Three new signs recognizing a significant impact to the Niagara Falls community either through historical or cultural actions were unveiled Saturday in Oakwood Cemetery. The three new notable permanent residents recognized are:
•Orrin Dunlap, managing editor of the Niagara Gazette at the turn of the past century. He was a contemporary of some of the daredevils buried in Oakwood. His articles and iconic photos of early Niagara Falls are archived at the Niagara Falls Public Library.
•Jesse Ware, a Revolutionary War soldier who answered the call at Lexington. Ware came to the Village of Manchester (later Niagara Falls) in 1800. He was caretaker of 5,000 acres of land here and lived in a house that was built up against the Old Stone Chimney, now located on New York State Power Authority land.
•The final new sign recognizes a tragic event that took place in November of 1957. A fire on Allen Avenue took the lives of 17 people and is the worst fire in terms of human life lost in Niagara Falls history. At that time, 27-year-old Mary Evella Ewing and eight of her children perished in the fire, along with nine of her neighbors.
Oakwood has been housing Niagara's history since its founding in 1852. Many of Niagara's movers and shakers, and the ordinary in extraordinary circumstances, lay on the grounds.
"We are pleased to act as caretakers of the Cemetery for this generation", said Whitney Mallam, president of the Oakwood Cemetery board.
Board Secretary Peter Ames, master of ceremonies at Saturday's event, said, "We deeply feel the responsibility that has been passed on to us, and want to educate both visitors and area residents about our unique history."
The event was co-sponsored by the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area.
Executive Director Sara Capen and Programming Specialist Christine Bacon were on hand for the ceremony.
