When I started seeking out caches in cemeteries to qualify for The Oregon Cemetery Challenge, they quickly grew to be some of my favorite cache finds. I enjoy the peacefulness as I walk among the graves, wondering about the stories behind the people buried therein.
As I learned about the symbolism of the images displayed on older headstones, it added depth and poignancy to my experience.
Some of the symbols that especially catch my eye are doves and lambs. These are often found on children’s graves.
This short multi will show you some interesting headstones in the Hillsboro Pioneer Cemetery, and explain some of the symbolism. You can park at the posted coordinates. You’ll walk less than a quarter of a mile from parking to the final.
Note: The photos aren’t necessarily of the waypoint itself, but are intended to help you be sure you’re in the right spot.
Also, a note to help with directions: Hwy 8/TV Hwy runs along the south edge of the cemetery.
At all but Waypoint A, you’ll be looking for images on the headstones. Here’s a chart that describes the meanings of some of the symbols you may see in this cemetery.
You will also see headstones representing Woodmen of the World. There are a few different styles of these distinctive headstones and, despite looking like tree stumps or logs, they have nothing to do with forestry.
These headstones were a benefit available between 1890 and 1920 from Woodmen of the World, a fraternal organization founded in 1890 by Joseph Cullen Root after he heard a sermon about "pioneer woodsmen clearing away the forest to provide for their families". He wanted to start a society that "would clear away problems of financial security for its members" and make life insurance affordable to everyone.
They are still active today.
You’ll find the final at N 45 31.ABC W 123 00.DEF. Checksum (total) of A thru F = 19
Waypoint A is a white headstone about 2.5 feet tall that tells an interesting bit of history. If the person buried here was:
- First Mother Queen of Oregon Pioneers, A = 1
- Taken prisoner by Cherokee Indians, A = 2
- Member of Lewis and Clark Expedition, A = 3
Waypoint B: Woodman of the World headstone for THOMAS B CAUDLE
Look on top of the headstone about 3 feet south of this. If you see:
- A dove (purity, devotion), B = 3
- A hand pointing (heavenly reward), B = 4
- Two flowers (frailty of life), B = 6
Waypoint C is a tall metal headstone for SAMUEL WILLIAMS. It has several different symbols.
Look on the north panel. If you see:
- Wheat sheaves (the divine harvest), C = 1
- A handshake/clasped hands (God’s welcome into heaven), C = 4
- A rooster (awakening; the resurrection) , C = 9
Waypoint D is about 2 feet tall, and is about 2 feet north of the headstone for AUGUSTA G. THOMPSON.
Look on the top. If you see:
- A lamb (innocence), D = 2
- Ivy (faithfulness, undying affection), D = 3
- Oak leaves (strength, endurance), D = 4
Waypoint E is about 4.5 feet tall and is about 6 feet south of the headstone for CALEB C. BENNETT.
Look on the north side. If you see:
- Drapery (crossing the veil between life and death), E = 3
- An angel (rebirth), E = 6
- A pineapple (prosperity, eternal life), E = 9
Waypoint F is Woodman of the World headstone for HENRY L HARTRAMPF.
Look on the headstones on either side of this. If you see:
- A three-link chain (friendship, love, truth; member Independent Order of Odd Fellows), F = 3
- An anchor (hope, steadfastness), F = 5
- A flower (frailty of life), F = 8
You have all the info needed to find the cache, but if you’re interested, here is a bonus waypoint:
Reference Point G (Bonus) This open field is a “Potters Field” - a place for the burial of unknown, unclaimed or indigent people. People from the state hospital and the poor farm, who died without friends or family, are buried here.
A side note: In the aftermath of the bloody Civil War and in an age of cholera and yellow fever, cities created large new cemeteries to accommodate the dead. These new cemeteries looked and functioned more like public parks, featuring professional landscaping, winding paths, ponds, and pavilions.
Because of this, 100 years ago cemeteries were prime picnic spots. Some families simply wanted to continue their traditions of enjoying a meal with the family despite some of those attendees being deceased. I would love to see this old American tradition renewed. All you and your undaunted party need is a picnic basket filled with treats. Just remember to clean up after yourselves. The penalties for doing otherwise may be grave.
Here are some local cemetery challenges:
The Oregon Cemetery Challenge
Oregon Cemetery Challenge x2
The Washington Cemetery Challenge
Western WashCo Cemetery Tour