The Icelandic Canadian - 01.12.2009, Page 9

Vol. 62 #3
THE ICELANDIC CANADIAN
151
NES Cemetery Restoration and
Enhancement Project
Nes is a sadly neglected and eroding
smallpox cemetery on the banks of the
Icelandic River. Marked only by a solitary
blue and white sign bearing the inscription
“Nes Cemetery 1876,” this almost forgot-
ten site shows little outward indication of
its dramatic history. One of at least six
smallpox cemeteries dating from New
Iceland’s fateful winter of 1876-77, Nes is
not only the resting place of some 30 iden-
tified Icelandic men, women, and children,
but of an estimated 50-80 people believed
to be members of the Sandy Bar Band.
Most of those buried at Nes died of small-
pox that ravaged New Iceland shortly after
arrival of the settlers, but others who died
before 1880 were also buried here.
Shortly after 1880, a homesteader from
Hecla Island chose this spot as a building
site and erected a home amidst the graves.
Following his untimely death some 10
years later, the house was abandoned due
to strange occurrences and though
attempts were made to reoccupy the site,
no one ever remained long. Neighbours,
including local poet Guttormur
Guttormsson, reported mysterious hap-
penings at Nes over the years, and eventu-
ally this low site along the river reverted to
meadowland. Over the years, however,
riverbank erosion has placed Nes
Cemetery at risk and it is critical that
restoration measures be undertaken imme-
diately to protect and enhance this special
site.
The goals of Icelandic River Heritage
Sites Inc. include not only riverbank stabi-
lization and tree planting at Nes, but a
unique monument incorporating both a
bronze sculpture and a symbolic sheltering
structure.
IRHSI has received strong support
from other Icelandic organizations and
from the Village of Riverton and R.M. of
Bifrost Councils. The support of the peo-
ple in the community has been outstand-
ing. The fundraising events hosted by
IRHSI are well attended and supported by
the communities of New Iceland and
beyond, regardless of the day of the week
or time of year. The main sources of funds
to date have been the sale of our Icelandic
River Roast coffee, hosting events for visit-
ing tours from Iceland and some private
donations and grants. Although sufficient
money has been raised to commission the
18 inch statue, an additional $100,000 is
required to complete our two priority pro-
jects. We look forward to the continued
support of the Icelandic community at
large in our efforts to reach our $100,000
fundraising goal.
For more information and ongoing
updates on activities of IRHSI, please
check out the IRHSI web site at:
www.irhs.sagapublications.com