Hiram Rapids – Recently, 200-year-old Riverside Cemetery in Hiram Rapids hosted a handful of unlikely visitors. With a desire to give back locally, a handful of high-schoolers, not typical cemetery visitors, are giving up part of their summer break to help paint the 100-year-old iron fence that was in dire need of an update.
The project gained headway when Debra Blake, a Hiram Township trustee and member of the Garrettsville-Hiram Rotary Club, apply for funding through the Hiram Beautification Committee, which issues grants for community projects in Hiram Village, Township, and on the Hiram College campus for things like plant materials for community gardens, funds for trail maintenance, and other similar projects.
Blake, a retired major in the Army, grew up playing baseball at the nearby ball field, and swimming in the pond around the corner. When older residents shared that the beautiful fence was in need of some TLC, Blake made it her mission to make the project a reality.
In addition to paint and supplies, the $700 grant Blake was awarded will be used to purchase several sugar maple trees, which will be planted in August, as well as materials so that the American Legion can construct an ADA-compliant ramp to the historic church that now serves as a community center. Painting the fence is the first phase, with the majority of work being accomplished by students from area high schools. “I’m so proud of the work they’re doing,” Blake marveled.
The project began two weeks prior, with kids joining in as their schedules permit. Among the volunteers last week were Rachel Rader, a senior and President of the Interact Club at J.A. Garfield High School. “I like to do things to benefit the community,” she shared. It’s no surprise that she’s involved with the volunteer service club whose mission is community service.
Streetsboro freshman Claudia Ameol learned about the project from a friend. When she mentioned the project to her great-grandmother, she learned that several family members are buried there. In fact, Ameol sat painting an area where, in the distance, the Matzek headstone marks the final resting place of her great aunt and uncle.
Zoe Swenson, another senior from Garfield, also learned of the project through the Interact Club, where she serves at Vice President. “I really like the tangible impact of giving back,” Swenson shared. “It’s awesome to be able to drive by and say ‘I did that’ – to see the effect of what you’ve done.”
Garfield junior Josh Kent, also involved with the Interact Society, came to help as well.
Kent received a concussion while playing soccer and has been advised to take a break from electronics. When he got the call for help, he decided that painting would be a great activity. As part of the Interact Club, he’s worked to clean up the Headwaters Trailhead near IGA, helped out with Habitat for Humanity, and worked with the local Rotary Club.
Long-time Hiram Rapids resident Sandy Wagner helped out as well. “This project was really needed, and Debra made it happen,” she acknowledged. Wagner was thrilled to help paint the fence that faces not only her home, but the home of her wheelchair bound mother, as well. “It was wonderful to see her face light up, knowing the project was moving forward,” she explained. Wagner explained that the cemetery grounds are maintained by the Hiram Township Service Department, but that funding was never available to help maintain the fence around the cemetery perimeter.
Judy Webb, who lives across the street from the cemetery, was thrilled with the group’s progress. She volunteers on the Hiram Rapids Cemetery and Church Association (RCCA), which maintains the church. The RCCA raises money through annual garage and rummage sales at the historic building to maintain and repair the 1872 structure. “There’s lots of history here,” she shared. “Back in the day this area was a bustling community, “ she explained. According to historical documents, the community was home to a blacksmith shop, post office, and general store. The area even boasted a schoolhouse, hotel, and dance hall.
Today, 74-year-old Webb is content to enjoy the peace and quiet, sitting on her porch at night listening to the sounds of the river and watching wildlife. She’s thrilled that this project will help beautify the historic area, “It’s a reflection on the township,” she shared. If you’re got some time and want to pick up a paintbrush and help spruce up your community, contact Blake at (330) 527-7210.
The RCCA’s efforts help beautify the community, as well. Recent efforts have funded a new roof and gutters on the building, which hosts community events and get-togethers. They have also made updates to the building’s electrical system. Future plans include updates to the kitchen as well as plumbing improvements.
The next RCCA sale will be held this weekend, Friday and Saturday, July 20th and 21st from 9 am until 5 pm. Another sale is scheduled in the fall. The RCCA is accepting donations – contact Judy at (330) 569-7204 for more information.
