Five Mile Beach weekly journal., 1920-06-25

liked at approximately $4,000, which
we in camp thought we could raise.
Then, the question of the care of the
plot to be occupied by the memorial
came up. The plot as contemplated
was 20 be about 100 feet square. In
asmuch as the soldiers then at camp
would sooner oil later be scattered to
their homes, it was manifestly impos-
sible for them to care for it. Con
~sequently, the matter was referred to
the Bergen County Historical Society
on June II, 1919. The President of
that society, Mr.. Lewis NJ. Miller of
LeOnia, at ace replied giving his
hearty approval of the idea.
AT a meeting of the Society held on
July %, 1t was agreed that the County
of Bergen rather than the Historical
Society should hold the title. This
brought in the Board of Chosen Free
holders, who on August 6 met and
passed the following resolution:
Whereas, during the late wal
with Germany the Government of the
United States established a large and
important camp In this county, be-
tween DumOnt and Tenalfy, desig-
mated, as Camp Merritt, which has been
used as a camp of embarkation and
d%ebarkation, for men In the army, and
which has received from time to time
more than a. million men in the ag-
gregate, and which camp will in the
near future be dismantled by the Gov
eminent and
Whereas, in order to establish a
permanent memorial of Camp Merritt
it is thought proper to erect a monu-
ment on a plot of ground at the cor
ner of Knickerbocker road and Madi-
son venue o belonging to William
o. Allison, who Is willing to convey
the same for such purpose, provided
assurance can be given that said
memorial and plot will be properly
and permanently maintained and
Whereas, 1t has been suggested that
the title to said plot be lodged in the
County of Bergen, in trust, to main
tain, preserve, and protect said memo
rial in perpetuity and
Whereas, the Board of Chosen
F~reeholders of the County of Bergen
recognizes the very distinguished
honor which the establishment of
Camp Merritt has conferred upon the
county and the propriety of a suitable
memorial to perpetuate the historic
associations connected with the camp,
and appreciates the patriotic impulse
which has led to a contribution of
funds for the purpose. Now, there
fore, be it
Resolved, that the Board of Chosen
Freeholders of the County of Bergen
will in behalf of the county, accept
The position of custodian of the pro-
posed memorial and will take title in
he name of the county for the plot
on which it is to stand, in trust,
20 maintain said memorial and plot
in suitable condition and subject to
i covenant and agreement that said
county will forever protect, maintain,
and keep in good repair and condi-
ion the said monument and plot tc
the end that it may be a public and
lasting memorial of the events and
history connected with Camp Merritt
and be it further
Resolved, that said county of Ber
gen hereby agrees to build said
monument and memorial of such funds
as may be contributed for the pur
pose, and such funds, if any, as maj
be hereafter appropriated by SAID
board in accordance with the statute
and be it further
Resolved, that the County Council
be instructed to take such action az
may be necessary for the proper trans
fer of the plot herein before men
toned.
This resolution was adopted or
August 6, 1919.
On August Is Committees having
been appointed to represent the Gang
officers, the Bergen County Historical
Society and the Board of Freeholders)