Scouts Tend to Indian Cemetery
Photos by Micah Ingalls, 16, Unless Otherwise Credited

Before Scouts...

                                                                                                                                                         (photo by Bob Walter)

After Scouts...

                                                                                                                                                          (photo by Bob Walter)

       by Dixie A. Walter
       November 1, 2009

     Centennial Committee member Cindy Simianer took immediate action when she heard the Mashell Prairie Indian Cemetery needed some TLC before the Centennial weekend. Cindy immediately contacted Monica Ingalls whose son, Zach, took on the huge endeavor of renovating the little, forlorn cemetery for his Eagle Scout project in 2004. Monica immediately contacted Troop 599 Boy Scout leader Scott Warth who jumped at the chance to help, and the kids didn't waste any time getting the cemetery in fine shape.    
      Scott's wife, Janene, is a Cub Scout leader and the cubs joined with the project. The kids mowed, weed wacked, raked and planted flowers in two flower boxes. Monica's sons, Harrison, a Webelo, and Tucker, a boy scout joined the group and helped perpetuate the remarkable accomplishment of their big brother's ambitious, and amazing contribution, to the Indians buried at the small site. For more about Zach's work please see Soo-Too-Lick
     Monica said, “It was fun to go out there and see the place. I had not been out there for quite a while.” and added, “I was able to talk with the scouts for a moment about the history of the cemetery and who Indian Henry was. I also  planted a seed of interest for a future Eagle Scout project; the fence will need to be stained and a few posts replaced, the bushes are starting to  impede on the fence, and the crosses will need some new paint or replaced at some point in the near future.I hope the Centennial celebration will renew more interest in the history of Indian Henry and the cemetery!"
    Her hope for renewed interest was more than fulfilled when the descendants of Soo-Too-Lick aka Indian Henry discovered, about 10 days before the Centennial, where he was buried and made a pilgrimage to the cemetery October 18. Please see Tribal Salmon Bake  and Centennial Scenes for photographs of Soo-Too-Lick's desendents.
    Monica explained, “I am thrilled to hear about the letters you received [from Soo-Too-Lick's relatives], and I am so glad they approve of what was done at the cemetery. I still remember that day when I drove my kids out there and found the place so overgrown and forgotten.  It didn't make any sense to me, especially when I started reading about Indian Henry.”
    Scott Kendall, a member of the local scouting committee, suggested that fixing up the cemetery might be a good project for Zach as he worked toward becoming an Eagle Scout. Zach accepted the challenging suggestion and in the process changed many lives for the better as the years went by. Eagle Scout projects are rather complex and must benefit the community in some way. Zach did fund raising and worked very hard meeting all the requirements for beginning the endeavor.
    “We did enjoy doing the Eagle Scout project and meeting people in the community,” Monica wrote in an email. She continued, “Thank you for your support of Zach's project. For the stories and encouragement and pictures. You, Bob and the Historical Society really assisted us in the whole project and it is very appreciated. The cemetery still looks great and peaceful. It is always encouraging  to see young people working together and making a difference in their community!”  

"Young People Working Together"

 Harrison Ingalls, Jessica Myers and Tucker Ingalls plant pansies in the flower box

Boy Scout Vance Mykreim mows the lawn.

Jordan Ames rakes weeds and pine needles out of the parking area

Gjori Mykreim shovels while Hunter Burruss  and Mason Warth plant. 

 Jordan Ames and Jared Ames and others working as the sun sets.
 

                                                                                                (photo by Cindy Simianer)

Finished