High Prairie Cemetery Association hosted its annual gathering at the cemetery Sunday, May 22. It was the first since 2019. Families strolled past tombstones, with the elders educating younger ones on who lay where and how they were connected. The pleasant cool weather made the business meeting less hurried than most years. President Bill Cannon led the meeting, and Sherry, his wife and the Association secretary, read minutes to the last meeting. A discussion of finances followed, as well as talk of mowing, other grounds maintenance, sales of plots, and the need of a new roof for the pavilion. It was noted that the oldest grave there is that of John Spencer Wolfe (1856-1879), who was murdered on his way home from visiting his fiancé. His parents then donated the land which later became High Prairie Cemetery. Everyone enjoyed a covered dish meal.

Tomorrow, the third Thursday of the month, is movie night at the Bedias Library. Everyone is invited to join us at 5 p.m. to share a great Christian film and a little popcorn, too. Please go to www.facebook.com/BediasLibrary. home for more information.

The Willowhole Cemetery Association (WCA) held their annual meeting and fundraiser the first weekend of May. The donation fundraiser consisted of a BBQ lunch of brisket, sausage, chicken, potato salad, beans, tea and desserts. The meal was provided, as always, by local residents. This year’s fundraiser brought in $17,620 and served over 250 people, where last year’s fundraiser brought in $14,000. The Association was founded before 1920, when its bylaws were first written, and ranks among one of the oldest, active, and best maintained cemeteries. The first building on site was the Willowhole Schoolhouse. Records indicate the Free Will Baptist Church relinquished its interest in the site at some point between 1925 and 1929. Since then, the upkeep of the cemetery and it’s associated buildings has been undertaken by the WCA. A new chapel was erected in 1969 and is available for funeral services as well as the WCA meetings. The cemetery itself marks the remains of many area residents and a few travelers. There are numerous veterans buried in the cemetery, including some who fought in the Civil War. COURTESY PHOTO

It all started last week after the escape of the TDCJ inmate. I’m sure you know about that by now.