1858, and a small portion of it was used as a private cemetery. In 1906 it became the public cemetery presently known as Woodlawn. Landscape Artist, Warren Carpenter created beautiful plans for the entrance way, mounds, and layout that provide a peaceful resting place for burials.
All the landscape features that include the main gate, fences, shrubs and trees, as well as the flagpole were contributions that added to the beauty of the cemetery. Proceeds from the tour will help with the ongoing expense of tree care and upkeep. Your suggested donation of $15 a person, $25 per family will be greatly appreciated.
