Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1903-07-02
Hiahland cemeterx.

Highland Cemetery.
At the last town meeting. there were
authorized to be five new town offices
namely, commissioners for the care
| superintendent and management oil
Highland cemetery, who shall hold office
for five years and until others are chosen
/ in their stead, and one OF whom shall
be elected each year by ballot or other
wise at the annual meeting held for the
election OF town officers. The COM
missioners elected were as follows:-C. P.
Dickinson, z. ID. Barnes, W. II. II. Han,
j. b. Bacon and j. A. r. Corwin.
Highland cemetery is beautifully stu
ated on an elevation overlooking the
/ village and few moments walk from
/ the postoffice. The first purchase of
1 land by the town OF Chelsea for this
| cemetery was four acres from Norton &
/ Jones Dec. S, 1854, for which was paid
500. This space becoming inadequate
/ for the needs Of the town, Capt. w. II. Fl.
I Hall, then chairman of the board Of
selectmen, made a second purchase Of
land adjoining the first from E. e.
Graham and L. G. Hinckley on July 4,
| 1883, consisting of six acres, for which
/ be paid S425. So the yard now contains
ten acres Of land which cost s1025.
After the second purchase in 1888, the
yard was laid out under the direction
Of Capt. Hall in proper shape. with a
broad drive leading round the whole lot
and avenues and walks connecting the
main roads. At the main entrance. a
beautiful, substantial and imposing gate
was erected that is the equal OF any
similar entrance in this part of the coun-
try. II consists Of four granite pedestals
with an arch and cap OF wood. A double
iron gate swings in the center with
smaller one on either side. Across the
front of the arch in large gilt block
letters are the words, "HIghland Gene
terry" and on the opposite side IN similar
letters, "Consecrated in 1884,
On the right as one passes through the
gate is the spring house, lastly arranged
with seats and pump which draws water
from a cool we'll. Near by is the hearse
house. All Of these buildings have just
been thoroughly repaired and reprinted,
including the archway. On the left and
a little beyond is the tomb, which has just
been entirely rebuilt, and we feel safe to
state that no country cemetery has more
substantial and imposing tomb than this.
Il is made Of granite and built into the
side OF the hill. Inside, il Is 10 feet long,
feet wide and feet high. The floor, and
i'm fact the whole structure inside, Is GEM
ented. The front is made OF long blocks
Of granite laid In steps from each side and
terminating at the top ten feet from the
date, "1903. The stone composing the
front OF the structure is cut TO correspond
with the granite columns Of the gate.
The building OF the tomb and repairs on
the buildings have been in charge OF Capt.
Hall, who has devoted his entire time to
the matter for the past several weeks.
This tomb and the gate which be built in
1883 will stand In the years to follow as
lasting monument TO him.
The cemetery rs almost surrounded with
maple trees. Many other trees and shrubs
have been planted through the yard from
year TO year. Many hydrangeas have been
set out. Several flower beds have been
laid out this spring and soon will make
themselves seen i'm all their splendor. The
flowers are in charge OF Mrs. f. E. Dens-
more as florist.
The repairing of fences, cleaning OF the
walks, righting falling tombstones, ETC., is
In charge Of r. ID. Barnes, who has engag-
ed +. +. Wallace TO work under his in
structions about the yard for the entire
season. Any living at distance who
have lots in the cemetery and desire them
especially cared for should address Mr..
Barnes regarding the matter, as he VIII
personally look after all the details as re-
quested by the owners.