By Jon Tharp, Broker · November 13, 2026
At a Glance
Tryon Cemetery marked its 125th anniversary on Wednesday, Nov. 11, with a ceremony honoring the historic grounds and the people preserving them. The program included a presentation of colors by the American Legion, remarks from Mayor Alan Peoples, recognition of grant funding from the Mary F. Kessler Fund, a tribute to the East Side community, an Armistice moment of silence and a dove release.
Tryon Cemetery marked 125 years on Wednesday, Nov. 11. Community members and local officials gathered to recognize the historic grounds and the ongoing efforts to preserve them for future generations.
The ceremony included a presentation of colors by American Legion Post Tryon, led by Commander Chuck Bradley, and welcoming remarks from Tryon Mayor Alan Peoples.
What happened at the Tryon Cemetery anniversary?
The program also recognized the organizations and individuals who have contributed to the cemetery's preservation. Town Manager Jim Fatland acknowledged the Mary F. Kessler Fund at the Polk County Community Foundation, which provided grant funding for recent cemetery improvements. He also acknowledged the Town of Tryon for its support.
Fatland said the grant helped advance preservation and beautification efforts while supporting the community's work to protect its history.
Mike McCue gave a historical presentation on the cemetery's history and the importance of preserving the stories connected to its grounds.
Who has led the effort to preserve the cemetery?
The preservation work began in 2002. Fatland and Nancy Gray, chairperson of the Tryon Cemetery Commission, recognized former commission leader Jerry Soderquist, who assumed a leadership role that year and helped establish and guide the preservation effort.
Gray later took over as chairperson and has continued that work in recent years. At the ceremony, she recognized the commission's work over the past two years and thanked those who have helped maintain and improve the property.
How did the ceremony honor Tryon's East Side and its veterans?
The program recognized Tryon's East Side community through a presentation by Dr. Joseph L. Fox, representing the Historic Eastside Oral History Project and St. Luke's CME Church. Fox performed "Healing" by Richard Smallwood as part of the heritage tribute.
Dr. Warren Carson of Garrison Chapel Baptist Church led a moment of silence commemorating the 1918 Armistice that ended World War I, honoring veterans who have served, including those who are no longer here.
The ceremony concluded with a commemorative dove release by L.J. Myers.
Who came together for the anniversary?
Members of the Tryon Town Council, the Cemetery Commission, the East Side Advisory Committee and town employees gathered to recognize the community's shared role in preserving the historic cemetery.
Source: Tryon Daily Bulletin
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Tryon Cemetery celebrate its 125th anniversary?
Tryon Cemetery held its 125th anniversary ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 11, bringing together community members, the Tryon Town Council, the Cemetery Commission, the East Side Advisory Committee and town employees.
Who funded recent improvements at Tryon Cemetery?
Grant funding for recent improvements came from the Mary F. Kessler Fund at the Polk County Community Foundation, which Town Manager Jim Fatland acknowledged at the ceremony.
About the Author
Jon Tharp is a licensed NC real estate broker with Keller Williams. He's helped buyers and sellers across Western North Carolina for over 10 years, specializing in mountain homes, land, and short-term rental investments, with offices throughout WNC covering all mountainous areas. If something in this post has you thinking about a move, he's easy to reach — (828) 347-9055 or smokymountainhomes4sale.com or Jon@jontharphomes.com.
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