PARK AND CEMETERY 
I 57 
LOSEY MEMORIAL ENTRANCE TO OAK GROVE CEMETERY, LA 
CROSSE, WIS. 
The editor of Park and Cemetery has fre- 
quently placed the subject before the readers 
in its true light. But there is no response. 
Recently that journal urged that each member 
should induce at least another to join the A. 
A. C. S. This in itself would be a grand 
thing. How about yourself? Winter is coming 
along and you will have a little more time. 
Therefore, heed the good advice. Park and 
Cemetery will gladly allow the use of its col- 
umns for discussing this interesting topic. 
Make suggestions and let us see what can be 
done toward increasing membership. 
It must be borne in mind that the larger 
the membership the greater will be the attend- 
ance at the annual conventions. This will 
mean recognition by the railroad and reduced 
rates, making it easier for those who have to 
pay their own way. 
Bellett Lawson, Secretary. 
* * * 
Perpetual Care in Oak Grove Cemetery, 
La Crosse, Wis. 
Editor Park and Cemetery : I attended for the first time 
the recent annual convention of American Cemetery Super- 
intendents, and received much pleasure, and, I believe, useful 
suggestions from the proceedings, but, being a stranger, de- 
rived most benefit from them by after consideration. One 
feature alluded to in the able paper of Mr. R. D. Boice, that 
on “Perpetual Care,” particularly attracted my attention. In 
describing the methods in force in Dodge Grove Cemetery, he 
said : “Care is taken to distinguish lots under perpetual care, 
from those not cared for, as this is considered a good means 
for stimulating other lot owners to embrace its provisions. 
In Oak Grove Cemetery, La Crosse, Wis., of which I have 
the honor to be president, the result of such a policy would 
not be tolerated by the lot owners, the officers of the associ- 
ation, or by public opinion. In this cemetery every lot, every 
grave, in fact every foot of ground within the enclosure, is 
equally cared for by the association, and we consequently 
have the support and sympathy of all classes, and the grounds 
present a scene of beauty which is a source of pleasure to 
those who have not lost loved ones and of solace to those 
who have. To achieve this, we have several sources of reve- 
nue, but the main feature is an annual charge of one cent 
per square foot of the lot or lots owned by all the owners. 
This sum is paid into the general fund and used for current 
care and improvements. Any lot owner can, however, pur- 
chase “perpetual care,” or, rather, “perpetual exemption from 
dues,” for a sum which at 3 per cent would produce the 
annual dues, and many avail themselves of that privilege. These 
sums are paid over to a trustee, appointed by the Judge of the 
Probate Court, and by him invested in prescribed securities, 
and the interest only paid to the Cemetery Association and 
used for current expenses. 
It may be urged, and it is a fact, that some lot owners do 
not pay the annual dues, while they share in the benefit of 
the policy, but a regular account of all such is kept and no 
interment can take place, or other proprietary act be exer- 
cised, on any lot until all arrears are paid. 
These and other features of the policy of this cemetery 
are the result of gradual development under the personal 
interest and exertions of the late Hon. J. W. Losey, who 
was its president for twenty-three years, and devoted much 
study and labor towards making it one of the most beautiful 
and well-cared-for cemeteries and a source of pride to our 
citizens, who, after his death, joined in erecting the chaste 
and classic memorial arch, shown in the illustration, which 
now forms the entrance to the cemetery. 
J. S. Medary, 
Pres. Oak Grove Cem. Assn. 
La Crosse, Wis. 
[The arch is of Wisconsin granite and was designed by 
Architects Schick & Roth of La Crosse. It cost about $6,000. 
and is of the following dimensions : Height, 22 feet ; total 
width, 36 feet, the central arch being 14 feet and the side 
arches 5 feet. — Ed.] 
Annual reports or extracts from them, historical sketches, 
descriptive circulars, photographs of improvements or ins- 
tinctive features arc requested for use in this department . 
The County Commissioners of Orange County, Tex., have 
presented to the Ladies’ Civic Club of that town a tract of 
land comprising half of the block on which the court-house 
stands, to be improved as a public park. 
?}t jjc ' '[» 
The Quincy Park and Boulevard Association, Quincy, 111 ., 
has undertaken to assist citizens of that city in replacing street 
trees that have been destroyed by storms or other causes, and 
has announced that “to encourage planting on street lines, 
between the curbing and sidewalks, the Boulevard and Park 
Association will furnish elm trees and plant them, at cost.” 
Orders are to be left with officers of the association or care- 
takers of the parks and it is expected that many will take 
advantage. 
