Old Raleigh Cemetery a long neglected treasure on the mend.
https://express.adobe.com/page-embed.js
As the Memphis Metropolitan Area continues to recover from the Ice storm Landon that struck the Metro area on February 5th, Cleanup efforts have been underway at the Old Raleigh Cemetery. the cemetery, one of the oldest in Memphis, is currently under renovation. Founded in the late 1820s The cemetery has been tended by various groups over the decades but is currently owned by and is being restored by Jack Brewer. Mr. Brewer of Memphis Ghost Hunters took ownership of the property in 2021.
Mr. Brewer and some volunteers were clearing downed trees from the storm Sunday the 13th.
Work to remove damaged trees will continue for several more weeks as the damage from storm Landon was quite extensive. Mr. Brewer stated that “the cleanup had been difficult”. Brewer explained some of the restoration process and showcased some of the restoration efforts that have been undertaken since his acquisition of the cemetery last year. “We use a product called Wet and Forget to clean the headstones. It takes approximately three applications. Its environmentally safe and doesn’t hem the head stones or the environment.” Many of the monuments are broken and will require repair. Brewer mentioned “Some previous repairs to Headstones here were done with products like Liquid Nails. Its just not the right tool for the job. Out in the elements Liquid Nails cracks and flakes away We use a clear epoxy resin. When done correctly you can barely see the repair at all. Brewer, a paranormal researcher, offers tours of the cemetery and even overnight experiences for a fee to help fund the restoration efforts. Securing funding according to brewer has been difficult. Raleigh Tn once the Shelby County seat no finds itself designated a neighborhood an economically depressed area in Memphis.Brewer said that "Often promises of assistance from local organizations remain unfulfilled." Volunteers can contact Brewer At memphisghosthunter.com. Additionally, a GoFundMe has been established to help raise funds to continue the restoration efforts.
