October 25th (Part II)

There are several cemeteries near Perryton.  Ochiltree Cemetery was plotted in 1902 by Jim McLarty and J. V. Stump.  It is located 9 miles south of town on State Highway 70.  According to the information available Jim was thrown from a horse not long after they finished the job and became the first interred at the age of 21.  When Ochiltree picked up and moved they left the cemetery and a few scattered families and buildings.  The only building that remains standing at this date is the schoolhouse visible from the highway just north of the cemetery.  During the Great Depression  an entry gate was built by the WPA.  The cemetery encompasses 90 acres that include a semi seasonal stream and sometimes a small pond.  The Infant's section is first viewed entering the cemetery along its winding lane followed by the Family section which has three paved lanes seperating sections and an outer surrounding loop.  It even has trees; which for this area of the plains is saying something.  Living donations made by the families of the deceased have added beauty to this windswept oasis.  It is tidy and well maintained.  As far as I am aware there have been very few events of vandalism and it takes only a phone call to have someone come out and fix a tilted headstone or the occasional intrusion of an animal burrow.  I know that before the advent of the organised cemetery burials often took place somewhere on the family's "Home Place".  Before the area was settled you were most likely buried where you lay or left to the elements.  

Other cemeteries that are nearby are: Bethany, Bethel, Blue Mound, Black, Heart, and Kirby.  I will find more information about these for future articles. 

If you are interested in the early days of Ochiltee County please vist the Perryton Chamber of Commerce or the Museum of the Plains websites.

October 25, 2012

As I've grown older I've realized that High School was so much less than what some people would like you to think.  I can't remember half of the people in my class; and,  I'm sure they've forgotten me as well.  I know that the schools in Texas put too much emphasis on sports and not enough on the arts and sciences.  I felt that way as a student and I feel that way now.  Our world view is really out of wack.  My Husband and I have a favorite discussion about what things would be like if we had our way.  I wont go into that here my soapbox wont fit; but, I've done my bit for the effort today, I voted.  Now I have the right to complain without remorse if my guy doesn't win.

Introduction

I don't know when I first started visiting with the deceased. I'm sure it had to be in my teen years, most likely after I got my driver's permit or license. I was a socially inept kid and I knew that I didn't fit in with my classmates. I was merely tolerated at best and often tormented for laughs at worst. In our Senior Yearbook I was voted most likely to become a Hermit. I took it as a compliment.

Anyway, while everyone else would "Drag Main" street, I drove everywhere else. I lost myself in the roads around town, and eventually found my way to the local cemetery. I found solace; while there I didn't have to worry about belonging or even being found. Who would look there? Who was to judge me; the mostly unseen animals (Rabbits, skunks, lizards, antelope, prairie dogs, and snakes) or the stone cenotaphs? I found a peace there that fed my soul, if not my yearning to be a normal kid. I also found acceptance; I had a right to be there on any day and usually at any time. I didn't have to explain; and, I could think things through there. Time seemed to stop once I entered the gate; and, I was seldom interrupted without time to collect myself. I always left feeling better about things and calmer. Seeing the wildlife was and is a bonus. Like a wink from the creator. After graduation, I made a point of visiting while coming home for the Holidays, term end or even just a weekend spent at home.

I haven't visited the cemeteries any of other places that I've lived. The ones near my home town are where I feel most comfortable; and there are several. I have kin buried here. My Grand Parents on both Maternal and Paternal sides are here, in different cemeteries but, still nearby. My Father is also resting here awaiting the Resurrection. I've also discovered other relatives as I explore my family history.

Funny thing, I thought I was the only Graveyard Rabbit. You've probably seen one yourself.  They quietly sit just watching and listening in the hush and murmur of a Funeral service or on the HoIidays when you place flowers for your loved ones. I hope to become a registered member soon.  It's nice to know that there are others. I hope to update this blog on a regular basis with information about the area, the burial practices, interesting facts and other hopefully entertaining stuff. I don't know how regular that will be but we will see.