Images Speak – Cedar Hill Cemetery: A Walk through History

Usually one thinks of cemeteries as quiet, peaceful places, sometimes neglected and overgrown. Not so with Cedar Hill in Rusk.

During a recent drive-through on my way to join members of the newly established Cemetery Advisory Board, I saw a place bustling with activity.
“Cemetery Angels” were cleaning stones, removing lichens and mold, clearing brush and vines while placing flowers at the head of graves, some silk and others freshly planted iris and daylily.

The city had just mowed the entire area, making this burial site a beautiful place indeed. All these efforts combine to ensure those buried here are not forgotten.

To help get the word out in terms of what still needs to be done at Cedar Hill and how everyone can help preserve its history, several activities are planned.

First, mark your calendar for a “Walk through History” Sunday, Oct. 24, from 2-5 p.m. Then, bring a lawn chair and join us in the oldest section of Cedar Hill Cemetery – at the very back where majestic cedar trees can still be found, seemingly standing guard over the oldest graves.

During the introduction portion, starting at 2 p.m., a printed program and map will be given to each attendee for the self-guided tour, at which time you will have an opportunity to “meet” individuals from the past who made a difference. You will spend about 15 minutes at each grave listening to stories of determination, heroism and humor. Standing at each grave will be a local citizen, many in period costume, who will portray the following: 1) a Rusk City Marshal, born 1829; 2) a local educator who, unknown to many, served his country admirably; 3) a suffragette who was the first woman elected to county office even before women could vote; 4) a Nurse Administrator who rose to the highest levels at Rusk State Hospital; 5) a soldier who served in Patton’s Army during WW II; 6) an artist whose talent led her to many accomplishments, including a seat on the Rusk City Council; 7) a descendant of slaves buried in an unmarked grave and 8) a daughter of a judge whose family was very close friends with Governor Jim Hogg.
Then at approximately 4:15 p.m. everyone will travel to the Heritage Center Museum, located at 208 S. Henderson St., where curator Betty Marcontell will welcome everyone, offer refreshments and facilitate more discussion about our local history.

If it’s a rainy day, the entire event will be held inside the Heritage Center Museum.

For additional information about the “Walk through History” or how you can help the “Cemetery Angels” contact members of the Advisory Board which functions for both Cedar Hill and Rusk Memorial Cemeteries – Joanne Waddell Hart at 903-539-4765 or Maxine Session, 903-721-3111. They need volunteers and donations.