214 
PARK AND CE/AETERY 
CEMETERY NOTES. 
An eminent German pencil maker, now dead, has over his 
grave a gigantic stone representation of half a lead pencil as a 
tombstone, with a core of graphite eight incnes in diameter. 
* * » 
A strange wall is that of Anthony P. Shrimer, one of the 
oldest residents of Phoenixville, Pa., who was buried recently. 
Out of an estate of $35,000, he left $10,000 in trust to his only 
child, a daughter, and $25,000 for a monument over his grave. 
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The amendment to the by-laws of the Green Lawn Cem- 
etery Association of Columbus, O., giving the trustees power to 
grant permission for disposition of bodies in vaults etc., above 
ground, under prescribed regulations was unanimously adopted 
at the recent annual meeting. 
A determined effort to bring delinquent lot holders to time 
is being made in connection with Pine Grove Cemetery, Man- 
chester, N. H. A vote has been passed decreeing that all 
bodies buried in lots not paid for before May ist shall be re- 
moved to public ground and all right to the lots after that time 
shall be deemed forfeited. 
* «■ » 
‘•Tom All Alone’s” the dismal graveyard in Russell Court, 
Drury Lane, London, immortalized by Dickens in the Poor Joe 
episode of “Bleak House,” is now almost an “open space,” 
owing to the e.xtensive demolitions in the neighborhood. The 
old dismal passage and steps have gone, and the yard is paved 
and laid out as a poor children’s gymnasium, but the sullen look- 
ing gate with the rust-eaten bars still remains. 
* * * 
The Iowa health authorities are very strict on the question 
of transporting corpses of persons dying of infeciious diseases. 
Having discovered that some physicians have either from igno- 
rance or intention, given as cause of death “heart failure,” 
‘ nervous prostration,” etc., the results of said diseases; the au- 
thorities have issued circulars justifying railroad men, agents 
and other.s in considering death notices marked “heart failure,” 
where age is under thirty, as suspicious and the rejection of the 
corpse bearing a permit so marked. The circulars contain 
stringent requirements on the part of all having the care of 
such cases for transportation. 
* * * 
The agitation waged in San Francisco against further burial 
within the city limits has resulted in the passage of an ordinance 
prohibiting the sale of burial lots within the limits of the city 
and county. But interments still proceed, due to the determin- 
ed stand of the cemetery corporators, who claim the ordinance 
inoperative. All kinds of schemes are being formulated to nul- 
lify the law, and it seems to be determined to carry the case to 
the highest tribunals before giving in, based upon the fact that 
the cemetery companies have yet considerable land for sale. 
However, the unsettled condition of things is seriously affecting 
the cemeteries, the idea of lack of permanency in those in pro- 
scribed limits leading purchasers to select lots in more remote 
places. 
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An ancient idea adapted to a modern cemetery is that pro- 
posed in the new cemetery of Mount Olivet, San Francisco, 
which IS beautifully situated. While for almost the entire 
length of the cemetery the slope is both easy and gradual at the 
extreme southeast a sandstone cliff rises to a great height. It is 
proposed eventually to level off the face of this cliff, and excavate 
it for interment purposes in a manner similar to that to be seen 
in the old world. By running galleries through the material 
catacombs could be constructed, and with the introduction of 
embalming the remains of such people as object to interment, 
and others to cremation could be disposed of. It is intended to 
build a crematorium eventually, with the usual columbarium at- 
tached. 
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Local Improvement Associations are springing up here and 
there all over the country, a sure sign of the growth of progress- 
ive ideas. The higher grade of education, that is education as ap- 
plied to the development of higher ideas in our schools, is bearing 
fruit which will produce results in civilization as proper tillage 
will surely produce crops. These associations are including the 
local cemetery in their work and we ma}’ hope that in a very 
few years a decided improvement in these neglected spots will 
be seen. 
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A bill has been introduced into the New York legislature to 
create a new lien law for the better protection of monument 
dealers. The proposed law provides that; Every person, firm 
corporation or association that shall hereafter furnish or place in 
any cemetery or burial ground within this state any monument, 
gravestone, inclosure or other structure shall have a lien upon 
such monument, gravestone, inclosure or structure for the prin- 
cipal and interest of agreed price thereof, or such portion of 
said price as shall remain unpaid until the same be paid in full, 
provided such person, corporation or association shall at any 
time, or within one year after the bill for the same becomes due, 
file a lien with the cemetery officers. If the claim is not paid 
within six months after the lien is filed the monument or grave- 
stones may be sold at public auction by the person holding the 
lien. 
* 
The incorporators of the Homewood Cemetery, Pittsburg, 
Pa., held their annual meeting January 8th. No change made 
in managers or officers. Exhibits show almost one half million 
dollars realized from lot sales. Improvements on lots, made by 
owners of same amount to fiyo, 000.00, with a permanent im- 
provement fund over $50,000.00. Among other improvements 
by the corporation during 1895 mention was made of the com- 
pletion of lodge house at the Homewood avenue entrance, and a 
large granite receiving vault. Lot sales 1895 amounted to $37, 
000.00, cash receipts 148,000.00. Mr. David Woods, member of 
superintendents association, completes his 15th year as Supt. of 
“Homewood” in April next. 
X- * * 
In the annual report of 1895 of the directors of the Lafay- 
ette Cemetery, in the heart of Philadelphia are some interesting 
notes. Situated as it is, the receiving vault is largely used by 
the people of the vicinity, to temporarily deposit the remains of 
deceased until final burial in that or other cemeteries. Besides 
decorating graves on Memorial Day, the lot- holders are estab- 
lishing a custom to adorn graves at Christmas time and other 
seasons. An assessment of 75 cents per lot has been called 
yearly since 1887, from which all the permanent improvements 
have been made. The total income for the year was $3,303.81, 
which included $964.25 for burials, vault fees, etc.; $644.51, as- 
sessments. The total expenditures were $2,976.88. 
* * ■*■ 
Mr. George Van Atta, Supt. Cedar Hill Cemetery, New- 
ark, O., informs us that the ashes of a cremated body were buried 
in that cemetery on June 9th. 1893. The death occurred at Col- 
umbus and the body was sent to Pittsburg for cremation and re- 
turned to Cedar Hill. In addition to considerable improvement 
work, the extension of the water supply has enabled him to con- 
struct a fountain. A rock pile was made in the small lake near 
the entrance and the water supply carried up through it; with a 
constant supply an effective spray is kept active which is quite 
attractive. The winter effect of the frozen spray is beautiful. 
