BAY-JOURNAL PUBLISHING
April 26, 2008
ARBOR DAY EVENT HELD AT ABANDONED CEMETERY.
April 25, 2008, Bay City, MI
A special Arbor Day tree event was held at Pine Ridge Cemetery on Tuscola Road. Two flowering crab trees donated by Bay Landscaping were planted near the cemetery's entrance. Assisting Dick Somalski, of Bay Landscaping, with the planting were Bay City Mayor, Charles Brunner, his wife Judy, and Bill Keipert, of the Columbus Avenue Citizens District Council.
In addition, a new cannon was reset by Don Woods, replacing the previous one damaged by vandalism.
The event was organized by the Friends of Historic Pine Ridge Cemetery as the first of several additional improvements planned to celebrate the cemetery's 150th anniversary.
Pine Ridge Cemetery was founded in 1858 by Judge James Birney, and has been abandoned since the death of its last owner, George W. Ames, in 1931. The rightful owners of the cemetery never claimed it, and no government or non-profit organization has been willing take over control of it. In 1999, Dave and Delores Rogers, formed the Friends of Historic Pine Ridge Cemetery to create a coalition of concerned citizens in an attempt to save the cemetery from being totally lost to nature.
Thanks to the volunteer efforts of individuals and businesses, much of the cemetery has been clear of over growth, but there is much work still to be done:
Roots of trees nestled against many of the headstones need to be removed.
Ancient forests trees are in need of trimming or removal.
Cracked headstone damaged by aging or vandalism need masonry work.
Toppled headstone need resetting.
Many of the veterans headstone in the Soldiers Rest Area need to be reset and/or replaced. The rusted flag pole needs painting and a near-by needs trimming to the flag can fly freely.
The help of more caring citizens and businesses is needed now to make the 150th anniversary year the turning point in returning Pine Ridge Cemetery to a respectable burial grounds that truly honors the pioneers of our community.
If you care, please join the cause. Act now by contributing your time, money or services.
FRIENDS OF HISTORIC PINE RIDGE CEMETERY.
A “not for profit” group of concerned citizens.
Call 989-686-5544 for further information on how you can help.
Send monetary donations to:
Friends of Historic Pine Ridge Cemetery
4659 Dale Court
Bay City, MI 48706
View webpage of Friends of Historic Pine Ridge Cemetery
