How many of you know anything about the mysterious Druids? I learned so much by just visiting this cemetery in Occidental. It was named for the founder of California's United Ancient Order of Druids Grand Grove, Frederick Sieg. Interestingly, the Order was established in Placerville in 1860.
The United Ancient Order of Druids of California is a fraternal benefit organization, based on the ancient Druids beliefs of benevolence and education and was founded on sound morality. It was formed as a brotherhood united to assist the families of miners injured or killed in the gold fields of the Sierra Nevada. The mission is to promote knowledge, unity and peace. Pretty cool mission if you ask me!Okay, about the cemetery, it is here that many residents of Occidental rest in neat family plots, dating back to the mid 1800s. A stroll through the gravestones introduced us to the who's who of this little town. A big deal here was Melvin Cyrus Meeker. In the spring of 1869, Melvin purchased the homestead that became Camp Meeker. The nearby town of Occidental became a reality through the efforts of Melvin and other interested citizens.
After logging the coast redwoods that built and then rebuilt San Francisco after the 1906 earthquake, Melvin Meeker sold lots for people to build a home to come and spend the summers. There was a theatre, large dancing pavilion, bowling alley, stores, hotels and a library. The town is here because of him. A Who's who is right!
Walter Lewis Proctor (1870-1946) and his family are at rest here. He must have been a heavy hitter. too, as his gravestone is one of the fanciest.Here is WL and some pals at Valley Ford.William Dickey Coy was WL's nephew who passed away at age 13. A lost child is the hardest part of visiting cemeteries.A.J. Blaney's (1832-1906) dad was the first postmaster in the new town of Occidental. I'm not sure what Jr. accomplished but his gravestone is pretty impressive.I was surprised to see the differing degrees of wealth displayed on the graves. This worn, wooden cross marks the grave of Amadeo Panelli (1894-1974). It surprised me that it was so new yet so weathered and temporary.This hand-inscribed tombstone belongs to one of the most famous residents. You know of him- he is the Jeff of the famous Mutt & Jeff comics.
The original inspiration for the character of "Jeff" was Jacques (Jacob) Fehr, a tiny (4'8") irascible Swiss-born shopkeeper here. One summer day in 1908, Bud Fisher, a member of San Francisco's Bohemian Club, was riding the North Pacific Coast narrow-gauge railway passenger train northbound to the Bohemian Grove, the club's summer campsite. During a stop in Occidental, Fisher got off the train to stretch his legs and observed the diminutive walrus-mustached Fehr in heated altercation with the tall and lanky "candy butcher", who sold refreshments on the train and also distributed newspapers to shops in towns along the train route. The comic potential in this scene prompted Fisher to add the character of Jeff to his A. Mutt comic strip, with great success.
Pictured is Jacob and his wife, Tillie, in front of their Occidental store. Great stories can be found almost anywhere!
Lastly, have you ever met someone at a cemetery you wished you knew? Just looking at the photo of Carolyn Ann Fargo made me have to know more about her. I am so happy for obituaries. Lives must be remembered."Carolyn (1926-2010) grew up during the Great Depression, daughter to a father who was a concert violinist and an itinerant sign painter. Her mother played piano for dances and silent movies in the gold country towns of California. Moving to Los Angeles/Hollywood, she worked for Young & Rubicam (an ad agency a la "Madmen"). She was a nightclub singer with a Peggy Lee/Julie London sort of voice and movie star good looks and was an Arthur Murray dance instructor. The last 30 years of her life were spent in Sonoma County. She will be remembered for her wild sense of humor and her love of animals and gardening." She sounds like someone who would be very fun to know.
Unique history in a unique setting. This is my last cemetery posting... but only for a while. I am drawn to them and always curious as to what who I might discover.
“I felt nothing standing there that I would not feel in any cemetery, quiet and curious and mortal.” - Thomm Quackenbush
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