Green Hill Cemetery retains memories of Stephens City’s past

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Before the Civil War, funerals were managed by the deceased's family. Once a province of the home, relatives cared for the deceased, hosting wakes, and burying loved ones in local church cemeteries or on the family farm. The body was washed and wrapped in shrouds. A local wheelwright supplied an ordinary pine box. Family and friends gathered with the minister and shared the appropriate church services before transporting the coffin to the graveyard.

In the time of the colonial revival, beginning in the 1870s¸ interest in beautifying public and private burial spaces began to emerge. Rural cemeteries became picturesque gathering places for family outings where people were motivated to visit their deceased love ones. A new focus on the natural environment created a popular culture where families were stirred by stately monuments and gardens set inside these cemeteries.

After the Civil War, the citizens of Newtown-Stephensburg (now Stephens City), began petitioning the Town Trustees for a new cemetery somewhere west of the town. The town meeting minutes of March 12, 1874, cite, a special meeting being called in the counting room of Steele and Bro. The Trustees were to consider a petition from the citizens and freeholders [landowners] of the town who are praying the Council would grant three acres of land for the purpose of laying out a cemetery to Green Hill N. T. Stephensburg Cemetery Company. On motion of Trustee John W. Beaty, it was unanimously resolved that this body grant and convey by deed to Green Hill Cemetery Company, three acres of land off the southeast corner of the Town Commons, for the purpose of laying out a cemetery. The Town Trustees present were John W. Beaty, James R. Campbell, M. W. Steele, Dr. Thomas M. Miller (president), and M. H. Albin (secretary).

On motion of James R. Campbell, the Secretary was requested to prepare a deed of conveyance to said Green Hill Cemetery Company for the purpose of laying out and establishing a cemetery thereon.[1]

Green Hill was designed as a private rural park-like setting cemetery with roads and picturesque vistas. Early visions of the cemetery emphasized naturalness of landscape, with man-made adornments such as granite and marble headstones, which would allow for a deceased person's memory to live on for many more decades. Instead of a simple pine box, the deceased was often buried in an ornate mahogany casket, with silver-plated hardware and a silk-draped interior.

By the 1880s, most Stephens City churches began the process of transitioning their burials to Green Hill Cemetery rather than the church graveyard. In fact, some of the older graves were exhumed and relocated to the new cemetery at Green Hill. Burying families together became popular, family plots were established at Green Hill and family members previously laid to rest in church graveyards were then moved to the new family plot.

From the Stephens City Star, October 1881.

"Mrs. John H. Chrisman has removed the remains of her family from the family burying ground to Green Hill cemetery."

"We are glad to notice that many workmen are engaged in repairing and beautifying the cemetery. Green Hill will in time be an honor to the instigators."

"Albin & Brothers from the Winchester Marble Works have placed a few creditable tombstones in the Green Hill cemetery. We learn that they have orders for many more."

From the Warren Sentinel, Volume 12, Number 37, 17 December 1880.

"M. D. Albin and Bro.'s City Marble Works, Market Street, near the Depot, Winchester Va. Manufacturers of Italian and American Monuments and cost at lowest prices. Designs will be furnished on application. All orders promptly attended to. Satisfaction always guaranteed. Call and examine our stock, the largest and best in the Valley."

The illustrious families of the late 19th and early 20th century mercantile store and tavern owners, farmers, blacksmiths, wheelwrights, tanneries, saddle and harness makers, silversmiths, timbermen, and machine shops are all buried in Green Hill. These families decided to buy their own plot out of considerations for future generations. The family wanted members to have one convenient location to visit their ancestors. Cemeteries were becoming places for leisure, communing with nature, and creating a version of shared collective memories.

It is important to note that the rural cemeteries were built at a time when there were few public parks. Folks now had a large piece of ground, filled with artistic headstones and beautiful flower gardens. Huge Stephens City crowds began celebrating Decoration Day (flag day), established in 1868 to honor the war dead, by marching down Fairfax Street to the south cemetery entrance to clean and decorate the Green Hill Cemetery. On that day, both families of the living and dead convened and had a memorial service in the cemetery. A picnic-style dinner on the grounds and gospel music followed afterward. Gradually, Decoration Day became a way of establishing spiritual connections between present and earlier generations.

