Fairview Cemetery started 128 years ago
Gladys Shay | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 13 years, 7 months AGO
Fairview Cemetery, located south of Columbia Falls, was started 128 years ago, June 17, 1883. T. J. Karmony received $900 for the 40 acres. First by-laws were signed by the Rev. J. M. Eastland, R. J. Bohart and Reverend Minzter. Others attending initial session were Richard Eckelberry, A. B. Lewis, Thomas G. Patterson, A.B. Preston, Nathaniel Scott, James Shaw, A. H. Sheldon, P. Smith, Robert Wallace, Fred Walter, George Yenne and Jacob Zimmerman. Names still familiar in area communities.
It is significant to me that Decoration Day was started to honor Union soldiers in the Civil War. At least 12 Civil War soldiers returned to this area, and their graves are in Fairview Cemetery.
Chapel at Fairview Cemetery was originally named "Union Hall" in 1908. The next year it became "Cemetery Hall."
The 20-by-40 foot building has been well taken care of, with white wooden walls and ceiling, sparkling windows, shiny varnished floors and 18 polished wooden pews. A large wood stove is capable of providing heat in coldest weather. New window shutters were recent additions to the structure.
It was stipulated the building "was to be available for all creeds and denominations" when it was built. It certainly has been with funerals, weddings and variety of social events conducted through the many years.
The 2011 Memorial Day program included roll call of veterans read by Rodney Wendt, "Taps" played by Katy Anderson and Garth West, Glacier High School students, with Kelly Hartman, master of ceremonies and vocalist.
United Veterans of Flathead County participated in their patriotic ceremony preceding program in the chapel. Refreshments were served by Jacky Fisher and Donna Buchel.
Members of the Fairview Cemetery board are Jacky Fisher, president; Jim Buchel, vice president; Wanda Haugen, secretary; and Frank Gebhardt. Cary Dill is hardworking caretaker for the cemetery.
Through the years, residents recall cleaning their family graves, overridden with weeds and bushes, and taking water for flowers and plants.
Today tombstones are visible with well-cut grass throughout the cemetery.
Gladys Shay is a longtime resident and columnist for the Hungry Horse News.
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