Dear Superintendent Robinson, Members of the Board, and Faculty
Administration,
It has come to my attention that the Old Rockport Cemetery, located near your
Central Office, is in total disrepair, with many stones missing or thrown in
a gully behind the cemetery. Old Rockport Cemetery is a prime example of
living history! The most prominent surname in the cemetery is GRASS, for
which your Grass Township was named. Don't you think it's a shame that these
families are being lost to history?
While I do not personally have ancestors buried at the Old Rockport Cemetery,
I do have many relatives buried throughout Spencer County, many of them in
cemeteries just as decrepit, and that saddens me greatly. While I do not
reside in your fair county, I do visit for genealogical research
occasionally. I know there is little, if anything, that I can do. But I do
have a few suggestions for you.
The school district where I reside has cleared debris, repaired stones and
fenced several of the old cemeteries found nearby. High school students
provided the manual labor, as a class project, while the city and county paid
for the materials necessary. Why couldn't your school district do something
like this? Don't you feel that the folks whose blood, sweat and tears made
Spencer County what it is today should be remembered with honor?
It is my fervent hope that you take whatever steps necessary to correct the
situation with Old Rockport Cemetery immediately!
Sincerely,
Tari J. Parr
78 Downing Dr.
Chatham, IL 62629
Phone: (217)483-4667
E-mail: ILMasterGardener(a)aol.com