History of Maple Grove Cemetery

A Gazette editorial from 1861 reads no more lots available… In the 1860’s, the Hudson Cemetery Society was faced with a problem.

The cemetery had only two or three lots remaining to be sold at the old Protestant Cemetery, commonly known as the Old Cemetery, which was located in a portion of the site of present day Webster Park.  During early 1860’s, the Cemetery Society debated the need for additional land for a new cemetery, or to somehow expand the existing site.

In 1867, the Hudson Village Council on behalf of the Cemetery Society acquired 15 acres of land located upon the farm of Samuel Pittenger.

The land was located on the north-west corner of the Pittenger farm, at the terminus of High Street.  The land was purchased at a cost of $125.00 per acre and totaled $1,875.  The acreage on a hill was located at a high point in town, and would become known as the “New Cemetery” and would be named Maple Grove Cemetery.  High Street which was located at the top of a hill, no longer exists on any City of Hudson maps, but I believe that street and drive were created through the former Pittenger farm land, and becoming N. Maple Grove.  Maple Tree’s lined the street and boulevard.  Newspaper accounts appear to be in conflict on some information concerning the property purchase. One claims the Village/City purchased 20 acres, another claims that 15 acres was acquired.  It was interesting to note that initially, lots in the new cemetery were sold at $10.00 a lot and $7.00 for ½ lot.   A short time later, the cost of lot’s was raised to $12.00.

One article describes the newly acquired land as an “attractive, and pleasant resort; accessible at all seasons, over a good road, and far enough away to avoid collision with other uses, and near enough for an easy walk.   In some newspaper accounts, the new cemetery would be described as “the City of the Dead”.

For many years, the cemetery sextons had to hold caskets in storage prior to burial during the winter months when it was not possible to dig in the frozen ground.   In 1881, voters approved the building of a receiving vault, at a cost of $1,000, and this was completed around 1884, the structure measuring 16 x 16 feet with 14 inch walls.  The vault designed by Adrian Architect, C.F. Matthes, is ornamental in style, and served as a receiving vault for many years.  The vault remains today, but is now used for storage, though retains its distinctive style.

In 1906, the City acquired the old Spencer farm, consisting of 36 acres, which included a barn and farm house, which was remodeled and housed the cemetery sexton.  The property cost $3,600.00 and was paid from the cemetery fund.  The barn located on the farm land was sold to a George Lydamore, who moved it from the property.

In the 1920’s the three bedroom cemetery farm house was remodeled and used for many years to house the cemetery sexton, and the first City Manager hired in the mid 1950’s.  Newspaper accounts indicated that into the 1970’s the cemetery sexton, and then a Chief of Police occupied the house.  The home is now rented to a private party.

In 1926, the records show that the number of lots to care for had increased to 1,300 in the new cemetery and that 5,000 people were buried in the Maple Grove Cemetery at that time.

Gradually over the years, additional acreage was acquired, to insure that land would be available for the further growth of the cemetery.

Land such as where the Will Carleton park is located today, was acquired and intended to be used in the future for cemetery expansion, should the need arise.

A review of the history of Maple Grove, and the old cemetery once located where Webster Park sits today is fascinating.  In the old cemetery, those interned were from the late 1830’s, and through the civil war era of the 1860’s.  These graves and headstone would eventually be moved to the new cemetery in the 1940’s.  Today, no markers remain at the site of the old cemetery, land which is now part of Webster Park.  At the Maple Grove Cemetery, the headstones from the old cemetery were located in a small area near the receiving vault building.  Many of the headstones that were re-interned, the markers have deteriorated with age, and the wording on many of the markers is no longer legible.

The earliest recorded burial in Maple Grove Cemetery was that of Phebe Lane, wife of Beriah Lane, founder of Lanesville, which eventually became Hudson, on May 23, 1839 at the age of 35.  Most likely, Mrs. Lane was buried elsewhere, and then re-interned to Maple Grove after it opened in 1867.

