A wall was constructed around this cemetery to protect it and there is a gate on the east side. From there, you can see the headstone to get the required information. If it is dark, you will need a light source.
Although the cemetery is not in Douglas County, the Lewis family was. During the time that this cemetery was being used, medical technology was still in its infancy. Many people allowed their bodies to be used by the medical profession after they no longer had a use for them. Their remains were then cremated, put into metal tubes and buried in this cemetery. Over 1600 of these people were buried here.
Walter M. Lewis began a general merchandise store in Parker in 1901. This was a partnership that lasted about a year and then he and his wife, Anna, ran it for another ten years until he formed another partnership with Charles Herzog. In the meantime, he bought out the Amos general merchandise store and consolidated the two. The Amos store was on the north side of Main Street and was moved to the south side to be alongside of the Lewis store. The land was purchased from George Parker. The business never closed while this was taking place. In 1916 he sold out to his partner, moved to California and raised chickens. In 1963 he and his wife moved back to Colorado. They both died in early 1970.
In 1906 the telephone came to Parker, with direct service between Parker and Denver. Parker’s “central” was located in the Lewis General Merchandise Store.
It took 47 years for a bank to appear in Parker. The Parker State Bank was incorporated on 8 February 1911, and Charles W. Lewis was president. This was located next to the general merchandise store.
A typical early school teacher in Parker was a young, single girl who must have finished the eighth grade. Miss Esther Lewis, from Melvin, taught from 1901 to 1902. Most teachers lasted just a couple years. Melvin was a stage stop, slightly north of west from the cemetery. Now dogs run there.
To claim this geocache, email the years that this cemetery was used. This is found on the John R. Lewis stone. Also, mention one item of information that you find interesting. Photos are fine. JimReeb@ecentral.com
Thanks Geocaching Colorado for the Geocache of the Month Award, as the second series to win!
