Group Works to Save Mpls Cemetery Fence

MINNEAPOLIS - The oldest cemetery in Minneapolis is the final resting place for some of the city's earliest pioneers. A non-profit group is trying to preserve the rich history, by making sure the cemetery near Lake Street and Cedar Avenue is protected.

A major fundraiser is underway to preserve the fence and the history inside. For more than 80 years, a decorative steel fence has protected the Pioneers and Soldiers Cemetery. Now the fence needs some protection itself. Rust is eating away at the pickets and weakening the gates. The caretaker worries they won't hold up much longer.

"It’s a very unique gate system,” said Caretaker Mike Barth. “They don't make them like this anymore that's for sure."

The south Minneapolis cemetery is the city's oldest, built in 1854. It’s the final resting place for hundreds of early settlers and soldiers. 21,000 people are buried there.

The Friends of the Cemetery group is raising awareness, asking people to Adopt a Picket, for $30. Each donation will pay for the sanding and repainting of a single picket. The restoration project is estimated to cost at least $750,000. The city has agreed to pay $350,000, from bond funds and grant money.

“South Minneapolis has lost most of its original buildings through demolition and lack of investment,” said City Council Member Gary Schiff. “I think now's a great opportunity to say thank you to the pioneers who made this state great."

Without community support, the fence will continue to crumble and Minneapolis will lose a piece of history.

The cemetery fence is more than 1,900 feet long and has more than 3,500 pickets.

Organizers with the Adopt a Picket campaign are hopeful they can begin the restoration project next year.

Friends of the Cemetery
Adopt-a-Picket fundraiser
P.O. BOX 7345
Minneapolis, MN 55407

www.friendsofthecemetery.org