by Jeanne Robinson

As one who visits dozens of cemeteries every year, I am constantly amazed at cemetery signs. I’ve seen elaborate brick pillars holding wrought iron gates and topped by a matching arched sign welcoming all who visit one pioneer cemetery. Many other cemeteries boast carved and colorfully painted wooden signs. On more than one occasion I’ve chuckled as I realized the modest sign naming a remote cemetery is attached to the only available flat surface – the outdoor privy. At a little cemetery near The Dalles, a small piece of hand-painted plywood, now badly weathered, is attached to the cyclone fence with baling wire. But, sadly, all too often I find no sign at all.

In their zeal to preserve, protect, and restore old cemeteries, people do cemetery recording, mapping, and researching. They mow, weed, and cut away brush, vines, and trees. They clean old gravestones. They even reset and repair toppled and broken markers. But, even when encouraged to do so, they seldom invest time or effort into installing a cemetery sign.

With all of the important work to be done in a cemetery, why worry about a cemetery sign?

Let’s begin with public awareness. During a cemetery restoration project, a sign not only lets people know what you’re doing, it could bring you potential volunteers. If you’re not in the midst of a project, it can let visitors know where they are and, more importantly, that it is a place someone cares about.

Often, folks have what they believe to be good reasons not to put up signs at a cemetery. They’ve heard the cemetery called by two different names, and they aren’t sure which one is correct. They think signs are too expensive. They don’t know if they’ll need a permit or permission for a sign. They’re not sure what to put on the sign. They’re not sure what materials will hold up to the elements. Hopefully this article will give good reasons to put up cemetery signs and answer all of their concerns.

What should be on the sign?

Name: Start with the name of the cemetery. If you’re not certain, do some research. Check with the county clerk or assessors office, local government or police officials, local historical and/or genealogical societies, the OHCA, the Oregon State Mortuary and Cemetery Board, descendants if you can find them, and neighbors. If there is one name nearly everyone agrees on, terrific. If not, consider adding one or more of the aliases (i.e., Mountain Home Cemetery, aka Elwood Cemetery).

If nothing else is on your sign, it will still be better than no sign at all. However, you might consider adding any of the following:

Opening and closing hours: If you post the cemetery to prevent trespassing after closing hours, you will be taking a giant step in the prevention of vandalism.

Warnings of possible dangers: Let visitors know that climbing, sitting, or leaning against stones can cause serious injury to people and markers.

Rubbing regulations: Is gravestone rubbing permitted? If so, provide simple instructions.

Informational or educational messages: Tell visitors about important or interesting persons buried in your cemetery, about any restoration projects underway or planned, and about the history of the cemetery or the area.

Contact information: The name of the individual or association responsible for cemetery records, and a mailing address for folks interested in sharing or obtaining genealogical information, is valuable. At the very least, provide a telephone number to report problems or enquire about the cemetery.

Will I need a permit or permission to put up a sign?

Possibly, but probably not. Check with local officials for any sign requirements or structural regulations. If you do not own the cemetery, obtain permission before putting up any signs.

What materials should I use?

Aspects to consider when thinking about signs are durability, size, where and how they will be mounted, and your budget. Professionally made signs can be obtained for a modest fee, and price quotes are free.

Paper / Cardboard / Poster Board: Yes, properly laminated, a paper sign can be easily made and will last a season or two. If your ultimate goal is something more expensive than you can afford right now, consider a temporary sign you make yourself. Home computers are great for this, but in a pinch a permanent felt marker, some paper, and a bit of clear contact paper are all you need to go from no sign at all to a well-marked cemetery.

Wood: Just about any piece of wood can become a sign at your cemetery. A drawback will be the effect of harsh weather, so don’t expect a piece of pressed wood product or interior plywood to last. On the other hand, one eastern Oregon cemetery has been marked for the last six years with a 2’ x 2’ square of white-enameled exterior plywood, hand-painted, with holes drilled at each corner, and mounted on a cyclone fence. If your budget is small and you want a lovely carved-wooden sign, consider approaching local lumber dealers for donations of materials and schools in your area for art students to craft the sign as a class project.

Plastic: Not for the do-it-yourselfer, but many sign shops create durable plastic signs in an infinite variety of sizes, shapes, and colors.

Sheet metal: Again not a do-it-yourself project, however enameled metal signs are extremely durable and need not be prohibitively expensive.

Forged or cast metal: If you know a blacksmith, or if there is a foundry nearby, you might be able to have an iron, bronze, aluminum or other metal cemetery sign made. Durability is assured as long as you protect any ferrous metals from rust.

Others: Just about the time I think I’ve seen them all, something new pops up at another cemetery. How about a concrete pad at the cemetery entrance with the name spelled out in colored rocks, marbles, or other small items? Take a look at signs in your town, along the highway as you travel, or when you visit other cemeteries. Use your imagination.

Where and how should signs be mounted?

If there is just one entrance to your cemetery, that’s where a sign belongs. If there are multiple entrances, consider one at each gate. If more than one road passes your cemetery, consider placing a sign with the cemetery name facing each street.

When considering your sign requirements, examine your current assets. Do you have a fence or structure at the cemetery entrance upon which your sign can be mounted? If not, you will need to determine where and how the sign will be displayed. I’ve seen signs tacked to large trees, mounted on stakes, attached to specially designed free-standing structures and kiosks, and enclosed in mini-shelters where they and their readers are protected from rain.

How about signs inside the cemetery?

One of the best examples of effective use of cemetery signs is found at Eugene Masonic Cemetery. Simple laminated paper signs mounted on plywood platforms attached to 4" x 4" wooden posts are found throughout the cemetery. Whether picturing and relating the history of some of the notable burials, telling of on-going and future renovation projects, or describing the many native plants found throughout the cemetery, these signs are interesting and valuable additions to the many visitors who stroll through the graveyard daily.

Photograph by Jeanne Robinson

I hope I’ve helped eliminate some of the obstacles that are keeping your cemetery anonymous. From simple homemade paper signs or scraps of painted lumber to elaborate wrought iron and brick entrances, a cemetery sign is a direct communication between you and anyone visiting your cemetery. What is it you need them to know?