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NEWS RELEASE
| FROM: |
SONOMA COUNTY REGIONAL PARKS |
| RELEASED BY: |
Donna LaGraffe, Regional Parks |
| CONTACT: |
John Ryan, (707) 565-2041 |
| RELEASE: |
IMMEDIATE |
| TODAY'S DATE: |
September 30, 2008 |
| SUBJECT: |
CHANATE HISTORIC CEMETERY DEDICATION – SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4 |
The community is invited to a dedication ceremony at the Chanate Historic Cemetery on Saturday, October 4th at 10:30am. The ceremony celebrates five years of restoration efforts by Sonoma County residents.
The former Sonoma County Hospital Cemetery was created in 1874 by the County of Sonoma to provide burial places for those to whom private graves were unavailable. Over 1500 persons from all walks of life were buried there between 1877 and 1944. Most died at the nearby County Hospital (now Sutter Hospital) or the former County Farm.
The dedication program includes Supervisor Tim Smith and Santa Rosa Mayor John Sawyer. Jeremy Nichols, Cemeterian of the Sonoma County Historical Society who has led on-going efforts to restore the cemetery, will discuss the history of the cemetery, and John Dennison of the Sonoma County Genealogical Society will talk about finding the graves. The Redwood Empire Chinese Association will perform a ceremony, followed by a blessing, rifle salute and the playing of taps. The Color Guard will post and retire the colors.
The event is free and accessible parking is available. For more information, contact John Ryan at 565-3356. Chanate Cemetery is located on Chanate Road at Hospital Drive in Santa Rosa.
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