Join supporters of the Old Clarkesville Cemetery on April 22 for what promises to be a memorable evening to raise funds for the preservation and restoration of the historic landmark.
Historic Clarkesville Cemetery Preservation, Inc. is hosting the Gloaming Picnic & Art Auction at the Old Clarkesville Cemetery starting at 5 p.m.
The event harkens back to a time when it was commonplace to gather at cemeteries for picnics and other social events. The cemetery’s origin in the 1800s places it in the midst of the rural garden cemetery movement, a precursor to public parks.
Hillside Memorial Chapel & Gardens will be the presenting sponsor for this event. Guests are invited to bring a picnic supper with Sweet Breads of Demorest providing dessert to enhance the outdoor dining experience. The ticket price of $50 includes two beer and/or wine tickets.
Also planned is a live auction to showcase local artists.
This year’s theme echoes the Clarkesville tagline — ‘We call it home.’ It is also a way to connect to the city’s Bicentennial celebration, being commemorated throughout 2023. Most of the artists are affiliated with Hemlock Gallery located in downtown Clarkesville.
The event’s title, Gloaming Picnic, is a nod to Jarvis Van Buren and his wife Eliza, who are buried in the cemetery. The couple built the historic Gloaming Cottage, located near the cemetery.
Jarvis Van Buren was an architect/builder and horticulturist who migrated from New York to Habersham County in 1838. He is credited with designing and building several historic homes and buildings in the area.
Ample parking is available at Grace-Calvary Episcopal Church, located at the corner of Wilson and Green streets just around the corner from the cemetery.
Ticket prices are $50 per person and may be purchased online at EventBrite.com.
