Today we’d like to introduce you to Florence Barnick.
Florence, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
This historic cemetery was founded in 1844 by a group of local businessmen.
More than 3400 known burials have taken place since then. There are slightly more than 2000 gravestones in the Cemetery, and their designs reflect a wide range of styles and customs over time. Stately monuments stand near simple markers, reflecting the varied lives of the souls beneath.
Today, the Cemetery is overseen by a non-profit board and devoted volunteers who work to maintain the grounds, graves and foliage that make it a peaceful place of repose. The Cemetery is still active, with new burial options and hosting several internments each year.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the first challenges for the young company occurred in the 1850’s when the Plank Road Company decided to reduce the steep grade passing by the Cemetery’s entrance, and in the process cutting off the ability for a hearse to enter through the grand sandstone gate. Through arbitration the Plank Road Company was required to build a retaining wall, but the Cemetery was forced to utilize a back entryway off of Amelia Street.
Within a decade, a more substantial problem occurred, the Civil War came through Fredericksburg. While the Cemetery was not in a direct line of battle, a significant portion of the unsold lots were used for the burial of Confederate soldiers who died in town, usually of disease rather than in battle. Also, the economic devastation impacted the area for decades to come.
Additionally, the adjacent land was purchased for the creation of a Confederate Cemetery. The Ladies Memorial Association installed a large cast-iron gate with its name in gold letters, sold additional lots to local families, and thus began the confusion between the two cemeteries.
Burials continued, using the Confederate Gate for access, but upkeep was minimal, and the company was rarely if ever profitable.
The last significant obstacle that occurred continues as a challenge today. In 1919, the Cemetery’s Burial Register and Lot ownership records were destroyed in a fire.
In the 1920’s, the ladies of the town undertook the job of re-building those records, using of course information on headstones but also talking to families in town about their loved ones who were buried there. But this was inexact, as folks without family or money to mark their grave may well have been forgotten.
Today, we are faced with a need to preserve or perhaps reimagine our original sandstone gate. Some years back two oaks were planted nearby, and they have pushed the gate to a precarious position. While currently stabilized and the trees removed, this will be a significant financial, not to mention logistical hurdle.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m simply a volunteer. I’m a native of Fredericksburg, having grown up and worked most of my career within a block of the Cemetery. When it became apparent that the Cemetery caretakers were in need of assistance, and the Cemetery was in need of funds, I, along with others in my same situation, stepped up.
In particular, I was an American History major in college and this work reignited that passion. I’ve continued the work of the 1920’s ladies and worked to find the stories of the lives of those whose remains rest with us. I’ve also worked to find unused graves which can be reclaimed by the cemetery for sale to today’s citizens.
In addition, the Cemetery located an area to use as a Memorial Garden for the natural internment of ashes. With a lovely monument, it’s an economical and ecological burial alternative, and one that will provide the Cemetery with a perpetual source of income, even after all of our graves are filled.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love the vibrant downtown area full of historic structures and now fine dining experiences. The city’s diversity and creativity are on display.
I’m not so fond of the suburban sprawl where it looks like anywhere else.
Pricing:
- Memorial Garden, all inclusive , $2000
- Lots (when available) $3000
- Burial fee for casket $1000
- Burial fee for ashes $500
Contact Info:
- Website: https://FredericksburgCityCemetery.org
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/FredericksburgCityCemetery
