(PRESS RELEASE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
DONATION … The Three Arts Club of West Unity recently donated $1,000 towards the Rings Cemetery “Respect the Past” Project. On the left is Marilyn Royal accepting a check from Deb Nixon, Three Arts Club treasurer.
PRESS RELEASE – The January meeting of the Three Arts Club was held at the home of Laura Rohlf. The guest speaker was Marilyn Royal. She talked about the restoration of the Rings Cemetery on the north side of West Unity, “Respect the Past” Project.
There is a lot of history at the cemetery. It has been learned that Robert E. Lee and his troops once camped at the site. There are 143 graves and 48 of those are children.
Marilyn washes off the gravestones, and they are set in cement to keep them secure. The back row is finished with more rows to restore. The West Unity American Legion Post 669 have had the cannons at the cemetery completely refurbished.
The Rings family, who founded West Unity, are also buried there. There are plans to add a rock garden and bench in the back for visitors to use and take in the beauty and history of this remarkable little cemetery. The Club voted to give $1,000 towards this very worthwhile endeavor.
The meeting was then called to order. Sixteen members answered the roll call, “An interesting fact about your family history”. The secretary and treasurer’s reports were approved as read.
Letters were read from the Hilltop Science Fair and Hilltop Post Prom Committee. After some discussion, it was voted to give $75 to the Hilltop Science Fair and $100 to the Post Prom Committee. It was also discussed to possibly donate to the Williams County Library food pantry.
The Club is planning another Reverse Purse Raffle on Saturday, April 5 at the Kissel Building. The different committees gave updates. Everything is going as planned. More updates will be given next month.
The meeting was then adjourned. Delicious refreshments were served by co-hostesses Terri Westfall and Laura Rohlf.