Evergreen Cemetery Association, which oversees Evergreen Cemetery, the largest cemetery in Fort Atkinson and the second largest cemetery in Jefferson County, has joined the Fort Atkinson Area Chamber of Commerce.
A nonprofit organization, Evergreen Cemetery Association is governed by a board of trustees dedicated to providing a dignified final resting place for the deceased at Evergreen Cemetery, according to information released by the chamber.
The association was given its name by 14 prominent citizens in Fort Atkinson who met on Jan. 24, 1863. They established Evergreen Cemetery on a few acres of land on the west side of the “road to Jefferson,” known today as North Main Street. Evergreen Cemetery encompasses 25 acres, the chamber release stated.
Many historical structures are located in the cemetery, including the Cemetery Cottage, built in the late 1800s as a resting house and later used as a meeting place for the board of trustees. The Fort Atkinson Memorial Day services are held near the soldier’s monument, a Civil War statue built in 1898. The war memorial marker next to the Godfrey Memorial Court lists the names of resident soldiers who died fighting for their country. The Bellman Carillon Tower also is located within the cemetery. The carillon plays an extensive library of hymns. Additionally, the Court of Honor, which displays the American flag and the flags of each branch of military service, is located on the grounds.
The cemetery office is housed in the Worcester Memorial Building. Mary Worcester was the granddaughter of Dwight and Almira Foster who were the first settlers in this area. Mary Worcester and her husband Charles made substantial monetary contributions to the Evergreen Cemetery as well as the Dwight Foster Public Library, Hoard Museum, and the local hospital. Many early, prominent settlers and distinguished citizens of Fort Atkinson are interred at the Evergreen Cemetery, including the Fosters and Worcesters, as well as Governor W.D. Hoard and Congressman L.B Caswell, the release continued.
Many of the additions, improvements and plantings within Evergreen Cemetery have been made possible through generous pledges made by numerous people over the years, according to the release.
The cemetery is open to the public daily from dawn until dusk.
Those interested in remembering Evergreen Cemetery in their estate plans, making a donation or volunteering to assist with the beautification and maintenance of the historical property may contact Neal Traeder: 920-563-5014.
Gathering at the Evergreen Cemetery Association office to receive a Fort Atkinson Area Chamber of Commerce new member plaque are cemetery association Treasurer Mark Nordeen; sexton, Neal Traeder; Grounds Supervisor Raughn Ferrell; President Brad Wilcox; Chamber Ambassador Diane Rue; Nancy Boos and Kathy Kakuschke, both association trustees, and part-time employee Ardell Wiederhoeft. Association Secretary Christopher Martin is not pictured. Contributed photo.
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