14-year-old helps restore ruined cemetery

A Civil War cemetery in Central Florida has been brought back from the ruins, thanks to a 14-year-old volunteer.

“It needed to be done,” said Marshall Polston. “These are people that fought for the Union and for the United States.”

Hidden in the vast woods of Central Florida is Vineland Cemetery. Corp. Washington Ludwig, of Company M; and Charles H. Foster, of Company B, are buried there.

Head north on Apopka-Vineland Road, and turn right on Fenton Street, and you’ll find that at what once was the town of Vineland now stands the cemetery.

It was almost forgotten, until 14-year-old Polston found out about it.

“These men that fought for the Union are not being honored by having garbage thrown on them,” he said.

In his quest to become an Eagle Scout, Polston rolled up his sleeves, recruited help and got to work.

In the tiny, 20-square-foot cemetery, Polston spent many weekends inside the black fence.

“Just looked like a bunch of garbage. It was an absolutely horrible mess,” he said. “The first day, we actually came in and tore down all these trees and branches, and took up the garbage out of it.”

It was no small task. The cemetery hadn’t been cared for in years. Hurricanes had torn down trees. Vandals had broken the fence, dumped garbage and even tried to dig up the graves.

But with the help of the community, the small, yet historical piece of Central Florida’s history is back and better than ever.

“These men deserve it. They really do,” said Polston.

A rededication ceremony for Vineland Cemetery is scheduled for 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 12.