Graveyard Rabbit of South Alameda County

Wilson Memorial

2011-07-30T02:05:00.000-07:00

From St. Michael's Cemetery in Hayward, California the memorial of Peter Wilson ~

Died Oct. 17, 1820

Wordless Wednesday ~ Ronda ~ Roselawn Cemetery, Livermore

2011-07-27T09:18:00.000-07:00

Meet A Rabbit #74

2011-07-26T02:22:00.000-07:00

Today we meet Graveyard Rabbit number 74, Julie Goucher. She is the author of Grave Encounters. Julie agrees with the rest of us Graveyard Rabbits that headstones and monuments deserve to be treated with respect and treasured. Sounds like a great addition to the organization to me! You can read more about her here, at the Graveyard Rabbit Association Blog. Enjoy!

Meet A Rabbit #73

2011-07-25T01:25:00.000-07:00

The seventy third graveyard rabbit to join our association is Angela L. Burke. Angela's blog is "Headboards of Stone - A Mississippi Graveyard Rabbit Blog." Her featured bio can be found here at the main page of The Graveyard Rabbit Association Blog. Wait until you see how she spent her childhood! We welcome Angela! Enjoy!

From St. Michael's Cemetery In Livermore

2011-07-24T12:50:00.000-07:00

We share with you today, the memorial of Margaret Doyle.

In memory of

MARGARET.

Native of Bray Co. Willow

Ireland

beloved wife of

GEORGE DOYLE

Died August 23, 1876

Aged 65 years.

___

Erected by her daughter

AGNES.

Wordless Wednesday ~ Alderigi

2011-07-20T21:26:00.001-07:00

Meet Rabbit #72

2011-07-17T07:11:00.000-07:00

I would once again like to share another Graveyard Rabbit feature from the Association. This time we meet Rabbit #72 Kellie Walton, author of the blog "She finds Friends." Kelli's father reminds me very much of my own father with his great sense of humor. Read what Kellie's father told his children when they were young! Do you think it has anything to do with why she became a Graveyard Rabbit today? You can find her story here! Enjoy!

Bucannan Headstone

2011-07-16T06:49:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share another view of the San Lorenzo Pioneer Cemetery. This view shares a bit of the destruction that happened here in the past, along with some mature trees. You see a bit of this behind the headstone that is front and center. This is a view down one side of the cemetery, where you can see there was a black cyclone fence installed to help protect these monuments. This photo was taken quite a while ago so I am looking forward to heading there again one day soon to see how the refurbishing project is coming along that the Hayward Area Historical Society has been working on.

The headstone front and center is the resting place of:

MRS. MARY BUCHANNAN

DIED

JAN. 22, 1888.

AGED 62 Y'rs 6 M's

NATIVE OF NEW YORK

Meet A Rabbit #71

2011-07-15T05:51:00.000-07:00

There have been many new Graveyard Rabbits, I need to play catch up again!

Here is a start ~

Rabbit #71 is Sue Jones whose blog is "Sleeping Gardens and Other Final Resting Places." She is from Saffron Waldron in Essex England. You can read about her at the Graveyard Rabbit Association page here. Enjoy!

A Deed for Sale on the Internet?

2011-07-14T16:00:00.000-07:00

San Lorenzo Pioneer Cemetery

It has been almost 10 days since I found out about this article, just couldn't seem to get here to post about it until now:

Will your family history be sold on Ebay? written by Toni Mann.

Can you imagine seeing a deed for a cemetery plot for sale on EBAY?

The article caught my attention because it referred to San Lorenzo Pioneer Cemetery. It also caught my attention because Toni Mann wrote the article. She writes for the San Lorenzo Patch. I have never met Toni, but have had a couple of correspondences with her online. We have San Lorenzo definitely in common along with the cemetery and maybe even genealogy research.

Toni shared with me the research she did for this article and explained she found the picture of the grave site on Find A Grave. She did the usual genealogical research, looking through census records and learning about the family that is involved.

Head on over and read the article!

Wordless Wednesday ~ Self

2011-07-13T10:46:00.001-07:00

Rickey Self

May 4, 1941 ~ Sept. 4, 1955

Lonetree Cemetery, Hayward, California

Meet A Rabbit #75

2011-07-02T03:00:00.000-07:00

Time to meet Graveyard Rabbit number seventy five. Her name is Robin Simonton and she writes the blog Graveyard Rabbit at the Triangle, N. C. She says "cemeteries are repositories of stories, dreams and hopes." I like that way of thinking. Why don't you head on over to her bio and learn more about her! Enjoy!

Abrusci and Riecks

2011-06-23T13:25:00.000-07:00

IN LOVING MEMORY

Abrusci

Vito Frank

Aug. 24, 1888

July 26, 1956

ROSA

Aug. 25 1967

Margaret Riecks

Dec. 17, 1965

Vito and Rosa Abrusci, along with Margaret Riecks are memorialized on this headstone which is in the Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Hayward, California.

Wordless Wednesday ~ Berthe & Marcel Jaussaud

2011-02-23T06:31:00.000-08:00

This beautiful and artistic headstone is located in Hayward at the Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

Berthe was born April 15, 1892 and passed away January 14, 1919 at the tender age of 26.

Marcel was born January 8, 1885 and passed away October 1, 1948. He was 63 years old when he passed.

A volunteer, countedx58, has added this monument to the Find A Grave site and is memorial #23358875. Further information is also noted on this site as: Plot: Section M, Row 6

Meet A Rabbit #70

2011-02-20T22:15:00.000-08:00

Time to meet another new Graveyard Rabbit. Actually introduced in October of last year, we have rabbit #70, Jezebel. Jezebel writes for the blog "Just An Untamed Taphophile." Find out what Jezabel loves/hates to see in cemeteries here. Enjoy the read!

Meet A Rabbit #69

2011-02-20T21:54:00.000-08:00

Way back in July of last year Graveyard Rabbit #69 was introduced on the official Graveyard Rabbit site. This shows you how far behind I am in getting these wonderful new rabbits introduced to you. I will try to catch you all up as soon as possible. For now though, please take a few minutes to read about Susan Petersen who now authors "Nothing but Tombstones." Her fascinating story reveals the coincidence she has upon finding her grandparents plot! Read about Susan here. Enjoy!

Crittenden Headstone

2011-01-13T10:13:00.000-08:00

First, let me transcribe this headstone for you.

Breyman L. Crittenden

Born in Otis, Mass. May 9, 1836,

Died in Pleasanton, Cal. March 17, 1907

I just love these old stones. I have been away from them far to long.

In the 1870 Federal Census I see Breyman was still in Mass. He was 34 years old at the time and worked as a farmer. I did not find him anywhere else with a quick look at Family Search.com, but that doesn't mean he isn't there, he may have gone by a different given name. I checked to see if his monument was entered on Find a Grave and I see it has been done. This is such a clear, beautiful memorial which sets at the Pioneer Cemetery in Pleasanton, California. Let's hope it stays that way, beautiful and clear. Maybe one day we will learn more about Breyman!

Wordless Wednesday ~ Roselawn Cemetery

2011-01-12T07:45:00.000-08:00

Meet A Rabbit #68

2011-01-11T09:40:00.000-08:00

Rabbit #68 is Robert J.C. Baca. Robert's blog is titled: "Socorro and the Beyond Graveyard Rabbit."

His first interest in cemeteries came when he and some friends transcribed tombstones of one cemetery in a day! Find out more about Robert with his introduction on the Graveyard Rabbit site here. Enjoy!

