19 February 2019

Perth & District Historical Society February Meeting

The PDHS 21 February meeting will be taking a grave approach - with an oral ‘visit’ to the Elmwood Cemetery.

The Elmwood Cemetery – A Resting Place

"Cemeteries and graveyards: “Space created by people for the act of honouring and memorializing  their forebears and recording the basic facts of the deceased”.  For many, a cemetery has an eerie 
air about it, which for some is enough to intimidate and they refuse to enter.  Others, however, are fascinated and intrigued by them and the stories of the inhabitants, finding them to 
be a rich source of research.  Our guest for this month’s meeting is the latter.

Eric Halpin, President and Chairman of The Perth Cemetery Company will take us through the gates of Elmwood Cemetery – presently, the only active cemetery in the town, dating to 1872.  Originally intended to be a Protestant burial ground, it is now available to everyone.  Eric’s talk will cover some of the residents, from notables to paupers of the Poor House to the “Dead House.”  In addition, he will explain the Cemetery’s attitude towards the clients, the atmosphere found within the grounds, and the interesting structures and unique markers.  As he explains, the history of a town is reflected in its cemetery.  Information about the cemetery and related topics will be available."

Further information at perthhs.org.

The meeting at the Royal Canadian Legion, 26 Beckwith Street E., Perth, (Toonie Donation), strats at 7:30 pm.

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