Recently, members of the City of Ellsworth Cemetery Commission and volunteers spent time at both Juniper Cemetery and Beechland Cemetery, continuing the important work of caring for and preserving these meaningful community spaces.
At Juniper Cemetery, a crew of six, Carol and Paul Marino, Terri Cormier, Teresa Davis, Nancy Smith, and Dottie Vachon, worked together for several hours cleaning up debris left from winter tree removal and assessing future maintenance needs. Volunteers shared how impressed they were with the overall condition of the cemetery, crediting Tiffany Tate for the care and attention she gave the grounds throughout last summer. Her hard work was evident, with very little debris needing attention. The group also created a compost area, identified locations needing future brush cutting, and noted that the cemetery has room for future expansion and the potential for green burials.
In addition to maintenance work, volunteers uncovered two gravestones hidden beneath thick moss near the back of the cemetery. Their locations and photographs were added to the Find a Grave database, helping preserve local history for future generations. Another damaged and currently unidentified gravestone was also discovered near the fence line, prompting additional future research using historical maps and records. Following their work at Juniper Cemetery, volunteers moved on to Beechland Cemetery, where another dedicated crew raked the grounds, gathered branches and leaves for City pickup, and identified areas where future tree work may be needed.
The City extends a sincere thank you to the Cemetery Commission members and volunteers who continue to give their time and care to preserving these important places. Their efforts help ensure Ellsworth’s cemeteries remain respectful, welcoming, and connected to the community’s history for generations to come.