Meet A Rabbit #67

2011-01-10T09:26:00.000-08:00

Time to meet Graveyard Rabbit #67, Kimberly Sawtelle. She authors a blog titled "On a Grave Subject." Kimberly's mother did genealogical research and so she was introduced to cemeteries early on in life. Read about a great area for cemetery research in Washington and what prompted Kimberly to become a Graveyard Rabbit here! Enjoy!

Wordless Wednesday ~ Garthwaite Plot at Pleasanton Pioneer Cemetery

2010-11-17T06:18:00.000-08:00

Meet A Rabbit #66

2010-11-03T12:07:00.000-07:00

I am a little behind again, but will bring you up to speed shortly! Today, I would like to introduce to you Graveyard Rabbit #66 Jennifer Geraghty-Gorman. Jennifer is the author of "Over Thy Dead Body." Find out which country Jennifer got hooked on cemeteries in and where her favorite headstone lies! You can read about her over at The Association of Graveyard Rabbits! Enjoy!

First Permanent Newspaper Publisher of Hayward

2010-10-31T10:18:00.001-07:00

In the 19010 Federal Census George "A." Oakes and his wife, Emma are both listed as publishers of a newspaper. If you look closely at this monument, you will see that it states George was the "First Permanent Newspaper Publisher of Hayward."

His family was listed as living in Eden Township, specifically on A Street. George and Emma had three children, George "H.", Nelda and Helen. George "H." was listed in this census as being 21 years of age and a printer in a newspaper office. George "A." and the rest of his family were all born in California.

George "Henry" Oakes founded the Alvarado Pioneer in 1925, his son George "P." published this until 1946 and then it was merged with the Township Register which later became The Argus.

George "A." Oakes was born Jan. 7, 1856 and died October 9, 1925. His monument and place of rest is in Lonetree Cemetery in Hayward.

Pumpkin Festival - It's the 5th Annual! Tomorrow!

2010-10-29T14:09:00.000-07:00

Have some Halloween fun, free, at Mountain View Cemetery! Saturday, October 30 is the day of the party which will run from 12:00 pm until 3:00 pm. You can decorate a pumpkin and see a clown perform balloon art. They are also offering face painting and a maze made of hay bales.

And, if that isn't enough, there will be free hot dogs, cookies, candy and drinks along with jumpers for the little tikes to play and jump on.

This event is immediately following the Piedmont Avenue Merchant's Association annual parade.

Sounds like major fun with the kids to me! Enjoy!

Second Blogiversary & My Mother's Birthday

2010-10-23T15:47:00.001-07:00

I was hoping to have so much more time this past year to post to this blog, but it seems I was kept busier than I expected. Today is the two year anniversary for this blog. It is also my mother's birthday, may she rest in peace. She would have been 74 today. Instead, she passed away when she was only 64 years old. The anniversary of her death is in January, which will be 10 years. Instead of celebrating this blog, I would prefer to celebrate my mother's short life. Cancer was her demon. So, mom (Annette Neva Fleming) I am here today to let you know you are never forgotten. We miss you and love you. Happy Birthday!

My goal for the upcoming year is to post more than I did this past year. I hope you enjoy the posts that are here so far on this blog, and please get ready to see more! Now, onward into the third year!

Photo taken at Chapel of the Chimes Cemetery, Hayward, California

William Tehan ~ Dublin, California

2010-10-21T08:39:00.000-07:00

Old St. Raymonds Church held it's first marriage between Ellen Fallon and William Tehan in 1865.

William Tehan (1869-1944), Nell Tehan, Dan Tehan (1885-1947), Kate Tehan, John Glynn, early 1900's photograph.

*This photo courtesy of; City of Dublin California Heritage Center. Creator/Contributor unknown.

Cemetery Clean Up Tomorrow!

2010-10-15T09:34:00.000-07:00

San Lorenzo Pioneer Cemetery and The Hayward Area Historical Society are getting together once again to have a cemetery clean up day! They ask that you bring gloves and gardening tools. There will be water and some light snacks provided.

The cemetery has gotten a bit overgrown and needs some TLC. Clean up time will be from 9:00am -1:00pm. I share these events with you and have great intentions of attending them myself. For one reason or another I haven't been able to make them. What better way to spend the morning than to help clean up the cemetery! Gotta love that feeling after giving back! I hope to see you there tomorrow!

If you have questions you can call Heather F. @ 510-581-0223.

Open House at San Lorenzo Pioneer Cemetery

2010-08-12T09:14:00.000-07:00

I am looking forward to attending the open house over at the San Lorenzo Pioneer Cemetery on Saturday, August 21,2010. I am anxious to see the cemetery since it has been renovated. The cemetery will be open from 9:00am - 1:00pm.

Come learn about this cemetery and it's history! The San Lorenzo Pioneer Cemetery Friends Group and the Hayward Area Historical Society will be in attendance to answer questions. There will be a scavenger hunt tour, refreshments and even volunteer opportunities. The cemetery is located on the corner of Hesperian Blvd. and College St. in San Lorenzo. Hope to see you there!

In Memory of and with Great Sadness...

2010-08-10T21:43:00.000-07:00

We say good bye to the founder of the Graveyard Rabbits, Terry Thornton. He passed away last night. I wish to send his family my deepest condolences. I also wish to extend my thoughts and prayers to Terry's friends who are also suffering from his loss.

Terry has a soft spot in my heart, he made me feel so special. He was a great man and will be missed by many. I would now like to direct you to the official Graveyard Rabbit announcement of Terry's passing. It brought tears to my eyes. Our very own footnoteMaven has once again outdone herself with this post and the "remembrance card" she has made. Absolutely wonderful!

I asked permission from footnoteMaven to post the "remembrance card" on this blog. She has graciously given me permission; she did such a fantastic job making this memory card for Terry, and I plan to keep it on the main page of this blog for as long as this blog exists. Thank you for your dedication and hard work fM.

I hope you know how many will miss you Terry, you made a difference. Now, it is time to please Rest in Peace.

Kamp Headstone in the Dublin Cemetery, Dublin

2010-07-31T21:05:00.000-07:00

This headstone is getting difficult to read, it says:

Louis Hansen Kamp

Born

Oct. 29, 1885

Died July 26, 1890

Meet A Rabbit #65

2010-07-22T04:05:00.000-07:00

Time again to meet another Graveyard Rabbit! Wow, we are on rabbit #65 already. Who is this new rabbit? Why it is Steven Mills. He authors "A Land of Deepest Shade." Steven became involved in genealogy at a young age and eventually started collecting funeral memorabilia. Reading here will give you more insight to Steven and his blog. Enjoy!

Wordless Wednesday ~ Mountain View Cemetery

2010-07-21T04:17:00.000-07:00

Entering Mountain View Cemetery. August 3, 2009. Oakland, California. Digital Image. Held by Cheryl [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE] California. 2010

The Flanagan's; from Longford, Ireland to Dublin....California

2010-07-17T18:59:00.000-07:00

In a previous post on October 6, 2009 I shared the tombstone of Kate, John and Eva Mary Flanagan, which is located at the Dublin Cemetery in Dublin, Ca. You can read that post here. Today I am sharing the inscribed family marker which was placed by their grave site and shares a bit more information. The inscription reads:

Flanagan Family

John and Katherine Donlon Flanagan from Longford, Ireland came to Dublin in 1868. In 1896 John was blinded, but continued to raise sheep and farm with the help of his wife and three girls, Eva, Katherine (Murphy) and Elisabeth (Nevin) who was a teacher at Murray School.

As a reminder, this is their actual memorial. I haven't found out how John became blind, if and when I do I will post an update. Maybe someone reading this knows and will enlighten me!

