Yalaha Cemetery
We were in Crystal River for our annual staff meeting not too long ago and while on the drive, one thing I love to do monitor some historic cemeteries!
I saw the sign for the Yalaha Cemetery and thought "why not?". I knew nothing about the cemetery before arriving and was interesting in seeing what I could learn in a 15 minute walking break and to record any damages.
The first thing I noticed that was half of the cemetery was gated and locked. I did not enter this portion. I could monitor from the fence and it seemed active and maintained. There was one headstone that looked to be damaged. But right across the street was the open portion of the cemetery and what I believe to be the historic section.
The first thing I noticed was the vegetation. The area has been landscaped by someone, but some old growth trees have the potential to do some damage.
The next thing I came across was just the typical broken headstones.
The reason I am commenting on this specific headstone in particular is that during our CRPT workshops we stress the importance of recording the headstone word-for-word. Culturally and historically there is a large amount of data that is important when recording headstones. This reprinted stone that will last long after the historic one it is replacing has been recording with "KATE McEADY GRAYSON'S BABY". The information we have here is that someone named Kate had a baby who died before it was named. While the original historic marker reads "INFANT DAUGHTER OF MR & MRS G.W. J. GRAYSON".
Although that might not seem like much. It was not what Mr. and Mrs. Grayson wanted was it? There is a lot we can learn about the individuals from what they choose to place on the headstones of loved ones.
The one thing I thought was, " I hope these stones are recorded" and like many historic cemeteries in Florida. It was not listed on the Florida Master Site File. As most of us know, the Florida Master Site File is a listing of all historical and cultural resources in the state. It is a first defense for these resources when development projects begin.
Although the cemetery is not listed here. It was recorded through Find a Grave. Which means some of the information is recorded. Ultimately, this quick 15 minute stop turned into a bit more paper work to get it recorded, but it will be nice to have this cemetery documented.
The point of this blog was to highlight that you never know what you are going to find on a quick detour in Florida. Next road trip you're on, follow the cemetery signs and quick check in on some local history!
All photos by Outreach Staff
I saw the sign for the Yalaha Cemetery and thought "why not?". I knew nothing about the cemetery before arriving and was interesting in seeing what I could learn in a 15 minute walking break and to record any damages.
The first thing I noticed that was half of the cemetery was gated and locked. I did not enter this portion. I could monitor from the fence and it seemed active and maintained. There was one headstone that looked to be damaged. But right across the street was the open portion of the cemetery and what I believe to be the historic section.The first thing I noticed was the vegetation. The area has been landscaped by someone, but some old growth trees have the potential to do some damage.
The next thing I came across was just the typical broken headstones.
One of the more unique broken headstones had a replacement marker. It looks like someone had fundraiser, or donated new makers for missing or broken stones.
The reason I am commenting on this specific headstone in particular is that during our CRPT workshops we stress the importance of recording the headstone word-for-word. Culturally and historically there is a large amount of data that is important when recording headstones. This reprinted stone that will last long after the historic one it is replacing has been recording with "KATE McEADY GRAYSON'S BABY". The information we have here is that someone named Kate had a baby who died before it was named. While the original historic marker reads "INFANT DAUGHTER OF MR & MRS G.W. J. GRAYSON". 
Although that might not seem like much. It was not what Mr. and Mrs. Grayson wanted was it? There is a lot we can learn about the individuals from what they choose to place on the headstones of loved ones. The one thing I thought was, " I hope these stones are recorded" and like many historic cemeteries in Florida. It was not listed on the Florida Master Site File. As most of us know, the Florida Master Site File is a listing of all historical and cultural resources in the state. It is a first defense for these resources when development projects begin.
Although the cemetery is not listed here. It was recorded through Find a Grave. Which means some of the information is recorded. Ultimately, this quick 15 minute stop turned into a bit more paper work to get it recorded, but it will be nice to have this cemetery documented.
The point of this blog was to highlight that you never know what you are going to find on a quick detour in Florida. Next road trip you're on, follow the cemetery signs and quick check in on some local history!
All photos by Outreach Staff