Guide to the Evergreen Cemetery Collection

Established in 1858, Evergreen Cemetery was one of the first public gravesites in California. Samuel Bartlett, R.C. Kirby, F.M. Kittridge, and William Cooper founded the cemetery with some of the land donated by Hiram Imus.  The cemetery is divided into five (5) sections: the Old Section (which included a paupers field), the Grand Army of the Republic Section, the Masonic Section, the Chinese Section, and the Extension (added on several years later).

 

 

This collection consists of materials related to Evergreen Cemetery in Santa Cruz, CA. It is organized into two parts: a research collection and an archival collection. 

The research collection is organized into three series. Series I: Individual and Family Files consists of information on individuals and families buried at Evergreen Cemetery, including death certificates, photocopies of newspaper clippings and photographs, and individual life stories. Series II: Tour Notes and Information consists of materials related to tours and events held at or about Evergreen Cemetery, including tour notes, posters, and schedules. Series III: Research Materials consists of materials related to the history of Evergreen Cemetery, copies of plot maps and drawings, materials related to the upkeep and preservation of cemeteries and gravestones, and brochures.

The archival collection is organized into twelve series. Series I: Legal consists of cemetery and plot deeds, bylaws, and various documents relating to legal matters such as lawsuits. Series II: Monetary consists of bank documents and statements from 1939 through the 1980s, bonds, receipts, donations, and tax documents, as well as Evergreen Cemetery Association annual reports from 1952-1978. Series III: Minutes consists of minutes from Evergreen Cemetery Association meetings, H.E.L.P. (Help Evergreen Live Permanently) meetings, and Evergreen Committee meetings. Series IV: Projects consists of documents pertaining to Evergreen Cemetery-related projects, such as an application to register Evergreen Cemetery as a point of historical interest, projects related to the restoration of the cemetery after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, and other preservation efforts. Series V: Correspondence consists of letters, cards, notes, and printed emails related to Evergreen Cemetery. Series VI: Plots consists of a number of binders and journals containing plot maps and drawings, along with notes. Series VII: Burial Lists and Rosters consists of various rosters and lists of those buried at Evergreen Cemetery, spanning from 1891 to the 1980s. Series VIII: Photographs, Slides, and Other Media consists of photographs, negatives, and slides with pictures of Evergreen Cemetery, individuals buried there, events held at the cemetery, and headstones This series also consists of cassette tapes, VHS tapes, and one DVD, containing a tour by former Evergreen docent Renie Leaman. Series IX: Index Cards consists of index cards from the 1920s as well as the 1980s with names of individuals buried at Evergreen Cemetery. Series X: Newspaper Clippings consists of newspaper clippings related to Evergreen Cemetery from the 1880s to the present. Series XI: Oversized Items consists of oversized and bulky items relating to Evergreen Cemetery, such as certificates, grave rubbings, artwork, design templates, and posters. Series XII: Maps consists of maps of Evergreen Cemetery, the Extension, the Old Section, the Chinese burial ground, and the surrounding area.

ARRANGEMENT

SERIES I. DEEDS AND BYLAWS
SERIES II. MINUTES AND CORRESPONDENCE
SERIES III. MONETERY
SERIES IV. PLOTS
SERIES V. RESTORATION/CONSERVATION
SERIES VI. MISCELLANEOUS

SUBSERIES VI.A. TAPES

SERIES VII. LEDGERS AND RECORDS

SUBSERIES VII.A. RECORDS AND MINUTES
SUBSERIES VII.B. LEDGERS, BINDERS, BURIALS

SERIES VIII. PHOTOS

SUBSERIES VIII.A. PHOTO FILE I
SUBSERIES VIII.B. PHOTO FILE 2

SERIES IX. INDEX CARDS

SUBSERIES IX.A. SOURCE 1
SUBSERIES IX.B. SOURCE 5
SUBSERIES IX.C. SOURCE 7

SERIES X. MAPS
SERIES XI. SLIDES AND NEWSPAPER CLIPPINGS

SUBSERIES XI.A. NEWSPAPER CLIPPINGS
SUBSERIES XI.B. SLIDES

SERIES XII. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

SUBSERIES XII.A. ALBUMS, CERTIFICATES, BINDERS AND GRAVE RUBBINGS
SUBSERIES XII.B. BURIAL ROSTERS AND SANTA CRUZ GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY EVERGREEN NEWS