Honoring the Young ~ Willie

2010-07-17T02:59:00.000-07:00

Honoring Willie. St. Michaels Cemetery in Livermore, California. Digital image by Cheryl . [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE] California.2010

Meet A Rabbit #64

2010-07-16T03:57:00.000-07:00

Rabbit #64 is a true cemetery lover! It is time to meet Lee Drew, author of Tombstone Territory. Find out all about Drew's interest in cemeteries and how it came about. What does his family think of his interest in being a Graveyard Rabbit? Find out here. Enjoy!

Meet Rabbit #63

2010-07-15T03:43:00.000-07:00

Please meet Graveyard Rabbit Sandy Vincent Peavey and Linda Hagen, Graveyard Rabbit(s) #63. Sandy and Linda are the Newaygo County Cemetery Ladies. Click here to find out more about each of these women and what other blog they author! Enjoy!

Wordless Wednesday ~ Johnston

2010-07-14T02:23:00.000-07:00

Johnston grave site. October 23, 2008. Pleasanton Pioneer Cemetery, Pleasanton, California. Digital image by Cheryl. [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE] California. 2010

Tombstone Tuesday ~ Anderson

2010-07-12T15:40:00.000-07:00

John R. Anderson. October 23, 2008. Pleasanton Pioneer Cemetery. Digital Image. Held by Cheryl [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE] California. 2010

John R. Anderson, born in Westerwick, Sweden, 1847. Died in Sunol 1906. Rest In Peace.

Meet A Rabbit #62

2010-06-12T06:41:00.000-07:00

Please meet Joe Whitefield. He is our Graveyard Rabbit member #62 being featured. Joe writes for his blog Hoosiergrave. Doesn't it just seem natural that a genealogist would turn Graveyard Rabbit? Read Joe's story here and enjoy!

Wordless Wednesday ~ View at Roselawn Cemetery

2010-06-09T05:27:00.000-07:00

Roselawn Cemetery. February 5, 2009. Digital Image. Held by Cheryl. [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE] California. 2010

"Legend of Lone Tree" Plaque

2010-06-08T06:36:00.000-07:00

Plaque at Lone Tree Cemetery, Hayward, California. March 20, 2009. Digital Image. Held by Cheryl [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE] California. 2010.

Back on November 6, 2008 I wrote a post relating to the legend of Lone Tree Cemetery entitled Lone Tree Cemetery and it's Legend. In March 2009 I visited this cemetery again and apparently took a picture of the plaque telling the story. For some reason I haven't seen this photo until now and wanted to share it with you.

I wrote another post, Don't Believe It Was Named After This Tree , but actually it really was! You will see the tree in this article. If you haven't already, please enjoy these articles!

Meet A Rabbit #61

2010-06-05T17:34:00.000-07:00

Please meet Graveyard Rabbit #61, Tammi Thiele. She authors the blog Escape to Silent Cities. Tammi has had the hobby of visiting cemeteries for most of her life. Read her story at the Graveyard Rabbit site here. Enjoy!

Meet A Rabbit #60

2010-06-04T06:30:00.000-07:00

Rabbit #60 has joined us! Karen Cooper-Ray hosts Taphophilic Musings and is our 60 Graveyard Rabbit. Follow along here to read more about her! Enjoy!

Wordless Wednesday ~ Whipple

2010-06-02T06:24:00.000-07:00

Whipple gravestone. October 26, 2008. Chapel of The Chimes, Hayward, California. Digital Image by Cheryl. [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE] California. 2009

Meet A Rabbit #59

2010-05-27T06:12:00.000-07:00

We now have Graveyard Rabbit #59! Please follow me because Cyndi Beane Henry of Greenbrier Valley Graveyards has shared some information about herself with us! You can read about her here! Enjoy!

Meet A Rabbit #58

2010-05-23T06:01:00.000-07:00

Meet the 58th rabbit Leah Allen, author of "The Sacramento Valley Graveyard Rabbit." Follow me to see why Leah decided to take the plunge and become a rabbit right here! Enjoy!

Spend Memorial Day at Mountain View Cemetery

2010-05-21T07:50:00.000-07:00

Have you made Memorial Day plans yet? Why not make plans to spend the day or at least part of the day at Mountain View Cemetery in Oakland, where there will be special activities!

May 31, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. the 89th Annual Memorial Day Commemoration will be held. There will be a salute to the fallen, guest speakers and a presentation of the colors. Dennis Evanosky will lead a Civil War Plot tour at 11:30 am. California and the role Californian's played in the Civil War will be emphasized by Dennis.

Wordless Wednesday ~ Sardinha

2010-05-19T17:03:00.001-07:00

Mary Sardinha headstone. May 10, 2009. Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Hayward, California. Digital image privately held by Cheryl. [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE] California. 2010

Tombstone Tuesday ~ Santini

2010-05-18T13:29:00.001-07:00

Harry Santini's Headstone is in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Hayward. I came across this stone one day when I was visiting and looking for family headstones. The surname Santini is in my daughter's family history, so I took this photo. My daughter's great grandmother was Eva Santini born in California in 1894. Could Harry be Eva's brother? Maybe he was her cousin? Santini isn't a very common name so I tend to think there is a relationship there. I will be looking into this!

Meet A Rabbit #57

2010-04-30T05:52:00.000-07:00

Graveyard Rabbit #57 has joined the association! Nancy Pattenden authors "The Graveyard Rabbit Blog for the York Region Branch OGS Cemetery Transcripts, Etc." Find out about the Re-Dedication Nancy attended and more here. Enjoy!

Meet A Rabbit #56

2010-04-29T05:41:00.000-07:00

Time to Meet another new Graveyard Rabbit! Please meet rabbit # 56, Debbie Matlack the author of Cemeteries. You can read all about Debbie and see a few great pictures here. Enjoy!

Wordless Wednesday ~ Lone Tree Cemetery

2010-04-27T23:15:00.000-07:00

William D. Hayward Memorial Amphitheater. Lone Tree Cemetery, Hayward, California. Digital Image, March 20, 2009. Privately held by Cheryl. [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE] California. 2010

This Rabbit...

2010-04-04T04:37:00.000-07:00

This rabbit wishes you a very HAPPY EASTER!

2010-04-02T21:11:00.000-07:00

IN LOVING MEMORY

"McNEALY"

BELOVED HUSBAND

FATHER & GRANDPA

CHARLES J.

JUNE 25, 1932

NOV. 20. 2003

I saw the bunny and thought I needed to honor you this Easter!

Headstone of Charles J. McNealy is located in Roselawn Cemetery, Livermore, California

Meet A Rabbit #55

2010-03-28T05:39:00.000-07:00

We have another new Graveyard Rabbit! Our Rabbit #55 is John Edward Stark, author of "The Texas Underground." Be sure to read up on John and see whose grave he has taken his picture with here. Enjoy!

Meet A Rabbit #54

2010-03-27T05:29:00.000-07:00

Time to meet another Graveyard Rabbit! This will be #54, Tina Micheal Ruse. Tina's GYR site is titled "Campo Santo-Holy Ground." Find out if she has a background with cemeteries in the article here. Enjoy!

Roses for Rowe and Robinson at Roselawn

2010-03-26T14:03:00.000-07:00

One day while I was strolling through Roselawn Cemetery I saw this unique headstone. It was for Nellie Kennedy Rowe. I knew I had to take pictures of this headstone with all of the roses. The name Rowe from Livermore meant something to me,too. I know a Rowe, or should probably say, knew a Rowe from Livermore. I have no idea if there is a relation between these two or not, but it wouldn't surprise me in the least if there is.

