Cemetery decoration days this weekend
On Sunday, May 5, in cooperation with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the North Shore Cemetery Association will decorate the Woody and Hoyle Cemeteries on Forney Creek.
JL Woody deeded the land to the State of North Carolina in 1932 as part of the original Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The land was described as Forney Creek Cemetery containing 0.65 acres with 40 graves and a request it be maintained as a burying ground by the Park. In 1942, TVA noted there were 146 graves and 80 were removed and reinterred at Lauada, leaving 66 graves.
Hoyle Cemetery is the family cemetery of the Michael and Sarah Hoyle family. It was deeded to the State in 1929 as part of the original Park. The Hoyle homestead is on the left about a quarter-mile before you reach the cemetery, which contains 5 graves. Hoyle is a steep 1.25 miles hike.
Meet the boat at Cable Cove at 7:30 a.m. or Wilderness Marina (Flat Branch) at 9:30 a.m.
There are no charges for any participation. Decorations consist of placing flowers on the graves followed by a short service in song and a devotion.
People should wear sturdy shoes and clothing suitable for hiking. Participants may bring their own lunch and drinks or a dish to share with those who pot luck. The Association provides plates and tableware. There are picnic tables near the cemetery. Please, no pets.