COLLECTION CONTENTS

SERIES I. DEEDS AND BYLAWS

One (1) Box

Series Scope and Content Summary:

This series consist of one (1) box containing seven (7) folders and nine (9) spiral bound journals. Contents of these folders include plot deeds, bylaws dating from 1922, ledgers, and articles of incorporation.

Spiral bound journals contain Evergreen Cemetery Association Annual Reports, 1969-1974.
Folder #1: Articles of Incorporation and ByLaws.
Folder #2: Deeds, 1922-1989.
Folder #3: Plot deeds and sales.
Folder #4: Plot deeds and sales, A-Z,
Folder #5: Quiet time suit and others.
Folder #6: Deeds – storm drain.
Folder #7: Policies

Box ID#:

Box 1

SERIES II. MINUTES AND CORRESPONDENCE

One (1) Box

Series Scope and Content Summary:

This series consists of one (1) box containing fifteen (15) folders. Contents of these folders include Minutes from Association Meetings dating from 1988-1990, 1990-2002. Also in this series are Research Requests, Brochures, and CA Cemetery Board Correspondence as well as Evergreen History Help Minutes from 1974-80.

Folder #1: Evergreen Cemetery correspondence.
Folder #2: California State Cemetery Board correspondence.
Folder #3: Miscellaneous correspondence.
Folder #4: Evergreen History help minutes, 1974-1980.
Folder #5: Committee Minutes, 1988-1990.
Folder #6: Committee Minutes, 1990-1991.
Folder #7: Committee Minutes, 1992-1993.
Folder #8: Committee Minutes, 1994-1995.
Folder #9: Committee Minutes, 1996-1997.
Folder #10: Committee Minutes, 1998-1999.
Folder #11: Committee Minutes, 2000-2001.
Folder #12: Committee Minutes, 2002.
Folder #13: Evergreen Minutes, 1998-2000.
Folder #14: Evergreen Cemetery Committee Minutes.
Folder #15: Brochures.

Box ID#:

Box 2

SERIES III. MONETERY

One (1) Box

Series Scope and Content Summary:

This series consists of one box with eight (8) folders pertaining to monetary concerns regarding Evergreen Cemetery. Contents include bank statements from as far back as 1939 through the 1980’s, donations going back to 1985, U.S. Bonds, Tax Exempt Status and Filings, Receipts and Disbursements.

Folder #1: Bank Statements, 1959-1967.
Folder #2: Bank Statements, 1968-1981.
Folder #3: Bank Statements, 1982.
Folder #4: U.S. Bonds.
Folder #5: Tax Exempt Status.
Folder #6: Property Tax.
Folder #7: Receipts and Disbursements, 1934-
Folder #8: Donations.

Box ID #:

Box 3

SERIES IV. PLOTS

One (1) Box

Series Scope and Content Summary:

This series consists of one box containing five (5) folders with contents pertaining to the plots at Evergreen. Contents include a list of headstones as of 1891 copied by Frank Leeds, Dorothea Bourne’s plot maps, Carols Kane’s mapping of the Extension, and other information of the plots in the Extension, and Mortician’s Records.

Folder #1: List of Headstones as of 1891
Folder #2: Morticians Records.
Folder #3: Maps and Diagrams.
Folder #4: Evergreen Extension Information.
Folder #5: Carol Kane Extension.

Box ID #:

Box 4

SERIES V. RESTORATION/CONSERVATION

One (1) Box

Series Scope and Content Summary:

This series consists of one box with eight (8) folders containing items relating to Evergreen Cemetery Conservation. Contents include Cemetery Conservation Proposals, Tour Notes of Joan Nelson, Avenue of Flags Information, Preservation Workshop, Preservation Primers, Program Schedules, and Memories of CETA Restoration Project.

