HELENA – Forestvale Cemetery will be officially unveiling their new entrance on Saturday at 11 a.m. with a public ribbon cutting.
The celebration will include a raising of the flag by the Honor Guard, and presentations by historian Ellen Baumler and architect Susan Bjerke who designed the new entrance.
Forestvale manager Debra Crider said the new entrance is a great way update the cemetery while honoring the past.
“The old entrance was made in 1890 and was really designed for horse and buggy. Only one car can come in and out and the new entrance will allow people to come and go without waiting for other people,” said Crider.
Forestvale cemetery received its first burial in 1890 and now contains more than 15,000 burials.
The historic cemetery is the final resting place of many notable Montanans including Governor Tim Babcock and First Lady Betty Babcock, Archie Bray and Myrna Loy.
Helena civil engineer Harry Wheeler designed the cemetery with the desire of the cemetery being a rural park.
Crider believes that original concept is still preserved over 100 years later.
“It’s just such a beautiful and relaxing place,” said Crider, “We work to make sure it stays that way.”
For more information about Forestvale Cemeteryvisit here.
- Reported by John Riley
