Questers to build wall at historic cemetery

The grave of Civil War veteran William Pittenger at the historic Pioneer Odd Fellows Cemetery in Fallbrook. U-T

FALLBROOK A group of history buffs is working on building a retaining wall at the historic Pioneer Odd Fellows Cemetery, at the corner of Alturas Street and Clemens Lane in Fallbrook. The wall is supposed to prevent further erosion and gravesite slippage.

The Fallbrook chapter of Questers is supporting the project because of the historical significance of the cemetery.

The graveyard is the final resting place of many of Fallbrooks early homesteaders and community leaders, said Kathleen Gerard, president of

the Fallbrook Quester Chapter, Live Oak #1166.

Veterans of all wars are buried there, including William Pittenger, a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, Fallbrook minister and resident. Pittenger served in the Civil War and was awarded a Medal of Honor on March 25, 1863, for his participation in the Great Locomotive Chase. He was buried at the cemetery on April 25, 1904. A Medal of Honor marker was placed at his grave in 1988.

The first phase of construction of the wall is estimated at $4,500. The chapter received a $3,000 Quester grant at the nonprofits state convention last month in Fremont. The chapter is raising the remaining $1,500 through its preservation and restoration funds.

Plans are being made to complete other needed improvements at the cemetery, but they depend on additional fund raising and community support.

Preliminary drafts have been written to apply for recognition of the cemetery as both a national and state historic site.

The Live Oak Chapter recently marked its 25th anniversary and is part the international Questers group, which was formed in 1944 to support preservation and restoration of antiques and historical sites and stimulate an appreciation of antiques.

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Questers to build wall at historic cemetery