Minutes of the Friends of the Geer Cemetery 04/02/2007

In attendance: Jessica Eustice, Carrie McNair, R. Kelly Bryant, and Chantae Bohannon-Mangum

Meeting initiated with a review of past newspaper clippings relevant to our cause of maintaining the up keep and eventually having the City of Durham take ownership of Geer Cemetery.

A brief history given by Mr. Bryant stated that he read in the Durham Herald Sun in 1984 that a committee meeting on cemeteries was being initiated. There he was re acquainted with Doris “tombstone” Tilley . Mrs. Tilley is the author of ___________ , and she has done some extensive study of cemeteries in Durham and surrounding areas.

Mr. Bryant states that our goal must be to continue to get City Council to take ownership of the cemetery. .Mr. Bryant mentioned names such as Micheal Woodard, to assist us in our cause. Others city council members who may be interested are Cora Cole–Mc Fadden, Donald Stith, and Councilman David Price.

Round table discussion ensued on how we could go about getting the City council to take ownership ; A strong letter documenting : the committee could show the death certificates that are located in the Health Department building that stated “city”, and “city cemetery” as to the burial place and city cemetery referred to Geer. This could prove previous ownership by the city. Compare the historical significance of the Fitgerald Cemetery (City has taken ownership of this cemetery ) to Geer cemetery . Past articles in the Herald Sun including the 1900 article “ lay down body ‘ which referred to Geer Cemetery as the City Cemetery, among other articles written about Geer Cemetery over the years.

Mr. Bryant states that we needed to review Committee Chairs since Senator Lucas has passed and she was Chair of fundraising for FOGC

Committees consisted of:
Graves- who is buried there
Ownership- stakeholders
Fundraising- monies for perpetual care
Volunteers- establish who was there and where buried ( needed to canvas cemetery )
Geer Cemetery History – Jessie’s book

Historical note:
John O’ Daniel had a textile mill and CC ( Charles ) Amey also operated a textile mill.

Our next meeting was scheduled for June 4 at 5:30 in the Conference Room at the Durham County Library.

Minutes submitted by Chantae Bohannon-Mangum, 4/9/07