Daffodil Tea and Garden Stroll set for April 19
TROY, N.Y. » Oakwood Cemetery’s annual springtime fundraiser is a little bit different this year, as organizers debut the new Daffodil Tea and Garden Stroll.
The inaugural event, which replaces the former Daffodil Brunch, is scheduled for 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 19 at Oakwood Cemetery, located at 186 Oakwood Ave. in Troy.
For this new program, several local florists will create special displays that relate to select gravesites in the historic cemetery. Guests will then follow a map along a stroll, or drive, through the grounds, visiting the sites to admire their beauty.
In addition, if weather allows, thousands of yellow daffodils may be in bloom throughout the grounds as well.
Afterward, all are invited into the Earl Chapel for refreshments, tea and scones, served by the Friends of Oakwood Cemetery.
“We decided to try something new,” said Marcy Stryker, a member of the Friends of Oakwood Cemetery, noting that the event is somewhat modeled after the Cathedral in Bloom, held at the Cathedral of All Saints in Albany.
“We’ve invited florists and garden places to create displays that go along with some of the gravesites that we have,” Stryker explained.
Founded in 1848, Oakwood Cemetery is the final resting place for many prominent historical figures, including the famous Samuel “Uncle Sam” Wilson.
“It ties back to the history of the cemetery,” Stryker said. “What an amazing place we have, and it’ll be great for people to see the grounds.”
She continued, “When the cemetery was created, the goal was for it to be a living place for people to come and not leave their loved ones behind, but to come and really see it as a park and as a place to walk for recreation - and we’ve been trying to really call attention to that.”
Local businesses like Felthousen’s Florist & Greenhouse, with locations in Cohoes and Schenectady, are glad to be part of the upcoming Daffodil Tea and Garden Stroll.
“I’m participating because this seems like a good way to showcase our products and talents and we would like to support this treasure of a cemetery,” said Mark Felthousen, who chose to create a display for the gravesite of well-known Civil War General George Henry Thomas, nicknamed “The Rock of Chickamauga.”
When Thomas died in 1870, his funeral attracted 10,000 visitors to Troy, including President Ulysses S. Grant, five cabinet members, General William Tecumseh Sherman, and Ohio Congressman James Garfield. It still holds the record for the largest funeral ever at Oakwood Cemetery.
“It is our pleasure to support Oakwood Cemetery. It is such a hidden gem in Rensselaer County,” said Sue Hayes, owner of Inch By Inch Organic Gardens in Troy. “The Daffodil Tea & Garden Stroll is a fun and informative way to experience history. We at Inch By Inch Organic Gardens have the privilege, during this important election year, of showcasing the gravesite of Caroline Gilkey Rogers.
“Without her, women may not have the right to vote. A true suffragette that spent many a year voicing the logical reasons for all women to vote. We are creating a space of beauty at her grave to showcase her hard-fought battle in the colors of the flag flown to honor the passage of the 19th Amendment on its 100 anniversary.”
While the Daffodil Brunch typically sold out its two seatings each year, organizers hope that the new fundraiser concept will allow more guests to be involved with the event.
Along with engaging the public, the event’s goal is to support the cemetery. Funds raised will help support the cemetery’s flag program for military veterans, as well as gravestone maintenance and grounds upkeep.
“We have a responsibility to everyone who is buried there to continue to care for the cemetery,” Stryker said.
All are invited to be among the first to experience this brand new spring event, which will take place rain or shine.
Admission is $15 per person or free for children younger than 12.
Attendees are required to prepay, and reservations can be made by calling Oakwood Cemetery at 518-328-0090.
The Daffodil Tea and Garden Stroll will also serve as the kickoff to Oakwood
Cemetery’s tour season, which is scheduled to include a Family Mausoleums Tour, a Casualties of the Civil War Tour, a Centennial Women’s Suffrage Tour, an Edgar Allan Poe Tour and more.
More information about Oakwood Cemetery and its upcoming events is available online at www.facebook.com/oakwoodcemetery.org.