Some of Bradford’s early history will be available for public viewing in a unique way this weekend, as the Oak Hill Cemetery Association is opening its mausoleum from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Monday.

“This historical site was built in the early 1900s and is a wonderful place to visit,” said John Watson, president of the association. “It’s never been opened up before.”

The inside of the community mausoleum is marble and contains 240 crypts, 190 of which are occupied.

Those 50 remaining are kind of tricky, Watson said. “We don’t think they’ve been sold, but we have no idea whether somebody bought this thing 100 years ago and didn’t move into it.”

Describing the mausoleum, he said, “You walk in, you walk left or right, there’s 120 people on each side. You walk down that aisle and it gives you chills going down there. It’s kind of cool.”

Watson said he hopes that community members will find it interesting as well.

As for the cemetery itself, Watson said it’s cleaned up and looking great.

Fourth-graders are putting flags on veterans’ graves today for Memorial Day.

“Last year we had a tree fall down in the cemetery that was bigger around than a car,” Watson said. “It was so big we couldn’t get it out of there last fall.”

Chris Slike has been cutting it up “for two weeks, if that tells you how big it is.”

Steve Sherk with Sherk Landscaping has been mowing, and the volunteer board members like Judy Harris and Darla Oaks have been weeding and cleaning.

“Our goal is to get that place looking wonderful for Memorial Day weekend,” Watson said. “And it will.”

He encouraged people to visit, adding that the board has been thrilled with public support for the cemetery and its fund for upkeep. “We’re past the stage where we can pay our bills,” he said, “we’ve gotten so much support.”

This weekend is about thanking the community and showing what their support has been covering.

“A lot of people have never seen Bradford from the cemetery. It’s a beautiful view.”

Visitors should use Lincoln Avenue to reach the Oak Hill entrance. Watson said people are welcome to walk, or to drive vehicles inside on the roads, but no all-terrain vehicles or 4-wheelers are permitted.

Once inside the entrance, go to the left, drive up the hill and follow the road around past the Civil War Memorial to get to the community mausoleum.

“We continue to make improvements every year at Oak Hill,” Watson said, “and we want to share this beautiful landmark with the entire community.”