2007 Memorial Awards presented

Robert and Phyllis Carter Memorial Award Winners

The Robert Carter Memorial Award was presented annually by Phyllis Carter of Washington, Iowa, in memory of her late husband, Robert Carter, and the State Association for the Preservation of Iowa Cemeteries to those who have made outstanding contributions to restore and maintain Iowa cemeteries or to educate others about the importance of cemetery preservation. SAPIC member, Phyllis Carter, died May 19, 2007. The Robert Carter Award that was given annually to a deserving cemetery enthusiast, was established in memory of Phyllis' husband and she chaired the selection committee. Phyllis and Robert were especially interested in cemetery markers that were shaped like trees and had a special marker designed in that fashion for themselves. Phyllis had a delightful presentation on the subject that she used for genealogical and historical programs. She was also interested in the symbolism on headstones. If you are nominating someone for the Robert Carter Award, please send the nomination to Pat Shaw. Past recipients choose the award winner in July.

The Robert and Phyllis Carter Award is presented annually to a deserving person(s) who has made significant contributions to the restoration and preservation of one or more Iowa pioneer cemeteries in his/her area. The Award is sponsored by the State Association for the Preservation of Iowa Cemeteries (SAPIC).

The 2007 Robert and Phyllis Carter Education Award was presented to Don Wentworth at the Reed Cemetery 2 miles east of Spragueville on the Stromeyer farm in Jackson County, Saturday, Sept. 22. Don is an active member of the Jackson County Pioneer Cemetery Commission and has helped with the preservation projects at numerous pioneer cemeteries in the county and has assisted the group and the Jackson County Historical Society in developing tours of these cemeteries. Each of these tours has coincided with the release of the first three "Stone Cities" books, which Don researched, organized, compiled and then published at the Jackson County Historical Society. The fourth "Stone Cities" book was written with assistance from the North Bend Writer's Group and focuses specifically on the Spragueville Cemetery, and the two smaller pioneer cemeteries of Summer Hill and The Russell Farm located in the immediate area. Don gives many formal and informal presentations in cemeteries, museums, and schools to persons of all ages.

On Saturday, Oct. 13, the Robert and Phyllis Carter Service Award was presented to Ed Strellner of Benton County at the Belle Plaine Area Historical Museum. Ed wasn't able to attend because of a family emergency so Gene Davis, above, accepted the award on his behalf. Ed helped establish the Benton County Pioneer Cemetery Commission in 2002. Ed  was nominated for the Robert Carter Award because of his contribution in restoring and maintaining the pioneer cemeteries of Benton County and also in helping to educate others about the importance of cemetery preservation.

Keith Street Memorial Award

The first Keith Street Memorial Award was presented to Jennifer Tupy of rural Creston for her 4-H project of photographing grave stones in four Winneshiek County cemeteries and contributing them to the IAGenWeb Gravestone Photo Project. She plans to use the $200 award to raise and reset a fallen gravestone she found during her project.

If you wish to send a note to the winners, their addresses follow:

Don Wentworth, 33435 53rd St., Preston IA 52069

Ed Strellner, 504 Main St. Apt. 6, Van Horne IA 52346

Jennifer Tupy, 3179 Poleline Road, Cresco IA 52136