POLAND — Members of the public will have an opportunity to tour a little-known cemetery on White Oak Hill at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 20.
Representatives of the Poland Historical Society will host a short talk about the history of White Oak Hill Cemetery, and the lives of some of the people who are interred there. In addition, there will be a discussion of the role that the town of Poland is playing in the revitalization of this important property.
The cemetery offers spectacular views of Mount Washington and the Presidential Range. It is on the grounds of the former Summit Spring Hotel, a turn-of-the-century grand hotel that ceased operations after World War II. The property contains a nine-hole golf course — the remnants of the same course that once served the resort.
In recent years, the cemetery had become overgrown scrub vegetation until it was barely visible from the adjacent public road. Because of low visibility and limited access, many Poland residents were unaware of the cemetery’s existence.
In 2015, the golf course changed ownership, and the new proprietors took a keen interest in improving the property. Toward that end, they have cleaned out the undergrowth, and partnered with the town on a project to restore the original picket fencing and gate posts.
Following the tour, there will be a short reception in the golf course clubhouse. Light refreshments will be available.
The cemetery is at 292 Summit Spring Road. Participants should plan to meet at the Summit Spring Golf Course clubhouse on the morning of the tour.
A monument stands in White Oak Hill in Poland. The Poland Historical Society will host a tour of the burial ground at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 20.
The gravestone of Mary Knight stands in White Oak Hill Cemetery in Poland. The Poland Historical Society is hosting a tour of the graveyard at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 20.
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