SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – This month you will see the restoration work begin in the Al Tahoe Pioneer Cemetery. The largest grave marker in the historic cemetery is for Richard Peter. Richard Peter was born in Virginia in 1804, and was the proprietor of Peters Station, a three-story hotel on Kingsbury Grade. In 1860, Kingsbury & McDonald open their new wagon toll road, which was the preferred route for teamsters hauling goods to Genoa or Virginia City. This was a steep and difficult road to navigate and Peters Station was the perfect halfway point to rest, eat, and water the horses.

Richard Peter died on February 19, 1866, at the age of 61 and was buried in the Al Tahoe Pioneer Cemetery. His grave marker is a focal point in the Cemetery as it is the largest marker at the site. Unfortunately, the marker is in a ruined state, with the marker collapsed and the iron fencing damaged during this past winter from downed tree branches.

With the help of District V Supervisor Brooke Laine, funds have been awarded by the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors to pay for the repair and restoration of the Richard Peter grave marker and surrounding iron fencing. Ira Kessy, owner of Kise Sculpture Studio in Tahoe City, will be completing this important project.

The Cemetery is the property of the City of South Lake Tahoe. Long range restoration goals and fundraising is being done by the Al Tahoe Pioneer Cemetery Improvement Committee. Members represent the City of South Lake Tahoe, Lake Tahoe Historical Society, and the Lake Tahoe Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. The community is invited to see the restored Peter marker and take a tour of the Cemetery on Wednesday, September 20, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The Cemetery is located at 790 Alameda Avenue.

Source: Al Tahoe Pioneer Cemetery Improvement Committee