The New Carlisle Cemetery is beautiful, quiet and full of interesting trees in addition to being a local burying place for nearly 200 years. So often we forget it is there until we have to attend a funeral or decorate for Memorial Day.
On Saturday at 11 a.m. we have the opportunity to tarry a bit and learn more about this final resting place of many New Carlisle and Bethel Township’s early citizens.
READ: Homeland security investigation underway at Springfield house
Local historian Bill Berry will be leading the hour long tour and will be sharing his recollections and historical stories about some of the residents now buried here.
Bill Berry has been in the middle of New Carlisle life for decades. He has more knowledge of this community and its history in his little finger than some history books do. When he talks about local history, we should all listen.
One of the people Berry will no doubt be talking about is John Paul our first area resident. Paul’s final resting place is in this cemetery. Those who join Berry on the tour will learn about the people for whom some of our streets, farms, and roads are named. He will point out a memorial placed by a local church for those without stones and so much more.
Larry Collier, another local history expert, is trying to find a person who will take a video of the highlights of Berry’s tour to share with those unable to take the hike. Anyone interesting in recording this should contact the New Carlisle Public Library at (937) 845-3601.
READ: Springfield businesses offering seasonal employment
This library continues to be a bright beacon of education in this community. In addition to the historical cemetery tour this Saturday, multiple events are listed each week.
The Art of Falconry is scheduled for Monday Sept. 23 at 6 p.m. I’m sure that anyone who has read stories that include these magnificent feathered creatures will find this demonstration fascinating.
On Sept. 26, a dozen preregistered guests can Meet the Therapy Dogs at 4 p.m. Every week there are reading activities for little children and there is even a Crochet Club that meets on Monday evenings. There are many activities for teens and preteens in addition to children and grownups.
Visit the New Carlisle Library Facebook Page or their website at newcarlislelibrary.org. Call (937) 845-3601 for more information.
READ: Springfield Chamber aims to boost revitalization efforts, community engagement
One more thing I must mention, the much anticipated Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale is set for Oct. 10 - 12. Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday Oct. 10, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Friday Oct. 11, and 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday Oct. 12.
This library is so in tune with teachers’ needs that they have a teachers only preview of the sale the night before. If you are a teacher, call the library for details and qualifications.
Seriously, don’t miss the cemetery tour, and then don’t forget to check out the upcoming library events.
New Carlisle is such an interesting place to live. Enjoy it.
About the Author