About 60 people gathered at the historic Hillside Cemetery in Clarendon Sunday afternoon, September 21, to celebrate “The Historic Treasure in Our Midst.”
The U.S. Department of the Interior has recognized Hillside Cemetery and the Medina sandstone chapel located on the grounds, by placing them on the National Register of Historic Places.
The September 21 event celebrated those declarations and also served as an opportunity to dedicate a historical roadside marker. Clarendon Historical Society member Erin Anheier acted as master of ceremonies for the dedication and Town Historian Melissa Ierlan unveiled the marker.
The cemetery dates to 1866 and the Gothic Revival style chapel to 1894. The cemetery is located corner of Route 237 and South Holley Road near the southern border of the Village of Holley.
The Town of Clarendon now owns the cemetery and Anheier says Clarendon Supervisor Dick Moy spoke during the ceremonies regarding “the pride the community has in the cemetery and chapel.” He also read a declaration from Steve Hawley, “who was unable to attend as he is on one of his Patriot Trips to Washington, DC with veterans,” Anheier explained.
Supervisor Moy also thanked Anheier and Ierlan for their work on the National Register application.
The historical marker was purchased with a grant from the Pomeroy Foundation, Anheier said.
The National Register recognition highlights the two distinct stylistic approaches to cemetery design which are evident at Hillside. The older, eastern portion is built into the side of a hill and features the picturesque 19th century “Rural Cemetery Movement” style. On the western portion, the 20th century “Lawn Cemetery Style” approach is utilized with a level, open lawn and few trees.
The September 21 celebration also featured refreshments, music by Al Capurso from Gaines who played guitar and sang and Amy Harris, who performed inside the chapel on flute.
Those attending were able to tour the chapel, including the mortuary chamber, and Orleans County Historian Bill Lattin conducted a tour of the eastern side of the cemetery, explaining the symbolism used on gravestones and history about the people who are buried there.
The sandstone chapel is in need of major repairs and the Clarendon Historical Society is working to raise $225,000 to preserve it. Anheier says the historical society handed out pamphlets about the fund raising campaign to cover the cost of the restoration. Some who attended the event made donations, she says. The town is seeking a grant to help with the cost – Anheier and Ierlan have worked together on the application. Officials would eventually like to have the chapel available for funeral and memorial services as well as weddings, concerts and other public events. It seats more than 50 people.
Historical Society members say the chapel is architecturally and historically significant and retains original wooden furniture including Windsor-style chairs and a three-tiered pulpit.
Necessary repairs include a new slate roof and restoration of windows.
Donations for the restoration project are welcome and are tax deductible. For more information contact 585-638-6371 X104.
