Establishing an Historic Landmark for Ireland rd

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• Introduction Rohrer Cemetery is located in Centre Township within the city limits of South Bend. It is on the south side of Ireland Road between South Michigan and Miami Street--across the street from Erskine Golf Course and east of the Lester Sumrall Evangelistic complex. The cemetery is in fair condition; the site was relatively well maintained when last viewed in August of 1991 . Historic artifacts remaining here include: intact , broken and partial stone grave markers , various markers of other kinds, a decorative wrought-iron fence surrounding a family plot and poured concrete dividers surrounding several family plots . Historic decorative plantings--trees , shrubbery, flowers--also remain on the site. The cemetery is separated from the road by a concrete retaining wall in good repair. There are sixty-one surviving burial markers on the site, predominantly made of stone. Research also suggests that at least fifteen other burials took place here. Of the seventy-six known burials, twenty-nine (38%) are those of children or adolescents . Rohrer cemetery could conceivably be threatened by expansion of the Sumrall complex to the west or the widening of Ireland Road--an extremely busy thoroughfare likely to become busier in the future. The site's southern and eastern borders are adjacent to residences that seem to be of little threat to the site. In addition to the possible threat to the site from development, over time, damage from nature' s weathering and man's vandalism compromise the usefulness of Rohrer Cemetery as a historical record. Landmark status would be one way to ensure protection of a valuable piece of local heritage. Historic Significance Rohrer Cemetery is one of approximately fifteen remaining nineteenth-century, pioneer burial sites in the county. It is significant as a collection of artifacts that can serve as a source of understanding of the development of local culture and history--especially in relation to early settlement . It also should be seen in the context of larger historical questions--it is one piece of the puzzle for understanding the broader fabric of American life. All cemeteries contain data concerning religious beliefs, ethnic differences and other cultural behaviors important to a fuller understanding of American historical development . In addition, Rohrer Cemetery is a place where families have entrusted the final remains of their relatives . It is imperative that a proper concern is shown for the final resting place of local citizens ' ancestors . The protection of cemeteries becomes a question of respecting the broad range of religious beliefs and practices of those who have laid their kin to rest in them.