68457-1:n:05/05/2004:RRC/rrc LRS2004-2566
COMMENDING THE PRATT CITY RESIDENTS FOR CLEANING UP THE HISTORIC FRATERNAL CEMETERY.
WHEREAS, it is our pleasure to recognize the Pratt City residents for cleaning up the historic Fraternal Cemetery; and
WHEREAS, the "Historical Atlas of Alabama, Volume 2" states the earliest known interment in what became Fraternal Cemetery was in 1842; as coal mining developed in the area, thousands of immigrants and other workers poured into the area and the community graveyard became known as Pratt Mines Cemetery or United Mine Workers Cemetery until about 1890, when it became known as Fraternal Cemetery; and
WHEREAS, in 1913, when relatives of Victor Larson didn't claim his body, the Eagles Fraternity and the Order of the Red Men in Pratt City carried the young Swedish immigrant to his final rest in Fraternal Cemetery; and
WHEREAS, ninety-one years later, the once tidy cemetery was overgrown, littered, and an eye-sore; the Friends of Fraternal Cemetery group, founded 17 years ago, and the North Pratt Neighborhood organized an all-day cleanup of the 13-acre cemetery, which is one of three adjacent burial grounds in Pratt City; and
WHEREAS, long-term plans for the Fraternal Cemetery include installing an iron gate to limit after-hours access and re-roofing a storage shed; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA, That in recognition of the volunteer cleanup of the historical Fraternal Cemetery by the Pratt City residents, highest commendations are extended and a copy of this resolution shall be provided for appropriate presentation with our sincere best regards.