Nellie was born January 26, 1912 in Arkansas and died February 18, 1985 in San Joaquin County, Ca. The center of the headstone shares picture of Nellie. Below her picture there is an phrase which reads ~

"JUST BECAUSE I LOVE YOU."

The label to the right of this has the initials, as I read them to be, "C.C."

Right next to Nellie's headstone was another headstone which at a quick glance I assumed to be Nellie's husband. I quickly took the pictures and moved on. Upon returning home and really looking at these headstones, I realized, this second headstone was not that of Nellie's husband. The name on this headstone reads Johnny Dean Robinson. The dates state ~ Born August 3, 1961 ~ Died July 21, 1983. Johnny only lived to be 22 years of age. The year he was born, 1961, and the year Nelli was born, 1912, were definitely from different generations.

Johnny's picture is also in the middle and below his picture it reads ~

"IN ALL THAT IS BEAUTIFUL

HE SMILES."

The banner to the bottom right on Johnny's headstone has the initials J.D.R, Johnny Dean Robinson?

I was unable to find what the initials on Nellie's headstone stand for at this point. Johnny must have been Nellie's grandson.

Meet A Rabbit #53

2010-03-18T12:52:00.000-07:00

Next, The Graveyard Rabbit Association is introducing Laura Leibman, author of the Colonial Graveyard Rabbit. Laura, the 53rd Graveyard Rabbit to be introduced shares with us what her job entails and why she chose to become the Colonial Graveyard Rabbit. You can read her article here. Enjoy!

Meet A Rabbit #52

2010-03-18T12:16:00.000-07:00

The Graveyard Rabbit Association is sharing another Meet A Rabbit article. This time meet Yolanda Campbell the author of Graveyard Rabbit Journeys. Follow her story and find out how many gravestone pictures she has! Enjoy!

Wordless Wednesday ~ Cohen

2010-03-17T00:24:00.000-07:00

Angel Lynn Cohen b. April 5, 1990 d. December 23, 1990. You'll always be our angel. Roselawn Cemetery, Livermore, California

Wordless Wednesday ~ Rickey Self

2010-03-10T05:00:00.000-08:00

Rickey Self

b. May 4, 1941 d. September 4, 1955

Lone Tree Cemetery, Hayward, California

Alameda County 100 Club ~ Post 2

2010-03-08T10:00:00.000-08:00

As promised in my last post, here is the list of names that are engraved on the right panel of the Alameda County 100 Club Memorial at Lone Tree Cemetery in Hayward. These are firefighters and police officers who have fallen in the line of duty since 1973.

David Guider - October 2, 1973
David Branhan - February 7, 1974
Dave Marks - February 7, 1974
Paul George - June 4, 1974
Kenneth McGregor - June 4, 1974
William M. Cann - August 29, 1974
David Jones - June 6, 1976
William Elliott - January 17, 1979
Michael J. Faulkner - June 27, 1981
Ramon Irizarry Jr. - January 18, 1983
Robert Davey Jr. - March 3, 1983
Chesley Stephens - November 13, 1984
Richard Blancher - February 23, 1986
Timothy Smith - January 2, 1987
Benjamin Worchester - March 25, 1987
Lance Petersen - November 1, 1990
Timothy Baird - December 19, 1990
John Grubensky - October 20, 1991
James Riley Jr. - October 21, 1991
William Grijalbva - December 15, 1993
Miguel Soto - June 22, 1994
Timothy Howe - April 14, 1995
Keith Konopasek - July 8, 1995
Herbert Stovall Jr. - August 16, 1995
Richard Sanders - January 15, 1997
John Monego - December 12, 1998
James Williams Jr. - January 10, 1999
Tracy Toomey - January 10, 1999
Michael Maloy - November 8, 1999
William Wilkins - January 12, 2001
Sekou Turner - May 22, 2002
William Seuis - July 22, 2004
Nels Dan Niemi - July 25, 2005
Brent Clearman - August 6, 2006
John Miller - November 16, 2007

This digital photo was taken by me on March 20, 2009. At that time this is
what was engraved in this monument.

Meet A Rabbit #51

2010-03-07T23:39:00.002-08:00

Time for another Graveyard Rabbit introduction! This is rabbit #51. Her name is Jo Arnspiger and she will be authoring the blog "Dust to Dust GYRabbit." You can read the latest at the Graveyard Rabbit site here. Enjoy!

2010-03-07T23:39:00.001-08:00

Alameda County One Hundred Club ~ Post #1

2010-03-07T18:09:00.000-08:00

This monument stands in Hayward's Lone Tree Cemetery. It was erected in 2008 and holds memory to the county's fallen heroes. You can find the memorial in the newer section of the cemetery towards the back.

The center panel boasts the logo for the 100 club and says:

Alameda County 100 Club

Founded in 1974 by Martin C. Kauffman

This Memorial Is Dedicated To The

Families Of Peace Officers

And Firefighters Who

Gave Their Lives Protecting The

Citizens Of Alameda County

Below this is the California and United States Flags along

with the police officer and firefighter logos.

On the left is this beautiful poem written by George Hahn, a retired Sargent

from the LA Police Department:

I never dreamed it would be me,

My name for all eternity,

Recorded here at this hallowed place,

Alas, my name, no more face.

"In the line of duty" I hear them say;

My family now the price will pay,

My folded flag stained with their tears;

We only had those few short years.

The badge no longer on my chest,

I sleep now in eternal rest;

My sword I pass to those behind,

And pray they keep this thought in mind;

I never dreamed it would be me,

And with heavy heart and bended knee;

I ask for all here from the past,

Dear God let my name be the last.

The right panel lists the fallen officers and firefighters starting in 1973.

I will share each of these names with you in my following post.

Across the bottom of the memorial states:

Honoring and remembering all peace officers and firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

How Would You Define Cemetery, Graveyard, Coffin, Casket and Sarcophagus?

2010-03-01T13:56:00.000-08:00

I was playing on the Web today and thought I would see how few words are defined online.

I thought some of these were interesting so I am sharing them with you.

What's the difference between a cemetery and a graveyard?

(The word, “graveyard,” was not recorded until the early 19th century.)

 Answer:  A  graveyard  is  always  adjacent  to  and  part  of  a  church.

 Answer: Graveyards are in the "yards" of churches.

Do you know the difference between a coffin, a casket and a sarcophagus? 
 Answer: It's the shape! A coffin is wider at the shoulders, narrower at the head and feet. 
 Answer: A coffin is rectangular and a sarcophagus is more molded into the shape of 
 the human body and often had a portrait of the deceased painted on the lid. 
          Answer:  In contemporary practice, coffins have six sides while caskets have four

Answer:

Casket

1 : a small chest or box (as for jewels)

2 : a usually fancy coffin

Answer:

A sarcophagus is a stone container for a coffin or body. The word comes from Greek "sarx" meaning "flesh", and "phagein" meaning "to eat", so sarcophagus means "eater of flesh"...

Sarcophagi were usually made by being carved, decorated or built ornately. Some were built to be freestanding above ground, as a part of an elaborate tomb ortombs. Others were made for burial, or were placed in crypts. In Ancient Egypt, a sarcophagus was usually the external layer of protection for a royal mummy, with several layers of coffins nested within.

Answer:

A sarcophagus is a stone coffin. They were used by Egyptians

These answers were taken from these web pages. You
may wish to check them out yourself.


