findagrave says: This is an indigent patient cemetery for the Griffin Memorial Hospital, originally known as Central State Hospital. In 1994, while working on updating the cemetery list, members of the Cleveland County Genealogical Society checked each stone to verify accuracy and location of each stone. Also in 1994, a sign was placed in the northeast corner of the cemetery and all grave markers were uncovered and leveled. This cemetery was established in 1933 with the first burial on February 22, 1933. The last burial noted for this cemetery was in 1976. As of 2008, due to normal deterioration and vandalism, some of the markers are unreadable or missing. Records were obtained from Griffin Memorial (Central State) Hospital and Cleveland County, Oklahoma Genealogical Society of Norman, Oklahoma.
Thank you for researching this and sharing hat you found. I didn't see the 1976 grave nor did I see any evidence of vandalism but I certainly saw a grave or two that had an older marker still that was really worn down. I figured these newer markers may have been placed there in the last 10 years. That's very interesting to know that this cemetery was well documented and fixed up. Thank you for watching!
@@RhettyforHistory well I tried to find it.I found several stories about eaglescouts cleaning up cemeteries but not the one I saw. It was a few years ago. If I remember right he discovered on his own and all the flat markers were overgrown. So he decided to clean it up and mowed and edged and generally exposed that the cemetery existed and he appeared on the news after he finished. It was a lot of work but he did it. He impressed me.
glad to see this cemetery gets some notice. Can you imagine the suffering some of these individuals had to endure in their life time. thanks for remembering these souls
I was curious so I looked it up and it said that Tuberculosis was so horribly prevalent in the 1930s so sadly these poor people might have died from that terrible disease, God rest their souls. Thanks for showing us Rhetty, they need to be prayed for.
Thank you for researching that and letting us know what you found. There were quite a few of those sanatoriums across the state. That would make sense now that you say that.
You're right about that. The now named Griffin Memorial Hospital is nearby. I'm sure they ate the ones mowing the cemetery. Thank you for watching Jodie.
Yes it is. There have been a couple people that have added to the story on this cemetery. Someone else mentioned that there was a problem with TB here in Oklahoma during the 30s.
I have a comment pinned to the top of he comments section. Really and truly those people are the ones who have made sure these folks are not forgotten. Thanks again for watching my friend.
I hope so. I do believe they deserve to be remembered. And as we saw on a few of the markers, they wrote fathers, mothers, grandfathers, aunts etc. Someone cared for them at some point.
@@RhettyforHistory I have heard enough stories that I know it was a horrible time. The remains of Black Blizzards dumped on SW Virginia a few times. There was an old car next to an old road near my Grandfather pond it had been buried by the remains of a dust storm hitting the mountains
Hi there, I am originally from Norman and my mother and many extended family members are buried in the IOOF Cemetery down the road from this cemetery. I never knew this Rock Creek Road Cemetery was there, and I must have driven past it many times. My grandmother, now deceased was a social worker and spent her entire career working at Central State Hospital. She would be so glad to see you do this video honoring the patients she served. Thank you so much! :-)
Hey Rhett, that cemetery is in fairly good shape. That's probably a days worth of hedging depending on the conditions of the unseen markers. I can't thank you enough for your respect and reverence for these cemeteries. Take care my friend.
I definitely don't think it would be more than a days worth. It may be a bigger task than I realize but overall the cemetery seems like it is in pretty good shape. Thank you for watching my friend.
We’ve been there about a year ago. Paid our respects. Found some other headstones in the weeds, broken and in a pile. Maybe the original stones? Thanks for sharing!
How strange youtube went down. I wonder why? I'm sure there are some stories to be told in this cemetery but I'm not sure what any of them are. Thank you for watching Yvonne.
There is something so profound about seeing row after row knowing the common notation on their markers is the date of passing. So many untold stories and lives.
Been to and thru Oklahoma many times, but always on business. Other than a the OKC area stockyards, Ardmore's tire plant, a rez cigarette store, and catching a few Z's in a couple pull outs, don't recall ever stopping to just look around.
The stockyards is an interesting place all of it's own. I did a Christmas parade video there a few years ago. The Ardmore Tire Plant was where my grandfather retired out of In the early 80s. It was Uniroyal then now it's Michelin. Thank you for watching!
Is this the hospital that had a big fire in the 30's? Love your channel. Hubby is an Okie. I lived there 11 years. ❤ still lots of friends and family there.
Yes it is. A viewer said something on that video about this cemetery so I thought I would go back and have a look at this one. Where did you live in Oklahoma?
Thanks Rhetty. Maybe some of those patients came home from WWI with shell-shock (PTSD) and needed in patient care as well as parts of the general population. It is sad when they are all just buried like that all kind of lumped together. I have seen this on other channels. Simply sad.