Decoration Day, IOOF Women of the Rebekah parade down Fairfax Street to Green Hill Cemetery, June 10, 1923. Some women are listed as Mrs. Gaither, Mrs. Rust, Caroline Lemley, Bessie Lemley, Dolly Adams, Dolly Yeakle, Chloe Carbaugh, Hazel Grim, Lillian Yeakle, Mrs. Ed Campbell, Browne Sausill, Lorena Steele, and Clementine Lemley. Courtesy Stone House Foundation, Stephens City, VA.

Robert Lee Ridgeway (1864-1946) was a farmer, cemetery caretaker and gravedigger during his life. Originally from Front Royal, VA, he moved to Stephens City and bought a two-room house on Germany Street (now Germain Street). Ridgeway expanded the house to include five rooms and maintained a barn in the backyard off Water Street on the east side of the cemetery where he kept his gravedigging tools.

L to R, Robert Lee Ridgeway, and Leonard J. Vann at Green Hill newly dug cemetery gravesite in the early 1940s. Robert Ridgeway (1864-1946) was a farmer, cemetery caretaker and gravedigger during his life. He maintained a barn behind Water Street on the east side of the cemetery. Contributed by Patty Vann Snyder.

According to Stephens City resident and granddaughter Patty Vann Snyder, Ridgeway lived with his wife, Carrie Baker Ridgeway, his sister, Pearl, and raised four children of their daughter Maggie, who died at the age of 30. "My grandfather owned cattle and the children helped him to move them to pastures that he tended around Stephens City. He kept horses for plowing and raised chickens. He was well liked in the community," Snyder said. Snyder's mother, Mildred Vann told her about a Mr. Stover, who owned a funeral home in Strasburg, and would visit and eat lunch with her grandfather after every burial service.

L to R, Mildred Reed Vann (8 years old), and Mable Reed Beaty (twelve years old) picnic at Green Hill Cemetery during the 1920s. Contributed by Patty Vann Snyder.

Joyce Blevins explains why she visits Green Hill several times each week. "I have family buried there. My maternal grandparents, Jesse and Lomie Racey are there as well as my parents, Robert and Hilda Braithwaite, Mom's brother and my uncle Ralph Racey and his wife Helen. My youngest child, Ronnie Blevins, Jr. is resting there. These family members are all side by side. My mom's oldest brother, Hugh Racey, his wife Alma, and son Alvin are buried in a Racey plot in a different section. I visit my son Ronnie because it makes me feel better and I make sure his flowers are not disturbed. When he looks down from Heaven, he knows I love and miss him. My daughters, Robin, and Jessica, make sure there are flowers for them, especially holidays and birthdays. I was taught this at a young age and have passed this on to my girls," Blevins said.

"It is peaceful to walk around and view people's burial plots and remember mostly good things about them. Growing up in Stephens City, there are a lot of people to remember. For myself and my daughters, the walk makes us feel close to my son and their brother," Blevins concluded.

Many people left money in their Will to be used to maintain their grave site. Dr. Elmer Milton Steele's 1939 Will states, "I desire a reasonable amount set aside from my estate for a tombstone for my grave. I bequeath to the Trustees of Green Hill Cemetery of Stephens City, VA fifty dollars, and direct the same be fully invested and the interest to be used for the upkeep and care of my lot in said cemetery."[2]

In 1965, The Stephens City Cemetery Company, Articles of Incorporation were amended to read as follows:

The name of the corporation is Greenhill Cemetery Inc., and its duration shall be perpetual. It is hereby certified that this corporation is a non-stock, non-member corporation, organized under the provisions of Chapter 2, Title 13.1 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended.

The initial Board of Directors were Robert K. Stickley, James W. Golladay, H. E. Massey, Alfred L. Snapp, G. W. Lemley, Julian Carbaugh, Vernon Ridings, Frank Ewing, and David Petrie.

R. M. Lemley Green Hill Cemetery key, dated 1934. Apparently at this time the gates to the iron fence surrounding the entire cemetery could be locked for the night. Robert M. Lemley lived from 1864 to 1954 and is buried in Green Hill. Courtesy Stone House Foundation, Stephens City, VA.

