Our events venue, Canton, TX, has seen some amazing things through the years, but we were especially excited to host the Stories Beneath the Stones book signing back on December 10th. Featured in the Canton Herald, the Lodge welcomed authors Lawrence Greer and Benja Pittman Mize (also a historian) as they signed books for the steady stream of attendants.
A Beautiful Event in Canton, TX
The signing was the culmination of a 5-year project designed to remember and memorialize the lives of those buried in Canton’s Hillcrest Cemetery. A lot of hard work and dedication went into researching and fact-checking the stories of the 1,263 people buried in Canton’s historic cemetery. The book is a beautiful capstone on the Hillcrest Cemetery Restoration Project.
Hosted by Sue Baugh, Ed Greer, Rhita Koches, Ann Moore, Hillcrest Cemetery Restoration Committee, Canton Main Street, Canton Lions Club, and Keith Hilliard/Hilliard Funeral Home-Van, visitors began arriving thirty minutes before the signing was scheduled to take place.
Why Restore a Cemetery?
Hillcrest Cemetery is the oldest cemetery in Canton, TX, established back in 1850 (though it didn’t come into use until 1860), and the original “city cemetery.” But what was once a source of respect and remembrance eventually succumbed to neglect and vandalism. That was until the Hillcrest Cemetery Restoration Committee formed. The committee lead city efforts to restore and preserve the history buried in the cemetery, and soon after Greer and Mize began their research on the lives of those represented by each and every gravestone.
Book Your Events Venue in Canton, TX
Are you hosting an event? We’d love to have you here at Mill Creek Ranch Resort. We have several sites to accommodate your needs, whether you want something small and intimate, business or casual, wedding or rally. Give us a call at the number below to discuss your options. (We also cater!)
Thank you to everyone who came out to explore the mysteries and lives unearthed by Stories Beneath the Stones. Leave a comment below and let us know what you think of the book and the history of our beautiful town.
And the next time you’re out strolling through Canton, take a moment to imagine those who have walked the grounds before you. Our town is full of rich history, and you don’t have to go far to find it. You may only have to pick up a book.
Mill Creek Ranch Resort | Events Venue Canton TX | 877-927-3439
