Cary’s Cemetery Secrets

Story by Lisa Englert, photos by Hal Goodtree.

Cary, NC- For many of us, Cary is a modern place, with newcomers from across the country. But the town’s cemeteries tell a story, and one of those places will be dedicated this Saturday. Just in time for the Halloween season, the Friends of the Page-Walker Hotel will present two free programs uncovering the mysteries and secrets of some of Cary’s family cemeteries, as well as the contribution these historic gravesites make in educating the public about the community in which they live.

Remembrance Day

First, on Saturday, October 22 at 11:00 a.m., the public is invited to “Remembrance Day at the White Plains Cemetery. A program celebrates the completion of the restoration of the historic White Plains Cemetery, burial place of Nathaniel Jones and his family.

The cemetery, located in Cary’s Maynard Oaks subdivision at 100 Tolliver Court, is one of the oldest historic sites that links our present day community to its 18th century settlement. “Remembrance Day at the White Plains Cemetery” will feature a program that reveals the contributions of Nathaniel Jones and his family and the efforts of those who worked to restore the historic site.  Light refreshments will follow.

The event is sponsored by the Friends of the Page-Walker Hotel in partnership with the Town of Cary.  The rain date for this event is Sunday, October 23 at 3:00 p.m.

More Mysteries and Secrets

Then, on Tuesday, October 25 at 7:30 p.m., the Friends will present “More Mysteries and Secrets:  Exploring Cary-Area Family Cemeteries.” a second sequel to their popular Preservation Speakers Series program.

“Historic cemeteries serve as almanacs of early residents and reflect the cultural influences that helped shape our communities,” said Bob Myers of the Friends’ Historic Preservation Committee. “The objective of White Plains Cemetery Remembrance Day and the Friends’ annual cemeteries program is to bring attention to these community treasures and the importance of their preservation.”

In what promises to be an intriguing and enlightening evening, members of the Friends’ Historic Preservation Committee will highlight significant facts related to some family cemeteries located in the Cary area.

The event will be held at the Page-Walker Arts & History Center, 119 Ambassador Loop, on the Town Hall Campus.  Light refreshments will be served following the program.  Attendees are encouraged to stay to continue the conversation and make new friends.