CROSSVILLE —
Pleasant Hill Mayor Al Dwenger, who is also a United Church of Christ minister, conducted a Service of Memorial in the old Pleasant Hill Cemetery May 27. There are no records of when the Old Pleasant Hill Cemetery was first used as a burial ground, but the oldest section was given to the First Congregational Church of Pleasant Hill by the Wightman family and later deeded to the town.
The earliest history of the Pleasant Hill area swirls around the Calvin Brown family, who came to Pleasant Hill in 1830 and populated the area with 14 children hence the nearby community named Browntown. Uncle Pink, immortalized by the doll maker Polly Page, was one of his sons.
Other early pioneers and their families, instrumental in the growth of the Pleasant Hill Academy interred here are Mary and John Frey, W. Dallas and Mary Stanley, Lucinda Simms, and, of course, Father Dodge, Phebe, Emma and their loyal friend Fred Williams who accompanied them from Maine in 1884.
Another chapter of Pleasant Hill history was forged in the hospital founded by Dr. May Cravath Wharton, nurse Alice Adshead and Elizabeth Fletcher. Although they left no heirs, their graves are lovingly tended by townsfolk and a new pavilion has been constructed around their resting places. The observers gathered in the shade around John Frey’s tombstone in the Frey family plot. The Frey family donated land from their farm for Dr. Wharton to start the first hospital, Uplands Sanitorium, later selling most of their farm to her as the hospital grew.
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At the June monthly meeting of the Pleasant Hill Town Council, the amended budget ending June 30 and the new budget for fiscal year July 1 through June 30, 2013 were adopted. A first reading of an ordinance to appropriate funds for a needed new lawn mower took place. Refinements are still being made to the Garbage and Trash Disposal Ordinance.
Mayor Al Dwenger reported citizen concerns about security in the wake of the daylight robbery attempt and shooting just outside of the city limits. He urged anyone observing suspicious persons should call the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Pleasant Hill substation at 277-5911 during the day or 911 after 4 p.m. immediately.
The mayor constructed a ramp with a railing to be used by wheelchairs and had it installed at the new Pleasant Hill Cemetery, adding to the two walking ramps in use. These will greatly aid mourners to navigate over ditches to the gravesites.
Inquiries have been made at town hall or of the mayor regarding the need to refurbish the Pleasant Hill Post Office parking lot. He explained that is the responsibility of the owner of the land leased by the Post Office or the U.S. Postal Service, not the town’s. Pleasant Hill will provide a “Do Not Enter” sign to prevent cars entering against the one way direction.
Councilman Ox McDermet reported that the paper recycling continues to be a “win-win” situation. It is a way of reducing paper dumped in the landfill, a good way of connecting with the area people during conversations during collection times, and the town is now receiving money for the paper as well. He reminded everyone of the weekly collection times: Thursday, 2 to 4 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon.
Councilwoman Diane Savage reported that the summer program for children fifth grade and up, supported by the town of Pleasant Hill and directed by Roger Dixon, was running well. She expressed bitter sweet feelings that two of the Pleasant Hill Elementary School teachers were leaving for higher positions — regret at their leaving the school, but congratulations at their achievement. Dr. Ina Maxwell will be in charge of reading programs in Cumberland County Schools’ Central Office, and this year’s Teacher of the Year, Jennifer Magnusson, will be vice principal at North Cumberland Elementary School.
Building inspector Roger Willier noted good progress with the PH School addition, as bricks were being applied to the exterior and work on the interior is proceeding as scheduled. He will be attending a course to gain mechanical certification.
Lifestyles
Related Photos
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Pleasant Hill Mayor Al Dwenger, Jackie Dwenger, Ann Cunningham Meisamer, J. Frank Meisamer, Rebecca Kilmer, Nancy Martin Crouch and Jack Martin gather for a memorial service in the old Pleasant Hill Cemetery. The Meisamers and Martins grew up in Pleasant Hill and have family members interred there.
PLEASANT HILL RAMBLINGS: Memorial service held at old PH cemetery
- Lifestyles
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PLATEAU GARDENING: Watch for rhododendron borers and carpenter bees
Inspect rhododendron shrubs showing wilted or dead branches. In early February I noticed one of the main stems on a rhododendron by my driveway had broken off. Thinking a photo might make a good illustration for an article on pruning to remove damaged limbs, I took a picture with my digital camera. However, when enhancing the image, two oval holes with the longer part aligned lengthwise on the stem caught my eye. One was right at the break, the other further down. Those holes looked like borer damage.
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Veterans a big part of Fair Park
The week before Veterans Day, Fair Park Senior Center interviewed some of the folks at Fair Park Senior Center who had served the country in the service. Over 70 men stated they had served and one woman. Giving up a lot to serve, sharing that common bond, only they can understand. No matter which branch or which war, they all share a deep passion for this country.
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PLEASANT HILL RAMBLINGS: Neilson in concert May 31
The award-winning folk singer Tom Neilson will be bringing his message of “Music for Social Change” to Pleasant Hill, on Friday, May 31, at 7 p.m. in the Pleasant Hill Community Church, UCC.
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Events planned at Cumberland Mtn. State Park
Cumberland Mountain State Park has several special programs planned. All programs are considered PG-13, which means parental guidance is recommended.
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Lots of choices promised for Roan Mtn. hike
The Plateau Chapter of the Tennessee Trails Association holds a leaderless hike every Wednesday morning. These are typically five to seven miles in length. For additional information, contact Bill Harris at 484-9152 or visit the Plateau Chapter Blog at http://ttaplateauchapter.blogspot.com.
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AROUND THE TOWN: Welcome summer with a few good books
The unofficial start to summer begins this weekend with the Memorial Day Holiday. Although summer does not officially begin until June, for most of us, this first warm weather holiday is the preview of about three months of boating, fishing, camping, vacationing, picnics, family reunions and cook outs.
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Schatz named May artist of the month at PCAC
Jessica Schatz, the artist of the month at the Plateau Creative Arts Center, has been an artist for as long as she can remember. She also remains busy as an interior designer, specializing in staging and new construction, and is also a pet portrait photographer. In addition, she donates her photography services, photographing homeless pets in order to help them find homes.
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Folksinger to perform May 31 in Pleasant Hill
The award-winning folk singer Tom Neilson will be bringing his message of “Music for Social Change” to Pleasant Hill, on Friday, May 31, at 7 p.m. in the Pleasant Hill Community Church, UCC. The Shalom Center for Continuing Education, a non-profit educational center is sponsoring this appearance of the nationally well-known artist.
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127 Seniors plan for annual picnic
On May 17, the members of the 127 South Senior Center had an enjoyable time socializing and playing bingo, dominos and billiards. Numbers were called by John Bohrman, with the prizes furnished by Dr. M. Stewart Galloway, M.D.
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Pleasant Hill Ramblings: Pleasant Hill Elementary honors volunteers
Mary Ann Kotus-Huff, principal of Pleasant Hill Elementary School (PHS), recently welcomed volunteers to the annual Volunteer Tea. It was held in the gaily decorated new all-purpose room of the new annex. Volunteers were treated to sandwiches, fruit, cheese and crackers and cupcakes.
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