 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffin
     http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/casket  
 http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_a_sarcophagus
 
http://www.deathcare.com/2009/10-trivial-cemetery-facts.html 
  http://www.ncgenweb.us/cemetery/mythtruth.htm

Wordless Wednesday ~ Husband

2010-02-03T05:55:00.000-08:00

Husband, Dublin Cemetery, Dublin, Alameda, California. Digital Image. July 2009. Image held by Cheryl Palmer. [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE] California. 2010

Thomas H. Donlon

2010-02-02T05:31:00.000-08:00

"1834-1859 A Native of Longford, Ireland. He pledged $50 to help build Old Saint Raymond's Church in 1856. (You can see a picture of the church in my previous post) While working on the church, he fell from the roof and was killed at age 25. A school in Dublin was named for him by vote of the student body."

Thomas Donlon's monument.

The full inscription reads:

To the memory of

Thomas H. Donlon

who departed this life

Sept. 16 1859

In the 25 year of his age

Native of Co. Longford

Ireland

May his soul rest in peace

Erected by his beloved

sister Eliza.

Dear friends for me do not weep.

I am not dead but here asleep;

Short was my time, long is my rest,

On me God called, He thought it best.

The street Dublin Cemetery, Old St. Raymond's Church and Murry School, now the Heritage Center, are all located on Donlon Road.

A Feel for Dublin Cemetery and it's Location

2010-02-01T05:50:00.000-08:00

I lived in a city next to Dublin for nine or ten years, this was a good twenty years or so ago. At the time I was not aware this cemetery even existed which was maybe fifteen minutes from where I lived. When my husband showed me this cemetery recently, I was in awe. It was in an out of the way place, off of a main street in Dublin.

To the direct right of where you enter the cemetery, on the same property, is the Heritage Center, which you can see below. This used to be the Murray School House.

Off to the right of all of this is the Old St. Raymond's Church. There is a new church which has been built and is located elsewhere in Dublin. The camera I had with me at the time wouldn't allow me to take a picture close enough of the whole church in one picture from the angle I was located.

Some very nice and historical buildings located next to the cemetery.

Meet A Rabbit #50

2010-01-31T17:32:00.000-08:00

Can you believe we have reached 50 Graveyard Rabbits? This is an awesome feat! Who is our fiftieth rabbit? Let me lead you to Ruth Coker! Her blog is "Ruth's Graveyard Rabbit Blog." Please click on this link to read more about Ruth and how old she was when she became involved with cemeteries. Enjoy!

Meet a Rabbit #49

2010-01-31T17:25:00.001-08:00

Well, it is time to meet Grace! Grace is the 49th Graveyard Rabbit to be introduced to you. She authors "The Wandering Graveyard Rabbit." Reading this introduction over at the Graveyard Rabbit site will explain perfectly why the title of her blog is such! Enjoy!

Meet A Rabbit #48

2010-01-13T00:46:00.000-08:00

Graveyard Rabbit #48 has been introduced here. Her name is Grace and she is the author of "The Wandering Graveyard Rabbit." She loves to travel and ran across a Graveyard Rabbit post one night. The rest is history. Find out more about Grace, enjoy!

Meet A Rabbit #47

2010-01-09T00:36:00.000-08:00

Graveyard Rabbit #47 is ready for introduction. Rabbit #47 is Tess Conrad who authors "The New Orleans Graveyard Rabbit." Tess's story starts in New York and her interest in graveyards didn't stem from genealogy as many other rabbits interests do. Find out what brought her to blogging for Graveyard Rabbits here. Enjoy!

Meet A Rabbit #46

2010-01-07T23:26:00.001-08:00

It has been awhile since I have introduced a new Graveyard Rabbit to you, so without further ado, please allow me to introduce to you Graveyard Rabbit #46 Teresa Elliott. She is the author of Rutherford County, Tennessee Cemeteries. Find out a bit of Teresa's history, how she became interested in graveyards and even learn a tip or two regarding photography. You can read about her here. Please enjoy!

Sentimental Sunday ~ (Walters) Palmer

2010-01-03T13:03:00.001-08:00

Mary Elizabeth (Walters) Palmer was born February 20, 1945 in Merced, California. She lived a very short life as she died when she was only 42 years old. She was my husband's first wife and I worked with her for about a year, so I knew her as well.

Liz, as she was known, lived in Arkansas at the time of her death. She was about to move back to California when she was murdered. She was brought back to Livermore, California to be buried. Services were held on June 2, 1987.

Naturally, because she was a part of my husband's life and my life also, we both have history, emotions and sentiments regarding her life and her death. Unbelievably, it has almost been twenty three years since her services. My family still suffers when reminiscing about her. She however, suffers no more.

Mountain View Cemetery

2009-12-03T00:17:00.000-08:00

From the Mountain View Cemetery Webpage here ~

Annual Events and Festivals

Early February - Lincoln's Birthday/Civil War
Late March - Ching Ming
Late March - Tulip Festival
Early May - Mothers' Day weekend
Late May - Memorial Day celebrations
Early July - Oakland Historical Association Walking Tour
Late October - Pumpkin Festival
Early November - Fall Foliage celebrations
December - Holiday Remembrance Gathering & Tree Decoration, Holiday Circle of Lights

Mountain View Cemetery now offers free docent-led tours twice a month.

I will have to check into these tours and see about taking one!

Fourth Annual Holiday Circle of Lights

2009-12-02T08:11:00.000-08:00

From Mountain View Cemetery's website here:

December 1 through New Year's Day
Every day from 5 to 9 pm

Join a Mountain View tradition! Fun for your whole family, our festive Holiday Circle of Lights is a perfect way to celebrate the season.

Located near our beautifully landscaped front entrance, a giant Nutcracker soldier awaits your arrival. Then, enter our enchanting story land of lights and delight in our whimsical display of characters. Hundreds of tiny bright lights outlining our buildings and trees provide a captivating backdrop for this free exhibition. Make our tradition part of yours!

Mountain View Cemetery Second Annual Holiday Remembrance Gathering & Tree Decoration

2009-12-02T00:07:00.000-08:00

From their website here:

Sunday, December 6, 3-5 pm

Remember family and friends who are no longer with us, whether they rest at Mountain View or elsewhere. Stop by from 3-5 p.m., choose and hang an ornament, and enjoy apple cider, cookies and holiday music. At 5 p.m. we'll host a special tree lighting ceremony.

If you plan to attend this free event and place an ornament, or if you'd like us to place an ornament for you, please call us at 510.658.2588 or email doreen@mountainviewcemetery.org. Clear ornaments have space for a photo or note; colored ornaments have space to draw or write a note.

Wordless Wednesday ~ Cemetery in Heredia, Costa Rica

2009-11-25T07:00:00.000-08:00

Cemetery. Heredia, Costa Rica, Central America. April 2008. Digital Image. Held by Cheryl Palmer [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE] California. 2009

Tombstone Tuesday ~ From Costa Rica ~ Benavides Hernandez

2009-11-24T18:57:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share with you a cemetery in Costa Rica. I actually did not take these pictures on this trip, but on the trip we made last year. I think it is always fun to see graves from other countries. This is the resting place for my husband's uncle in Heredia, Costa Rica.

It is the gravesite of the Benavides Hernandez family. In Costa Rica, the children are given the last name of the father and then the mother, hence "Benavides Hernandez." In Costa Rica my husbands last name was Benavides Benavides.

This inscription shows that Ricardo Benavides passed away on June 27, 1996. This was my husband's mother's brother. I met him once, roughly five years before he died.

Wordless Wednesday ~ Dublin Heritage Center

2009-11-18T11:54:00.000-08:00

Vacation Time

2009-10-30T18:40:00.000-07:00

I wanted to update you that I will be away for a few weeks on a little vacation to Costa Rica! Hope to have a post by the end of November! Thank you!

