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Archiver > TX-CEMETERIES > 2002-05 > 1021495171


From: Susan Hawkins <>
Subject: [TX-Cem] To the list and a note to Mr. Hite
Date: Wed, 15 May 2002 15:44:16 -0500
References: <200205150202.g4F220n11543@lists5.rootsweb.com> <3CE2066C.C8B9F087@camalott.com> <3CE2BA36.CDFF4B3F@camalott.com>


Dear Eveline and Mr. Hite ( if rushed see the lower portion)
Everyone is invited to speak here. This is an independent website.
Anything about cemeteries may be discussed and no group owns the floor.
We all have our ideas of helping and preserving and collecting
data.My own idea is that groups with membership monies involved are
usually not too useful when it gets right down to the work. Their
publication though might or might not be worth the membership.
The real work is done by those who care about the cemeteries and do
not need to be compensated except by seeing what good they have done. I
am hoping the Historic Texas Cemeteries website will expand on stories
about these true heros'.
Others are satisfied when they see their work and their names up on
the web with readings and histories and photographs.
The Texas Historical Commission provides most the information we need
and are doing their best to educate the public. I think also website
that offer information free is one of the best resources and open all
hours for interested people.
I am one of many on this list who speak to local groups and offer help
both online and locally .
Saving Texas Cemeteries is I am sure working toward that goal also.
Though I do not understand what the membership benefit is and what they
use the money for.
I have sen their publications but the ones by the state are superior in
my humble opinion. I think the best work is done in the local levels and
msot folks are not interested in publications as much as what to do so a
public workshop or drop in event reaches the most people. I dont' see
their group coming her but the Texas State group is not up here very
much either ( In the Red River Valley) .
It is all relative. Like everything else freedom rings and their is
room for all to do their own thing.
ON THIS LIST we can all nicely discuss issues and this is an issue,
not for action but for setting our standards of character. We all have
to form opinions in order to decide what we think is the best way to
accomplish a goal. Though its not a war, we still have to choose the
preferred side for attacking the problems we face with this subject.
>From what I see it is like any other historical group, there is usually
two sides to everything and no way to work both sides too well so you
eventually find what is best for you.

I am on the free for all , work free toward goals, put my tax dollars
to work and if necessary subscripiton money to a publication that is
worth the money. I don't need to send money to support officers or
groups to do work here locally to the best of my ability. I do want
training and education if I need it .Geron Hite seems to do that well
though he is not around everywhere and I think and suggest to him and to
the Historical Commission that they do as the Agricultural division of
gove. has and they train 'master gardeners' these folks must pay for
basic training materials and put in so many hours, then they must give
back community hours and offer all kinds of free info to the public ,
including for instance a CD on how to set up natural plantings and low
water gardens. Think about this and how
well these groups spaced out over perhaps 10 counties apiece or what
ever works acording to the amounts of cemeteries in the areas. CD's from
gov. grants ( just as the ones to save water or plant gardens) or
booklets and training with the pyramid of volunteers as the master
gardeners have.
A grassroots effort with these trained 'Master Cemetery
Preservationist" doing the local cheerleading , training and public
awareness and public reporting on the good things volunteers have done.
Websites like the Historic Texas Cemeteries would be replaced with
this hub of volunteers and their reports on thair areas. On needs and
public training and news.
I run the Texas Tombstone project as well as Donna's website now. It
is not a fancy setup . I just get to load the wonderful work that others
have done for the most part. They are the true grassroots heros. I have
done my local part here where I live. Everyone on this list probably has
.
It is evident that the public is very interested. the amount of mail
and inquiry coming directly to me is amazing. People want to know what
to do and they are willing to help.
If such a set of 'master's were trained and available locally
everywhere . No one would need the Saving Texas Cemetery website or
others that copy it. It would boil down everyone volunteering to do all
they can and to do it right, evenly throughout Texas . No one dependant
on having to spend money unless they want to and can. Many can't , but
they are willing to work as a volunteer or to read and send info up on
the web.
Greed, pride and self aggrandizement shouldn't even be in the picture.
off my soapbox.
Susan

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