Wheatley Cemetery Conservation

In Richfield, Ohio, at the corner of Wheatley and Brecksville Roads, there is a tiny family cemetery.   From the early 1800’s the Wheatley family buried their loved ones there.  At age 91, Alan Thomas, is no longer able to care for his little family cemetery himself.  So he has transferred the deed to the Richfield Historical Society.

 With the deed transfer finalized, we can begin to envision and plan.  What is the best way to preserve and honor those buried there, and celebrate the Wheatley’s historical legacy in Richfield?

Here is what we envision:
·       Clear the weeds, trim the brush, and plant some shade grass.
·       Replace the deteriorating chain link fence with something that restores the look of the old wrought iron fence that was stolen years ago. 
·       Plant shrubs, flowers, and maybe a park bench.
·       Obtain a bronze marker from the Ohio History Connection. 
·       Install a plaque displaying pictures of those buried there and telling the story of the early Richfield settlers.

Funding will determine how much we can do.  The Wheatley/Thomas family wants to collaborate as much as they can. The owner of Richfield Commons has also expressed a willingness to collaborate.  Can you help too?

We’ve set up this GoFundMe page to accept contributions for this project.  Could you consider making a contribution?  Any amount that you could give would be greatly appreciated. All funds raised will go directly to the restoration and preservation of the Wheatley Cemetery.

All funds collected will be managed through the Richfield Historical Society, a 501c3 non profit organization.  Donations to the RHS are tax deductible.