It is sad to see but I'm happy in knowing that others have really tried to make sure they are not forgotten. You could be right on some of these having PTSD from the war. It would be interesting to know but I don't know if we will find that out. Thank you for watching.
Very interesting video Rhetty. I once read in a book about Bonnie and Clyde that there is a Prison Cemetery in Huntsville Texas where Clyde's brother Buck served prison time. I believe also there might be one in the Eastham Prison where Clyde served his time. But I don't know if the areas are marked or not or even if there is any markers. Watching this video made me think of those cemeteries, I thought maybe that might be something you would like to do videos on if you are ever in that area.
Those would be some interesting ones to cover. If they ate there I'm not sure if they are open to the public. I tried really hard to get into the Leavenworth Prison cemetery because Bugsy Moran is in there. I went so far as to go up to the office of the prison but was denied. I'll have to try and look into that one down there. Thank you for watching my friend.
I’m glad you found them interesting when I helped with a Eagle Scout project there in around 1980 there wasn’t the sign and wasn’t kept up as well as now and all the markers were not readable more like the one you couldn’t read ,we went through and wrote all the names we could make out maybe the new markers are a result of our project 🤔 40 years ago it wasn’t that busy of a street lol
I definitely know that area has developed over the last few decades. It does look like your Eagle Scout project helped pave the way for others to come in and continue the work. So Thank you for helping get that started. They certainly have something a little more permenant than what they did. Thanks for watching and sharing some of the background story!
Several things. The hospital grounds used to extend to that area. South of there was the hospital pond (Sutton Wilderness today) and south of that was the hospital farm. The hospital fed itself in those days. There were approximately 3500 people living there in the 1930s. Most patients stayed there months if not years. Today the farm is ball fields for kids. Finally, until 1988, Sooner Road did not go past Rock Creek going north. Rock Creek was a small two lane road going east to west. The cemetery was a very peaceful spot until they extended Sooner Road.
Interesting. I was also going to suggest you visit this one because I’ve heard of the fire and mass grave and I always thought this is where it was located rather than the IOOF. there’s a big cemetery west on Sunnylane I think it is Between Moore and Norman that has all flat laying markers. I have a Jerome cousin buried there. He lived in that small house right across from Moore high school and had an auto repair shop that’s still there. That’s a city nature park back behind there.
Is that flat lying cemetery the Lilac Memorial Gardens or a different one? I'm not sure what or where the other is that you are referring to. As far as the house across from Moore was that like q lawnmower repair shop one time? I frequented some little house looking building and across from the main office and a guy had a sports card shop in it. I bought and traded a lot from him.
@@RhettyforHistory the mass grave is at I.O.O.F cemetery. It has a large marker over it. It is on north end of the cemetery along Rock Creek next to a large tree.
@@RhettyforHistory It's called Sunset Memorial Park- that's where I got the "sun" from, Indian Hills & 24th. His name was Kenneth Paul Jerome, or Kenny Paul is how my dad knew him. He died in 77 at the age of 35. Apparently he had some dirt bikes and his nephew had a dirt bike trail around that whole section back to the west before it was developed. His obit says he ran an alignment service there in Moore. He had two daughters, Angela and Heather. I'm FB friends with Angela, but never met her in person.
I actually have a video that I have already filmed from that cemetery. I have to edit it and put it together. It's going to have a couple stories in it. That is the pretty nice little cemetery.
Defintely in the 1930's the deceased markers were most likely patients. The new ones in the 1960's and the one in 1971 I wonder if the hospital was still active. You are a good sam to come back and edge the area.
The hospital is still very much active today. It is called Griffin Memorial Hospital and is named in honor of the man who started the Oklahoma State Hospital for the Insane or Central State Hospital as you see on the sign. I'm not sure where the patients are buried now. Maybe they are placed in the IOOF cemetery that I covered with the Hospital fire. Griffin Memorial Hospital is located about one mile south of where this cemetery is. Thank you for watching Arleen!
This is a haunting place........even though the stones are flat and the dates leave you wondering.........and indigent patient.........wonder where the building was....
They buildings are still being used. This is now called Griffin Memorial Hospital. If you watched the video about the 1918 fire that was dealing with the same hospital grounds. Looking at how long some of the people lived along with the few that say Mother, Father and Grandfather, I would say many lived a full life. I would bet that dementia and alzheimers patients were admitted here because we didn't understand. Now those folks would go to memory care facilities and the families would not forget about them. We have certainly improved overall in that area. Thank you for watching Diane!
With so many of the first ones you looked all having 1933 as the year of death makes me kind of wonder if there wasn't an outbreak of some disease in the hospital (they weren't exactly that sanitary back then).
