A citizen concerned about the preservation of the Winamac Cemetery spoke up during the Winamac Town Council meeting on Monday. Kim Russell approached the council and presented her concerns about the cemetery, which she says is the oldest cemetery in Pulaski County. She said the cemetery is where many of the town’s founding fathers and ancestors are buried and feels it is our job to defend and respect their final resting place.
Her focus was on the historic section of the cemetery where the sand bowl is located. Russell said aside from being used for sledding in the past, the sand bowl holds greater significance. She said records from the Mother’s Club documenting the Winamac Cemetery between 1949 and 1954 stated that some contend that the hole was formed by swirling winds but others say the bowl was carved out by Native Americans and utilized for tribal dances and ceremonies. Earlier settlers confirmed there was a Native American village on that hill and relics have been found in that area. Russell said a similar hole is on a piece of property south of the sand bowl in the cemetery.
Her concern comes from the state of the graves in that area. She said when the cemetery was re-documented in 2013 some names from the past were missing.
“An earlier reading of the cemetery from 1949 listed several names of people who were also buried in this area but the area is so overgrown with trees, weeds and full of sand that the stones are currently lost.” Russell explained.
She said she fears that the sand bowl is currently utilized as a dumping ground for excess sand from newly dug graves and damaged grave stones. Russell said she has joined up with Janet Onkin and a group of volunteers. They are interested in working with the council to address areas of the cemetery that are in need of preservation.
Council member Judy Heater mentioned that she shares Russell’s concerns about the conservation of the cemetery. She said she would be willing to work with Russell and any other concerned community members to start a committee that could spear-head efforts to address issues at the cemetery.