Folder #1: Evergreen Conservation 1989
Folder #2: Conservation Proposal.
Folder #3: Memories of CETA Restoration.
Folder #4: Tour Dates, no date, Joan Nelson.
Folder #5: Avenue of Flags, no date.
Folder #6: Restoration Workshop, no date.
Folder #7: Program Schedule, 2007.
Folder #8: Graveyard Preservation Primer.

Box ID#:

Box 5

SERIES VI. MISCELLANEOUS

One (1) Box and 9 Tapes

Series Scope and Content Summary:

This series consists of one box containing six (6) folders with miscellaneous contents relating to Evergreen. Contents include Research requests, biographical fact sheets, Freedom Foundation Award 1977, National Register of Historic Places and Point of Historical Interest Application, there are also nine (9) cassette tapes.

Folder #1: Volunteers.
Folder #2: Research Requests.
Folder #3: Biographical Fact Sheets.
Folder #4: Freedom Foundation Award, 1979.
Folder #5: National Register of Historic Places Appreciation.
Folder #6: Point of Historical Interest, 1968.

Box ID#:

Box 6

This series is divided into the following subseries:

VI. A. Subseries I. Tapes

SUBSERIES VI.A. TAPES

Nine (9) cassette Tapes

Series Scope and Content Summary:

This subseries consists of nine (9) cassette tapes within Box 6. These tapes have the following titles : 1.) May 16^th Slide show description with Renie Leaman 2.) 1^st Evergreen Docent Training with Phil Reader, Mary Wood, and Renie Leaman 3.) Hisotrical Society 1977 4.) Halrommel-Arcan 1970’s 5.) Renie Evergreen Tour ¾ Tape 6.) Alice Wilder Spring 1977 Supervisors at Higland 7.) Evergreen Walking Tour Pioneer Women 8.) Chinese/Arcan/Melson/Bilodeau Tour Evergreen 9.) Harrington Scotts Valley Carlene Dietles

Box ID#:

Box 6

SERIES VII. LEDGERS AND RECORDS

Two (2) Boxes

Series Scope and Content Summary:

This series consists of two (2) boxes containing three (3)  leather bound ledgers and five (5) record books dating from the 1920’s as well as lists of burials from the Help Evergreen Cemetery Project dated 1980 contained in binders.

This series is divided into the following subseries:

Subseries VII.A. Records
Subseries VII.B. Ledgers, Binders, Burials

SUBSERIES VII.A. RECORDS AND MINUTES

One (1) Box

Series Scope and Content Summary:

This subseries consists of one Record book with frayed binding that contains notes on plots, likely c.1920’s, one Record book with Mrs. Chas. Bachelder written inside, containing plot notes and notes on relations of those buried at Evergreen and a 1979 note for internment and order of gravemarker for Mr. Charles D. Jenkins. The note is to Mrs. Bachelder from Mrs. Jenkins and Gene K. Carrier of Palo Alto. Also in this series are one list entitled“Old Ledger” handwritten on stapled notepaper with list of burials, several handwritten pages entitled “Lots-Numbers for Map”, and one large Journal c.1921 with meeting minutes from the start of Evergreen Cemetery Improvement Society and Evergreen Cemetery Association Meetings.

Box ID#:

Box 7

SUBSERIES VII.B. LEDGERS, BINDERS, BURIALS

One (1) Box

Series Scope and Content Summary:

This subseries consists of one tan cloth bound binder containing bylaws of Evergreen Cemetery Association adopted along with notes on burials, one Evergreen Cemetery Genealogical Society 1977 Red Folder containing plot names according to plot numbers as listed by Amy R. Thurber 1947 as well as hand drawn notes and drawings on plots, one blue binder with Project Help 1980 lists of burials, and one black Record Book with handwritten notes on plots and burials possibly from the Bachelders.

Box ID#:

Box 8

SERIES VIII. PHOTOS

Two (2) Boxes

Series Scope and Content Summary:

This series consists of two (2) boxes of photos relating to Evergreen Cemetery.