You know I'm really not sure on that. They certainly had every year covered for awhile. As I saw some of the markers where some where married it made me wonder if these were people with dementia or alzheimers. People like that are more understood now and go in memory care centers.. Family's don't seem to isolate them when they pass now either. It was surprising to see the fathers, mother's, grandfathers etc. Thank you for watching.
Wow I live near by , for 9 years never knew it was a cemetery. I even go for walks at Sutton wilderness pk have many times. I have seen people walking around before, didn’t realize they were visiting departed loved ones or just looking at flat tombstones. Thanks for pointing this out & making video ! have you visited cemetery next to little river pk in Moore , two of the kids on Moore high cross country team buried there, Merry Christmas!
I've been by this cemetery for the last 5 years or so and I thought it was part of that park as well. I didn't even notice the sign on the corner. I did a live in the Moore Cemetery you mentioned earlier this year. I have friends and friends parents buried in that cemetery. I used to live near there. I do want to go back and cover the cemetery in more detail. Thank you for watching!
@@RhettyforHistory when I found tombstones of the two cross country kids there it was so sad Remember 🙏 for those kids. I never notice sign said cemetery, usually npd sits there to keep drivers honest. Thanx again
It is sad to see them and they are close together. There I also a first responder nearby that helped on the OKC Bombing. He didn't die during it but I have to wonder if it had some sort of affect on him.
Oh that is sad that numbers only were used for a nursing home. How old is the cemetery that you are speaking of? I had no idea that nursing homes did that.
I haven't ever been to that cemetery but I do know where it is and I have been wanting to visit that one. Thank you for watching and suggesting that cemetery. I do think it would make an interesting video.
I'm not sure either but I'm pretty sure that cemetery out west had that. The interesting thing is I have seen a lot of prison cemeteries and they all seem to have names on the markers. Thank you for watching Sally.
I just left there minutes ago following up on pics I saw of the piled up old headstone/bricks by the edge of the trees. I would love to help clean up this cemetery, possibly put some kind of memorial marker, do something with those old bricks. I live just a mile away. I want to follow up and get more info.
That is great of you wanting to follow up and do more. You are really close to this one. I suppose the best thing to do would be to contact Griffin Memorial Hospital. They would certainly have more information.
I am curious who you would contact to get information on Eastern State Hospital in Vinita Oklahoma. My aunt passed away there years ago and was buried there in an unmarked grave. Would you have any idea who I could possibly contact?
I really do not know a specific person to contact. I have not been to that hospital area but is it still going at all or completely closed? Depending on when she passed her death certificate would list the cemetery but not the exact location. One possible solution could be the county historical Society. It could be they have the cemetery records if there are any and if not then they may know a person to contact. The Cleveland County historical Society was very active in this cemetery based on the post that someone made. I pinned it to the top of the comments.
@@RhettyforHistory My mom searched for her for years up until she passed away. The only information she could find was she passed and was buried there but the hospital could not give information and cited doctor/patient confidentiality. Hospital is closed but the last I heard the state denied releasing over 1100 names of people in unmarked graves. Thank you for replying and I will see what else I can find. I just think it's incredibly sad that if this is truly the case, there are so many patients who passed that their families will never know where they are. Thank u again
Maybe that is what they did. I believe there is a walking trail or some sort of public park on that other side. I had always assumed that park went to the corner where this cemetery is. Thank you for watching!
Looks like it is called Rose Hill Burial Park? I wonder if they chose to go with Burial instead of memorial? I do no some cemeteries have rules to only go with flat markers just because of the ease of maintaining the grounds. Those definitely make it more of a challenge to find people you are looking for.
@@RhettyforHistory agreed. Last time I was there it was well taken care of. The nicest one I’ve ever seen is Edgewood cemetery. In Hamilton. The biggest Oak Tree ever. Have not been there in 15years.
I can understand these hospital ones being like that. I know there are memorials garden cemeteries that require it. I have some friends and family in some memorial gardens. It all just depends on where you are at. Thank you for watching Steven!
There's hundreds of graves, you would have hell of a job to edge all those graves on your own. Pretty sad place, but if you take in consideration graves under just number or unmarked pauper graves on potter fields, this people are buried with at least some dignity.
Yes they certainly have some dignity here and people have made sure that they were not forgotten. As far as the edging it really won't take too long. At least no where near the length of the John Old Crow Cemetery I did. Thank you for watching Igor!
@@RhettyforHistory Yup, specially taking in consideration how mental health issues was treated back then in 30', even today there's stigma, back then you would be put to a side no one to see "embarrassment of the family".
