Reunions: Melton Cemetery Reunion of 1948, Winn Parish, LA Submitted by: Grady L. McFarland, 379 Packton-Alex Rd, Winnfield, La ********************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ********************************************** From: May 20, 1948 Winn Parish Enterprise, Robert E. Baker, News Editor Melton Cemetery Reunion of 1948 Heading: For 40 years Melton Cemetery Working Has Been Annual Custom Last Saturday was believed to have been the 40th annual working of the old Melton graveyard nine miles south of Winnfield near Iatt tower. No one knows for sure just when the custom of gathering at the cemetery for the annual cleanup began, but Uncle Marion Melton, 84, oldest living member of the Melton family, believes that it was about 40 years ago when relatives and friends of those buried there first set aside a special day each year for the graveyard working. Now, on the third Saturday every May, those who have loved ones there gather at the cemetery, not only to beautify the grounds and place flowers and shrubs on the graves, but to renew old acquaintances and to visit with friends, many of whom they haven't seen since last graveyard working. Relatives come from other towns and even from other states for the annual affair. OLD TRADITION The country graveyard working is as much Southern tradition as Christmas and Thanksgiving. For the Melton family and their many relatives the annual working of the cemetery is an occasion which is eagerly looked forward to the year around. They prepare for it days in advance cooking huge quantities of tasty foods of all kinds and varieties. Early arrivals get to the graveyard soon after sun-up on the third Saturday in May. The men usually get there first, bringing their hoes, rakes and shovels. Beginning their work while the morning is still cool they are usually finished by mid-morning and have the rest of the day to sit in the shade of the huge old trees and talk over past experiences. This a day of gladness and feasting, but it is also a day of sadness, for they are gathered here to pay tribute and respect to those who are sleeping in this quiet old country graveyard, beneath the whispering branches of the towering oaks. Rev. Alwin Stokes, well-known Winnfield minister, is usually an annual visitor at the Graveyard working, but he was unable to attend last Saturday. The usual reading of the Scriptures and short devotional service was held as it is each year. Mrs. Ivy Melton read several passages from the Bible and made a short, but inspiring address. DINNER ON THE GROUND By that time it was nearing 12 o'clock and time for dinner on the ground. The ladies began unpacking the food as the men and children stood hungrily by, awaiting the call to " Come on and help yourselves. There's plenty for all. " The long tables that were erected near the graveyard several years ago were completely covered with dishes containing foods of all kinds. There was chicken, roast, sandwiches of all sorts, deviled eggs, several varieties of salads, chicken dressing, pickles, potatoes and other vegetables, fruits, canned goods, and many, many other kinds of food, too numerous to mention. Then, to top it off, you had your pick of at least 20 different kinds of desserts, including all sorts of cakes, cookies, pies and puddings. All in all, it was a very enjoyable occasion. Everyone had a good time and certainly no one went hungry. Citizens of Winnfield should follow their example with an old-time graveyard working, at least once a year, at the local cemetery. Two churches and an old country school once stood near the old Melton graveyard. The last church was built about 1885 and was well-known throughout the area as the Old Melton Church. The building collapsed about 15 years ago and now there are no signs of the churches or schoolhouse. The infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J.D. Moore was the first person buried in the Melton graveyard in January, 1887. Mrs. Sarah F. Melton was also interred only a short time later. SIXTY ATTEND Approximately 60 persons attended the 1948 graveyard working last Saturday. Oldest member of the Melton family, Marion Melton, 84, known as Uncle Marion to his many friends and relatives, was present. His only surviving sister, Mrs. Emma Melton Wise, 80, of Voth, Texas, had planned to attend, but was unable to make the trip. Others present for the event included: Mr and Mrs Bud Melton, Mr and Mrs Charlie Melton, Mr and Mrs Walker Melton, Mr and Mrs Wright Melton, Mr and Mrs Jack Melton, Mrs Mollie Stevens, Miss Evelyn Stevens, Marvin Melton, J E Melton, Mrs. Rosana Melton, John Melton, Jewell Nugent, Mrs. E O Baker, Robert Baker, Mrs P C Finlay, Loretta Spikes, Bobby Jean Melton, Jo Ann Matthews, Gail Foreman, Patsy Tullos and Carolyn Melton, Fred Lovell and Mary Melton, all of Winnfield; Johnnie Moore and Bonnie Nugent of Shreveport; Dr. and Mrs. Joe Richardson of Pineville; Mrs. H S Coleman and three small sons of Monroe; Doc Nugent, Bill Nugent, Mr and Mrs Heflin Nugent and Mrs. Berdie Nugent of Pineville; and Janice and Lola Beth Melton. Several others also attended. GRAVES WELL-KEPT We didn't attempt to count the graves at the Melton graveyard. Many have beautiful tombstones, while many others are unmarked. All are well-kept and flowers were placed on them Saturday. A new wire fence and gate were recently constructed encircling the cemetery. There is some talk of building a new church there sometime in the future. On the tombstones of the graves that bear markers are the following names with dates of burial. Names of those who had no markers are not listed. Sarah F Melton, 1887; Annie Mae Johnson Melton, 1927; Ida Eagles Melton, 1914; Ella Louise Melton, 1914; Anna Bell Melton, 1914; Merty B Melton, 1914; James E Melton, 1916; Alma Jordan Melton, 1932; Arvin Richard Melton, 1929; Florence Melton Nugent, 1931; Marie Neal, 1926; Lona May Coburn, 1908; James Haigler, Co. K, 17th Alabama Infantry, Confederate States of America, no date given. Issac E Wise, 1932; infant child of Mr and Mrs I E Wise, no date given; Thermon M Moore, 1918; Sarah Florence Nugent, 1936; infant daughter of Mr and Mrs H A Deville, 1940; Linda Dianne Foreman, 1944; E M Melton, 1932; William F Gilmore, 1923; Susan C Melton, 1905; Madison M Melton, 1893; and T M Till, 1898. END OF THE DAY After the working was completed early in the afternoon families began to assemble and leave for home after bidding a sad farewell to other families from out-of-town. For many, their parting words were " See you again at the graveyard working next year. " Slowly, one family after the other left the graveyard. By mid-afternoon all had gone and the cemetery was deserted. The day had been a successful one and the cemetery had been renovated into a beautiful place again. But now the day was over and all living persons had departed, leaving their loved ones to sleep in peace. Quiet and solitude reigned again over the cemetery and the dense forest surrounding it. (Footnote added: Microfilm at the Winn Parish Library was reviewed before submitter transcribed this article. There were three photos included - poor image quality did not allow digital scanning and article inclusion. See Melton Cemetery article this web site for further historical background and current census of graves.)