This series is divided into two (2) subseries:

Subseries VIII.A. Evergreen Photo File I.
Subseries VIII.B. Evergreen Photo File II.

SUBSERIES VIII.A. PHOTO FILE I

One (1) Box

Subseries Scope and Content Summary:

This subseries consists of one box of Evergreen photos with the title Photo File I. This box contains thirty-one (31) folders entitled Photo index,  Miscellaneous Headstones, Denison, Crawford Headstone, Arcan Family, Evergreen Sites and Structures, Mortuaries among others. (90 x photographs).

Folder #1: Photograph Index.
Folder #2: Restoration.
Folder #3: Sites.
Folder #4: Miscellaneous Headstones.
Folder #5: Miscellaneous Views of Evergreen.
Folder #6: Gurley, Jessie.
Folder #7: Taylor, A.A.
Folder #8: Jones, Elmer.
Folder #9: Jenkins, William & Anna
Folder #10: Gharny House
Folder #11: Denison.
Folder #12: Crawford, James.
Folder #13: Cox, Edmund.
Folder #14: Cloud.
Folder #15: Blackburn.
Folder #16: Bilodeau, John H.
Folder #17: Balsz.
Folder #18: Bachelder, Celeste.
Folder #19: Hecox.
Folder #20: McKnight.
Folder #21: Mead.
Folder #22: Nelson, London.
Folder #23. Newell.
Folder #24: Palmer, Elizabeth.
Folder #25: Paxton.
Folder #26: Rice.
Folder #27: Shelby.
Folder #28: Judge Skirm
Folder #29: Harden.
Folder #30: Strahan.
Folder #31: Aran.

Box ID#:

Box 9

SUBSERIES VIII.B. PHOTO FILE 2

One (1) Box

Subseries Scope and Content Summary:

This subseries consist of one box of Evergreen photos and slides. Inside are seven (7) folders bearing such titles as Miscellaneous photos of People and Volunteers, Displays, Docents, and Events. (100 x photographs, 190 x slides)

Folder #1: Miscellaneous.
Folder #2: Miscellaneous.
Folder #3: Slides.
Folder #4: Miscellaneous People I.
Folder #5: Miscellaneous People II.
Folder #6: Miscellaneous People III.
Folder #7: Miscellaneous Restoration.

Box ID#:

Box 10

SERIES IX. INDEX CARDS

Seven (7) Boxes

Series Scope and Content Summary:

This series consists of seven small boxes of index cards divided into the categories of Source 1, Source 5 and Source 7. Possibly from Renie Leaman and the Bachelders.

This series is divided into the following subseries:

Subseries IX.A. Source 1
Subseries IX.B. Source 5
Subseries IX.C. Source 7

SUBSERIES IX.A. SOURCE 1

Two (2) Boxes

Series Scope and Content Summary:

This subseries consists of two (2) boxes of index cards labeled as Source 1. The first box of cards in this subseries is of Source 1cards which contains 1980 lists A-C. This box shall be Box 11 of the collection.  The second Box contains 1980-88 I-M and shall be Box 12.

Box ID#:

Box 11 [A-C]
Box 12 [I-M]

SUBSERIES IX.B. SOURCE 5

Two (2) Boxes

Subseries Scope and Content Summary:

This subseries consists of two (2) boxes of index cards that are Source 5. The first box in the subseries is an Index on names as the 1920’s A-L the second in the Subseries is M-Z.  A-L shall be Box 13 in the collection and M-Z shall be Box 14.

Box ID #:

Box 13 [A-L]
Box 14 [M-Z]

SUBSERIES IX.C. SOURCE 7

Three (3) Boxes

Subseries Scope and Content Summary:

This subseries consists two (2) boxes of  Source 7 index cards. The first box is Source 7 D-H (Box 15 in the collection) the second box in the series is a Card Index on Names of 1980 N-SN (box 16 of the collection), the third is Card Index 1980 SO-Z (box 17 of the collection).