You're correct about all of that. There still a stigma that really has to be broken so that we can truly help these people. I know some of these patients outside of the hospitals do not want to be labeled like they have been and that is understandable. They need to be treated no differently than my daughter who has Type 1 diabetes. The meds and treatments need to be just something that has to be done to feel better and live a better and longer life.
I bet you are right on that Stacey. There is some sort of a city park next door and I just figured this cemetery was part of that. Thank you for watching Stacey!
Was that Hospital killing these patients? Or were they just totally negligent and untrained people working there. The fact that dozens of people all died in '33, '34, 35 etc Makes one wonder.🤔
It does make you wonder but someone researched it and left a comment for us all. They said Oklahoma had a bad tuberculosis outbreak in the 30s and that hospital would have been a prime location for that disease. Thank you for watching.
Someone left a comment saying that Oklahoma had a pretty bad outbreak of tuberculosis in the 1930s. They were researching it after wondering the same exact thing. I really had no clue but if it was TB those hospitals like that were ideal places for it. Thank you for watching.
Yes it would. I am hoping to return in make that happen. It could be possible someone does it so I thought I would give it a little time. I do think someone has done it at some point or they would be worse. I didn't want to step on anyone's toes. Thank you for watching.
Someone mentioned in the comments below that Oklahoma had a pretty good outbreak of tuberculosis in the 1930s which would have been an ideal condition to thrive in a facility such as they were in. Thank you for watching Linda.
findagrave says: This is an indigent patient cemetery for the Griffin Memorial Hospital, originally known as Central State Hospital. In 1994, while working on updating the cemetery list, members of the Cleveland County Genealogical Society checked each stone to verify accuracy and location of each stone. Also in 1994, a sign was placed in the northeast corner of the cemetery and all grave markers were uncovered and leveled. This cemetery was established in 1933 with the first burial on February 22, 1933. The last burial noted for this cemetery was in 1976.
As of 2008, due to normal deterioration and vandalism, some of the markers are unreadable or missing.
Records were obtained from Griffin Memorial (Central State) Hospital and Cleveland County, Oklahoma Genealogical Society of Norman, Oklahoma.
Thank you for researching this and sharing hat you found. I didn't see the 1976 grave nor did I see any evidence of vandalism but I certainly saw a grave or two that had an older marker still that was really worn down. I figured these newer markers may have been placed there in the last 10 years. That's very interesting to know that this cemetery was well documented and fixed up. Thank you for watching!
Sorry Rhetty I was thinking of another neglected cemetery and rescue by a Eagle Scout.
I'm curious on which one that was?
@@RhettyforHistory well I tried to find it.I found several stories about eaglescouts cleaning up cemeteries but not the one I saw. It was a few years ago. If I remember right he discovered on his own and all the flat markers were overgrown. So he decided to clean it up and mowed and edged and generally exposed that the cemetery existed and he appeared on the news after he finished. It was a lot of work but he did it. He impressed me.
Hmm I'm not sure. I've seen stuff like that happen before.
It’s nice to go on these little trips in the comfort of my large chair and tea!. Thank you
You're welcome and thank you for coming along on the adventure.
glad to see this cemetery gets some notice. Can you imagine the suffering some of these individuals had to endure in their life time. thanks for remembering these souls
I'm sure it wasn't a pleasant story for many. But it is good they are remembered in some way. Thank you for watching Greg.
I was curious so I looked it up and it said that Tuberculosis was so horribly prevalent in the 1930s so sadly these poor people might have died from that terrible disease, God rest their souls. Thanks for showing us Rhetty, they need to be prayed for.
Thank you for researching that and letting us know what you found. There were quite a few of those sanatoriums across the state. That would make sense now that you say that.
Very well done. Nice to see that the people are more than just a number...they have a name and they had a life.
Yes it is. Someone or some people have made the effort to ensure they are remembered. Thank you for watching Tricia.
Very interesting cemetery! Thank you for sharing this!
Thank you for watching!
Thank you for remembering those poor souls!! XXXX
It's the least we can do. Thank you for watching!
Neat you found old markers!! So cool
Yeah that was pretty interesting. They have certainly put some effort into this cemetery.
It’s great to see this cemetery is being well cared for, and it needs to be as it wouldn’t take long for those markers to be swallowed up. ❤️Jodie 🇦🇺
You're right about that. The now named Griffin Memorial Hospital is nearby. I'm sure they ate the ones mowing the cemetery. Thank you for watching Jodie.
@@RhettyforHistory I read the comment left by kat8canary, interesting information.
Yes it is. There have been a couple people that have added to the story on this cemetery. Someone else mentioned that there was a problem with TB here in Oklahoma during the 30s.
Swansfan 69 hi from Missouri USA.
