On a wintery day last February, snow and ice on County Road 10 resulted in the sudden launch of a vehicle which landed within the confines of Shield’s Cemetery on Hayes’ Line. The extent of damage to the site was not established until this spring, but in the interim, Derrick Lennox and a small crew from Lennox Cemetery Management graciously intervened, making some repairs. After months of waiting, the cemetery’s insurance company has approved a claim for further restoration work which will be completed this month.
The accident was an unexpected blow to the local cemetery board, and members are relieved that the insurance claim was successful. Like many small, rural cemeteries across the country, Shield Cemetery Board members struggle to find the funds to preserve their memorial tribute to the local founders of the area. They hope their 180-year-old Heritage Site continues to provide honour and dignity to those who are interred there and offer a pleasant place for visiting families.
Sitting on this board is a family affair, with five generations of Gardiners taking their turns, accompanied by members of the Lowes’, McMurray, Hendren, McBain, Armstrong and Shield families. Mowing services provided by grazing sheep from the nearby McLean farm are no longer an option, and the board is concerned about the cemetery’s future.
Over the years, the board has received Community Funding Grant’s from Cavan Monaghan Township to supplement their internally-generated funds. While the cemetery is still considered active, plots are no longer available for sale so their maintenance budget is funded by investment income and donations. With support, they hope that the family records they maintain will be around for another 180 years at Shield Cemetery. KG