Tombstone Tuesday ~ Kolb

2009-10-26T23:52:00.000-07:00

The sign posted in the Dublin Cemetery, Dublin, Alameda, California for the Kolb Family. It reads as follows:

"Kolb Family~The Kolb Family settled in Dublin in the 1870's. George Kolb operated the General Store and farmed. His sons Edwin and Harold also ranched and farmed. Harold (H.W. Kolb) was a trustee for the Murray School District for 17 years and was a noted authority of local history."

Below are the headstones for Edwin, Harold and William Kolb along with pertinent information regarding them.

I recently posted about Margaret Kolb (she was married into this family) who I unexpectedly ran across in this cemetery the day I came to visit and take pictures. I knew Margaret. The link to the post regarding that find is below.

http://graveyardrabbitofsouthalamedaco.blogspot.com/2009/09/tombstone-tuesday-kolb.html

Happy First Birthday to GYR of South Alameda Co!

2009-10-23T12:58:00.000-07:00

It has come to my attention that today is the first birthday of this blog! A year? Really? Wow!

I have to admit that I have been rather busy and feel quite bad that there haven't been many posts here lately. Sometimes life just seems to get in the way, doesn't it? Even though I retired (basically) as of last January, I have found that my days have really filled up. The traditional "work week" Monday through Friday has been well filled for me again. Although I am not "officially" working, I am doing "jobs" now I truly enjoy.

Some of this has entailed quite a bit of learning and has been time consuming for me also. Progress has been made and I am looking forward to having more of a "set" schedule very soon, so I can spend more time blogging again!

I thank you for following this blog! I am anxious to start blogging for the second year!

Happy First Birthday to Graveyard Rabbit of South Alameda County!

Wordless Wednesday ~ Something Different-Costa Rica

2009-10-07T09:17:00.000-07:00

Tombstone Tuesday ~ Flanagan

2009-10-06T21:20:00.000-07:00

This stone is in the Dublin Pioneer Cemetery. I like the scroll announcing the burials. Those buried here are:

Kate Flanagan - Died May 4, 1914

John Flanagan - Died June 2, 1915

Eva Mary Flanagan - Died October 10, 1951

There is a Flanagan Lane in Dublin and knowing that many of Dublin's early settlers are buried in this cemetery, we can be rest assured John and Kate were a part of Dublin's beginnings. I found there was a John Flanagan who was a trustee for the school district, with a wife known as Lizzie around the 1890 time frame.

The Flanagan Plot is in Section A, Row 6. It looks as if Mother, Father and another Eva are also buried there. I could not find their death dates.

Oak Knoll Cemetery - Part 10 - The Secret

2009-09-17T10:20:00.000-07:00

William Mendenhall was Gregg’s great-great-great-grandfather. Descending downward, there is an Asa V. Mendenhall, whose son was Gregg’s grandfather. One day, Gregg (who shared this story with me), his mother and grandmother attempted to visit the family grave sites at Roselawn Cemetery. The three drove several miles to get to the cemetery, not one of them lived in Livermore. So very disappointed were they to find the cemetery gates were locked. The grandmother, I am sure was reminiscing a bit while sitting in the car. She stated that when Asa passed away, they was very poor. The family did not have the money to bury him properly in the cemetery, and had to take care of things themselves. One night, in the middle of the night when no one would be able to see them, she and her husband, Asa’s son, went to the cemetery and buried Asa’s urn outside the cemetery fence!

So, somewhere outside the cemetery, a Mendenhall is buried. When Gregg first came to the cemetery and we met, he had stated to me that he wasn’t doing so well. The reason was because there has been a lot of construction done on two sides of the cemetery, which surprised and disappointed him. One day he hoped to try to find Asa’s urn. His mind told him that the two areas where there had been construction, was where Asa would have been buried. Although I hadn’t been in the car when this story was told, I felt that Asa might have been buried in a different area. If I were his family burying him, I would want to bury him as close as possible to the rest of the family, which would be one of the other two sides of the cemetery. One of those sides would be the main road, so someone could have seen the family digging around. The other side though was off the main road and closest to the family plot, and it has basically been untouched. What were the parameters of the cemetery when Asa was buried? Could they have changed?

Gregg is looking for permission to poke around a bit to see if Asa’s urn can be found. This is one of the main reasons for bringing this story forward. Can you imagine, a Mendenhall being secretly buried outside the cemetery in Livermore? The three of us had discussion on how to proceed, and Jeff was going to look into a few things.

Gregg and I spent the majority of the day together. Jeff invited us to an opening of the old historical garage which we attended and was quite fascinating. From there, I was able to show Gregg Mendenhall Middle School. We drove to the grounds of the Oak Knoll Cemetery and walked the area together. We had lunch. We talked and talked and talked. I have learned so much, and hope this fascinating story doesn’t end here.

I did my job, kept the secrets I was suppose to keep and introduced Gregg and Jeff. From here on out whatever procedures there are will be between Gregg and Jeff. I do hope I am kept in the loop with updates however!

Wordless Wednesday - St. Michael's Cemetery

2009-09-16T08:55:00.000-07:00

St. Michaels Cemetery. May 10, 2009. Livermore, California. Digital Image. Held by Cheryl [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE] California. 2009.

Tombstone Tuesday - Kolb

2009-09-15T03:53:00.000-07:00

One morning back in July of this year my husband and I went to breakfast in Dublin, California. The restaurant where we ate adorned old "town" maps on the wall. They were of Dublin and it's neighboring cities. It was quite interesting to see how the towns used to be. This led me to wondering, where the cemetery was in Dubin. I had not been there as of yet. I couldn't think of where it might be.

I asked my husband if he had any idea where to find the cemetery. He worked in Dublin and the neighboring cities in the field for years, but he couldn't recollect seeing the old cemetery. We asked some of the workers in the restaurant, but no one knew. My husband told me we could go find out, but I decided I would come back another day when I could take my time exploring the cemetery grounds and taking pictures without my husband impatiently waiting for me.

Suddenly I didn't have a clue where my husband was driving to. When I asked, he said it was a surprise. Guess where we pulled up? Yep, the Dublin Cemetery. It clicked and he remembered where it was! I would have never guessed where it was, even though I have lived in the valley for many years, I had never been by the cemetery. There was no logical reason to ever have a need go by it. It is situated in an area close to the freeway, hidden away, by an old church.

My husband was so patient as I walked and explored the cemetery for about an hour or so, on a very hot day. I took many pictures while I was there, however at the very beginning of my exploration I ran across this headstone, which stopped me quick.

I knew Margaret Kolb. She used to be a customer of mine about eight years ago. A very sweet, kind and gentle lady. She was a school teacher in her day. During the time I knew her, she was taking care of people, her husband and a very dear teacher friend of hers, who was also a customer of mine. She had a health issue or two, but always pushed forward. Oh, the memories that came flooding back when I saw this headstone. So unexpected to see a headstone of someone I knew...this was a first for me.

Oak Knoll Cemetery - Part Nine - The Meeting

2009-09-14T09:43:00.000-07:00

The day finally came when Jeff and Gregg and I were to meet. Jeff is the Livermore Heritage Guild president. Gregg is the descendant of William Mendenhall who contacted me online. Gregg was to unveil a story he was told by his grandmother, long ago.

Even I seemed a bit nervous on this bright sunshiny day of our meeting. It had been such a build up to this point, and the story was actually coming out on this day. The decision was to meet at Roselawn Cemetery in Livermore early on a Sunday morning.

