Perth Amboy evening news., 1919-01-23
ALPINE CEMETERY

It is doubtful if there is anything that is, of more interest to the
people of Perth Amboy than the condition of Alpine cemetery. There
is where the city bures its dead. There is where loved ones from
hundreds of homes lie sleeping. Why shouldn't the people be inter
ested7
Everyone seemed to be agreed that at the present time the GEM
etery is a disgrace. It's unkept, dilapidated appearance is most re-
pulsive. When other cemeteries ar visited and one sees how beauti-
full they are. the possibilities of Alpine cemetery are brought home
forcbly. yet year after year the neglect and indifference continues.
Instead of being a place of beauty; an attractive spot in keeping with
the haLlowed nature of the purpose for which it is used. it is an eyesore
and an outrage.
Every resident should read carefully the article published in the
EVENING NEWS on Tuesday of this week. Facts regarding the
ownership and management of the cemetery are set before the public
for the first time. Few had any idea of the beginnings of the GENE
terry or who owns it. Some startling facts, such as the price origin
ally paid for it, are brought out. Think of the whole tract being
bought for $4,000. One little circle in the cemetery today contains
sixty lots which, at 800 each, would bring more than the whole GEM
etery brought in the beginning.
A large part of the cemetery has not yet been laid out. The plan
of the cemetery is a beautiful piece of work. With the idea fully de-
veloped it would be all that a progressive city could ask.
Who is to develop it2
Today it seems the city can buy the cemetery for $4,000. It's
doubtful if a private corporation can get it for such a price, but the
owners want to see it placed in the hands of responsible authority so
tina. the income from the sale of lots will be put back into the cemetery
for its upkeep instead of going into dividends for the stockholders
This is the object of having the city buy the cemetery.
The cemetery could be maintained in first class shape at nj cost
to the taxpayers. The sale of lots would net an income that would
easily maintain a first class gardner and a gang OF men to work con-
stantly in the place. With city authority behind it, the lot owners
could be compelled to keep their plots in order. The whole thing
would be conducted for the benefit of the lot owners instead Of for the
benefit of the stockholders.
The EVENING NEWS is $50 impressed with the possibilities of the
cemetery under city control that 1t is going to publish the opinion OF
different people of the city, going t. the homes and getting those to
talk who are not accustomed to appear in print on public questions.
An interesting point is that Alpine cemetery is absolutely non
sectarian. Catholic and Hebrew and Protestant can bury there alike
by setting off certain tracts and cOnseeratng it any sect or religion
can bury there. Being directly opposite st. Mary's cemetery it might
be possible to combine the two and make AmbOy avenue a boulevard
running directly through the cemetery.
There are all kinds of possibilities The EVENING NEWS is
sending reporters TO various sections of the city to interview the peo-
pie, calling at houses here and there without knowing who lives in
them, merely TO get the sentiment of the residents in general. If the
reporter does not happen to call at your house, and You feel that you
would like TO express your opinion, write a letter to the EVENING
NEWS regarding the matter and it will gladly be published along
with the other opinions.
This is something that should interest everyone. Let's get real
public sentiment