A benefit will be held at the Harvester Performance and Event Center in downtown Smithville this Thursday evening, from 5:30-7:30 pm, to help with the restoration efforts of Smithville Town Cemetery. Project 1838 aims to enhance and restore the historic cemetery for future generations.

Founded in 1838, there have been no funds for restorative purposes. Therefore, little has been done to restore or beautify the cemetery located on Congress Boulevard in the heart of downtown Smithville. Much of the history of Smithville is buried in this unique space and the cemetery urgently needs our help.

Tommy Webb, DeKalb County historian, had been maintaining the upkeep of the cemetery for years before his death in 2019. When Bethel Thomas, Jr. visited the grave sites of his mother, father, brother, and grandmother in 2018 and expressed concern about the condition of the cemetery, he and Mr. Webb had several cemetery conversations. Bethel told Mr. Webb he wanted to do something to better honor his family and others buried there. Shortly afterwards, Thomas said he felt compelled to say “yes” when asked to help lead the effort to raise awareness of the cemetery condition and the funds needed for restoration.

Delayed by Covid 19, we now have this exceptional, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to truly honor those buried there for generations to come. We can restore and maintain the cemetery for the next two hundred years, capturing the history of Smithville through the stories of those resting there and creating a space that all who love Smithville can visit and share with pride.

The southwest corner of the cemetery is near the intersection of highways 70 and 56. Congress Boulevard is the gateway to beautiful downtown Smithville.

The original fence is already being repaired thanks to a few early financial contributions. Trees are lining the Boulevard on the cemetery side, thanks to a generous gift by the Driver family.

We have landscape architects, contractors, city officials, Chamber of Commerce leaders, and others volunteering their time to Project 1838.

All have a passion for the vision of helping restore the cemetery, honoring the families there, enhancing the overall beauty of Smithville, and creating an even stronger and distinctive community.

Repair, restoration, and additions to the cemetery include:

·         The original fence on the west, south, north sides and cobblestone on the east side. Partially repaired on Congress Boulevard now.

·         The drive through the cemetery.

·         Trees. Recently added to Congress Boulevard side of cemetery.

·         Retaining wall on southwest corner of cemetery.

·         Add entrance to the cemetery and pathway through cemetery.

·         Scan cemetery to find sunken and unmarked grave sites. Never done before.

·         Create appropriate ways to honor those in sunken and unmarked graves.

·         Benches in proper places along new pathway.

·         Historic marker.

·         Tours of cemetery that honor the rich history of Smithville and those buried there.

·         Addition of Columbarium.

·         Add funds to the Perpetual Care Endowed Maintenance fund, assuring a beautiful cemetery for generations to come.

How to give: All gifts are 100% tax deductible. Checks should be made out to Smithville Town Cemetery Association, earmarked For Cemetery Restoration Project, and mailed to Smithville Town Cemetery Association, c/o Treasurer, Mary Evins Overton, at 300 E. Main St., Smithville, TN 37166. Please provide an email address for donation receipt. Mary can be reached by phone at 615-513-2286.