Such trustees and their successors shall have power to make such rules and regulations for the burial of the dead, the laying off, assignment and sale of burial lots, and the management, care, preservation, and improvement of the grounds, as they may deem proper. They may take and hold personal property and money for the purposes of the trust, and what is so acquired and all money received from the sale of lots shall be accounted for by them and faithfully applied to such purposes.[3]

John Petrie is the current President of Green Hill Cemetery. Petrie is supported by a secretary, a treasurer and six other trustees. Petrie is a retired United States Post Office rural letter carrier. He became a Green Hill trustee in 1981 and President in 2003. His father David Petrie, served as a trustee for many years until his death in 1978. "I have volunteered for so many years because I enjoy the work. My father and mother were always volunteering, and I just followed their example," Petrie said.

"We have around eighteen or twenty family members buried here. Both great grandparents, grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins; the Bean's, Wise's, Ebersole's, Petrie's and Carbaugh's are all buried in Green Hill. My father and I have served because it is very much a family affair."

Petrie handles many of the administrative tasks at the cemetery. These include meeting with bereaved families to discuss cemetery policy, site locations and cost, and coordinating with gravediggers and monument installers to identify grave sites and review cemetery guidelines and regulations.

The trustees do not have any records regarding the architect who designed Green Hill or the manufacturer of the cast iron fence which surrounds the entire three-acre property. Sandra Bosley, Executive Director of Preservation Historic Winchester, virtually visited the Green Hill fence for some historical investigation. Using a catalog from Stewart Iron Works Company in Covington, Kentucky, Bosley discovered Post 20-A style looked like a good match for Green Hill. Style 20-A is made of heavy cast iron plates and the cast iron corner, end, and gate posts, (used with iron picket fence) are securely bolted together.

This design is more typical stylistically of pre 1900 cemetery fences. "It does not appear like they [Stewart] have any catalogs available online prior to 1900, but this at least confirms they had access to that style of post," Bosley said. The company was founded in 1862 and incorporated in 1910. At one time, Stewart supplied much of the U.S.'s cemetery fences and gates. The installation of the fence probably took place around 1885-1890.

In 1906, a full lot (10 grave sites) cost $25. Today, a full lot cost $12,000. There are approximately 235 grave sites remaining for purchase. Most of the available sites are located on the western side of the cemetery near Grove Street. The older eastern side (hill section) of the cemetery near Water Street has been basically sold out. Petrie says there are about ten burials per year.

East to west view of the Green Hill Cemetery looking towards Grove Street. Courtesy Marty Barley.

According to Petrie, the east side iron fence was removed due to the unruly vegetation that took over the Water Street hill section of the cemetery. The hill was bulldozed in the 1980s, and the remnants of the old Pittman family potters clay pit and stone staircase leading up the hill were buried under. There are six gates to enter the cemetery, two on Fairfax Steet, one on Grove Street and three on Martin Street. Petrie added the third entrance on Martin to provide gravediggers more access to burial sites. A gate was installed in 2018.

The cemetery is going through some property improvements. Since October 2022, contractors have been working to clear unruly vegetation, downed or dead trees, and provide more frequent grass cuttings to make the cemetery more attractive.

According to Petrie, Decoration Day, once a huge town event, has gradually become a remnant of Stephens City's past. Where seventy-five people once participated in the 1980s, the crowd was reduced to thirty in the 90s. By the 2000s, less than twelve attended the event and it was finally canceled around 2015.

International Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF), Decoration Day celebration next to the ole hand-operated water pump on June 10, 1923, at Green Hill Cemetery. Decoration Day was an annual observance at many privately owned southern graveyards during which folks gathered to clean up and decorate graves with flowers, reconnect with family, and honor the memories of their ancestors. Courtesy Stone House Foundation, Stephens City, VA.

Green Hill is a privately owned cemetery. The trustees do not receive any funding from the state and all work done by the caretakers is strictly on a volunteer basis. Petrie is eager to reestablish the pioneer and community spirit of the people who live, love, work, and prosper here.

