The Hays free press. [volume] (Hays, Kan.) 1908-1924, 1922-07-27
HOCh Monument Works
(BY R. KENNETH EVANS)

To preserve the memory of departed loved ones
is of the greatest tributes that can be paid to
those who have been called into the "Great Beyond"
by the hand of the "Grim Reaper"
Death is inevitable. 1t strikes when we least eX-
pect it. the majority of cases. and breaks into
general scheme of things ruthlessly as the mighty
Cyclone" destroys and lays waste, buildings in its
path.
Every individual desires to the last sad rites
performed over his loved ones in manner bftting
and to perpetuate his memory in some manner that
will make it lasting. This procedure has been hand
ed down by tradition since the darkest ages. The
prmeva savage, buried with his brother his dearest
possessions a token of esteem to his memory. To
day the Indian Burial grounds show signs of the de
sire in the red mans heart to perpetuate the deeds
of his dead brothers while in life.
And today the most beautiful spots created by
with halo of esteem them are the ceme-
teries of every little community, wherein lie the
bodies of those who throughout their lifetime
factors in advancement. Their resting places are
marked by beautiful monuments placed there by low
ing hands, bearing eptaphs, indicative of the per
petuatiOn of their memory the minds of their loved
ones and associates.
Then of necessity comes the establishment Of
marble yards for the manufacture of such monu-
ments and Hays has such intuition which would
be credit to city several times its size and which
was established here in 1913 by F. J. Hoch who pur-
chased the interests of the Hays Monument works
and now operates it under the name of the Hoch
Monument works.
The work done by this institution will rival that
worked in granite marble by any institution in the
west. Any special design that may be desired by the
purchaser will be worked out to their entire salts
faction and display in the yard in Hays some Of
the finest work ever perfected along this line.
Mr.. Hoch works in any kind of granite or stone
quarried, having established an extensive buying
connection. His work is done principally in stone
imported from Massachusetts,, Name Minnesota
and Vermont, although he get granite from any
of the quarries in the United States.
All classes OF special engraving done at this
plant as we'll as the carving of sunset pictures and
other designs which may particularly appeal to in
dlvduals One of the most attractive pieces of
is the burning of photographs of the departed" into
podceIaln, glazing them and installing them in
the monument where they will remain for all time to
The Hoch Monument works has organized and
developed very extensive business over the entire
state OF Kansas, and today has the largest stock
hand to be found in Western Kansas All work turn
ed out from this manufacturing plant is absolutely
guaranteed. Compressed air is used for the opera
ton Of the machines used for carving and engraving
and polishing machine is included in the equip
ment.
So extensive has been the growth of this bust
ness and the territory covered has widened that
new building to replace the used. This
would also include the installation of full new line
OF granite machinery. Three men are now EMPLOYED
continuously IN handling the work at this yard.
Also branching in the building line, using in
some the long time tried and tested Quaker GRAY
marble. Furnished same for the Haffamier building
the United Telephone building and several others.
Have also supplied several out-of-tOwn jobs
Mr.. Hoch is a member of the Kansas Retail
Monument Dealers Association and a member of
the National Retail Monument Dealers Association
Through these associations ideas are outlined
and members get in touch with the best work in the
country. Meetings are held once a year and this
year Mr.. Hoch expects to attend at Springfield
Massachusetts,