The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Ridge Hill to hold 90th anniversary celebratory event
Ridge Hill Memorial Park, a cemetery at 44805 North Ridge Road in Amherst Township, is celebrating its 90-year existence.
On Sept. 15, Ridge Hill is inviting the community to help it commemorate its years in business.
“We are having a community day for folks from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.,” said Nancy Baker, operations manager at Ridge Hill. “It’s a way to celebrate the 90 years we have been here with the community,
and to pay tribute to those who are buried here.”
During the event, organizers will set aside a time for a dedication to U.S. military veterans, Baker said.
“We will have time for dedication to honor those buried here who were killed in the line of duty,” she said. “It will be unique to our cemetery, the veterans who are here and looking at their sacrifice.
“That area is our Patriot Field, and the Amherst American Legion will lead that part of the afternoon.”
Baker said the event will have even more special moments.
“We will have a portion dedicated to Helen Steiner Rice,” she said. “She is a famous poet from Lorain, and it will be a good tribute for her.
“We will also be releasing butterflies at the end of the event. We have 90 butterflies to represent 90 years. We also have folks from the (Black River Audubon Society) providing bluebird trails.”
Baker said the event also will look at the history of the cemetery.
“We will have different photos being shown from the history,” she said. “Folks will also be able to tour the park.
“There will be popcorn and people will also be able to do some rubbings, which is basically tracing what’s etched on a gravestone using a piece of paper.”
Baker said the cemetery is looking forward to having the community stop by.
“It’s a way for folks to come by and get to know the park better,” she said. “It’s a great way to pay tribute to the 24,000 people that are buried here.”