I arrived at the cemetery purposely earlier than the arranged meeting time. I wanted to explore the cemetery a bit and look at the Mendenhall grave site. Because I knew the story, I also wanted to check out the lay of the cemetery a bit too.

The cemetery was quiet and empty. I finally went to the meeting area, where I found someone leaning against his car. I pulled up and asked if he was waiting for someone, and he said "yeah, you." It had to be Gregg. I asked how he was as I got out of my truck and he replied “not so good.” When I asked why he told me the cemetery wasn't as he remembered it, it had changed. Indeed it had.

It wasn't long before Jeff Kaskey showed up and we all introduced ourselves to one another. Gregg explained to Jeff how he found me, and a bit of how he is related to the Mendenhall's. We talked about William Mendenhall's headstone being found, the background of the Mendenhall family and the origins starting from Oak Knoll Cemetery. Gregg knew so much of the Mendenhall history and explained he had tried to tell "his story" before, but there was a major lack of interest ten years earlier.

Eventually we all walked across the cemetery up to the Mendenhall burial site, talking all the way. Here, I took a couple of pictures of Jeff and Gregg. I don't know where the time went, but the conversation was non-stop for a good hour and a half. We eventually started heading back toward our cars and I am sure Jeff thought he had heard everything he was going to from Gregg and seemed anxious to move on to his next appointment.

Shortly before reaching our original meeting point, Gregg casually came out with what he wanted to tell Jeff. Jeff stopped dead in his tracks. I am not sure he knew what to say, or think. It caught him off guard.

(Remember where this leaves off and please watch for Part Ten of this series when the full story comes out! I just felt it was to much to put all in one post. I would love to share a picture with you of Gregg and Jeff, I feel I need to ask permission first though as I never told them I planned on posting any of the pictures.)

Wordless Wednesday - Thomas Mitchell

2009-09-09T09:09:00.000-07:00

Thomas Mitchell Headstone. October 23, 2008. Pleasanton Pioneer Cemetery, Pleasanton, California. Digital Image. Held by Cheryl [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE] California. 2009

Oak Knoll Cemetery - Part 8 - Mendenhall Phone Conversation

2009-09-03T20:13:00.000-07:00

Part seven in this series left off with phone numbers being exchanged between Gregg and I. We finally had that phone conversation a few weeks back. He called me one evening at about 9:30 and we spoke for three and a half hours. Can you believe it? I thought it was three hours but I have been corrected.

For me this was a most fascinating conversation. I learn more and more about the Mendenhall history and family all the time. It is amazing what one remembers when it involves your own family. Gregg remembered and shared so much with me. Everything was so exciting, it was difficult sometimes to believe I really wasn't part of the family. I have found history much more appealing these days compared to when I was in school and it was presented in such a dry manner. I really appreciate the stories I hear from family descendants, they aren't just dates and places, they are the meat and bones of the family.

We discussed what brought us together in the first place and why. I was given more explicit information regarding a story he wanted to share. He seemed content to have me present when the time comes that he meets the Historical Society President. What an honor, I was going to be present for this meeting!

I believe had it not been so very late when we ended the phone conversation we would have talked much longer. However, by the end our conversation Gregg was ready to meet with Jeff. Within a couple of days I was speaking with Jeff electronically. Jeff agreed to a meeting place and time. We were to meet on a Sunday morning at 9:00 and our meeting place was to be Roselawn Cemetery in Livermore.

Gregg had some doubts about the whole meeting. I totally understood. Maybe Jeff wouldn't be interested in what Gregg had to tell him. Several years ago, Gregg had tried to tell this story to someone else, but the person he spoke with wasn't interested. Why would this encounter be any different? One benefit he had this time was that he had me. I was interested. It would be a few short days and we would all finally be meeting. I sat and wondered...what if Jeff wasn't interested? It didn't matter to me. I knew the story and would be able to reveal it once this meeting took place, no matter the consequences. Gregg gave me permission.

Honoring the Young - Carmelita Mary Mello

2009-09-03T20:01:00.000-07:00

Carmelita Mary Mello did not have a very long life. She was born December 12, 1955 and passed away on March 6, 1956. I took this photo on May 10, 2009. It is nice to see she is still being remembered. Carmelita is buried at St. Michael's Cemetery in Livermore, California.

Oak Knoll Cemetery - Part 7 Mendenhall Descendant

2009-08-26T20:35:00.000-07:00

It has been awhile since I have posted on this series. There has been a reason. I was contacted a few weeks ago by a descendant of William Mendenhall! Can you image my surprise? This descendant contacted me via email wondering if William Mendenhall's headstone had been returned to Livermore. At the time I was not certain, but let him know I would try to find out.

I contacted the president of the Heritage Guild, Jeff Kaskey, and found out that he was personally the one who had driven to Southern California to bring the headstone home. I posted a picture of the headstone and the story of it's return here. Gregg, the descendant of William's, was very happy to know that the headstone for his distant grandfather had been returned to Livermore.

Jeff was very interested when he found out I had contact with a Mendenhall descendant. He informed me that he would love to speak with any descendants of the Mendenhall's who may be contacting me. I emailed Gregg to let him know this. Gregg had stories on his mind and said he was willing to speak with Jeff, eventually.

Gregg, in his second e-mail to me, told me some of the family stories. Apparently, no one else outside the family had been told these stories. I was a bit shocked that they were told to me, and so soon after meeting me online. It was later explained to me that I showed interest in his family, doing the series of posts, and he felt who better to tell? Who else could possibly be as interested? After all he had gone a good percentage of his life with these stories, and up until this point, no one seemed interested.

Needless to say, I felt honored that he spoke so open and freely with me regarding his family and the stories. I was asked not to repeat any of it, which I didn't. Jeff in the meantime was not wanting to waste time meeting Gregg, but I told Jeff we needed to be patient until Gregg was ready for the meeting. Jeff also shared some information with me, again I was asked not to mention it to anyone, which I haven't. Now I really felt in the middle!

Gregg and I exchanged phone numbers. All of a sudden it seemed I knew more about the Mendenhall family than I did my own! Gregg suggested that we have a phone conversation before meeting with Jeff. That was fine, I let him know he was welcome to call at any time. I immediately let my husband know that at some point and time a man would be calling me and his name was Gregg.

Wordless Wednesday - Mountain View Cemetery

2009-08-26T04:00:00.000-07:00

Mountain View Cemetery. August 8, 2009. Digital Image. Held by Cheryl [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE] California. 2009

Tombstone Tuesday - Caratti

2009-08-24T23:47:00.000-07:00

Aquilino Paul Caratti is better known as Joe Caratti. He was born in Switzerland and came to the San Francisco Bay Area shortly after the 1906 earthquake. He used his last $100 to get there. Joe was a great stonemason and had no trouble finding work, that is the one thing the earthquake did do, supply many jobs to rebuild.

In 1914 Joe went to Livermore, California and opened a bakery. He was very poor and it is said that he only had one light bulb, so where ever he went in the store, he had to take that light bulb with him. He closed the shop when World War One started and he and his brothers were drafted.

Upon returning after the war, Joe had to start over. He ran restaurants and built places for the workers to stay that were in Livermore doing construction. He built several cabins and the area and the section became known as Joesville.

Joe eventually sent for his mother, sister and future wife, Josephine Gilardi. They were married in 1922. Joe continued to enjoy stone masonry and built a restaurant, "The Rock House" which stills stands in this town. Joe Caratti and his family were one of the early parish families of Saint Michaels Church.

