San Lorenzo Pioneer Cemetery

I grew up in the area of this cemetery and can remember feeling it was a very erie place. We drove past it many times, the side of it is on a main street. During my younger years, it seemed very dark and dreary, although I am sure just knowing it was a cemetery had a lot to do with that feeling.

I have passed this cemetery a few times during my adult years, the weeds were so very overgrown and the place was a mess. I had heard that kids used to party in the cemetery. As bad as the weeds were the last time I was by and the fact that the cemetery was now fenced in, led me to believe it had be awhile since there had been any parties on this property. 

I had never actually walked through the cemetery before, so on the day I chose to visit I was a little apprehensive as to what I may find. I did find a big rot iron fence around the cemetery, and in order to get into the cemetery you had to go across the street to get the key. It just so happened that tree trimmers were in the cemetery trimming trees and the gate was open. I read the signs, here is the first:



It says:

COUNTY OF ALAMEDA
SAN LORENZO PIONEER MEMORIAL PARK
THIS MEMORIAL PARK WAS DEDICATED BY
THE ALAMEDA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
ON MARCH 24,1964 AS A MEMORIAL HONORING
THOSE EARLY PIONEERS OF RANCHO SAN LORENZO
NOW KNOWN AS ASHLAND CASTRO VALLEY
HAYWARD MT EDEN AND SAN LORENZO

THESE CITIZENS BURIED HERE BETWEEN
THE YEARS OF 1852 AND 1951 WERE AMONG
THE FIRST SETTLERS AND FOUNDERS OF
THE AREA WHOSE EARLY FORESIGHT AND
PLANNING BEGAN THE DEVELOPMENT OF
TRANSFORMING MILES OF RURAL ACREAGE
INTO A MODERN COMMUNITY OF MANY
THOUSANDS

The second sign was very appropriate for what I saw. The cemetery had been worked on and was getting cleaned up! What a difference since I had seen it last.



The Hayward Area Historical Society was playing a part in the renovation of the cemetery. They offer tours, information and a phone number for anyone who cares to be a part of the historic renovation.

As the gates were open this day, I asked if it was ok to view the cemetery, I was told sure. Next time I post on this cemetery, I will share with you my tour.