LINDENWOOD CELEBRATES 150 YEARS

One of the most historic cemeteries in Indiana, Lindenwood, celebrated its milestone on Sunday, May 30, 2010. Bagpiper Robert Downing, the 30^th Indiana Volunteer Infantry and Concordia Lutheran High School ROTC began the 150^th anniversary ceremony. Master of Ceremonies Eric Olson hosted the warm, sunny afternoon event.

Founded in 1859 Lindenwood Cemetery opened to the public on May 30, 1860 (the year Lincoln was elected President). Then in 1883, following the Battle of Gettysburg, an act of Congress selected May 30 as a day to honor the war dead—Memorial Day!

“…We are all a part of the great chain of life that began long before us and will continue long after we are gone,” said Eric referring to one of the oldest and largest cemeteries with 70,000 dead buried within its 175 acres.

The National Anthem was song by Brittany Eldridge-Carroll High School, Invocation by Rev. Thomas P. Hansen-Trinity Episcopal Church, Voices of Unity Youth Choir and a welcome message from Lindenwood’s General Manager Tom Pelke continued the event.

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“Never to forget” POW-MIA  chairman Shorty Geiger, proclamations, and the raising of the Lindenwood 150^th Anniversary flag followed.

Keynote speaker was John Beatty of the Allen County Public Library’s Genealogy Department reported on the history of the cemetery. “The first to be buried here were Civil War Soldiers, then familiar names that include Fairfield, Rudisill, Bass, Thieme, Bowser, Baer, Foster, Foellinger.”

It was considered a “rural” cemetery, meaning a spiritual park-like setting with flowers and trees representing an oasis. It was a very pleasant honorable place to be buried and still is.

“A vibrant place remains,” concluded Eric Olson as the bagpiper played Amazing Grace heading down the long winding road through the cemetery.

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Cindy Cornwell

She started her newspaper career over 10 years ago beginning as a sales executive, progressing as copy editor, graphic and paper designer, and former Executive Editor. She enjoys writing about the great place to live, shop, work and play; Waynedale.

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