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Saint Louis University, with the help of groups and citizens in Pike County, is working to restore a historic cemetery.
McElwee Cemetery was established in 1843 on the grounds of what is now the University's Lay Field Station near Louisiana, Mo. The cemetery contains more than 85 graves, one of the oldest belonging to a Revolutionary War veteran. Shortly after the last body was interred in 1940, the cemetery fell into disrepair.
With the help of local organizations, the University has pursued restoration of the Pike County landmark. The project includes clearing overgrowth, general landscaping, the building of a gravel road to the cemetery and the installation of a fence, arbor and wrought-iron sign.
Boy Scout Troop No. 156, of Louisiana, Mo., is restoring damaged headstones and creating a meditation area in the cemetery. The Louisiana Historical Society is cataloging the census of the cemetery and providing some of the identification plaques for the cemetery.
Daryl Rhinedollar, a nationally recognized iron work artisan from Clarkesville, Mo., has completed the wrought iron fence, arbor and banner. He also is developing benches for a sitting area at the cemetery.
Stark Nurseries of Louisiana, Mo., has supplied landscaping items for the cemetery. Pike County resident Henry Lay, who donated the land for the Lay Field Station, has provided funding to assist the effort.
All work on the cemetery is overseen by David and Viki Cadwallader, Lay Field Station managers. "It's been so much fun seeing this project take shape and working with all the great community people," Viki said. "This is the first of what I hope will be many partnership efforts with the community. We're proud to be here and be a part of this."
Saint Louis University's Gail Johnston, program coordinator, is pleased with the cooperative project. "The work on the cemetery is helping us become part of the community," Johnston said.
The University's Lay Field Station, which opened for classes May 17, is a teaching and research site for students and faculty in biology and other sciences.
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