Denver historians waive royalties to publish 58,000-word history of local cemeteries

Mark A. Barnhouse and James M. Cavoto Sr. have waived their royalties to ensure the full publication of their new book, "Historic Cemeteries of Denver." The volume contains 58,000 words, which is 8,000 words over the limit assigned by the publisher.

The authors reached this arrangement with History Press, a subsidiary of Arcadia. By accepting the overage without a corresponding increase in cost or a reduction in content, the pair secured the release of a text that details more than a dozen burial grounds in the Denver area.

Barnhouse and Cavoto began collaborating in 2018. Their initial goal was to write a book focused solely on Fairmount Cemetery. Cavoto had previously served as the vice president of sales at that location. They submitted the proposal to Arcadia Press, which had published several of Barnhouse's previous works.

The publisher rejected the single-site project. Barnhouse explained that the press classified Fairmount as an operating business rather than a historic site. Under their policy, active businesses were required to pre-purchase between seven and eight hundred copies of any book about them. Barnhouse noted that cemeteries generally lack the cash flow to meet that requirement.

After the rejection, Barnhouse restructured the project. He expanded the scope to include Riverside, Mount Olivet, Crown Hill, and Fort Logan, along with several smaller sites. He also added a chapter on lesser-known cemeteries in and near Denver. History Press approved the revised multi-site concept.

The writing process took longer than anticipated. By the time the first draft was complete, it was nearly a year behind schedule. The manuscript had grown to almost three times its proposed length. Barnhouse spent nine months editing the text, which he described as a draconian process. He cut stories about influential figures that he deemed less relevant to a modern reader.

Even after editing, the manuscript remained at 58,000 words. The publisher requested further cuts. The authors instead proposed printing the book at its current length in exchange for giving up their royalties. Barnhouse stated that neither author was motivated by financial gain. He called the project a labor of love.

The book includes a photograph of a headstone from Golden Cemetery that reads, "This is a cemetery." The inscription continues, stating that lives are commemorated, deaths are recorded, and families are reunited. Barnhouse said he included the photo as a way to convey the purpose of the book without using additional words from the manuscript.

Barnhouse hopes the book serves as a guide for visitors. He cited the central drive in Fairmount Cemetery, known as Millionaire’s Row, which starts at the Ivy Chapel and heads southeast. He said he wants new visitors to understand the stories behind the names on those stones. The book is currently available at West Side Books and other independent retailers.

The authors met through the Denver Posse of Westerners, a group that has met monthly since 1945. The organization focuses on researching and publishing the history of the American West. Barnhouse is also the author of "Lost Department Stores of Denver" and "Tattered Cover Book Store: A Storied History."