The day I had the opportunity to visit Gardner Wylie Cemetery was cool, overcast and raining on and off all day. It had been a busy week and it happen to be when I could make time to go. I tried to wait out the rain but it was forecasted to last for another few days. I drove about 20 mins in and out of showers the whole way. As I pulled down the dirt road to the gate the rain started to let up. I parked the truck and set off to explore the site.
I was able to walk the entire grounds without the rain coming back. I had determined what stones I was going to document and returned to the truck for my gear. I was amazed at the fact it started to rain off and on again for the rest of my visit but when I needed to take video or take notes the rain would suddenly dry up. Here is the footage from the 5 headstones I chose to feature i shorts, a look around some disappearing history I will write about below, and views from the corners of the site.
During the video I scan a field of crumbling and missing field stones. I could not make out any markings and it appeared many were completely missing. I paused for a moment and pondered a few thoughts. “Who is keeping the records of the lost stones?” “How many stories will never be told with no record these people were ever here?” As generations pass and places like this are forgotten or just erode away we lose these stories forever. Preserving these stories is one of the goals of The Restoration Fund which will be established as this membership grows.
I will do bonus stories of 2 stones this week. 1 of which was erected to preserve the memory of two stones that were crumbling away to be forgotten forever. I want to help fund these restorations or replacements.
If you know any other taphophiles or people interested in the stories behind these headstones, please encourage them to join us in The Cemetery Explorers Club