From the DeKalb History Center…
Our next Lunch and Learn will be presented by Cathy Vogel who will share stories from the historic Decatur Cemetery; the oldest burial ground in the Atlanta metropolitan area. It dates to 1823 and today encompasses about 58 acres and over 20,000 graves. A portion of the cemetery is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It includes a number of locally important graves including Mary Ann Harris Gay (1828–1918); Dr. Thomas Holly Chivers (1806–1858); Col. Milton A Candler (1837–1909); and Col. George Washington Scott (1829–1903). There are also three veterans of the American Revolution and numerous orphans buried there.
Founded in 1993, The Friends of Decatur Cemetery is a group of citizens devoted to supporting the historic cemetery. These volunteers advocate for the continued preservation and improvement of this gorgeous property. They have produced a walking tour brochure highlighting 40 grave sites.
Vogel is a former DeKalb History Center board member, one of founding members of Friends of Decatur Cemetery and the originator of Second Sunday Strolls through the cemetery. She also volunteers at Oakland Cemetery, the Fox Theatre and the Atlanta History Center.
Free! Bring your lunch.
Tuesday, November 17, Noon – 1:00 p.m.
Historic DeKalb Courthouse, 101 E. Court Square, Decatur GA 30030, Second Floor, Superior Courtroom
Photo caption: Thomas Holley Chivers is remembered most for his tumultuous friendship with Edgar Allen Poe and their similar poetic style. His first burial site was at the foot of the front steps to his Decatur home called Villa Allegra. Shortly afterwards his remains were moved to the Decatur Cemetery marked with the draped urn as shown in the circa 1940s picture from the DHC Archives.
Sorry to threadjack, but I can’t help but think how much this picture refutes the statement, “if you cut them down, you don’t get them back.”
Sure! Just wait a hundred-something years.
And have the next hundred years be a greenspace at a cemetery rather than a parking lot