@@whiterabbit-wo7hw just saw your message as it’s 7.00am here, Friday 17th.
Hello to you 👋 white rabbit 🐇 from Wollongong Australia 🇦🇺
I like how you don't let those folks become forgotten. I wish I had the money to send flowers for all of them
I have a comment pinned to the top of he comments section. Really and truly those people are the ones who have made sure these folks are not forgotten. Thanks again for watching my friend.
@@RhettyforHistory You're most welcome but by making the graveyard wider known, you're adding to their being known
I hope so. I do believe they deserve to be remembered. And as we saw on a few of the markers, they wrote fathers, mothers, grandfathers, aunts etc. Someone cared for them at some point.
Interesting and kindof sad all in one, I am enjoying your channel, thank you
It is sort of sad to see all these patients. I'm happy to hear you are enjoying the channel and I appreciate you watching.
You really do a Great job volunteering your time to do this work ...I commend you for this .... Thanks ...
I can't do them all but it doesn't hurt to do a little here and there. Thank you for watching.
May God Rest Their Souls. It is good they haven't been forgotten. My own great great grandfather died around that period at home.
I agree with you in that it is good they haven't been forgotten. I think the 30s was a rough time period. Thank you for watching Kirk.
@@RhettyforHistory I have heard enough stories that I know it was a horrible time. The remains of Black Blizzards dumped on SW Virginia a few times. There was an old car next to an old road near my Grandfather pond it had been buried by the remains of a dust storm hitting the mountains
That is interesting to think of that happening like that.
@@RhettyforHistory Yep it was pushed aside after breaking down and buried
I haven't ever seen anything like that.
Hi there, I am originally from Norman and my mother and many extended family members are buried in the IOOF Cemetery down the road from this cemetery. I never knew this Rock Creek Road Cemetery was there, and I must have driven past it many times. My grandmother, now deceased was a social worker and spent her entire career working at Central State Hospital. She would be so glad to see you do this video honoring the patients she served. Thank you so much! :-)
You're welcome and thank you for watching! I've done a few videos from the IOOF cemetery you mentioned. I love that cemetery.
Rhetty rocking the ZZ Top look.
Pretty close anyways. Thanks for watching!
Great video Rhetty never seen one where they replaced most of the stones? i guess it was to preserve the history ? Thankyou for sharing it again
They certainly did preserve the history. I have a comment pinned at the top that tells a little bit more. Thank you for watching Lindsay!
Hey Rhett, that cemetery is in fairly good shape.
That's probably a days worth of hedging depending on the conditions of the unseen markers.
I can't thank you enough for your respect and reverence for these cemeteries.
Take care my friend.
I definitely don't think it would be more than a days worth. It may be a bigger task than I realize but overall the cemetery seems like it is in pretty good shape. Thank you for watching my friend.
Thank you for making plans to clean this up.
Doesn't need a lot but I figured I would touch it up a little.
We’ve been there about a year ago. Paid our respects. Found some other headstones in the weeds, broken and in a pile. Maybe the original stones? Thanks for sharing!
Yeah towards the end I show those same stones you are referring to. I do think those are the older ones as you said. Thank you for watching.
Interesting cemetery. Kept up fairly nicely.
Yes it is which is great to see. Thank you got watching Greg!
Appreciate that you share these cool cemeteries🪦🪦🪦
I'm happy to know there are people out there like you and me who enjoy them. Thank you for watching Brenda.
@@RhettyforHistory You're welcome❤💚
Good Afternoon Rhett 🙋🏽. I decided to get My dinner done early. So I'm a little late. Anyways have a awesome day ‼️. And thanks for sharing.
Dinner is a priority! At least that would be my thinking! Thank you for watching and I hope you have a great day as well!
@@RhettyforHistory As Always, YOU'RE WELCOME RHETT ‼️🙋🏽👍🏽.
Hi Rhett, l watched. Yesterday , then U Tube went down.??? Very interesting. Must be a lot of history there. Thanks for sharing. 😃🐘💝🎄.
How strange youtube went down. I wonder why? I'm sure there are some stories to be told in this cemetery but I'm not sure what any of them are. Thank you for watching Yvonne.
@@RhettyforHistory We have come to expect anything happens here Rhett. 😃🐘💝🎄.
That's strange for sure!
There is something so profound about seeing row after row knowing the common notation on their markers is the date of passing. So many untold stories and lives.
Sure don't see that in every cemetery. It does make me wonder about their stories. Thank you for watching.
Been to and thru Oklahoma many times, but always on business. Other than a the OKC area stockyards, Ardmore's tire plant, a rez cigarette store, and catching a few Z's in a couple pull outs, don't recall ever stopping to just look around.
