Title
Resolution Renaming Terhune Pioneer Cemetery to Terhune Pioneer Memorial Park for Public Clarification
Memorandum
Attached for your review and action is a resolution to approve the re-naming of Terhune Pioneer Cemetery to Terhune Pioneer Memorial Park. This re-naming is significant to clearing up the misconception of this parkland. Terhune Pioneer Cemetery has long been viewed, by citizens, as a historic, non-operating cemetery belonging to the City when, in fact, Terhune Pioneer Cemetery has no human remains buried at this site.
Terhune Pioneer Cemetery contains the gravestones of John Terhune, Sarah Vreeland Terhune, and Emily Whitmore. The stones were moved to this location from the cemetery at the corner of Packard and Burton Roads by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) in the 1920s after the original burial site had fallen into disrepair. At that time the remains were irreclaimable and no attempt was made to move them. Both the Ypsilanti Chapter and the Ann Arbor Sarah Caswell Angel Chapters of Daughters of the American Revolution have provided and confirmed these facts.
This parcel of land has always been treated as City parkland; however, when recent renovations were made to the memorial cemetery it was discovered that long-time, adjacent neighbors believed that the gravestones truly marked the final burial site for these historic figures. They also conveyed to maintenance staff that the general public belief was that human remains did exist there.
Therefore, in the interest of general public knowledge and accuracy, it is fitting to re-name Terhune Pioneer Cemetery to Terhune Pioneer Memorial Park. The Parks Advisory Commission, at their August 19, 2008, meeting recommended approval of this name change.
Staff
Prepared by: Colin Smith, Manager of Parks and Recreation
Reviewed by: Jayne Miller, Community Services Administrator
Body
Whereas, Terhune Pioneer Cemetery has long been viewed as a final resting site of four histori...
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