Boulder Creek IOOF Cemetery

Boulder Creek IOOF Cemetery This beautiful historic cemetery in Boulder Creek, California, began burials in the late 1880's. Burials began in the late 1880's.

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) took ownership in 1910. The cemetery is open to all for burials, IOOF membership is not required. At the end of Harmon Road, the cemetery becomes obvious, as the gate is marked with a large 'I.O.O.F.' The steep paved path winds up through a wonderful grove of redwoods, native plants and wild flowers. Graves are accessed on unpaved paths that wander throu

ghout the natural setting. Over 350 people are buried here, with 250 headstones and markers. As research continues, we estimate 90% of the interment roster is complete. There are 22 Veterans buried, including three Civil War Veterans. The Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) took ownership of the cemetery in 1910. The cemetery is open to all for burials, IOOF membership is is not required. The command of the IOOF is to "visit the sick, relieve the distressed, bury the dead, and educate the orphan." The main symbol of the IOOF is three chain links, sometimes with the letters F, L, and T inside them, which stands for Friendship, Love and Truth. Several headstones at the cemetery include this and other symbols from the organization.

Tim was big part of the restoration of the Boulder Creek IOOF Cemetery. Tim helped restore and maintain the landscape fo...
06/05/2026

Tim was big part of the restoration of the Boulder Creek IOOF Cemetery. Tim helped restore and maintain the landscape for many years. Always ready to help, Tim will be missed and remembered.

-Kate

The interconnected Williams, Cress, May, Moody and Peterson families were represented by three visiting family members t...
05/23/2026

The interconnected Williams, Cress, May, Moody and Peterson families were represented by three visiting family members today They cleaned plots and placed flowers for Memorial Day.

We appreciate families helping to keep the cemetery cleared for their relatives. We learned more about the family history and even learned about a burial we were unaware of (without a headstone).

Annette, Steve and I placed flags on the veterans headstones throughout the cemetery.

-Kate

Many years ago local historian Robert Nelson wrote a book about the Grand Army of the Republic, included are photos from...
05/20/2026

Many years ago local historian Robert Nelson wrote a book about the Grand Army of the Republic, included are photos from Santa Cruz and San Francisco showing May celebrations.

Many GAR members lived in the Boulder Creek area and belonged to Amner Post #78.

Happy Memorial Day.

-Kate

History Fair this Saturday! May 16!It's a great way to learn more about our county! Hope to see you there!-Kate
05/13/2026

History Fair this Saturday! May 16!

It's a great way to learn more about our county! Hope to see you there!

-Kate

Constance Luella Austin, less than three years old, died of illness while on a trip to Boulder Creek with her mother. Sh...
04/16/2026

Constance Luella Austin, less than three years old, died of illness while on a trip to Boulder Creek with her mother. She is one of the early burials in the cemetery.

We are here restoring the cemetery to remember her and honor her brief life and those she rests with.

-Kate

Our faithful and talented Annette Camplair manages the spectacular native garden landscape at the cemetery. Her dedicati...
04/06/2026

Our faithful and talented Annette Camplair manages the spectacular native garden landscape at the cemetery. Her dedication to the cemetery is singularly responsible for the beauty and revitalization of this historic Boulder Creek site.

Thank you Annette!! ❤️

Enjoy the photos of the blooms we found on Saturday (come see them in person soon).

-Kate

William Henry McAran was a lumberman who died at age 73 in 1892. Sadly, we don't have more information about him -- Will...
03/18/2026

William Henry McAran was a lumberman who died at age 73 in 1892.

Sadly, we don't have more information about him -- Williams property was transferred to a Catherine Day after his death.

This impressive, and likely expensive headstone, is located near the entrance of the cemetery. The headstone has been cleaned and awaits repairs rejoining the two sections together. The photo shows the before and after cleaning, the stone will be over four feet tall once repaired.

-Kate

Robert Waters (seated on the right) played in the Boulder Creek Band in 1909 when he was 18 or 19 years old. Robert died...
02/19/2026

Robert Waters (seated on the right) played in the Boulder Creek Band in 1909 when he was 18 or 19 years old. Robert died in a car accident in 1935, when he was 45.

We believe he is buried at Boulder Creek IOOF Cemetery although there is no headstone. Does anyone in our community know about Robert and where he was buried?

Thank you to Lisa Robinson for the photo from her book "The San Lorenzo Valley", page 100.

-Kate

"..a kindly friend..." George Brace passed in 1924. Unrelated to his death, he was in the paper when his car was caught ...
01/28/2026

"..a kindly friend..." George Brace passed in 1924. Unrelated to his death, he was in the paper when his car was caught on the railroad tracks with a train approaching!

-Kate

A study of growth on hardscape at the cemetery...and two panoramic photos revealing light on this warm winter day.Many t...
01/18/2026

A study of growth on hardscape at the cemetery...and two panoramic photos revealing light on this warm winter day.

Many thanks to Annette for getting the storm felled trees removed and keeping the grounds clear of invasive vegetation.

Come visit on a calm day, but please stay away during wind and rain!

-Kate

Address

Harmon Street
Boulder Creek, CA
95006

Website

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