The stockyards is an interesting place all of it's own. I did a Christmas parade video there a few years ago. The Ardmore Tire Plant was where my grandfather retired out of In the early 80s. It was Uniroyal then now it's Michelin. Thank you for watching!
Interesting! Thanks so much for sharing!
You're welcome and thank you for watching!
Good video… lots of questions.. Thanks for posting this video!
You're welcome and thank you for watching Bryan.
Is this the hospital that had a big fire in the 30's? Love your channel. Hubby is an Okie. I lived there 11 years. ❤ still lots of friends and family there.
Yes it is. A viewer said something on that video about this cemetery so I thought I would go back and have a look at this one. Where did you live in Oklahoma?
I think that person was an Eagle Scout worked on that cemetery you mentioned. Very interesting.
Someone researched who did it and I have it pinned as the top comment. It's pretty interesting. Thank you for watching Janis!
Thanks Rhetty. Maybe some of those patients came home from WWI with shell-shock (PTSD) and needed in patient care as well as parts of the general population. It is sad when they are all just buried like that all kind of lumped together. I have seen this on other channels. Simply sad.
It is sad to see but I'm happy in knowing that others have really tried to make sure they are not forgotten. You could be right on some of these having PTSD from the war. It would be interesting to know but I don't know if we will find that out. Thank you for watching.
A very interesting cemetery buddy.
Thank you for watching Martin.
Very interesting video Rhetty. I once read in a book about Bonnie and Clyde that there is a Prison Cemetery in Huntsville Texas where Clyde's brother Buck served prison time. I believe also there might be one in the Eastham Prison where Clyde served his time. But I don't know if the areas are marked or not or even if there is any markers. Watching this video made me think of those cemeteries, I thought maybe that might be something you would like to do videos on if you are ever in that area.
Those would be some interesting ones to cover. If they ate there I'm not sure if they are open to the public. I tried really hard to get into the Leavenworth Prison cemetery because Bugsy Moran is in there. I went so far as to go up to the office of the prison but was denied. I'll have to try and look into that one down there. Thank you for watching my friend.
I’m glad you found them interesting when I helped with a Eagle Scout project there in around 1980 there wasn’t the sign and wasn’t kept up as well as now and all the markers were not readable more like the one you couldn’t read ,we went through and wrote all the names we could make out maybe the new markers are a result of our project 🤔 40 years ago it wasn’t that busy of a street lol
I definitely know that area has developed over the last few decades. It does look like your Eagle Scout project helped pave the way for others to come in and continue the work. So Thank you for helping get that started. They certainly have something a little more permenant than what they did. Thanks for watching and sharing some of the background story!
Several things. The hospital grounds used to extend to that area. South of there was the hospital pond (Sutton Wilderness today) and south of that was the hospital farm. The hospital fed itself in those days. There were approximately 3500 people living there in the 1930s. Most patients stayed there months if not years. Today the farm is ball fields for kids. Finally, until 1988, Sooner Road did not go past Rock Creek going north. Rock Creek was a small two lane road going east to west. The cemetery was a very peaceful spot until they extended Sooner Road.
Interesting. I was also going to suggest you visit this one because I’ve heard of the fire and mass grave and I always thought this is where it was located rather than the IOOF. there’s a big cemetery west on Sunnylane I think it is Between Moore and Norman that has all flat laying markers. I have a Jerome cousin buried there. He lived in that small house right across from Moore high school and had an auto repair shop that’s still there. That’s a city nature park back behind there.
Is that flat lying cemetery the Lilac Memorial Gardens or a different one? I'm not sure what or where the other is that you are referring to. As far as the house across from Moore was that like q lawnmower repair shop one time? I frequented some little house looking building and across from the main office and a guy had a sports card shop in it. I bought and traded a lot from him.
@@RhettyforHistory the mass grave is at I.O.O.F cemetery. It has a large marker over it. It is on north end of the cemetery along Rock Creek next to a large tree.
@@RhettyforHistory It's called Sunset Memorial Park- that's where I got the "sun" from, Indian Hills & 24th. His name was Kenneth Paul Jerome, or Kenny Paul is how my dad knew him. He died in 77 at the age of 35. Apparently he had some dirt bikes and his nephew had a dirt bike trail around that whole section back to the west before it was developed. His obit says he ran an alignment service there in Moore. He had two daughters, Angela and Heather. I'm FB friends with Angela, but never met her in person.
I actually have a video that I have already filmed from that cemetery. I have to edit it and put it together. It's going to have a couple stories in it. That is the pretty nice little cemetery.
Interesting on the alignment service. That all would have been before I moved to Moore.
Defintely in the 1930's the deceased markers were most likely patients. The new ones in the 1960's and the one in 1971 I wonder if the hospital was still active. You are a good sam to come back and edge the area.
