Historic Phoenix Cemeteries

Ed Dobbins and Pioneers' Cemetery Association (PCA) have published a book April 2024 detailing the history of seven historic cemeteries in Phoenix, AZ. 

This is a story of a young territorial town that experienced explosive growth while needing a location to bury the dead. Four town blocks were set aside as a cemetery from 1871 to 1884 until it was ordered closed. Once the city incorporated, the cemeteries were re-opened between 1884-1893 as seven separate and distinct cemeteries until once again closed in 1914. 

It's a fascinating story of how early settlers struggled to maintain order, care, and respect in the burial of its citizens. There were many efforts to sell or repurpose the grounds as care and maintenance were often a low priority for the growing city. 

Ed provides a significant number of citations as he chronicles the heritage of the seven historic cemeteries now known as Pioneer & Military Memorial Park (PMMP). He also briefly shares the history behind the current caretakers, the Pioneers' Cemetery Association. 

This book is focused on the history of the cemeteries. PCA published another book July 2018, Pioneer and Military Memorial Park of Phoenix, which includes a variety of stories about those interred in the seven cemeteries. Copies are available on Amazon as linked or by contacting PCA for local pick-up. You can purchase your copy of the books through PCA's Gift Shop.  

Ed has a YouTube channel where he shares other stories of the history of Phoenix. It's a great way to learn about the history of early Arizona. 

I was honored to be a part of this project as proofreader and copy editor. I look forward to assisting you with your next project - Let's Chat!

Nonprofit Focus
February was a whirlwind of focus on event preparation to support a favorite nonprofit. Children of the American Revolution has groups at local and state levels across the country and even a few internationally. Children learn about their heritage through genealogy, American history, and patriotism. It's a combination of history lessons and community service while teaching meeting processes, officer skills, and public speaking. Membership is for those birth to 22 years old.

Service in Action
My role is as the adult leader for the state. I mentor and supervise the State President and local societies through the state. We host two events each year, and February was our State Conference to celebrate the successes of projects and societies. This involves working with children and adult leaders to prepare reports and certificates for the meeting; prepare script, program, and registration for the meeting; prepare a project the children can work on at the meeting; as well as facility and food preparation. Lots of Reading, Writing, and Engaging!

Value of Volunteering
Volunteering is good for the soul. It feels good. You support your community. It's an amazing learning opportunity with many skills developed. You connect with others IRL (In Real Life). It's a fabulous networking opportunity. It's great for your health as confirmed in research. 

Mayo Clinic has an article reminding us of the benefits of volunteering:

• Improves physical and mental health
• Provides a sense of purpose and teaches valuable skills
• Nurture new and existing relationships

So it was a busy February, but I'm glad to be back! I'm grateful for friends and fellow adult leaders who make it possible to serve and grow these children.

What were your successes in February? Do you track your wins to remind yourself at the end of the year? I'd love to hear what you do beyond your business and family efforts - Let's Chat! 

Bringing History to Life
A local nonprofit, Pioneers' Cemetery Association, decided they'd like to run a series of short biographies of some of their interred. The organization serves as caretaker of a collection of historic cemeteries on the National Register of Historic Places known as Pioneer & Military Memorial Park. Naturally, the short bits of information in Word were wholly insufficient for these pioneers. Canva and some artistic creativity to the rescue! Peruse some of the biographies on their website to learn about territorial Arizona! This campaign was also promoted on their socials (Facebook and Instagram) and through their email newsletter. 

40th Anniversary Special
The series is capped off with a more extensive blog post commemorating Thomas Hayden, a local legend instrumental in mapping early Phoenix, AZ and plotting the grave locations of the interred. This post includes a slideshow and features a group photo captioned with the assistance of one of the organization's founders. 

It Was An Honor and Pleasure
I was thrilled to be part of this project to add some interest and publicity for the organization. This little nonprofit is an all-volunteer group of dedicated history buffs. Some have gone so far as to train themselves in proper cleaning, care, and restoration of historic grave markers. 

Do you have a nonprofit near and dear to your heart? I specialize in bringing an extra lift in marketing for these organizations. If I can be of assistance on your next project, Let's Chat!