MASON CITY – Elmwood-St. Joseph Municipal Cemetery reports this year’s History Walk was successful in raising $4,782.00 for their historic preservation projects. Credit for this success goes to the generous sponsors of the event, the many supporters who contributed in-kind donations, the 60 dedicated volunteers who produced the event and the 200 cemetery and history enthusiasts who purchased tickets.
A video of the 2013 History Walk is available in a DVD format for $15.00 by contacting the cemetery office at 641-421-3687.
The funds raised are used to purchase supplies for the cemetery’s ongoing gravestone preservation work and as matching funds for larger projects. Volunteers have been working on the most critical gravestones over the last two years with over 50 stones being preserved. Some funds were used to help restore the original entrance on 10th Street SW. The Gale-Emsley, Vermilya-Dilts and Melson mausoleums, all built in the early 1900’s, are in need of restoration work. Research and cost estimates are being assembled in order to seek grants to preserve these structures.
Anyone interested in becoming involved in the cemetery’s preservation efforts is encouraged to contact Randy Opheim at 641-512-0956 or ropheim@masoncity.net.