Honoring those who've passed: Volunteers spruce up one of city's oldest graveyards

Volunteers who helped tidy up the Old Rochester Graveyard (Courtesy phot)o

ROCHESTER - Three groups of volunteers recently worked hand in hand to spruce up one of the city's oldest resting places for those who have passed.

Members from the City of Rochester Trustees of the Trust Fund, the Rochester Rotary Club and Spaulding High School brought rakes and wheelbarrows to the Old Rochester Cemetery that is located behind the U-Haul on South Main Street.

According to Rotary President Tracy Hardekopf, Rotary members were more than happy to attend the cleanup, as it aligns with the club's mission to give back to the community under the motto "service above self."

"Rochester Rotary Club was happy to come out on a beautiful fall day and work alongside the Trustees of the Trust Funds to clean up such a historical cemetery," said Hardekopf. "The best part was also working alongside the Spaulding Interact and Student Leadership group and seeing the next generation of volunteers stepping up to respect Rochester's history."

Brett Johnson, Chair of the Trustees of the Trust Fund, said that the trustees are deeply grateful to the Rochester Rotary Club and volunteers for their assistance in cleaning up the Old Rochester Cemetery.

"A few years ago, the Rotary organized a similar cleanup effort at three other cemeteries, and after discussion, we felt it was especially important this year to focus on the Old Rochester Cemetery," he said.

Dominicus Hanson 1813-1904

"These fall cleanups play a vital role in ensuring that families and community members can continue to access and visit the graves of loved ones," Johnson noted. "The cemetery is the resting place of many significant figures in Rochester's history, including Dominicus Hanson--whose legacy lives on through Dominicus Hanson Park beside Spaulding High School."

To learn more about the Trustees of the Trust Fund, visit www.rochesternh.gov. To learn more about the Rochester Rotary Club, visit www.rochesterrotary.com or follow the facebook page for regular updates and volunteer opportunities.