Oak Hill Cemetery is located a few blocks southwest of down town
Edgewood..
On 15 May, 1905 some ladies of Edgewood met at the Edgewood Company
Store, and organized a cemetery association. Mrs. T. H. Standlee
was elected president and Miss Callie Henry was secretary.
The deed for the West Side Cemetery was to be secured, and there
was some correspondence in regard to forming a constitution and
By-Laws.
On 9 June 1905, it was voted to buy two and one half acres from
D. C. Hoods and son for a new addition and survey it into
lots which would be sold to pay for the land. Mr. Charlie Flowers
was employed as first sexton, making a contract for $81.00
dollars per year.
On 25 March 1906, a steel fence was put around the East and North
sides of Oak Hill Cemetery. Also, a pavillion was built, seats
and tools bought. Eight acres of land was bought from John and
Ruby Henry at $100.00 dollars per acre, now known as the
Henry addition.
On 26 January 1910, a company of ladies met and unanimously adopted
the resolution to organize a club, the Woman’s Club of Edgewood.
Not being a Civic Club only, it was voted to change the name
to ‘Civic and Culture Club’, and became a Federated
Club. It withdrew after a few years due to the intensive and
expensive program of the federation.
On 11 October 1973, due to business reasons, the “Civic
and Culture Club” came to be known as Edgewood Cemetery
Association, with the responsibility of continuing to maintain
the Oak Hill Cemetery.
Mrs. J. E. Humphries Sr. served as president of the club
for many years. She ended her term of office May 1975. She was
to be commended for her leadership in such an intellectual, poised
and dignified way. She added interest and graciousness to the
meetings that conveyed an atmosphere which was both cultural
and inspirations.
Mr. Ray McDonald was sexton for the cemetery for eighteen
years, ending his time of service March 1975. He gave much in
faithful and dedicated service to the appearance and maintenance
of Oak Hill Cemetery.
Mrs. Lloyd Ellis served as Treasurer for eleven years.
Her term ended in September 1977. She cintinues an active interest
in Oak Hill Cemetery.
In a backward glance from the first years of the club, presidents
have been: Mrs. T. H. Standlee, Mrs. W. H. Humphries,
Mrs. B. J. Carter, Mrs. B. B. Brandon, Mrs. R.
B. Cheatham, Mrs. J. M. Brandom, Mrs. Alex Hooks,
Mrs. W. R. Broyals, Mrs. L. E. Slaughter, Mrs.
D. L. Pickens, Mrs. J. E. Humphries, Mrs. V. Z.
Hobbs, Mrs. J. A. Pruitt, and Mrs. R. M. Millsaps
Jr.
Among those who were secretaries are: Miss Callie Henry,
Mrs. A. L. Ennis, Mrs. R. M. Millsaps Sr., Mrs.
B. B. Brandon, Mrs. W. L. Pettigrew, Mrs. R. I.
Ellis, Mrs. J. J. Rockenbaugh, Mrs. J. A. Slaughter,
Mrs. Alex Hoods, Mrs. R. R. Cheatham, Mrs. Miriam
Macculay and Mrs. Jim York.
Treasurers were: Mrs. R. I. Ellis, Mrs. W. H. Humphries,
Mrs. W. H. Pickens, Mrs. Lloyd Ellis and Mrs. S.
W. McLemore.
Active members in the early years were: Mesdames McFarland,
Platt, Stepp, Slaughter, McDonald,
Ennis, W. B. Cheatham, Phillip Board, W.
H. Humphries, Etta Ferrell, Bruce Engedow,
D. A. Hooks, Saylors, H. M. Reed, Ben Livingston,
A. D. Johnson, D. L. Smart, E. B. Eskin,
Badwin, R. I. Ellis, R. M. Millsaps, and
Otis Joyce.
Betty Pickens Phillips