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Sunday Drive: Goshen Cemetery

September 5, 2017 By Talya Tate Boerner 2 Comments

Goshen Cemetery

On Sunday, John and I did a little exploring in Goshen Cemetery. Goshen (only a few miles from Fayetteville) was originally settled as a Methodist encampment around the Civil War days. So yes, the cemetery is historical with headstones dating back to the 1800s.

Walk beneath the primitive sign into a million untold stories. Old cemeteries provide history, art, and nature. They are often park-like with mature trees and gorgeous vistas. Each epitaph is attached to a soul who had dreams, secrets, fears.

Carl B Swift

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Angels in the Fields of Arkansas

October 16, 2015 By Talya Tate Boerner 24 Comments

It takes me forever to drive anywhere in Arkansas because I have to take the scenic route. And when I come upon an old cemetery, I pull over and take pictures. There are so many angels in the fields of the Arkansas Delta.

Just outside the city of Wilson, this small cemetery has always drawn my eye toward the cotton field. Finally, I stopped, walked through the field, and took a closer look.

McFadden Cemetery, Wilson, Ar

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Violet Cemetery, Osceola, Arkansas

March 19, 2012 By Talya Tate Boerner 14 Comments

Violet Cemetery, Osceola, Ar

I want to be buried here. Someday. Just plant my dead body in the midst of the gorgeous tulips, and I would be happy for all eternity. 

Is this not the most beautiful cemetery?

Violet Cemetery is the final resting place for early settlers, war veterans and founding fathers of Osceola, Arkansas. Obviously I won’t be allowed in. The first grave marker dated 1831 pre-dates the founding of Mississippi County and Arkansas Statehood. It’s truly a peaceful patch of heaven, smack in the center of downtown Osceola, across from the tired little post office and fire station. 


tulips grow like ground cover
Growing up, downtown Osceola was vibrant. It was a treat to shop at Sterlings, buying goldfish which unfortunately didn’t live long in our household. I purchased my first 45 record down at the end of Main Street. Although the record shop is long gone and forgotten by most, that 1970’s vinyl still lives deep within our quiet bedroom closet with dusty board games and old prom dresses.  

Years ago, a group of dedicated citizens formed an association to beautify the neglected cemetery. Raising funds, they re-set and repaired markers and planted violets at each grave, hence the name.  Although the violets were not blooming when I visited, the tulips were absolutely brilliant. Multiplying and spreading across the cemetery, they were nearly choking out the grave markers, pushing up through the cracks of the stepping stones, clearly thriving in this spot. Gene Robinson, an energetic resident who was devoted to Osceola, worked tirelessly to insure Violet Cemetery was added to the National Register of Historic Places. She died recently, but I bet she is smiling over these happy tulips.


Although activity has migrated toward the interstate and the new Wal-Mart, in the center of Osceola, Violet Cemetery still shines.

talya

“The true meaning of life is to plant trees under which you never expect to sit.” Nelson Henderson

“Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things: enter into the joy of your lord.” (King James, Matthew 25:23)

Works of art…

Osceola history
died Nov 23 1884

Talya Tate Boerner


Hi! I'm Talya. Writer, Reader, Arkansas Master Naturalist / Master Gardener, Author of

THE ACCIDENTAL SALVATION OF GRACIE LEE (2016)

GENE, EVERYWHERE: a life-changing visit from my father-in-law (2020)

BERNICE RUNS AWAY (Now Available!)

Click to BUY NOW!

Talya Tate Boerner books
Gene, Everywhere

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