Box ID #:

Box 15 [D-H]
Box 16 [N-SN]
Box 17 [SO-Z]

SERIES X. MAPS

Twenty-nine maps and rubbings (approximate).

Series Scope and Content Summary:

This series consist of approximately twenty-four maps and five (5) headstone rubbings contained in the Tenth pull-out drawer of the Map Cabinet in the Archives. These maps consist of three 1941 Evergreen Cemetery Extension Surveyors Maps for Help from Renie Leaman, one Evergreen Cemetery Plan copied 1869, two Chinese Section, Masonic, and GAR plot maps, one on a transparencey; seven September 1941 Evergreen Cemetery Association Extension Maps, one Survey Map of Charles L. Wise record of lands of Charles Wise and R.J. Freeman, four copies of 1941 Evergreen Extension Map—one Mrs. Newcomb’s copy, one 1962 map showing lands of Evergreen Cemetery Association, one Reverse Copy of Extension Map, one Addison Newell (1812) headstone rubbing, one Lydia Hibberd (1905) rubbing, one Jacob Pratt headstone rubbing, and two Japanese headstone rubbings.

Location: Drawer Number

Map File Cabinet : 10

SERIES XI. SLIDES AND NEWSPAPER CLIPPINGS

Two (2) Boxes

Series Scope and Content Summary:

This series consists of two (2) boxes with handle containing newspaper clippings inside pertaining to Evergreen Cemetery.

Subseries XI.A.  Newspaper Clippings.
Subseries XI.B.  Slides.

SUBSERIES XI.A. NEWSPAPER CLIPPINGS

One (1) Box.

Subseries Scope and Content Summary:

This subseries contains a large black plastic box containing twenty-two (22) folders pertaining to Evergreen Cemetery.  Each folder is labelled with a date range.  (1890-2002).

Box ID#:

Box 18

SUBSERIES XI.B. SLIDES

One (1) Box

Subseries Scope and Content Summary:

This subseries contains one (1) box containing five (5) folders.

Folder #1: Headstone Photographs (15 x photographs).
Folder #2: Photographs of people buried at Evergreen Cemetery and Cemetery Memorial Day (15 x photographs).
Folder #3: Negatives (80 strips of negatives).
Folder #4: Evergreen Lot Drawings.
Folder #5: Evergreen Slide Show script and slide show (67 x slides).

SERIES XII. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

One (1) Box

Series Scope and Content Summary:

These items include but are not limited to: one blue album relating to Renie Leaman’s organization Help, one black album with photos of headstones, one brown binder containing Dorothea Bourne’s plot maps, one information board entitled Mary Case first teacher in Santa Cruz, Several grave rubbings encased in paper (fragile), one cardboard folder containing layouts of the cemetery and potential brochure design templates and transparencies, and one Valley Forge Honor Certificate for the Help Organization 1977, and one bronze-colored brave plaque for Ada Mae Gaub 1903. Also in this series are approx. Six (6) items donated in March 2015 by the Santa Cruz Genealogical Society which includes two handwritten burial rosters from the 1960’s and three newspaper clippings concerning the Society’s fundraising for Evergreen Cemetery in the 1970’s.

This series is divided into the following subseries:

Subseries XII.A. Albums, Certificates, Binders and Grave Rubbings
Subseries XII.B. Burial Rosters and Santa Cruz Genealogical Society Evergreen News

SUBSERIES XII.A. ALBUMS, CERTIFICATES, BINDERS AND GRAVE RUBBINGS

Ten (10) or more items

Subseries Scope and Content Summary:

This subseries consists of three (3) albums and binders, grave rubbings, certificates, and more. One blue album contains information relating to Renie Leaman’s organization HELP (Help Evergreen Live Permanently).One black album contains photos of headstones, and one (1) brown binder contains Dorothea Bourne’s plot maps. Other items include: one (1) information board entitled “Mary Case first teacher in Santa Cruz”, several grave rubbings encased in paper (fragile), one cardboard folder containing layouts of the cemetery and potential brochure design templates and transparencies, and one Valley Forge Honor Certificate for the Help Organization 1977, and one bronze-colored brave plaque for Ada Mae Gaub 1903.

