PARK AND CEMETERY, 
151 
ANNUAL CONVENTION OF CEMETERY SUP- 
ERINTENDENTS. 
The Fourteenth Annual Conv'en;ion of the As- 
sociation of . American Cemetery Superintendents 
held at Cleveland, O., 
September ii, 12 and 13, 
19CO, was a thorou^^hly 
enjo3able cccasicn, to 
CIIAPEC AND RECEIVING VAULT, LAKE MEW CEMETERY, 
CLEVELAND, O. 
which fair weather, a large attendance, papers of a 
high order and diversified entertainment were con- 
tributory factors. For the first time in the history 
of the organization the attendance was of sufficient 
numbers to justify the railroads in granting the re- 
duced rates, a privilege that will have a tendency 
to increase the attendance at future conventions 
and greatly extend the usefulness of this most com- 
mendable organization. 
President William Stone of Lynn, Mass., and 
Secretary H. Wilson Ross, Newton Center, Mass., 
officiated in their respective capacities at the ses- 
sions which were held in the finely appointed As- 
sembly rooms at the Hollenden hotel. In the ab- 
sence of Mayor Farley his representative Mr. M. P. 
E.xcell extended a cordial welcome to the city. 
President Stone’s annual address was as follows: 
PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS. 
Ladies a.nd Gentlemen of the Associaiion of American Cemetery 
Superintendents; 
Fourteen years ago this association was organ’zed. An- 
nually since then we have met in various cities from the Atlan- 
tic coast to the western city of Omaha. 
We meet today in the city of Cleveland, h ving the san e 
object in view that inspired us to organize, the beaiUif\ iiig i f 
the most sacred of spots, our cemeteries. Every superintend- 
ent that has attended our previous meetings, I will venture to 
say, has been benefited in the highest degree. 
Every subject pertaining to cemeteries has been discussed. 
While in some instances a different opinion has existed, the one 
great feature conducive to the welfare of any organization has 
predominated, “harmony.” 
Since first we met many new cemeteries in varijus parts of 
onr country have been incorporated, and this association has 
been the means of giving them much good advice. 
Two subjects of the greatest importance has been upper- 
most in our minds, the perpetual care system and the lawn 
system. Today the perpetual care system is generally adopted 
in all our cemeteries, and it is safe to say, that had this organiz- 
ation not existed, the old wa}- of care would have continued 
for years to come in many cemeteries. The lawn plan as years 
go by is more noticeable in all our cemeteries. Fences around 
lots are gradually disappearing, and when stone curbings and 
high corner posts are no more, much will be done to enhance 
the beauty of our grounds. 
I find in Downing’s Rural Plssays, under date of July, 1849, 
the following, in referring to our three leading cemeteries of 
that day', Mt. Auburn, Greenwood and Laurel Hill: “Few 
things are perfect, and beautiful and interesting as our ceme- 
teries now are, more beautiful and interesting than anything of 
the same kind abroad, we cannot pass by one feature in all, 
marked by the most violent taste. We mean the hideons iron- 
mongery which they all more or less display. Why if the sep- 
arate lots must be inclosed with iro i railings, the railings 
shou'd not be of simple and unobstructive pattern we are 
wholly unable to conceive. As w'e now see them I y far the 
gre iter part are so ugly as to be positive blots on the beauty of 
the scene. Fantastic conceits and gimcracks in iron might be 
pardonable as adornments of the balustrades of a circus or a 
Temple of Comus, but how reasonable beings can tolerate them 
as inclosures to the quiet grave of a family, and in such scenes 
of sylvan beauty is mountain high above our comprehension.” 
This was the opinion of that celebrated landscape artist who 
was far in advance of the times. 
Uncouth inscriptions on monuments and headstones are no 
more. Raised mounds over graves mar the beauty in many' 
cemeteries, and no doubt w ill disappear with other objection- 
able features. 
At previous conventions we have discussed the matter of 
Sunday burials. I am still of the opinion that too much work 
is done in many of the ceme'eries on that day’, and there is 
room for reform in this direction. I think above all places 
Sunday should be observed in a cemetery. Some of the super- 
intendents say they are obliged to sell lots because there are 
rival cemeteries, and if they refuse to sell, the party will go to 
another cemetery. An understanding between the manage- 
ment of the cemeteries could no doubt be brought about and a 
reform made in this direction. If the office is kept open for 
business it invites business. If offices were kept open in our 
municipal buildings, Sunday would be a busy day; and then we 
say W'e are obliged to bury because people want it done. In 
OFFICE BUILDING, L.AKE VIEW CEMETERY, 
CLEVELAND, O. 
my own case since stopping Sunday burials, it has lessened 
Sunday funerals, because parties that w'anted an immediate 
burial have the funeral Saturday or Monday. Bodies are kept 
for several day's in order to have a Sunday burial where burials 
are made on that day. 
In the matter of Sunday funerals it seems to be a subject 