The hospital is still very much active today. It is called Griffin Memorial Hospital and is named in honor of the man who started the Oklahoma State Hospital for the Insane or Central State Hospital as you see on the sign. I'm not sure where the patients are buried now. Maybe they are placed in the IOOF cemetery that I covered with the Hospital fire. Griffin Memorial Hospital is located about one mile south of where this cemetery is. Thank you for watching Arleen!
This is a haunting place........even though the stones are flat and the dates leave you wondering.........and indigent patient.........wonder where the building was....
They buildings are still being used. This is now called Griffin Memorial Hospital. If you watched the video about the 1918 fire that was dealing with the same hospital grounds. Looking at how long some of the people lived along with the few that say Mother, Father and Grandfather, I would say many lived a full life. I would bet that dementia and alzheimers patients were admitted here because we didn't understand. Now those folks would go to memory care facilities and the families would not forget about them. We have certainly improved overall in that area. Thank you for watching Diane!
@@RhettyforHistory thank you for reply info❤
You're welcome.
With so many of the first ones you looked all having 1933 as the year of death makes me kind of wonder if there wasn't an outbreak of some disease in the hospital (they weren't exactly that sanitary back then).
You know I'm really not sure on that. They certainly had every year covered for awhile. As I saw some of the markers where some where married it made me wonder if these were people with dementia or alzheimers. People like that are more understood now and go in memory care centers.. Family's don't seem to isolate them when they pass now either. It was surprising to see the fathers, mother's, grandfathers etc. Thank you for watching.
Wow I live near by , for 9 years never knew it was a cemetery. I even go for walks at Sutton wilderness pk have many times. I have seen people walking around before, didn’t realize they were visiting departed loved ones or just looking at flat tombstones.
Thanks for pointing this out & making video !
have you visited cemetery next to little river pk in Moore , two of the kids on Moore high cross country team buried there,
Merry Christmas!
I've been by this cemetery for the last 5 years or so and I thought it was part of that park as well. I didn't even notice the sign on the corner. I did a live in the Moore Cemetery you mentioned earlier this year. I have friends and friends parents buried in that cemetery. I used to live near there. I do want to go back and cover the cemetery in more detail. Thank you for watching!
@@RhettyforHistory
when I found tombstones of the two cross country kids there it was so sad Remember 🙏 for those kids.
I never notice sign said cemetery, usually npd sits there to keep drivers honest.
Thanx again
It is sad to see them and they are close together. There I also a first responder nearby that helped on the OKC Bombing. He didn't die during it but I have to wonder if it had some sort of affect on him.
@@RhettyforHistory I have never walked around either cemetery near house will have too soon.
There are some nice markers in there.
PS Give Ranger a hug and kiss from me. I so love Dogs
Will do he loves the attention!
Another great video thank you you mentioned places were numbers were used south of were i live the old county nursing home cemetery is that way
Oh that is sad that numbers only were used for a nursing home. How old is the cemetery that you are speaking of? I had no idea that nursing homes did that.
Its been there for years a boy scout for his eagle scout project went and cleaned it upit was neglected for years
That's awesome to hear that he did that. We need more boy scouts to do that. Was it continued with someone caring for the cemetery?
Yes it has been gettingcared for i dont who does it but they do a nice job
That's always great to hear that someone us continuing the care.
Yes it is Al. Cemetery should be taken care of
Overall it really is. I figured I would just give it a little touch. It's great to see these people remembered. Thank you for watching.
Rhetty can I suggest the cemetery at the Oklahoma State penitentiary? I believe it is called “Peckerwood Hill”
I haven't ever been to that cemetery but I do know where it is and I have been wanting to visit that one. Thank you for watching and suggesting that cemetery. I do think it would make an interesting video.
Sad that many of the patient graves from these state hospitals only have numbers. Now many are trying to find the names of these poor
souls.
Numbers are usually used in prison cemeteries. I don’t know why they’d use numbers for a sanatorium’s cemetery.
I'm not sure either but I'm pretty sure that cemetery out west had that. The interesting thing is I have seen a lot of prison cemeteries and they all seem to have names on the markers. Thank you for watching Sally.
I just left there minutes ago following up on pics I saw of the piled up old headstone/bricks by the edge of the trees. I would love to help clean up this cemetery, possibly put some kind of memorial marker, do something with those old bricks. I live just a mile away. I want to follow up and get more info.
That is great of you wanting to follow up and do more. You are really close to this one. I suppose the best thing to do would be to contact Griffin Memorial Hospital. They would certainly have more information.
I am curious who you would contact to get information on Eastern State Hospital in Vinita Oklahoma. My aunt passed away there years ago and was buried there in an unmarked grave. Would you have any idea who I could possibly contact?
