The Hermann City Cemetery is a historic landmark for the city of Hermann. The gravestones and gravesites are reminders to the community of some of the great people that have made Hermann Missouri such a beautiful town and rich with history. The Brush and Palette Club are currently seeking help from the community to preserve what time is quickly eroding.
Historical Figures in the Hermann Cemetery
Historic gravesites, such as those of sisters Anna and Theresia Straub, three and five, and their grandmother Maria Becht, have already been restored. The young girls and their grandmother were victims within days of each other during the cholera epidemic in Hermann in 1849.
Jacob Eisenhut’s gravestone was in pieces buried in the dirt on the cemetery hillside. His marker has been pieced back together and erected on a new base. Eisenhut died in 1881 after being in Hermann only a short time, having come from Illinois.
Approximately 300 gravesites, in addition to the Eitzen family crypt, have already been restored, but much work remains to be done to restore the oldest portions of the cemetery. It is estimated that approximately $300,000 is still needed to complete the work of restoration.
Generous Offer by Anonymous Donor
An offer of a $30,000 match for the Hermann City Cemetery Restoration Project has been made to The Brush & Palette Club by an anonymous donor, who firmly believes that restoration of the historic gravesites in the cemetery should continue.
The donor has made the offer if the matching funds can be raised in 90 days. The Brush & Palette Club has accepted the challenge imposed by the offer and has set out to raise the funds between June 1 and September 1. During this campaign, every dollar raised will bring two dollars to the project as a result of the offered match. All contributions are tax-deductible since The Brush & Palette Club is a 501(c)(3) organization.
Upcoming Fundraising Opportunities
The Brush & Palette Club will kick off a $2,500 cash raffle on June 1. Tickets will be $25 each and can be purchased from club members and at locations around town like, First Bank, Missouri Bank, Advertiser-Courier office, Red Barn Frame Shop, Swiss Meats, American Family Insurance. Raffle tickets can also be purchased by check to The Brush & Palette Club. Ticket stubs will be mailed to the donor.
The Club’s annual summer ice cream social and auction is set for August 17 in the Upper City Park at the Rotunda. The Sunday afternoon event will also include a concert with a four-seasons theme by the St. Paul Handbell Choir. Proceeds of the August event will count toward the $30,000 match.
Off to a Good Start
Early pledges of $6,000 give the drive a healthy send-off. Thermometer posters measuring progress of the campaign can be seen in windows at Hermann Save-A-Lot, American Family Insurance and the Advertiser-Courier.
The Brush & Palette Club, which consists of about ten active members, will issue the fundraising challenge to a variety of sources in the area and beyond. Local groups and individuals are encouraged to participate in this fundraising effort.
Tax-deductible direct contributions and raffle ticket purchases may be sent to The Brush & Palette Club, P. O. Box 145, Hermann, MO 65041. Questions may be directed to Lois Puchta at 573-486-2633 or 573-680-9201.
Leave a Reply