Comments for BUILT HISTORY

Comment on week 2 update by Anna

Anna — Thu, 21 May 2009 17:09:36 +0000

There are several problems that have placed this cemetery in a poor state. Apparently owners of the cemetery either took little care in keeping records or they are lost to the public. I have heard from a few people that the cemetery was almost a “free cemetery” where family members could inter a relative wherever a space was available. I am not a cemetery/funeral business expert by any means, but I believe most cemetery owners issue deeds of ownership for plots of interment land. My initial research into a particular person’s plot found very little deed activity for this cemetery. It is evident some people bought plots but it must have been rare. And a lot of the plots have little or no markings to even further the frustration.

Currently the cemetery ownership/responsibility is in a bit of limbo. The City of Jacksonville technically is just set up for maintain the site but has little funds to do much. They only provide basic lawn service. It seems that they this is very basic and sporadic. Councilwoman Denise Lee and a few other local concerned citizens and council people developed a Moncrief Cemetery Commission to provide some support. I believe it was the result of the commission that the cemetery surveys was survey and some action was taken to get maintenance. However, the commission is now defunct.

The reporter interviewed Joel McEachin, a great man, which mentioned the hope for a “Friend’s of…” group. I think that would be great but it is going to take more than City action. I think that it will take community support and volunteerism to get some real movement. I would love to be part of something. Maybe someone can get a grassroots group started. Hopefully they can be properly cared and restore in the future.

Comment on week 2 update by Alissa

Alissa — Wed, 20 May 2009 03:30:42 +0000

Hi, I just saw a story on First Coast News regarding this cemetery and I was appalled. There were bags of trash all over and even some containing City of Jacksonville work clothes and even open coffins filled with water. The story got me interested in doing some research and I came across your blog. Where you ever able to find anything else about it?

Comment on week 2 update by Built Historian

Built Historian — Fri, 01 May 2009 17:27:22 +0000

Rubbie,

There was a survey conducted of the cemetery in 1996. It located and recorded all of the gravesites and markers that were recognizable. A list of the names and markers found are at http://crptjax.org/Moncrief.html. I looked through the list under names and was unable to find any last names of London. If your relatives were among the unfortunate majority of rubber marked gravesites, their burials may be unable to find. Like I had mentioned in this post, a lot of the markers have completely deteriorated or never had a marker at all. You can also search the map contained on the website listed above. If any of your living relatives remember where they were buried near, like another relative or person, you might be able to deduct their locations.

Good luck on your search. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do to assist.

Anna

Comment on week 2 update by Rubbie London Major

Rubbie London Major — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 15:23:24 +0000

Hi,

I did a search on this cemetery this morning after speaking to five people, in a search for information on the owner of this cemetery.
A person at a funeral home told me burial sites are not recorded. I thought that was strange.
My interest is in two relatives buried there in ‘60 and ‘61. Last name of both is London. The graves are near the 45th St. side.
I’m interested in any information you might have.

Thanks.

Comment on week 2 update by Kimberly Lee

Kimberly Lee — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 19:08:39 +0000

My older brother and cousin (both died as infants) were buried at the cemetery in 1975. Both of their headstones were removed from their graves and my mom, aunt, and grandmother have no way of knowing where exactly they are now. I think it is just sad how that cemetery is being kept.

Comment on week 2 update by Todd Young

Todd Young — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 14:17:18 +0000

It just so happens that I am trying to track down the ownership of Mt Olive Cemetery which, it appears, has changed hands many times over the past 10 years. Unfortunately all we have is a reference to the original deed. Can you put me in touch with the woman you noted was on the Mt Olve Council?

Comment on week 3: ash site schools by vanessa copeland

vanessa copeland — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 01:05:21 +0000

why we did,nt recieve the 50 million and jacksonville got 94 million to clean up contaimination and we the peoples did,nt recieve anything and lived in that contamination as kids and attend school there as a child now am 51 that is not legal at all please reply

Comment on week 2 update by Roderick McClurkin

Roderick McClurkin — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 19:03:07 +0000

I have great grand uncle William Granderson McClurkin who died in 1957 that is buried at Mt. Olive cemetary.I live in South Carolina and have been trying to find information about this cemetary.I was hoping to find some clues there to possibly find surviving members of his family.After reading about all the unmarked graves I’m beginning to wonder if that would be a wasted trip.Would you happen to recall seeing any McClurkin’s there.

Comment on week 2: another old theater by jen

jen — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 20:24:33 +0000

Hi, I just came across your blog while searching for info on the historic preservation program at SCAD. I am in the process of applying. Is there anyway you could forward my email to the planner who went there? I would LOVE to ask her some questions about the program. Thanks!

Comment on week 2 update by Built Historian

Built Historian — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 13:29:54 +0000

Thank you Claire for your encouragement and for being the first ever comment on my blog! I think that we Yanks have a bit of history catch-up. I know that the British National Trust has been in existence for over one hundred years. While the U.S. version of a trust organization has only been around for thirty years. You bring up a good point that we need to be proactive and act now as opposed to reactive when it is too late. (Such as the case of my current research)