John Petrie acknowledges the many family donors who have assisted in the maintenance and overall preservation of the cemetery. He continually solicits donations from individuals, local businesses, churches, and civic organizations. Donations for Green Hill Cemetery should be sent to PO Box 208, Stephens City, VA 22655.

[1] Frederick County Deed Book 103, page 238, Green Hill Cemetery, April 18 1874.

[2] Document courtesy Stone House Foundation, Stephens City, VA.

[3] Code of Virginia Code – Chapter 3, Cemeteries, Title 57-24. Powers and duties of trustees.

Blue Ridge Wildlife Center Patient of the Week: Red Fox

Local agencies ban together to raise funds for emergency shelter for women and children

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James Madison University (JMU), one of the nation's leading lights in higher education, takes great pride in announcing its students who graduated with honors during the May 2023 commencement exercises. These students have exemplified academic excellence across a broad range of disciplines, each making their unique mark in their chosen field of study.

Graduating Cum Laude, Meghan Dennis, Jordan Reyes, and Abigail Frey of Front Royal have been acknowledged for their exceptional academic performance. Dennis earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality Management, Reyes in Individualized Study, and Frey in Nursing. In an outstanding accomplishment, Tyler Chaparro-Compton, also of Front Royal, graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Biology.

In addition to these laureates, JMU also honors other graduates who have successfully completed their degrees. Timothy Cochran of Bentonville earned his degree in Biology, while Kellsie Hollands, Michael Carter, Abegail Lee, Caitlin Thompson, Robert Look, and Olivia Hilton, all of Front Royal, graduated in fields such as Education, General Psychology, Individualized Study, Integrated Science and Technology, and Public Administration respectively.

JMU, established in 1908 and nestled in Virginia's scenic Shenandoah Valley, is renowned for fostering engaging relationships between students and faculty, driving educational innovation, and supporting advanced research. The university prides itself on offering state-of-the-art amenities and facilities, including NCAA Division 1 athletics, and consistently boasts the highest post-graduation job levels among all Virginia colleges.

In a world that increasingly values knowledge and innovation, these students’ achievements underscore JMU's commitment to nurturing academic excellence and developing future leaders. The university extends its heartfelt congratulations to all its graduates for their perseverance, resilience, and dedication. As they embark on their professional journeys, these alumni are set to continue their pursuit of excellence, reinforcing JMU's esteemed legacy.

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Front Royal Elk Lodge 2382 is making a significant investment in the future of the community by establishing a scholarship fund for the skilled trades. Recognizing the importance of providing opportunities for young men and women to gain assistance in learning a trade and entering the workforce, the lodge recently presented a check for $3,000.00 to Laurel Ridge Community College. This partnership marks the beginning of a long-term relationship aimed at benefiting the local community and its young workforce.

(L-r) Stan Willams, Jim Sheppard, Dr. Kim Blosser, Michael Kominek & Larry Baker

On May 30th, Jim Sheppard, the Exalted Ruler of Front Royal Elk Lodge, along with Michael Kominek (Loyal Knight) and Stan Williams (Lecturing Knight), presented the $3,000.00 check to Laurel Ridge Community College. The funds will be utilized to establish the first scholarship dedicated to supporting students pursuing skilled trades education.

The decision to focus on the skilled trades stems from a recognition within Front Royal Lodge 2382 that not all young individuals are destined for a traditional four-year college degree. The lodge understands the value and needs for skilled workers in the community and aims to provide assistance to those who choose to pursue a trade. By supporting students in gaining the necessary skills, the lodge hopes to help them enter the workforce and contribute to the local economy.

To foster a deeper understanding of the college and its programs, Elk Lodge representatives embarked on a tour of the Laurel Ridge Community College campus and facilities. Dr. Kim Blosser, President of Laurel Ridge Community College, Larry Baker, Corporate Training Manager, and Andrew Gyurisin, Foundation Development Manager, guided the representatives through the campus, showcasing the resources and opportunities available to students.

Front Royal Elk Lodge intends to establish a long-term relationship with Laurel Ridge Community College, working closely to identify and support students who show a passion for the skilled trades. Through this collaboration, the lodge aims to make a lasting impact on the community by empowering young individuals with the necessary skills and education to excel in their chosen trades.

