Saturday's Internet Edition, May 17, 2008.
Historic Texas Cemetery Designation
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“The designation is a tool that will increase public awareness of these important cultural resources. Such awareness and education are among the best ways to guarantee the preservation of a cemetery.” Said Larry Oask, executive director of THC.
Cemeteries hold valuable historical information. They are often the last reminders of early settlements’ historical events, religious beliefs, life styles and genealogy.
“Historic cemeteries serve as directories of early residence and reflect the cultural influences that helped shape our state’s communities,” said Oaks. “The Historic Texas Cemetery designation program helps bring attention to these community treasures and the importance of their preservation.”
While the Texas Historic Cemetery Designation encourages cemetery preservation, this designation cannot guarantee that a historic cemetery will not be destroyed. In some rural areas, historic cemeteries are threatened by the absence of fencing, which allows cattle and other grazing animals to topple and disturb headstones. Urban expansion and vandalism often threaten historic cemeteries. Sometimes these cemeteries gradually disappear, one headstone at a time; others disappear over night. Bulldozers have plowed over neglected cemeteries to clear land for development projects. Cemeteries have also been the victims of vandalism and long-term deterioration from forces of nature, such as weathering and uncontrolled vegetation.
“The Schulz descendents and Good Hope Cemetery are the lucky ones to have a couple of energetic cousins that have worked diligently to make the Good Hope Cemetery one of the most well kept and loved in Lee County. It is never easy and it is impressive that they have done all they have from Abilene, Texas. That is true dedication to family and ancestors. We welcome them and their designation as a Texas Historic Cemetery to Lee County” said Carolyn Marble, past President of the Lee County Historical Commission.
The Historic Texas Cemetery designation was developed to address the destruction of Historic Cemeteries and the illegal removal of cemetery fixtures. Any individual or organization is eligible to submit and application for this designation. For more information, or to receive an application for the Historic Texas Cemetery designation, call (512) 475-4167.
The Texas Historical Commission is the state agency for historic preservation. The agency administers a variety of programs to preserve the archeological, historical and cultural resources of Texas. See www.thc.state.tx.us for further information.
Representative Robert L. “Robby” Cook, District l7, is drafting a resolution before the house of Representatives commemorating the Good Hope Cemetery as a Texas Historical Cemetery.