DRY VALLEY CEMETERY

Cedarview Dry Valley Eclipse Long's Seneca Virginia

In the early 1990s, the Nebraska Sandhills were still in the early stages of settlement. Some areas were without stores, restaurants, or hotels. Yet, one facet of civilization that many Sandhills residents missed were churches. The people in Curlew, Nebraska (located about 20 miles north of Mullen) had made due with traveling ministers that held tent meetings but they wanted a church of their own. Robert Boyer gave land in Dry Valley for a church and a community cemetery. Teddy Carr was the first buried there, before the church was even built.

Dry Valley is a very unique and interesting cemetery. There is an eclectic blend of old and new tombstones that give the cemetery a timeless feel. Approximately 81 people are buried there and it is still used today. The last person buried there was Andrew Kravcisin on October 3, 1998.

The church is still used for annual Christmas and Memorial Day programs. The area people put together these programs and they are well attended. During the Memorial Day service, someone usually plays "Taps" outside. It is an amazing feeling to hear it echo off of the surrounding hills. Funeral services are also held in Dry Valley Church, along with the occasional wedding.

People from the area maintain the cemetery. It is all volunteer and they do a great job! Many families work together to preserve this rustic Sandhills cemetery.

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