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The Rotary Club of Front Royal's president, Lori Glascock, is using the last weeks of her one-year term of office to distribute scholarship money and other awards to worthy local students. On June 23, Ken Evans will be sworn in as the 2023-24 club president.

In addition to previous student awards and recognition of local outstanding teachers, Glascock, last Friday (June 2), handed out further awards to four students from Skyline and Warren County High Schools who excelled in the arts and in the fields of sport.

Isabella Pittelli, WCHS, received the 2023 Betsy Blauvelt Student Art Award. The late Betsy Blauvelt, a past president of Front Royal Rotary, was a long-time executive director of the old Wayside Theatre in Middletown. Blauvelt's husband, David, and their daughters attended the presentation.

David Blauvelt and the Blauvelt daughters pose with WCHS Art Award winner Isabella Pittelli. Below, Kym Crump poses with Cody Henderson, Skyline High Art Award winner. – Rotary Photos by Bret Hrbek

Cody Henderson, Skyline, received the Kym Crump Student Art Award. Crump, also a former president of Front Royal Rotary and executive director of the Blue Ridge Arts Council, attended the presentation to Cody.

The John Marlow Male Athlete of the Year Award went to Daniel "DJ" Rizzo Jr., WCHS. The ceremony was watched by Marlow and his daughter, Emily Marlow Beck. Marlow was himself an outstanding high school and college athlete, also a past president of Front Royal Rotary and Mayor of the Town of Front Royal.

David "DJ" Rizzo Jr. and Sara Waller, WCHS male and female Athletes of the Year. Below, John Marlow, daughter Emily, and FR Rotary Club President Lori Glascock pose with male athlete award winner Rizzo.

Sara Waller, WCHS, received one of two 2023 Heidi Moore Female Athletic Awards, along with Ava Bordner, Skyline, who will pick up her award later this month. She was away competing in athletics at the state level. Heidi Moore was an outstanding county athlete who tragically died from cancer shortly after completing her high school years.

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On Thursday, June 1, the still legally named, if not actually jointly overseen Front Royal-Warren County Economic Development Authority (FR-WC EDA, aka WC EDA) hosted its second "Open Door Business Session" of four scheduled for this year. This one was hosted at the Villa Avenue Community Center. The first was held at the Virginia Inland Port meeting room in northern Warren County.

As County Director of Economic Development, Joe Petty noted in announcing this Open Door session: "This event is a part of the EDA's continuous initiative to strengthen Warren County's workforce development and enhance the economic prosperity of the region. The two-hour session will be packed with presentations, open discussions, and plenty of networking opportunities. Participants will have a chance to engage in meaningful discussions and network with key players influencing Warren County's economic landscape."

WC Director of Economic Development Joe Petty gets the County EDA's second ‘Open Door Business Session’ of the year started with some demographics and overview of the community's educational partners in workforce development.

Petty introduced participants, including representatives from Warren County Public Schools Blue Ridge Technical Center (Jane Baker, Heidi Rutz, and friend) and Laurel Ridge Community Colleges’ Workforce Solutions (Bill Pence). Following PowerPoint presentations by those educational representatives and a break for some face-to-face networking, the meeting moved to a panel discussion moderated by FR-WC EDA Board of Directors member Marjorie "Jori" Martin.

Royal Examiner later asked Martin for her impressions of this Open Door Business Session. "It was a very productive open-door session both in networking and workforce development," she began enthusiastically. "Several participants connected for future endeavors. This workforce ‘open door’ built on the first one at the Inland Port, which brought together employers, developers, Port Authority, and government discussing employment and opportunity in the region.

"I, on a personal note, had not really appreciated the depth, dedication, and collaboration between the educational institutions. I look forward to further understanding the partnerships and opportunities to use these valuable resources to grow our workforce to support our existing businesses, and attract new business. The industry participants discussed changes in the workforce and companies adapting to address the needs of the company and the changing workforce. This is the second in a series of four scheduled for this year," Martin reminded us of the County overseen

EDA's Open Door Business Sessions. Future sessions will include a focus on small businesses in this area and their needs.

