Grand Island Nebraska

There are no records to indicate who or when land was donated or bought for the Alda Cemetery.  The earliest grave marker shows Lillian A. Mitchell, age 1 yr., 10 mo., 5 days, on July 27, 1872.  She was the daughter of W. W. and Catheron Mitchell.  Twenty-four individuals were buried during the period of 1872 through 1888. 

Early records show that the Alda Cemetery Association reorganizing in March of 1889. On January 8, 1890, Zenus H. Denman was authorized to survey the land and E. A. Park was to draft a new plat of the grounds.  Four lots commencing at the northwest, running east, were set apart as a Potters field but there are no markers or records of any burials. Full lots (8 spaces) sold for $5.00 and the sexton kept $2.00 for locating a lot, digging and filling in a grave.  On April 29, 1890, 20 red cedar trees and 4 Norway Spruce were purchased; 23 evergreens were purchased on June 3, 1897. 

The "Men's Alda Cemetery Association" and "Ladies Alda Cemetery Association" merged on January 11, 1927, into the Alda Cemetery Association,  holding monthly meetings with dues of 35 cents.  It functioned as a social organization that also involved fund-raising to support the upkeep of the Cemetery.  Families were responsible for the care of their individual lots or were asked to pay $2.00 - $5.00 yearly for the care of lots.