Local graveyards tell a story of early days in local
communities
To some, cemeteries are scary places. To others they are sacred
ground on which not to tread; still to others they are portals into
the past that offer glimpses of how towns took shape and who made
them the places they are today.
San Benito County has three cemeteries of note: Calvary, the
Catholic cemetery, the San Juan District cemetery, and the
Oddfellows Cemetery.
Local graveyards tell a story of early days in local communities
To some, cemeteries are scary places. To others they are sacred ground on which not to tread; still to others they are portals into the past that offer glimpses of how towns took shape and who made them the places they are today.
San Benito County has three cemeteries of note: Calvary, the Catholic cemetery, the San Juan District cemetery, and the Oddfellows Cemetery.
The graves are marked with stone, marble and wood – reminders of lives lived and key components of family histories.
The Oddfellows Cemetery, located along Buena Vista Avenue near the base of Park Hill, was originally known as the Sherman Cemetery and dates back to at least the 1870s. However, according to John Sander, who keeps the records for the cemetery, the records only go as far back as 1896. Since the Oddfellows is a fraternal organization, one of its commitments to members is burying the dead, Sander said. The cemetery covers about 11 acres of space and contains graves that date back as far as the 1870s.
San Juan Cemetery is situated in the hills above San Juan Bautista and hosts many old headstones and spectacular views of the area. Some of the oldest headstones at San Juan date back to at least 1820. Interestingly, the graves of some of the Donner party members are located at this cemetery. There are also a large number of spires and tombs adorned with urns, pillars and beautiful buttresses that stand as memorials to the departed.
The Catholic Church oversees Calvary Cemetery. The director of cemeteries for the Monterey Diocese is Clancy DeAngelo and he was not immediately available to discuss the history of the cemetery, but the oldest headstones date back to the 1880s. Calvary also contains a mausoleum and a military cemetery.
All three cemeteries are open to the public from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
