A History of our Cemeteries

There is a fascination about cemeteries and the things they can tell us about our antecedents that make a visit to a cemetery a worthwhile experience, and in this volume you are invited to stroll through the cemeteries of Pyramid Hill, Durham Ox and Mitiamo from the comfort of your armchair.

Cemeteries are important because they reflect our history and here the dead can speak to us.

This volume is the culmination of many days and hours of effort by members of our Society to whom grateful thanks are due. 

We acknowledge the support of the Victorian Government through the Community Support Fund and Public Record Office Victoria for making this project possible.

"THE DASH"
by Linda Ellis

I read of a man who stood to speak
At the funeral of a friend
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
From the beginning to the end

He noted that first came the date of her birth
And spoke the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years

For that dash represents all the time
That she spent alive on earth.
And now only those who loved her
Know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not how much we own;
The cars, the house, the cash,
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard.
Are there things you’d like to change?
For you never know how much time is left,
That can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough
To consider what’s true and real
And always try to understand
The way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger,
And show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives
Like we’ve never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect,
And more often wear a smile
Remembering that this special dash
Might only last a little while.

So, when your eulogy is being read
With your life’s actions to rehash
Would you be proud of the things they say
About how you spent your dash?

This wonderful graphical resource - Transcripts from Pyramid Hill, Durham Ox & Mitiamo Cemetery, has section and plot references, and also indicates marked and unmarked graves. Included are small coloured photos of each headstone.

This book will be on sale at the Pyramid Hill Progress/Lions Christmas Fair on December 4th.  It can also be purchased from the Museum on Tuesdays, or at other times when we are open.

Email enquiries are welcome

The cost is $25.00 plus packing & postage (approx $10.00)