Original Projects of Gavin Anderson

Cemeteries of Buffalo Island

When I was growing up, my family was incredibly poor. The only thing that I was ever able to play with was my bike. One of the places I would go to the most was the local cemetery. The quiet, peaceful atmosphere was very comforting to me and I don't recall ever being actually scared of the area. Apparently, this was something I picked up from my mom because I learned that she too enjoyed going to cemeteries and would try finding the oldest graves. This inspired me to do some research into the cemeteries we would go to when I was younger, map them out, and give some background information on them.
This Cemetery is located in the town where I currently Reside. Black Oak is most famous for the band that originated from the town and took on the name of the town itself and being the hometown of author John Gresham. Gresham made several references to the town in his novel "A Painted House." Nowadays, Black Oak is a shell of its former self with virtually all businesses shut down and their buildings left to slowly collapse. Almost reflecting on the nature of the town itself, this cemetery is currently out of commission. 
Oldest Grave: June 11, 1888
Youngest Grave: May 12, 2000
This cemetery is the first one I ever rode my bike in as a child. I lived in Monette until I was in first grade due to my family needing more space for my newborn brother. The town has thrived since its conception and remains an important town in Northeast Arkansas. The town has continued to advance and has added in a newly constructed High School as well as a new stretch of Highway to eliminate traffic in the town itself. Monette is considered the center of Buffalo Island. The cemetery is currently still in commission.
Oldest Grave: November 9, 1916
Caraway is a somewhat sad story to discuss today due to its fall from grace over the past 10 years. What used to be a thriving town is following in the same path that Black Oak has. It's notable features are the 4th of July parade and festivities, the ballpark surrounded with brick walls rather than fences, and it being home of Medal of Honor Recipient Nick Bacon. The cemetery is currently in commission and is the youngest of the cemeteries in the area.
Oldest Grave: December 24, 1928
This is by far the largest cemetery of the ones listed and is located outside of Monette. It is still in comission and more than likely will stay in commission for at least the next 50 years due to the amount of space.
Oldest Grave: April 15, 1886
This Cemetery is quite a mystery. It is currently out of commission despite the large amount of space and relatively low occupancy. I could not find any information on it despite it being the oldest cemetery.
Oldest Grave: October 3, 1873
Youngest Grave: January 29, 2005
 

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