PARK AND CEMETERY 
31 
VIEWS IN LAKEWOOD CEMETERY, MINNEAPOLIS, MINN. 
ABOLISHING GRAVE MOUNDS, 
One of the most noticeable reforms in modern cem- 
etery management and one that has added greatly 10 
the beauty of the landscape is the abolishing of the 
unsightly grave mounds that have so long been re- 
garded as an essential feature of a cemetery lot. The 
passing of this sentiment is, however, apparent wher- 
ever the reform has been introduced, as the grave 
mound has really outlived its day of usefulness. What- 
ever may have been its origin, it is a relic of the times 
when there were few grave stones erected to mark 
the resting places of the departed and no records kept 
by which to locate their graves. Aside from their un- 
sightliness experience has long since demonstrated 
that it is almost impossible to make a satisfactory 
turf or to properly mow what grass does grow with- 
out considerable expense. 
In a number of cemeteries rules are in force restrict- 
ing the height of mounds to three or four inches. This 
permits of keeping a good covering of grass over the 
entire lot and greatly expedites the use of the lawn 
mower. Comparatively few cemeteries have gone so 
far as to abolish the time honored grave mound en- 
tirely, the nearest approach to it being Lakewood 
Cemetery, Minneapolis, Minn. In 1895 the trustees 
adopted a resolution that no more mounds would be 
permitted over graves. Since that time not only have 
no new mounds been made, but nearly every old 
mound in the cemetery has been leveled. As was to 
have been expected, there was some objection raised 
by the lot holders when the new rule went into effect, 
but the marked improvement in the appearance of the 
grounds was soon apparent and opposition ceased. 
The trustees have recently taken another step and now 
require all grave stones in the newer sections to be 
set flush with the sod. Superintendent Hobert states 
that this course meets with the approbation of lot 
holders and many who have lots in sections where 
the requirement is not made are having their grave 
stones set in this manner. 
The views of Lakewood Cemetery illustrated above 
show the beautiful greensward stretching over entire 
sections unbroken by lot boundaries, paths or grave 
mounds, insuring uniform care at the minimum of 
expense and affording a restful landscape in keeping 
with the purpose of a place of sepulture. 
