Overgrown cemeteries get facelift

Family plots that make up the Millican Cemetery have been tidied up, but more work is necessary to keep the area pristine. COURTESY PHOTO

By Tony Farkas

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TRINITY — Cemetery plots in the Millican area were cleaned up by the county last week, but only as a courtesy.

However, people concerned about long-term upkeep still need to find a permanent solution.

Larry Turner, whose family is buried in one of the plots, said crews worked all day Wednesday and Thursday to clean up the cemeteries, removing trees and trash and mowing grass, but the state of affairs still is not good.

“There needs to be grading work, piles of debris and fence repair,” Turner said. “Residents need to volunteer their services. I hope that I did a public service by raising the flag.”

One step being taken is by Susan Waller, director of the Trinity County Museum, who is applying for historical status for several cemeteries in the county.

Waller said there are 70 cemeteries in Trinity County, but only 15 have historical designations; of the remaining, there are 39 cemeteries in county that need attention.

County Commissioner Mike Loftin said that while his crew did help, it was only done as a courtesy as the county cannot legally operate on private property without permission from the landowners.

Still, the cemeteries need recognition and protection, Waller said, and after the historical designation is done, it will be recorded at County Clerk’s Office.

She said there is no indication that the Millican Cemetery was ever documented; without it, the cemetery will be lost.

“This meets criteria of being more than 50 years old,” Waller said. “It’s long overdue, and there may be possibilities for sponsorships. However, there are not many cemetery associations left, so many plots are left to the care of the landowner and a lot are lost.”