News stories from the 1800’s and the early 1900’s tell the story and the history of Maple Grove Cemetery, and the pride that the community, and its sextons had for the cemetery. That pride remains today.  Phil Goodlock “P-Nut” takes great pride in the care and maintenance of the Maple Grove Cemetery, a place known to some as “God’s Acres”.

Hospice The Lights of Love Tree Lighting Program

Hospice – 20th Lights of Love tree lighting On Sunday, December 2nd the 20th Annual Lights of Love Tree lighting ceremony was held at the Hudson Community Center, in remembrance of those that have been served by the Hospice of Lenawee, their families, and the many dedicated hospice volunteers.

Outdoors, near the front of the Center, along Main Street, those gathered surrounded the tree on a very windy and rainy night were nearly 130 hospice volunteers, family members of those served by hospice, and members of the Hudson Cantata group.  Local Girl Scout leader, Mary Tanner, and her senior troop members, tried their hardest to keep the flames glowing on the candles surrounding the tree, but that was not to be.

Gerri Monahan and son Charlie, as well as other family members of Bud Monahan lit the tree in remembrance of her husband, and their father Bud Monahan.

Following brief comments, a moment of remembrance, along with songs of the season, those gathered reassembled into the warmth and light of the center.

Elton (Van) VandeZande began the evening program with emotion in his voice, as he remembered the first program 20 years ago, and the premature loss of a dear friend that remains fresh in his mind and weighs on his heart after all of these years.  Time was devoted to remember the many in the Hudson area that have died, and were served by Hospice of Lenawee.  In the quiet of the room, (Van) VandeZande announced a name; heads would nod no doubt in remembrance of family members, and of the dedicated and caring hospice volunteers.

This was my first occasion to hear and see the Hudson Cantata Choir perform under the direction of choral director Cindy Wolf.  I would estimate that about 70 of the over 120 musicians and choir members were in attendance.  John Enerson served as the narrator, in introducing each music selection.  Lori Lancaster performed a solo in a hearty and strong soprano, and the Cantata was accompanied by pianist Jan Rickard.

The Hudson Cantata will be performing this weekend, on December 7, 8, and Sunday afternoon on December 9th.  I certainly look forward to attending a full performance.

The lights of love treeing lighting was planned, and coordinated by Mary and Bud Enerson, Jean Ann and David Berlin, and Kari Evans.  Numerous others took an active role in insuring that the program would be a respectful remembrance of those that have passed, and would prove to be a memorable evening.   Following the brief musical presentation by the Hudson Cantata, food and warm refreshments were served to all that attended.  Our moderator, (Van) VandeZande nicely pointed out to me, that while having the piano at the center was appreciated, it is badly in need of tuning.

Hospice volunteers and the Hospice of Lenawee have been touching the lives of many in the great Hudson area for many years.  At times, the emotions were very near the surface for many in the room, as this was a time of reflection of those that have been lost, and the grieving process that is unique for each person.  This was an occasion of coming together for those that were touched by the loss of a loved one, at the most vulnerable stage in life, and how Hospice volunteers eased the process and the journey.

The Lights of Love tree lighting program provided an evening of remembrance which was respectful, dignified, and spirit filled.

Cleaning Up the Muss

If you find reading about the civil war era, military life, and Hudson in the 1860’s, then a newly published book is for you, titled Cleaning up the Muss.  The Civil War letter of Surgeon David P. Chamberlin, M.D. written by Marty Bertera, and Hazel Pray Monahan will make for interesting reading.  The book is available at the Hudson Museum, in hard cover or paperback.

The book contains letters written by Dr. Chamberlin, sent to the Hudson Gazette newspaper on a monthly basis during the early Civil War years of 1860’s.  Each letter chronicles life of the soldier’s in the 4th Michigan Infantry, primitive medical care, and is descriptive of their surroundings, and the 4th early involvement in the war.  I would recommend this book highly to those that have an interest in history, and especially Civil war history.
                                                To Index