What We Acheived in Just 3 Days

To the Hollywood Cemetery Restoration Team and Supporters,

They say that “many hands make light work,” but after the sweat and effort of the last 72 hours, I think we can all agree that some work is just plain heavy. Whether you were hauling debris, donating your hard-earned money, or hacking through decades of overgrowth, you have breathed life back into a place that has been silent for far too long.

Our Hollywood Cemetery Zoom meetings will start back next Monday evening at 6 pm CT. Another announcement and invitation will be sent for those later this week.

What We Achieved in Just Three Days

It is truly staggering to look at the progress we made in such a short window. Here is a look at the “Before and After” of our first major push:

  • The Great Debris Haul: Thanks to your efforts and the crew at 1-800-GOT-JUNK, we successfully removed three full truckloads of tires and plastic crates. Seeing those piles finally disappear was a victory for the environment and the dignity of these grounds.
  • The Gateway to History: For the first time in ages, the front gate is cleared. It no longer stands as a barrier but as a functional entrance that we can actually open and close.
  • Uncovering the Past: Because of the clearing, many gravestones are now easily findable. Walking through the rows and seeing names that haven’t seen the sun in years is a powerful reminder of why we are doing this.

The Path Ahead: Vines, Saplings, and Beyond

While we should celebrate our wins, we are also now seeing the true scale of the task ahead. We’ve scratched the surface, but Hollywood Cemetery still has many secrets hidden under its canopy.

  • The North Side Jungle: The front north side is currently locked in a battle with aggressive vines. There are countless headstones still waiting to be revealed once we clear that “overgrown wall.”
  • The East Side Forest: On the farthest east side, a dense forest of saplings has taken root, completely obscuring a significant portion of the cemetery.
  • The “Gate House” Vision: The little house by the front gate has seen better days and will need to be demolished. However, we see a future there—a rebuilt space that can serve as a meeting point and a hub for our community as we continue this journey.

A Heartfelt Thank You

This project is about more than just landscaping; it’s about restoring respect to those buried here and preserving the history of Memphis. Your donations and your physical labor have made this possible.

This is only the beginning. We have a long road ahead to get the north and east sides cleared and to see our meeting house standing tall, but if the last three days are any indication, there is nothing this group can’t handle.

Thank you for your grit, your heart, and your continued support.

With gratitude,

The Hollywood Cemetery Restoration Project