Several grave markers in the pioneer section of Kings Valley Cemetery will be repaired through the awarding of a grant from the Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries.
The Kings Valley Cemetery Association made a request to David Pinyerd of Historic Preservation Northwest to evaluate and provide a project bid to repair and secure 28 headstones, the organization’s Marcia Gilson reported.
Historic Preservation Northwest’s estimate for the repairs added up to $5,725 plus $322 for mileage reimbursement. Out of the 28 evaluated, 82% were considered to be high (11) or medium (12) priority.
In response, the Kings Valley Association decided to apply for the Oregon Historic Cemeteries grant and was awarded $3,500 to go toward the project. After sharing plans with the association’s membership, resident Eric Thompson offered to donate gravel.
Kings Valley Cemetery’s oldest marker on the repair list is that of David A. Grant, an infant who died in 1860. The cemetery includes the burials of some of Kings Valley’s earliest pioneers and several soldiers who served at Fort Hoskins.
The Oregon Historic Cemeteries grant offers $1,000 to $8,000 reimbursement-based funding for eligible preservation, educational and security projects at officially listed cemeteries with burials that occurred 75 or more years ago.
Gilson said that Pinyerd and his assistant, Bernadette Niederer, have been given the go-ahead and will start work on the repairs as soon as their schedule permits.
In order to receive the award, the work will need to be completed prior to June 30, 2026, but Gilson said the association does not anticipate having any issues with that deadline.