Ferris Cemetery Sanger Elementary
On October 1, TSPS Chapter 5 members Marcos Madrid, Cade Smith, Chris Freeman, and Annalicia Madrid arrived at the historical Warren Ferris cemetery in East Dallas in the Forest Hills neighborhood to present to a group of 4th/5th graders from Sanger Elementary School of the Dallas ISD as part of their after-school program. The invitation to participate came from our friend Julie Fineman, who is the organizer of The Constellation of Living Memorials and President of The Friends of the Warren Ferris Cemetery. The Chapter 5 group gave a history lesson on Warren Ferris, who surveyed Dallas County and other parts of north central Texas associated with the Three Forks of the Trinity River. They displayed and demonstrated typical survey tools and instruments that Ferris would have used in his survey work, including a Gunter’s chain, a compass with a Jacob staff, and a site pole. A map of Dallas County from the 1850s was also displayed to the students. Students were also reminded of the importance of subjects like math and history that are integral in our survey work.
The students were inquisitive and had knowledge of other Surveyors (Washington and Lincoln)and were even aware of the mapping on planet Mars in preparation of future exploration by humans. The students were led by Naturalist and Ferris Cemetery Board member Patty Griffin to learn of the flora and fauna at the cemetery. Ms. Griffin wanted to include a lesson on who Ferris was and his impact on the area, given that the cemetery was located directly across the street from the school. All in all, the time spent sharing information about Ferris, the historical connection to the cemetery and Dallas, as well as the surveying profession, seemed to be a win for both the students and the presenters.
Taking time to interact in our communities is part of being a professional. Find an opportunity, and you’ll likely find that you are personally rewarded with the reception received. Thanks to Cade, Maros, Annalicia, and Chris for their time to share our world with the students at Sanger Elementary.
