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OAKVILLE BEAVER www.brantflorist.com/cg email: gifts@brantflorist.com 905.639.7001 Kazdan, Solomon & D'Angelo d www.dentistoakville.com 905-842-6030 " U S I N G C O M M U N I C AT I O N TO BU I L D B E T T E R C O M M U N I T I E S " A Metroland Publication Vol. 47 No. 66 SATURDAY, MAY 31, 2008 32 Pages $1.00 (plus GST) Oakville's cemeteries in grave danger By David Lea OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF T hey've had schools and streets named after them for what they did more than a century ago to put the Town of Oakville together and now the markers, which commemorate these great people, are under attack by the ravages of time. Local history buff Terry Wayland is a frequent visitor to the cemeteries of Oakville where he conducts research into the Town's pioneer history. Lately Wayland said he's been disturbed by the conditions he's seen. " It's sacrilege," he said. "I've never seen it like this." In a tour of St. Jude's Cemetery, Oakville and St. Mary's Cemetery, Munn's Pioneer Cemetery and Palermo Cemetery, Wayland pointed out dozens of toppled graves, shattered and sunken markers and damaged memorials, which include those of some of the town's most well known historical figures. Among these was the grave of Captain Robert Wilson, who brought hundreds of African American slaves to freedom by smuggling them across the Great Lakes in his ship. "The top of his monument broke off about 10 or 12 years ago," said Wayland. "It's been lying in the mud here ever since." DAVID LEA / OAKVILLE BEAVER LYING IN RUIN: A fallen and shattered headstone at St. Jude's Cemetery. The poor condition of many of Oakville's pioneer graves has caused one local man to call on the Town to transfer control over them to volunteers. Full Delivery: Sears Partial Delivery: GNC, Good Life, Career Choices Sears Specialogue For home delivery & customer service call 905-845-9742 Mon., Tues. and Thurs. 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Wed. 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Fri. 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Sat 10 a.m.-3 p.m. NEW SUBSCRIPTIONS call (905) 845-9742 or subscribe online @ www.oakvillebeaver.com. See subscription offer inside today's paper. See Historic page 3 Inside Flynn wants to get tough on gun makers Celebrating Student Excellence On track for gold 9 11 22 POP With Fathers Day just around the corner, what kind of makeover would thrill any Dad? Hopedale knows. QUIZ Watch for details of our fantastic Fathers Day Give-Away, Week of June 9th - 15th! HOPEDALE MALL