Submitted by Marty Clark
Special to the Weekly
You know we have a cemetery, right? So how did that happen? In the early days of white settlement Lopez Island pioneers buried their dead in private family plots, or in a small cemetery located up the hill from the southeast corner of Fisherman Bay and Hummel Lake roads. Our community cemetery began in 1882 when John Carr decided it was time to set aside land dedicated as a “burying” place available to all Lopez residents. His donation became the first plot in the cemetery, located across the road from Center Church. There you will find the earliest graves, many of them with traditional tall stones. The height of the stones helped family and friends find the graves of loved ones when tall grass covered the unmaintained grounds. In those early days the island was still heavily wooded, so access to the cemetery was by a footpath. Caskets were hand carried across the island, down the narrow paths. Eventually the footpaths became cart roads as horses became common. The small white building across from the wreath area started as a carriage house for a horse drawn hearse. It now houses a John Deere lawn mower.
The cemetery was officially named the Lopez Union Cemetery, honoring the Union soldiers who had fought and died in the Civil War. Ten Union soldiers are buried here. The Cemetery Association assumed responsibility for the cemetery in 1883. The volunteer Association Board continues to operate today, dedicated to maintaining the cemetery as it was originally intended,as a community burying place, open to all.
Center Church was built in 1888 by the Presbyterian congregation, next to but independent of the cemetery. It’s ownership passed through different congregations until it sat empty after World War II. In disrepair, the Church was sold for $1 to the Cemetery Association, who made repairs, added improvements, and now maintains the building for the community.
At times during the 133 year history of the cemetery the number of available plots became critically low. Surrounding land owners generously donated additional land, so plots are still available. Sexton Dr. George Dengler foresaw the interest and need for cremation burials, so in 2006 the Urn and Remembrance Gardens were established.
The Lopez Union Cemetery is a rarity in today’s world in that it is not for profit nor is it funded by taxes. Instead the money needed to maintain the grounds, buildings, and improvements come from the sale of cookbooks, wreaths, plots, use of the church, and donations. Most of the operating funds come from the wreath sale, which requires the incredibly dedicated work of a number of locals who collect the greens, and make the wreaths and sprays. Along with working for an important and necessary island institution, they have a great time. If you are interested in helping collect greens, or have woodlands you would open to gathering, contact Ed Sturdivant, 468-4053. To assist with wreath making, call Judy Matalon at 468-2037. Wreaths and sprays will be for sale starting Nov. 27. Don’t wait too long as they sell out every year.
Visit the cemetery and take a walk through history. Find the Hummels of Hummel Lake, the Spencers of Spencer Spit, the Barlows, the Cousins, and many ancestors of present day Lopez families. The most recently opened plot is on the same side of the road as the church. Look for Hildegard Goss’s grave stone which reflects her wonderful personality. Romayne Ritchie’s beautiful stone reminds us of his love of growing apples. The Fike family monument captures their family togetherness and sense of humor. Take your family and see who can find the oldest grave or most humorous head stone. Say hello to “Uncle” Phil Hastin, who asked that a speaking tube be put in his grave. Friends do stop by to talk to him, and sometimes pour a little whiskey down the tube. Plot owners have been known to picnic on their future final resting place, checking out the view. The cemetery is a place of peace and remembrance, in a beautiful setting. No ghosts have been reported. Come visit.
