A quote from Wikipedia:
“Annual Decoration Days for particular cemeteries are held
on a Sunday in late spring or early summer in some rural areas of the American
South, notably in the mountains. In cases involving a family graveyard where
remote ancestors as well as those who were deceased more recently are buried,
this may take on the character of an extended family reunion to which some
people travel hundreds of miles. People gather on the designated day, put
flowers on graves, and renew contacts with kinfolk and others. There often is a
religious service and a "dinner on the ground," the traditional term
for a potluck
meal in which people used to spread the dishes out on sheets or tablecloths on
the grass. It is believed that this practice began before the American Civil
War and thus may reflect the real origin of the "memorial day" idea.”
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memorial_Day)
As a child, I remember Decoration Day. We must have been in Texas
visiting my mother’s family. I don’t remember a lot about it other than it had to do with food. I do remember the
tablecloth on the ground with dishes full of great flavors. Now, this tradition seems to be a long lost memory.
We are planning a trip to Tennessee
and I will have the opportunity to visit the grave of my great grandmother and
other family members. Since Memorial Day falls into the period for the proposed
trip, Decoration Day takes on additional meaning, I can see us having a picnic
at the graveside. Decoration Day or not, we would still be going there to honor
those who have gone on before. This just adds the tradition that I am sure was
done in their time. Somehow, it seems to bring us closer.
The whole genealogy, family history trek started out with
just birth dates, death dates, marriage, and children listed on a page. While
it was gratifying to learn about these ancestors, it somehow was not enough. I
really wanted to know these people, who they were, what they dreamed of, what
they wanted.
I was fortunate to find some letters and documents to aid in
the research. I searched my memories for stories and compared notes with other family
members. I was lucky enough to find more distant cousins who were interested
and learned what I could from them.
I am an excellent researcher if it is on-line. However, I am
a total novice when it comes to physical research. Planning a trip to Tennessee
where there are additional records is difficult. I need to refine my search
techniques to know where to start. At least, the cemeteries are a good place to
start.
The Depew Cemetery
is in Sneedville, Tennessee is
where we will have our picnic and meet Martha. Sarah Ellen (McColloam) Depew
is there. She is Martha’s sister. James Northcross McColloam and Mary Polly
(Grey) McColloam are there too. They are Martha’s parents.
Febra Northcross, the Indian maiden who walked off the Trail
of Tears is buried in the Rhea Hollow
Family Cemetery.
She married John Rhea Sr. It is said that this cemetery is hard to find but
someone in the family has to know where it is and we will find it.
The thought of celebrating Annual Decoration Day appeals to
me on many levels. I am researching these people. They are family. Spending
time, even with only the headstones, puts me in the trails they once traveled, getting
me one-step closer to who they were.
I remember my parades always talking about going to graveson decoration day.
ReplyDeleteBetty