Following presentations by Warren County Public Schools and Laurel Ridge Community College's Workforce Solutions, networking began during a break before a panel discussion.

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The following is a list of highway work that may affect traffic in Warren County during the coming weeks. Scheduled work is subject to change due to inclement weather and material supplies. Motorists are advised to watch for slow-moving tractors during mowing operations. When traveling through a work zone, be alert to periodic changes in traffic patterns and lane closures.

*NEW* or *UPDATE* indicates a new or revised entry since last week's report.

INTERSTATE 66Mile marker 0 to 15, eastbound and westbound – Overnight mobile lane closures for vegetation management, 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. through Thursday night.

*NEW* Mile marker 12 to 9, westbound – Alternating lane closures for paving operations, Monday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

INTERSTATE 81Mile marker 299 to 300, northbound and southbound – Overnight single lane closures for equipment moving and bridge removal work, 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. through night of July 7.

PRIMARY ROADS*NEW* Route 522 (Winchester Road/Remount Road) – Northbound and southbound overnight mobile lane closures between Clarke County line and Rappahannock County line for pavement marking operations, June 7 – 11 nights from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.

SECONDARY ROADS*NEW* Route 615 (Stokes Airport Road) – Closed between Route 619 (Rivermont Drive) and Route 618 (Ridgeway Road) for pipe replacement, Monday through Friday. Follow posted detour.

*NEW* Route 638 (Freezeland Road) – Flagger traffic control between FR-283 (Appalachian Lane/Crimson Lane) and Route 55 (John Marshall Highway) for inspection of the I-66 overpass bridge, Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Vegetation management may take place district-wide on various routes. Motorists are reminded to use extreme caution when traveling through work zones.

Traffic alerts and traveler information can be obtained by dialing 511. Traffic alerts and traveler information also are available at www.511Virginia.org.

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Shenandoah University, a nationally recognized educational institution based in Winchester, Virginia, has recently announced the impressive accomplishments of 943 students who have earned a spot on the Spring 2023 Dean's List. This distinction reflects the dedication, hard work, and academic excellence of students from various degree programs in Front Royal, Linden, and Lake Frederick. The university takes pride in recognizing these students for their outstanding achievements.

The Spring 2023 Dean's List at Shenandoah University comprises an impressive group of students who have demonstrated exemplary academic performance. Among them are:

These students have displayed a remarkable commitment to their studies, earning them a place of distinction on the Dean's List. Their academic achievements are a testament to their dedication and hard work throughout the semester.

To qualify for the Dean's List, students enrolled in baccalaureate degree programs at Shenandoah University must complete a minimum of 12 semester hours and achieve a remarkable semester GPA of 3.50 or higher. This accomplishment is a reflection of the student's academic excellence and sets them apart as exemplary scholars within the university community.

Established in 1875, Shenandoah University has become a leading educational institution known for its blend of professional career experiences and comprehensive education. With over 4,000 students enrolled in more than 200 areas of study across six different schools, Shenandoah University fosters a close-knit community that thrives on creative energy and intellectual challenges. The university's dedicated faculty members provide personalized attention and mentorship, contributing to numerous nationally ranked programs and exceptional learning opportunities for students.

Shenandoah University takes pride in its innovative partnerships and programs at both local and global levels, allowing students to gain valuable real-world experience and expand their horizons beyond the classroom. By empowering students like Caleb Reedy, Valerie Cameron, Allison Smoot, Callista Mayberry, Aaliyah Chunn, Jasmine Sharp, Isabelle Grupac, Hannah Frost, David Kelly, Asia James, Brennan Komelasky, Laura Brown, Erika Gallagher, Audrey Bratcher, Crismeli Sandoval, Megan Vardiman, Mariah Barber, Margaret Plosch, and Cody Crawford, the university prepares them to excel in their chosen fields and make meaningful contributions to society.

Shenandoah University celebrates the remarkable achievements of the 943 students who have earned a place on the Spring 2023 Dean's List. The university recognizes their dedication, hard work, and academic excellence. Congratulations to all the students for their outstanding accomplishments and for setting a high standard of academic achievement at Shenandoah University.

Thank You to our Local Business Participants: