History
In 1891 Peter Wall purchased twelve acres of land for the Greenwood Cemetery.
He laid out the cemetery and with the help of the GAR Relief Corps and others, planted trees and hauled water to the site to establish them.
The hilly site known as the “old cemetery” was on Minthorn Street, east of then Highway 71 (now Interstate 15). Records indicate that eight pioneers, buried between 1876 and 1891, were disinterred from the old cemetery and moved to Greenwood Cemetery which is now known as Elsinore Valley Cemetery.
The first Superintendent of the cemetery was Charles “Cal” Sumner Merrifield, son-in-law to Peter Wall. He was followed by his son, Leslie Merrifield, who held that post until 1970 when he retired at age 70. Both men are now interred here at Elsinore Valley Cemetery.
During those early years, the cemetery grounds were bare except for weeds. They grew so high that burning was used for their control. This caused damage to the trees and also the marble, wood and limestone grave markers and the burning was discontinued. In the late 1920s, a well was dug in hopes of getting enough water for more landscaping. An adequate water supply during hot summers continued to be a problem for many years.
In 1923 the Elsinore Woman’s Club, under the leadership of Mrs. Guy Willsey (Mary Lorena) took over as their project the protection and care of the cemetery. Through their efforts and with the assistance of other organizations in the valley, the cemetery was purchased in May of 1926.
Mr. Wall sold the property for $500 plus some additional funds for the existing improvements and equipment.
The name was changed to “Elsinore Valley Cemetery” and the Elsinore Valley Cemetery Association (now known as the Elsinore Valley Cemetery District) was formed as part of the Riverside Cemetery District. The original Trustees appointed by the County Board of Supervisors were Willis L. Everett, Henry Clay Scott and Terrell L. Rush.
The Elsinore Valley Cemetery has a total of 26 acres of which 20 are developed. In 1995 the Elsinore Valley Cemetery District purchased the Home of Peace Jewish Cemetery, which adjoins the north side of Elsinore Valley Cemetery.
Over the years the cemetery has had many changes and beautification is ongoing in an effort to keep this historical site a place that can be seen as a peaceful and serene place to visit.