Georgia Magazine - October 2016 - 25

UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA PRESS, 2012 October 2016 ister of Historic Places in recognition of its significance in local, state and national history. Two decades later, the Historic Oakland Cemetery Foundation was formally established to work closely with the city of Atlanta and with the broader Atlanta community to carry out its mission, described by foundation executive director David Moore as "to preserve, restore, enhance and share" Oakland-both its grounds and the thousands of stories that reflect its enduring role in Atlanta's history. "It's been said that a person dies three times: first, when his body gives up and he takes his last breath. Next, when he is committed to the ground. And third, when his name is spoken for the last time," says Neale Nickels, director of restorations with the Historic Oakland Foundation. "Our job as preservationists is to ensure the monuments-and thereby the names of the people of Atlanta- are never lost; to create a beautiful and safe place for people to come and learn about them; and to speak their names that they may live on." The cemetery's resurgence gained momentum following nationwide media coverage of the devastating 2008 tornado that damaged many historic monuments and toppled ancient oak trees. The rejuvenation has extended beyond Oakland's walls, as proximity to the cemetery has greatly benefited surrounding neighborhoods such as Grant Park, Cabbagetown and East Atlanta, which are enjoying an influx of new residents and businesses. As a solemn burial ground, a pastoral landscape and a common ground for all, Oakland Cemetery is truly a landscape of remembrance. Ren Davis and his wife, Helen, of Atlanta, are authors of the awardwinning book, "Atlanta's Oakland Cemetery: An Illustrated History and Guide" [University of Georgia Press, 2012]. More online at www.georgiamagazine.org Autumn activities at Oakland REN DAVIS dubbed the "New South," the cemetery underwent a remarkable renaissance. Victorian-era Atlantans, like others across the country, began to view burial grounds not as places to simply dispose of the dead but as rural garden landscapes. The cemetery was the city's first public park, where families visited their dearly departed, while others came to stroll, picnic or simply enjoy the pastoral grounds. The city renamed the tree-shaded burial ground Oakland Cemetery in 1872. Through the years, paupers were interred with little fanfare in the meadow-like Potters Field and Atlanta's black residents were buried in the cemetery's segregated section. The Atlanta Ladies Memorial Association tended the Confederate Memorial Grounds section, moving the remains of thousands of soldiers from shallow battlefield graves to Oakland beside their fallen comrades and erecting poignant monuments to their memory. In the early 20th century, Oakland slowly fell into disrepair and neglect, driven in large part by the abandonment of many plots by families that no longer lived in the city or had lost interest in caring for the plots. The occasional high-profile burial, such as the funeral for "Gone With the Wind" author Margaret Mitchell in 1949 and the interment of golfing legend Robert T. "Bobby" Jones in 1971, brought only brief attention to the cemetery, and its decline continued unnoticed by most Atlantans. The approach of the nation's 1976 bicentennial marked a turning point for Oakland. In 1974, a group led by noted historian Franklin Garrett (now interred at Oakland) was formed to bring greater attention and resources to restoring the cemetery. The following year, Oakland was placed on the National Reg- Fall colors, brisk temperatures and special events combine to make the season an ideal time to discover all that Oakland has to offer. * 37th Annual Victorian Sunday in the Park, Oct. 2, noon to 6 p.m. Join in celebrating Oakland's 166th birthday with costume competitions, storytellers, mini-tours, quilters and artisans, musical performances, food and drink, and much more. $7 adults, $3 children (4-12). * 9th Annual Run Like Hell (5K) and Run Like Heck (1K), Oct. 9. The 5K is a Peachtree Road Race qualifier. Online registration only. Closes at 1,600 entrants; discount for early registration. * Capturing the Spirit of Oakland Halloween Tours, Oct. 21-23 and 27-29. The cemetery's most popular event features costumed-docent-guided, lantern-lit tours of the grounds to meet a cast of the cemetery's "residents," who share their stories. Online registration only. * Malts and Vaults of Oakland: Where Beer Meets History, Nov. 26. Special themed tour includes sampling of local brews from My Friends Growler Shop and discounts at selected nearby restaurants. * Victorian Holiday and Eternal Homes Tour, Dec. 3, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Costumed guides welcome guests to mausoleums decorated for the holidays. Enjoy seasonal music, refreshments and photographs with St. Nicholas. Ticket sales begin in November. Historic Oakland Cemetery is located at 248 Oakland Ave. S.E., Atlanta. To learn more about these and other activities as well as the benefits of foundation membership, visit oaklandcemetery.com or call (404) 688-2107. 25 http://www.oaklandcemetery.com http://www.georgiamagazine.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Georgia Magazine - October 2016