Summer 2008 — Vol. 61, No. 3
Seven years ago this summer, “Cemetery Chronicles” made its debut in Clemson World as an early initiative of the Woodland Cemetery Stewardship Committee. The idea behind this column was simple: to tell part of the Clemson story through glimpses into the lives of those who have earned resting places on Cemetery Hill and to raise awareness of efforts and opportunities to preserve and enhance this sacred ground.
With the generous help of many of you, the idea has proven to be a wonderful success.
In the 28 chronicles that have been published to date, we have shared the stories of more than two dozen Clemson legends through the voices of many alumni, family and friends who have graciously served as volunteer authors. We have also heard from many Clemson World readers who have shared their own touching memories in response to the chronicles. The following is a sampling of stories we have collected that remind us of the importance of this work:
I remember, as a child, going to Clemson football games and listening to my grandfather talking to Frank Howard about how the season was shaping up. I remember him taking me into Judge Keller’s to visit, and Judge Keller asking me if I was going to be a Miss Tigerama one day … and I remember how the bells of Tillman Hall played at his funeral. Though I did not attend Clemson, it will always be an important part of my life, and I owe much of that to Joe Sherman. I’m happy to see that my grandfather hasn’t been forgotten.
One of the hats Col. Rick Robbins wore at Clemson was that of “Cheerleader Adviser.” Being a cheerleader during the “Hootie era” was a life experience for all of us who attempted to rally the students as our beloved Tigers were getting whooped … by whomever we seemed to play. But Col. Robbins was there with the Tigers on the sidelines, and he was there for us cheerleaders, but more importantly, he was there for me, personally, for the four years I was a student.”
My grandmother told me for years that she distinctly remembered there being a hill and trees. I always knew that they [great-grandparents Charlie and Susan Ella Henry] were buried in Clemson, but I had no idea it was on campus. A couple of months after I found the graves, my mother and I carried my grandmother to see them. She had not been there since the funerals many years ago. After she cried a little bit she looked around and said that it was exactly how she remembered it. It really is a beautiful cemetery, and it means so much to my family that it has been taken care of so well.
In addition to the many stories that have been shared through “Cemetery Chronicles,” we have also periodically provided an update to Clemson World readers on the progress of physical enhancements that have taken place within Woodland Cemetery. Since our last update in the summer of 2006, the original capital improvements planned for the cemetery have been completed. A new set of stone entry gates along Williamson Road was constructed in 2006. Earlier this year, the entranceway was enhanced with terraced landscaping, new paving and two rows of oaks that will grow to provide a stately entrance alley connecting the cemetery to the historic center of campus.
All of these important improvements have been made possible by a strong contingent of generous supporters. The Stewardship Committee has secured a total of $480,000 to date for the cemetery’s preservation and enhancements.
We’re deeply grateful to those who’ve made financial gifts to the Cemetery Preservation Fund. We also appreciate the students, staff and alumni who have given their time and energy to help clean the Woodland Cemetery grounds, preserve its trees, provide tours for events like Reunion Weekend and Bring Your Daughter to Clemson, and provide outlets like this one to tell the cemetery stories. We believe the return on these monetary and in-kind investments will last through many generations of Clemson men and women.
Despite the recent achievements mentioned above, the Stewardship Committee’s work is not finished — there’s still more to do to improve the grounds and maintain the health of the wooded environment. However, we are excited to have reached an important milestone with the completion of these recent capital projects. Our special thanks go out to you for reading “Cemetery Chronicles” and to all those who have supported our work over the past seven years.
We hope you will continue to join us in paying tribute to the men and women who served Clemson so faithfully and make our Woodland Cemetery a unique Clemson legacy.
For more Cemetery Chronicles, visit the Web at www.clemson.edu/clemsonworld/chronicles/.
To support its preservation and research, you can make a gift online and designate it for the “Cemetery Hill Preservation Fund.”