A walk through history: Volunteers restoring markers in Morgantown’s oldest cemetery

Key Takeaways:

• Community Restoration Efforts: Volunteers are actively restoring markers in Oak Grove Cemetery, showcasing the power of community involvement.
• Historical Significance: Oak Grove Cemetery is Morgantown’s oldest cemetery, holding graves of notable figures like Alexander Wade and Waitman T. Willey.
• Margaret Roberts’ Reflection: Longtime resident Margaret Roberts highlights the personal and historical importance of the cemetery.
• Role of 1st Ward Neighborhood Association: The association plays a key role in organizing and supporting the restoration efforts.
• Preservation of Heritage: The initiative underscores the importance of preserving local history for future generations.

Walking Through Time in Oak Grove Cemetery

MORGANTOWN — The echoes of Morgantown’s rich history are being revived through the diligent efforts of local volunteers committed to restoring the markers in Oak Grove Cemetery, the city’s oldest resting place.

A Historic Treasure

Oak Grove Cemetery is more than just a burial ground; it’s a historical archive of the community. Housing the graves of notable figures such as Alexander Wade, an education pioneer, and Waitman T. Willey, a key political figure, the cemetery serves as a tangible connection to the past.

Community at Work

The restoration project is spearheaded by dedicated volunteers and members of the 1st Ward Neighborhood Association. Their mission is to rehabilitate weathered and worn markers, ensuring that the stories etched in stone are not lost to time.

Reflections from a Longtime Resident

Margaret Roberts, a longtime resident of the 1st Ward, poignantly expressed the essence of the project when she wrote, “A walk through the original Oak Grove Cemetery is a […]” Her words encapsulate the profound connection between the community and its history.

Preserving Heritage for Future Generations

The efforts in Oak Grove Cemetery represent more than mere maintenance; they are a commitment to preserving Morgantown’s heritage. By restoring the markers, volunteers are not only honoring those who came before but also providing a gateway for future generations to explore and learn from the past.

Continuing the Journey

As restoration continues, the community is invited to participate and support the initiative. The project stands as a testament to what can be achieved when citizens come together with a shared purpose: to respect and preserve the legacy of their city.

Residents and visitors alike can look forward to a rejuvenated Oak Grove Cemetery, a place where the chapters of Morgantown’s history are kept alive through collective effort and unwavering dedication.