BOX ID#:
20

SUBSERIES XII.B. BURIAL ROSTERS AND SANTA CRUZ GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY EVERGREEN NEWS

One (1) Folder, six (6) items

Subseries Scope and Content Summary:

This subseries includes one approx. 9×14” folder containing two handwritten list of burials at Evergreen cemetery. This list may be a transcription of a roster from the 1920’s that has been expanded on by Renie and Mary Legner (?) of H.E.L.P. The lists contain contact information for Mary and one list specifies that it focuses on children under five who are buried at the cemetery, and those who died after 1940. The lists may date from the 1960’s. Note: This list is not a complete representation of all individuals buried at Evergreen. Another items in this folder is a 1986 brochure for HELP (Help Evergreen Live Permanently), and three (3) newspaper clippings concerning Evergreen cemetery pioneer family recognition plaques recognizing pioneer families buried at Evergreen (undated); 1972 S.C. Sentinel article about the Santa Cruz Genealogical Society helping save historic cemeteries; 1972 S.C. Sentinel article written by Margaret Koch concerning Santa Cruz Genealogical Society raising funds to preserve Evergreen Cemetery. The Santa Cruz Genealogical Society donated the items in this folder.

BOX ID#: FOLDER ID #:
20:1

The collection consists of research files and archival materials. The research files are arranged into 3 series and are described at the folder level. They are stored in filing cabinets in the Reading Room. The archival files are arranged into 12 series and are described at the folder level.  

The Research files are arranged as follows:

Series I: Individual and Family Files

Series II: Tour Notes and Information

Series III: Research Materials

 

The Archival files are arranged as follows:

Series I: Legal 

Series II: Monetary

Series III: Minutes

Series IV: Projects

Series V: Correspondence

Series VI: Plots

Series VII: Burial Lists and Rosters

Series VIII: Photographs, Slides, and Other Media

Series IX: Index Cards

Series X: Newspaper Clippings

Series XI: Oversized Items

Series XII: Maps

Series I. Individual and Family Files

Series Scope and Content Summary

This series consists of four file cabinet drawers containing folders with information, photos, and research materials pertaining to individuals and families buried at Evergreen Cemetery, arranged in alphabetical order: Abbe-Zinn.

File Cabinet 1, Drawers 1-4

Series II. Tour Notes and Information

Series Scope and Content Summary

This series consists of eighteen folders containing information and research materials from past tours and events conducted at and about Evergreen Cemetery, as well as one small box of tour notes from past Evergreen docent Renie Leaman.

Folder #1: Ladies of the Evening Tour

Folder #2: Chinese History Tours

Folder #3: Black History Tours

Folder #4: Civil War/GAR Tours

Folder #5: Veterans Tours

Folder #6: Ghost Stories Tours

Folder #7: Murders, Suicides, and Mayhem Tour

Folder #8: Suicide Project Tour

Folder #9: Local Politicians Tour

Folder #10: Tree and Flower Tour

Folder #11: Women’s History Tours

Folder #12: Wild and Wooly Tour

Folder #13: Notes from Other Tours

Folder #14: Slideshow Presentation

Folder #15: School Tour Aids

Folder #16: Docent Training

Folder #17: Past Event Flyers and Schedules

Folder #18: Student Poems and Drawings

File Cabinet 2, Drawer 1

Series III. Research Materials

Series Scope and Content Summary

This series consists of seven folders containing research materials relating to Evergreen Cemetery, such as gravestone preservation guidelines and information about Evergreen’s history, as well as one binder containing copies of plot maps.

Folder #1: Evergreen History

Folder #2: Masonic Plot Information

Folder #3: Mary Wood’s Evergreen Book Notes

Folder #4: Copy of Dorothea Bourne’s Lot Drawings

Folder #5: Copies of Plot Maps

Folder #6: Cemetery and Gravestone Preservation Info

Folder #7: H.E.L.P. Brochures

File Cabinet 2, Drawer 1