I really do not know a specific person to contact. I have not been to that hospital area but is it still going at all or completely closed? Depending on when she passed her death certificate would list the cemetery but not the exact location. One possible solution could be the county historical Society. It could be they have the cemetery records if there are any and if not then they may know a person to contact. The Cleveland County historical Society was very active in this cemetery based on the post that someone made. I pinned it to the top of the comments.
@@RhettyforHistory My mom searched for her for years up until she passed away. The only information she could find was she passed and was buried there but the hospital could not give information and cited doctor/patient confidentiality. Hospital is closed but the last I heard the state denied releasing over 1100 names of people in unmarked graves. Thank you for replying and I will see what else I can find. I just think it's incredibly sad that if this is truly the case, there are so many patients who passed that their families will never know where they are. Thank u again
A lot of people throw their pumpkins near the woods after the fall for the woodland animals to eat
Maybe that is what they did. I believe there is a walking trail or some sort of public park on that other side. I had always assumed that park went to the corner where this cemetery is. Thank you for watching!
Mornin' hun
Good morning and thank you for watching!
We have a catholic cemetery here in Hamilton Ohio. And you can only have flat markers there
Is it by chance called a memorial garden? Usually Memorial Gardens have flat markers.
@@RhettyforHistory no. It’s Rose Hill? I think.
Looks like it is called Rose Hill Burial Park? I wonder if they chose to go with Burial instead of memorial? I do no some cemeteries have rules to only go with flat markers just because of the ease of maintaining the grounds. Those definitely make it more of a challenge to find people you are looking for.
@@RhettyforHistory agreed. Last time I was there it was well taken care of. The nicest one I’ve ever seen is Edgewood cemetery. In Hamilton. The biggest Oak Tree ever. Have not been there in 15years.
I love cookies!
Thanks for watching!
As I understand it cemetery's insist on these flat markers, because it makes it easier to mow.
I can understand these hospital ones being like that. I know there are memorials garden cemeteries that require it. I have some friends and family in some memorial gardens. It all just depends on where you are at. Thank you for watching Steven!
There's hundreds of graves, you would have hell of a job to edge all those graves on your own. Pretty sad place, but if you take in consideration graves under just number or unmarked pauper graves on potter fields, this people are buried with at least some dignity.
Yes they certainly have some dignity here and people have made sure that they were not forgotten. As far as the edging it really won't take too long. At least no where near the length of the John Old Crow Cemetery I did. Thank you for watching Igor!
@@RhettyforHistory Yup, specially taking in consideration how mental health issues was treated back then in 30', even today there's stigma, back then you would be put to a side no one to see "embarrassment of the family".
You're correct about all of that. There still a stigma that really has to be broken so that we can truly help these people. I know some of these patients outside of the hospitals do not want to be labeled like they have been and that is understandable. They need to be treated no differently than my daughter who has Type 1 diabetes. The meds and treatments need to be just something that has to be done to feel better and live a better and longer life.
I wonder if the pumpkins were left for deer to eat
I bet you are right on that Stacey. There is some sort of a city park next door and I just figured this cemetery was part of that. Thank you for watching Stacey!
The locals called the Hospital ...."The Nut House" and people knew what it was
Watch out for snakes!
Was that Hospital killing these patients? Or were they just totally negligent and untrained people working there. The fact that dozens of people all died in '33, '34, 35 etc Makes one wonder.🤔
It does make you wonder but someone researched it and left a comment for us all. They said Oklahoma had a bad tuberculosis outbreak in the 30s and that hospital would have been a prime location for that disease. Thank you for watching.
What happened in 1934, so many deaths.
Someone left a comment saying that Oklahoma had a pretty bad outbreak of tuberculosis in the 1930s. They were researching it after wondering the same exact thing. I really had no clue but if it was TB those hospitals like that were ideal places for it. Thank you for watching.
Gosh, it sure would be helpful if they were edged better, so they could al be read.
Yes it would. I am hoping to return in make that happen. It could be possible someone does it so I thought I would give it a little time. I do think someone has done it at some point or they would be worse. I didn't want to step on anyone's toes. Thank you for watching.
Maybe they turn off the water for the winter
They could. I would bet that is from a well. Thank you for watching Beverly.
Wonder why so many are death in 1934??
Someone mentioned in the comments below that Oklahoma had a pretty good outbreak of tuberculosis in the 1930s which would have been an ideal condition to thrive in a facility such as they were in. Thank you for watching Linda.
Hi u have a lot of work to do please record when u start this long job rhetty 💦💦
I don't think it will be too long of a job but I will certainly record it. Thank you for watching Sandy!