Mount Hebron Cemetery

12/09/2025

“Stories From the Yard”
The Little Things

Sometimes the little things are the ones that matter the most. That may or may not be the case in this particular situation, but the outcome was certainly one I tend to appreciate. For several years I had envisioned getting a great Winter photo of the Mount Hebron Cemetery Gatehouse softy blanketed in newly fallen snow. No footprints, no tire tracks, just a virgin white powdery covering that would only enhance the already picturesque backdrop of the iconic stone castle. To my unexpected surprise this would lead me down a five-year pathway of getting up at zero-dark-thirty, clearing off the truck, digging out the end of the driveway, then a 30-minute sometimes treacherous trek from the western part of the County to only end in complete and utter disappointment. That pesky paper delivery guy, our Gatehouse tenant, the neighborhood kids, had all become my nemesis. Always out there first, doing their thing, delivering their goods, shoveling the entryway, making snow angels, oh the pain they caused.
Never one to give in I continued my quest for the perfect picture. At long last, and many failed attempts, the long-awaited opportunity again presented itself. The paper delivery guy got cancelled when the US mail took over his route, the tenant started working night shift, and the neighborhood kids, well they must have simply slept in. Could it be that all the stars and planets had finally aligned? There I sat just across the tracks on that cold winter morning, smiling contently in the darkness while the heater pumped out much-appreciated warmth. I reached over and slid Skynrd into the slot in the dash then cranked up one of my all-time favorites. “Simple Man” seemed an appropriate background tune as I awaited the mornings first light. Finally, I slipped out of the truck into the frosty morning air. Ha! Not a soul in sight. I had this moment all to myself although I did not feel alone at all. The day as it turned out was January 6th, 2025. It would have been my mother’s 100th Birthday. This was a moment in time that we could share on this special day. I finally got my photo that had eluded me for so long, then drove up the entryway and opened the gates to begin a new day and a new week. Just before I got back in the truck I turned and looked at the tracks which I had left behind. As I stood and took it all in, I could not help but feel overwhelmed emotionally. Finding myself caught somewhere between joy and sorrow it was at that moment I came to realize the true purpose of this beautiful cemetery.

12/04/2025

Tidbits from the "Yard".

Have you ever visited a cemetery and seen what looks like a stone table? These monuments are called “Table tombs”. They are certainly not as common as some types of grave markers but during the Victorian era the table tombs saw some popularity. This was mostly in part because cemeteries were designed and used as parks during that time period. It was not at all uncommon to see entire families picnicking on a Sunday afternoon and using their loved ones’ marker as a table for food and drinks. Meanwhile the children played throughout the cemetery while adults reminisced about the good old days.
Periodically, as I make my rounds along the meandering pathways of Mount Hebron Cemetery, I am pleasantly reminded of those days gone by. Shaded by one of the many large trees, a family has spread a blanket upon the ground to enjoying a meal, share memories, and spend quality time with the ones they love.

11/26/2025

Happy Thanksgiving! Did anyone see this morning's rainbow? They say that they are nowhere near as common in the morning as in the evening. I can say that I have only seen one other one and oddly enough it was also at Mount Hebron Cemetery. The picture does not really do it justice as it was much more beautiful to the naked eye. If anyone took any photos and they would like to share them, it would be appreciated.

11/25/2025

Heck yeah! Have a great day!

11/20/2025

Tidbits from the "Yard"

Why Does That Headstone Look Like a Tree Stump?

Have you ever visited a cemetery and noticed a monument that resembled a tree stump? The meaning behind this style of monument dates back well over a hundred years. The stump itself represents the end of life, while a broken or sawn limb is a symbol for a life cut short.
This type of monument typically has ties to a Fraternal Organization that dates back to 1890. The Woodman of the World was founded by Joseph Cullen Root in Omaha, Nebraska. The organization’s mission was to help members cope financially with the expense of losing a loved one. The passing of the hat is how it all began, eventually leading to the selling of life insurance policies.

11/06/2025

Welcome "Kate's Krew". Will Wood and Ben Lopez have been volunteering one half day each week for the last couple of months. We can't begin to thank them enough for their invaluable efforts under Kate's guidance. Working together they have tackled the finer point tasks that make a huge difference in the overall appearance of this beautiful historic property.
As it turns out though, it is not all about rake and shovel duty. Two weeks ago Will accepted a part in one of our cemetery tours speaking to our guests about the cemetery's ties to the Civil War. He did a fantastic job and everyone had a great time. In conversation between seeding and spreading straw Ben mentioned that he had been taking creative writing courses at the Handley Library. Well, It did not take but a split second to seize on that opportunity and I quickly suggested a challenge and a subject. Ben instantly took me up on the opportunity and in short order presented a well written draft that will soon be published on our "Stories from the Yard". It takes a special kind of person to give of their time with no expectation of compensation. We are so glad that Will and Ben chose Mount Hebron Cemetery to share their skills and generosity. Lastly, none of this happens with out Kate's willingness to share her knowledge and unwavering commitment to better the cemetery. For that, we are so very grateful to her and we appreciate the fact that she goes above and beyond in all aspects of her position at Mount Hebron Cemetery.

11/03/2025

What a drag, it's that time of year again.☹️
Time change, ugh!, and with that the gates now close at 5 pm.

10/31/2025

Friday morning photos.

10/24/2025

This past Tuesday we offered a tour for a wonderful group of folks. None of them where originally from the area and they were intrigued with the amount of history the Wi******er area and Mount Hebron Cemetery have to offer. This is the wonderful "Thank you" card that they sent along with a pleasant donation to the cemetery.
If you are still reading this then we would like to extend an opportunity for our Facebook Followers to join in the fun. We will offer a Staff Guided tour next Friday October 31st at 3 pm. This will be available for the first 15 Followers who reply. Just comment the next number in order and that is how you can sign up. This is a history tour not a Halloween tour so regular apparel will be the expected attire. There is no charge for the tour but if you wish you can always make a small donation to the cemetery. We are a 501 3c, so you can receive a tax break for your gift. We might even have some cool Mount Hebron Cemetery Tee shirts to give away for a trivia question or two.
If we don't have 15 that is fine, we will do it for the ones we do have. Please make sure that if you do sign up that you come so you are not taking a spot that someone else could have.

10/17/2025

I am looking for any photos of the majestic Northern Red Oak that stood watch over the Stonewall Cemetery Section at Mount Hebron Cemetery. Sadly, as you may know the tree died several years ago and was taken down. It would be nice to preserve its memory at the cemetery as it had stood here for so many years.
If you have any that you would share I would be very grateful.
Thanks,
Jim

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10/10/2025

Friday morning photo dump. Wow! We have been busy. While the work load has heated up, we are glad that the temperatures have cooled down. First frost out west of Wi******er this morning! Have a wonderful Fall weekend.

09/26/2025

From our yard to yours Happy Friday! The everchanging variety of flowers, fruits, and fungi at Mount Hebron Cemetery always amazes us. We hope you will share some of the interesting discoveries you have in your yard. Have a safe and enjoyable weekend.