A facelift for Bingham Hill Cemetery

On his way to earning his Eagle Scout badge, Billy Allen of Fort Collins directed major improvements to the Bingham Hill Cemetery in August. Along with help from his Scout Troop and his 4-H cub, Cinch ‘em Up, Allen was able to accomplish “the biggest project ever completed in the cemetery,” according to Rose Brinks, long-time caretaker and author of History of the Bingham Hill Cemetery, recently reprinted.

The volunteers added a 50-foot extension to the walkway leading to the cemetery, repaired broken boards and pickets around unknown graves, repainted the Bingham Hill Cemetery sign, and made improvements to the visitors’ center kiosk, display cases and benches.

They completed the project by mowing and trimming the entire area. Allen’s grandfather, Jerry Everitt delivered a riding mower for use by those who regularly maintain the cemetery. Donated in honor of Eugene Scott, the mower will be housed in a shed that has been improved for the purpose. No longer will volunteers need to bring their own mowers to the site.

The reprint of Brinks’ book is available in LaPorte businesses and Fort Collins bookstores. Judy Jackson of Bellvue has taken over everyday management of the cemetery and may be contacted at 970-482-5091 for information concerning tours, projects or donations.

The Bellvue Historic Foundation recently received the Friends of Preservation Award from the City of Fort Collins for its efforts toward historic preservation and conservation in the community. In addition to preserving Bingham Hill Cemetery, the foundation has benefitted the Grange Hall, has been involved in area land use planning, fundraisers and community events related to community development and historic preservation and has facilitated the nomination of several properties to the state and national historic registers. The organization has also funded studies of the historic resources of Pleasant Valley. Friends of Preservation is the highest preservation award given by the city of Fort Collins.