Ashland tidings. [volume] (Ashland, Or.) 1876-1919, 1915-07-22
Obe
Peoples Forum
Proper Location for Cemeteries, and
Cemetery Plans.

cemetery Plans.
Editor Tidings: Mistakes in locat-
ing cemeteries were often made by Sc
lecting site too near the center OF
population, often requiring the re-
moval of the dead to make room for
the living. In selecting site, pro-
vision should be made for the future
growth of population. The condition
of the approach driveway is also an
important consideration. If this has
to be constructed and kept in repair
out of the cemetery funds, it means
so much less money for cemetery
purposes. Land of gentle rolling
character is best. Such land is ad-
mirably suited for the best landscape
effects, with gentle curves winding
around the elevated sections. Flat
land is undesirable on account of
poor drainage, also poor landscape
effects. The best soil is sandy
loan. 1t will drain itself and will
be rich enough to establish a fine
lawn. If the soil is poor and sandy
or gravelly it will cost dollars to
put on top dressing to establish
greensward, and cemetery without
profusion of green grass is a DESC
late place. There is nothing as rest
full and inviting to the eye as
beautiful green lawn, and it is one
Of the most important parts of a
beautiful cemetery. Too much care
can not be taken in the selection of
a cemetery site. If more than one
site is available a cemetery expert
should be consulted.
The history of cemetery plans
shows an interesting evolution. The
church graveyards had not plans;
each family was given space as need
ed. When the cemeteries were sepa-
rated from the churchyards, some
sort of plan was prepared and the
lots numbered. Lots were mostly of
uniform size, 16 by 16 or 20 by 20
feet, the last size known as a full
sized lot, which could be easily di-
vided into two 10 by 20 lots. This
was a favorite plan, but is now al
most obsolete. The greater number
of the first cemeteries of America
we're laid out on the above plan. The
walks and drives ran according to
the points of the compass and burial
was made east and west. The laying
out of such cemeteries was entrusted
to civil engineers, and it is to be re-
gretted that the members of this
profession were only able to see lines
east, west, north or south.
II curved line was necessary it was
made an exact circle. During recent
Years, most cemetery plans have been
made by landscape architects, who
lave made a special study of ceme-
cry needs. The results have been |
pleasing landscape effects, beautiful
.urved drives which divide the ceme-
cry into sections, and large and small
OTIS suited to the. needs of various
OF owners. A curved drive is always
more pleasing than a straight road.
n a curved drive we have an ever
hanging view, while a straight road
ives sameness. In recent plans
achs lot faces one walk. This has
roved of great economy as it allows
more burial space in a given area
nd there is less waste. Some have
dvocated leaving out the walks en-
irely, but this is not advisable. In
eality the walks are not generally
sed in getting to the lots, but by
aving each lot face a walk. each lot
wner feels that he can get to his
ot without trespassing. The drives ,
re made to follow the naturally
over levels, so that the drainage
lay be away from the lots. The
rives should radiate from or near
be entrance, and should practically
lways curve, and yet lead in natur-
manner to the points to be reached
he curves should be long and gen
e, the road seemingly to disappear !
1 the distance. AS the entrance to
cemetery is an important considera-
ION, no lots should be laid out with
4 several hundred feet of the en- I
rance, this space being needed for G
lwn and shrubbery to produce a !
leasing impression upon visitors and :
1t owners. The single graves and
le potter's field should be provided
,r in the plan. Those are best To- !
ated at one side of the grounds. I;
S. PERMISSION. {