“No real estate is permanently valuable but the grave.” Mark Twain

Since 1886, Linwood Cemetery has been a repository for lives that were more than ordinary. Each grave carries the story of a person who made a difference in the community.

Jasper Ward was a peacemaker and a man of the cloth. James Landis was our first settler and founder of Glenwood Springs. Landis’ son Harry was the first white child born in Glenwood Springs.

Investor Patrick Sellar came from England. Hervey Lyle of Ireland introduced us to the sport of polo. Ed Hughes distributed liquor and bottled hot springs water. Mayor Jacob Schwarz sold furniture, and the was the mortician who buried many in Linwood Cemetery.

Tim Nealon was a plasterer. Fred Altman built homes. William Forker patented a folding camp stove. Louis, Erminio and Giovanni Andreatta were Italian miners. Deacon Jones led the Glenwood Springs African-American community.

Katie Bender and Louisa Schwarz performed unselfish deeds. Postmistress Amelia Williams kept us connected with the world. Elmira Keir, known as the “Nine of Diamonds,” worked the red light district. Beloved Mary Beesley taught school. Journalist Nellie Duffy became the last person buried in Linwood Cemetery.

To preserve our community’s legacy, the Frontier Historical Society invites you to the Linwood Cemetery Spruce-Up from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 17. The event is sponsored by the Colorado Historical Society and a state historical fund grant.

Volunteers are asked to bring pruning clippers, shovels, rakes, toothbrushes, gloves, sunscreen, and the ability to hike the 1/4 mile to the cemetery. Lunch will be provided. Please call 945-4448 for more information.

“Frontier Diary” is provided to the Glenwood Springs Post Independent by the Frontier Historical Society and Museum, 1001 Colorado Ave., Glenwood Springs. Summer hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday.