Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1903-05-13
PARK INSTEAD OF CEMETERY.

II is apparent to many OF our citi-
zens that a mistake has been made in
locating the new cemetery so near
the city, and This will be impressed
more forcibly as Lewistown increases
in population and extends its build
ing operations.
II a change is made now would
seem to be the proper time to do 1t.
while land is comparatively cheap and
interments few in the cemetery. 1t
is well known that a cemetery in
close proximity to residence property
is undesirable and reduces the value
of the latter. while a park enhances
the value of such property. Why not
convert the present cemetery site, or
a portion of II, into a park? Onehalf
Of the park could be devoted to field
sports and holiday doings and the bal
ance beautified by lawns, trees, shrub
berry, driveways, walks and fountains.
The city water works could easily be
extended to the grounds, and there Is
besides a natural supply of water near
at hand.
1t is plain to every citizen that the
bench west OF town will o offer the
best and most desirable locations for
residences, the land on the creek bot
tom having been pretty well appropri-
ated already. The owners of land on
the bench realize this and we believe
would act generously were an effort
made to remove the cemetery and
replace IL with a park. In fact. one
member of the Lewistown cemetery
association said the association would
donate ten acres il Mr.. Stafford would
give a like amount. But Mr.. Stafford
has given very generously of his land
and 1t might be asking too much Of
him. The latter suggests that a por-
ton of the school land near the GEM
etery be obtained for the purposes
desired.
II the cemetery were located one
half or three-quarters of a mile farth-
er west it would be near enough to
the city, and a few acres on the hills
would afford an ideal city of the
dead" While it is fit and proper to
have due regard for the departed it is
also necessary to take some thought
of the pleasure and happiness of the
living.
Now that school buildings and res
licences will soon occupy the bench in
the south part of town it will not long
be available for field sports or out
of-doors exercises. Every city has a
resort of this character and Lewis
town will Don see its need, If it does
not already. There are many lovers
OF the national game Of base ball
among our citizens and nothing adds
more to the pleasure OF the game
than good grounds, prepared espec-
tally for the amusement. And they
should be easy of C With our
developing educational institutions
foot ball will also be numbered among
the field sports. While tennis and
golf will in all likelihood, have its
deyotees, though the latter game COW
ers considerable territory in the play
ing.
We mention these matters because
we believe now is the time to give
them thought. If property owners the
city, and all interested would take
hold in earnest a park for all pur-
poses could be secured at no great
cost or trouble. The base ball enthu-
siasts. We believe, would agree to put
the grounds in proper shape for the
game. The making of a park would
necessarily be of slower growth. 1t
requires time and money to grow trees
and s%hrubbery and make walks and
driveways, This could be done grad
ually, along with the growth OF the
city. But it is none too early to make
a start by securing the land either
by donation or purchase.
We hope our business men and cit