More about "Mr. Parade"

Thanks to Terry Thornton (The Graveyard Rabbit Founder) for showing such interest in my post, "Mr. Parade" about Edward Joseph Kinney. Intrigued as he was, he researched a bit and found more information on Ed on Find a Grave. I decided to follow up on his information and found something intriguing.

Sometime after 1972 Mr. Kinney became mayor of Pleasanton! The smiley face became his political symbol. This information really sparked an interest in me as I had a relative who was also a mayor of Pleasanton! My relative was a first cousin once removed. I wonder if they knew each other? I found them both on the same list, "Community Service Award Recipients" 1964-2007. Mr. Kinney was in 1987 and my relative was listed in 1986. I will be doing more research on this! In fact as soon as I finish this post I will be emailing another relative to dig for info.

In 2004 an award was named after Ed, "The Ed Kinney Community Patriot Award". It is awarded to individuals and organizations who showed citizen and community involvement with top notch work.

A couple of years ago it looks like the Amador Livermore Historical Society did a series entitled, "The Ed Kinney Lecture Series," which in part I know was focused on the pioneers interred in Pleasanton. A day late and a dollar short. I would have loved to be a part of that series, if only they would have a repeat!

I learned the Pleasanton Hotel's balcony was dedicated in the name of Mr. Kinney. This dedication was done about three and a half years ago.

Apparently Mr. Kinney was known for making people feel comfortable and was quite the one with jokes. He was very well liked. It is no wonder the smiley face was his political symbol.

And the "Mr. Parade" on his marker? He was nicknamed that because he announced so many of parades that went through the city!

Graveyard Rabbits "Bury of Rabbits"

I just spent time updating the "Bury of Rabbit's" on the right in my blog list. My but the list has grown! I suggest you check it out and read other rabbit's blogs also, there are many very interesting blogs about cemeteries!

A little over a month since the inception of the Graveyard Rabbits, there are well over 350 articles written for your enjoyment. You will find many interesting photos, markers, traditions, cemeteries, news and information on these blogs.

I am honored to be a Graveyard Rabbit and part of this wonderful association! The articles that have been written thus far are extremely interesting and well done. I urge you to spend some time exploring some of these other blogs also!

Great job rabbits!

"Mr. Parade"

On one of my ventures out on a cemetery visit I hopped on over to Pleasanton Pioneer Cemetery. I have passed this cemetery many times in the last 20 years and never knew it was there. It sets on a main road going towards the outskirts of Pleasanton. There is a small driveway, which is difficult to see unless you know it is there. With brush along the side of the road for quite a stretch, you do not expect to see a cemetery entrance here. There isn't any sign of "life" in the general vicinity. Although the cemetery isn't visible from the street it is a perfect place for a cemetery. With address in hand I drove past the cemetery, missed it the first time around. Almost missed it the second time around also, however there were some maintenance trucks by the entrance and that caught my eye. The grounds crew were working on the entrance and actually had the main sign blocked so I couldn't get a good picture of it. But I found the entrance and drove up a little hill into the cemetery.I took a stroll through the grounds and knew it had been through some changes. It was a nice, warm, pretty day in California but the cemetery struck me as old and sad. Sad simply because it was a cemetery and seemed so lonely. But more on the cemetery at a later date, for now I want to share a specific headstone. Carrying the feeling of real sadness as I was walking through, I happened to cross this headstone, and it gave me such a smile!"Mr. Parade!" Edward Joseph Kinney, December 1, 1937 ~ April 29, 2005. And a smiley face! I think this man was a very happy person. But what convinced me all the more was when I looked at the back side of the headstone and saw this...I am sure "Smilin' Ed" brought much happiness to those who knew him. Even after his passing he brought a smile to at least one strangers face, mine.

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.

Memorials for our Armed Forces

This area at Chapel of the Chimes in Hayward is a memorial for our armed forces. First an overall view-



Next a closer view of the eagle and the plaque on the pillar-



The Army-



The Marine Corps-



The Air Force-



The Coast Guard-



The Navy-