People, Bricks and Timbers, was a book written for this church's centennial in 1978. The information here regarding Joe Caratti was taken from this book and posted on Saint Michaels web site. The picture of the Caratti family plot was taken by me on May 10, 2009.

Aguilino Caratti either died or was buried on November 20, 1980
Josephine (Gilardi) Caratti died or was buried on July 12, 1994

Hidden Memorial

2009-08-24T15:06:00.000-07:00

There are four granite stones which are engraved with the names of many military veterans from San Lorenzo, Ca. and areas close by. These granite stones are under a tree next to the Heide House. The Heide House is a old Victorian building on Grant Ave. Military veterans are unhappy because the stones are actually hidden by a hedge. They would like to have the stones moved to an area which would make the monument more visible. There are approximately seven hundred names on these stones and it is an "all war" monument.

In 1999 the war memorial was built by Tom Clements. At the time he had an office in the Heide House and therefore placed the memorial close to his office. A couple of veterans, whose names are actually on the memorial, would like to see the stones moved to an area down the street which is owned by the county. They feel it would be a more prominent area to be seen. Veterans of the area would like to spruce up the memorial and place flags of each division of the armed services all around the memorial.

Tom Clements likes the memorial just where it is and doesn't want to see it moved. Tom's brother served in the Vietnam War. Tom's wife came up with the idea to do something to honor local veterans, hence the memorial. The Clements put a lot of time and energy into this. Eventually the hedge was placed along the memorial, which apparently makes the wall very difficult to be seen. The Home Owners Association's board members and the county supervisor would like to find a better home for it. The problem is, it belongs to the Clements! The Clements are afraid of vandalism, damage and the possibility of being stolen if they were to move it.

What a wonderful idea the Clements had making this memorial. This memorial reminds me of the Vietnam Memorial Wall. The Clements wall is not as tall, the letters much larger and it is built with 4 stones. Such a beautiful, hidden monument. I am sure the money and effort involved, plus the emotion of building such a thing, says a lot for why Tom wants to keep the Memorial where it is. However, something this beautiful, sentimental and historical in nature should, in my eyes, be placed where the public can see it. Bottom line is, as I said before, the Clements own it and can do with it what they see fit. Maybe, one day it will be placed in an area where it will be protected, yet visible for everyone to see and appreciate.

Honoring the Young - Wilbert Joseph

2009-08-21T21:05:00.000-07:00

When I first became interested in cemeteries, I was at a cemetery in Downieville, California. I enjoyed reading the dates of the headstones to see how long the person lived for whom the headstone was memorializing. That is until I came across the first headstone which belonged to an infant. I have a very soft spot for infants and when I came across this first headstone, it pulled at my heart. Since then of course I have seen many headstones for children. I thought I would honor these children who lived such short lives, by posting their headstones here on this blog. I plan to post photos of those who were 17 and younger, not adults yet. I hope to post "Honoring the Young" photos about once a week. May all of these children rest in peace.

Wilbert Joseph, born 1920 and died in 1923. A mere three years old...If you look closely you will see there is a picture of William in this headstone. Could Wilbert have been the victim of the West Nile Virus?

Simple to Contact Me!

2009-08-20T09:20:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Thomas MacEntee for posting directions and information on the GeneaBloggers site about the contact button you see to the left. In the past week or two there have been a couple of people who wanted to contact me personally, but not in the comments area of my blog. These people did find an alternate way to make the connection, and thank goodness they did! One person found my email address worked for them and another person found me on Facebook. I am very happy these people contacted me!

The problem I saw for these people is that they should not have had to go looking so hard to find a "safe" place to contact me to begin with. It seems Thomas was reading my mind when he posted this new to me information. I now have the "Contact" button on the left side of this blog, in a bright color, a shade of red, so hopefully it can not be missed. Many times people want private or personal contact which I do understand.

I would strongly recommend those of you who have blogs and have not added this to yours, think about doing so. You never know when someone may be wanting to contact you.

I look forward to and hope my readers feel free to contact me through this button, it was set up for YOU!

Wordless Wednesday - Grave

2009-08-19T08:59:00.000-07:00

Grave. May 10, 2009. St. Michaels Cemetery, Livermore, California. Digital image. Held by Cheryl [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE] California. 2009

Graveyard Rabbit of South Alameda County

Wilson Memorial

Wordless Wednesday ~ Ronda ~ Roselawn Cemetery, Livermore

Meet A Rabbit #74

Meet A Rabbit #73

From St. Michael's Cemetery In Livermore

Wordless Wednesday ~ Alderigi

Meet Rabbit #72

Bucannan Headstone

Meet A Rabbit #71

A Deed for Sale on the Internet?

Wordless Wednesday ~ Self

Meet A Rabbit #75

Abrusci and Riecks

Wordless Wednesday ~ Berthe & Marcel Jaussaud

Meet A Rabbit #70

Meet A Rabbit #69

Crittenden Headstone

Wordless Wednesday ~ Roselawn Cemetery

Meet A Rabbit #68

Meet A Rabbit #67

Wordless Wednesday ~ Garthwaite Plot at Pleasanton Pioneer Cemetery

Meet A Rabbit #66

First Permanent Newspaper Publisher of Hayward

Pumpkin Festival - It's the 5th Annual! Tomorrow!

Second Blogiversary & My Mother's Birthday

William Tehan ~ Dublin, California

Cemetery Clean Up Tomorrow!

Open House at San Lorenzo Pioneer Cemetery

In Memory of and with Great Sadness...

Kamp Headstone in the Dublin Cemetery, Dublin

Meet A Rabbit #65

Wordless Wednesday ~ Mountain View Cemetery

The Flanagan's; from Longford, Ireland to Dublin....California

Honoring the Young ~ Willie

Meet A Rabbit #64

Meet Rabbit #63

Wordless Wednesday ~ Johnston

Tombstone Tuesday ~ Anderson

Meet A Rabbit #62

Wordless Wednesday ~ View at Roselawn Cemetery

"Legend of Lone Tree" Plaque

Meet A Rabbit #61

Meet A Rabbit #60

Wordless Wednesday ~ Whipple

Meet A Rabbit #59

Meet A Rabbit #58

Spend Memorial Day at Mountain View Cemetery

Wordless Wednesday ~ Sardinha

Tombstone Tuesday ~ Santini

Meet A Rabbit #57

Meet A Rabbit #56

Wordless Wednesday ~ Lone Tree Cemetery

This Rabbit...

Meet A Rabbit #55

Meet A Rabbit #54

Roses for Rowe and Robinson at Roselawn

Meet A Rabbit #53

Meet A Rabbit #52

Wordless Wednesday ~ Cohen

Wordless Wednesday ~ Rickey Self

Alameda County 100 Club ~ Post 2

Meet A Rabbit #51

Alameda County One Hundred Club ~ Post #1

How Would You Define Cemetery, Graveyard, Coffin, Casket and Sarcophagus?

Answer:

A sarcophagus is a stone coffin. They were used by Egyptians

Wordless Wednesday ~ Husband

Thomas H. Donlon

A Feel for Dublin Cemetery and it's Location

Meet A Rabbit #50

Meet a Rabbit #49

Meet A Rabbit #48

Meet A Rabbit #47

Meet A Rabbit #46

Sentimental Sunday ~ (Walters) Palmer

Mountain View Cemetery

Fourth Annual Holiday Circle of Lights

December 1 through New Year's DayEvery day from 5 to 9 pm

Mountain View Cemetery Second Annual Holiday Remembrance Gathering & Tree Decoration

December 1 through New Year's Day
Every day from 5 to 9 pm