Cemetery Times, Yesterday and Today: Part 2

Part 1 told the tale of one of the valley’s most unforgettable characters from its early days: Parson James Wornom. We left with the old parson asking local developer Marshall Hartranft to donate a parcel of his land for a cemetery so he could one day be buried among the hills and the people he loved. Mr. Hartranft was rather dismissive – at first.

The Parson became ill – very ill. He was an old man who had worked hard all of his life and time was running out on him. When Mr. Hartranft saw this, he was full of contrition and he promised all over again to donate a parcel of his land but, as always, after he left the press of his many interests crowded out of his mind the Parson and his cemetery.

He went again to see the sick man and Jennie, the parson’s wife, only shook her head when she saw Marshall at the door. The Parson’s voice was hardly a whisper. 

“I’m almost ready, Marsh; have you given [any thought to] my cemetery?” he asked.

Marshall swallowed hard and murmured something. When the old man dozed off, he quietly slipped out of the door and drove like mad to his office. Salesmen and prospective buyers vied for his time but he waved them all aside, rushed into his office and slammed the door. Finally, he had an inspiration. He selected a site of about four acres of foothills, then called his superintendent of construction and told him to take all of his laborers and mules and create a path up to the top of the main hill.

He went back to see the Parson. 

“I have your cemetery now, Parson. It’s ready for you,” he said. 

The old man smiled and relief came over his face. Just hours later, as if he had truly been waiting, “The Old Parson” died in his sleep on April 19, 1922.

Days later, his beloved horses pulled the parson’s covered wagon with his casket inside down Pinyon Avenue to the foot of the hill. It was then carried by hand up the steep, winding trail to the highest rise. His wife Jennie stood by his side and many forlorn residents followed behind. It was a beautiful day and John Steven McGroarty voiced the community’s great sorrow. This is how the Tujunga Cemetery, now the Verdugo Hills Cemetery, came to be.

On Sunday, Nov. 1, Verdugo Hills Cemetery will honor James and Jennie Wornom at a Day of the Dead – Día de los Muertos – celebration from 12–5 p.m. – “Dine with the Dead, Walk for Life.” Everyone is invited and admission is free. Every half hour, a cemetery resident’s life story will be told at their graveside, along with a photograph and candles. Residents like Henry “Harp” McGuire, who was awarded the Navy Cross during WWII for extraordinary heroism, Zama Vanessa Helder, a renowned watercolor artist, and George Washington Harris, the eccentric nature builder who built Bolton Hall, are just a few of those to be honored on this day of remembrance.

Joselito’s Tujunga and the Back Door Bakery will both be serving up some delectable food for purchase. In addition to great eats, there will be photo opportunities, games with prizes, marigolds and a community altar. A bell will sound every half hour to signal the journey to a resident’s place of rest.

Bring some cash for food and games, but admission and many of the day’s events, like the special Día de los Muertos dance performances, are free. Park on Terecita Road and make the short walk to VHC. Navigate to 10950 Terecita Road to park and head uphill. Limited parking is available across from the cemetery gates for those unable to make the walk. Go to friendsofverdugohillscemetery.com for a map of the day’s activities, and please come visit the Verdugo Hills Cemetery on Nov. 1 between noon and 5 p.m.