WHAT: Ten years of data collection at Spring Grove tells us that, hands down, the top complaints are:

•    flower vase issues;
•    the condition of markers or memorials; and
•    the condition of graves.

Depending on the time of the year and weather conditions, the ranking of those three may change, but they are always the top three customer concerns.

Vases: Maybe some part of the vase is missing, or the vase has been damaged or it's stuck—"I can't get it out of the ground." You may get someone 78 years old coming into the office and saying, "I remember my great-grandmother bringing me here when I was a 3 year old, and we'd leave beautiful little poseys on my great-grandfather's grave, and now I can't find the vase. Can you help me figure out where it is?" The last time he saw the vase was 75 years ago, but it's like yesterday to him.

Markers: Maybe the marker has sunk on one comer so it's not lawn level. There could be a little bit of soil on the marker. The marker could have a little bit of grass growing around the edge or beginning to encompass it, or if it's fall, there could be dead leaves covering it.

Markers get damaged. A flat marker can get chipped if it's not perfectly horizontal or if the ground around it wasn't level. The front pan of a mower where the blades are can cause a little chip. A mower might bump the corner of all upright marker when the operator is trying to maneuver around it.

In some cases, rubberized equipment leaves a mark on a memorial. This may not sound bad on the face of it, but psychologically, there's not much worse than seeing a tire mark—which is easily identifiable—on a loved one's memorial. What that conjures up in the mind is just awful. So even though this may not seem like a big deal—you see those rubber marks all the time on roads, in parking lots—in a cemetery, the situation is totally different, and we need to be sensitive to that.

Graves: One of the bigger issues is a grave that has sunk, even a little bit. Whether it's an inch or three inches, a sunken grave conjures up the same anxiety, concern and frustration. From the cemeterian's viewpoint, it might seem having graves sink "only" an inch is progress compared to the days when graves would sink several inches. But from the customers' point of view, it's just as bad. Seeing a sunken grave rekindles the whole grieving process.
WHY: While you do need to attend to things like tree maintenance, you'll never get a complaint from a family about a tree with a dead branch. You need to make it a priority to know which issues are most important to your families and to constantly stay on top of those issues.

When people find out you're in the cemetery business, sometimes they say, "You've got the best customers in the world—they don't talk back." We chuckle, of course, but they don't think about all the family members who are left behind and are upset because someone they love died.

"Gosh, I didn't get to say goodbye. I didn't know it was going to happen so soon. Why did that happen to someone I love?" They're frustrated, so any little thing wrong in the cemetery is going to set them off.

A lot of people just want to find something that someone did—or didn't do—and get mad at someone as an outlet for their emotions. "The grass on the grave is getting too dry. That's unacceptable—that's my mother's grave! Don't they understand—that's where my mother is buried! I'm going down there to give someone in that office a piece of my mind!"

The person taking the request/complaint must not take it personally. These family members may still be grieving, and that's why they're set off by something as simple as not being able to find a vase. The death may have taken place five years ago, and then something happened to stir up their memories and that grief.

HOW: Step one is to acknowledge the frustration felt by the person complaining. Train the people taking these complaints to say, "I understand exactly what you're saying,
Mrs. Jones. My gosh, I'd feel the same way, if not more upset. You’re being very patient."

The longer you're in the business, the more sensitive you become to these issues and the easier it is to not take these things personally and to respond the correct way. It can be hard to train new people to understand how our families feel. When you bring in a student to do some part-time grounds work, or hire a full-time worker who's 21, it would be almost bizarre for them to have the same sensitivity as people who have been in the industry a long time.

It's not their fault—it's just that someone that young usually hasn't been exposed to death enough to understand what's going through a person's mind. We do some role playing to try to show our newer employees what our customers are thinking and feeling.

We make all our managers rotate through the customer service position—a lot of them for more than a year rotating people helps prevent burnout. Even when you know how to handle the families, it can be fatiguing. If you get three or four traumatic cases in a day, when you go home you are absolutely beaten down.

Spending some time dealing with these issues is also good training, because it lets everyone understand the significance of the business we're in. And by having a lot of people go through the experience, we can bounce ideas off each other: "Here's what I've used in situation X that really calmed the situation."
Step two: Brainstorm some preventive steps that make sense at your cemetery to try to cut down on your most common complaints. At Spring Grove, we've examined our "big three" and taken the steps outlined below.

Vases For Everyone
Historically at Spring Grove, which is a very large cemetery, anyone who wanted to could have a permanent vase installed at lawn level. Our experience is that over time, it's going to become a problem for the cemetery. The vase will become silted in; grass is going to grow over it. The chain is finally going to deteriorate. It may take a while, but we've been around since 1845, and eventually the weather is going to take a toll and create a situation that is going to frustrate a customer someday.

Through talking to our families when they visit and in focus groups, we learned that all people want is to be able to bring in some fresh flowers on Mom's birthday, or their wife's anniversary, or for Christmas or some other holiday.

Everyone may not agree with this approach, but we decided that the only people who will be allowed to install permanent vases will be those who bought their property when it was allowed. In new sections, we don't allow permanent vases.

Instead, we provide complimentary inexpensive (they cost us about $1 a piece) temporary vases. They are available in 25 racks we've placed throughout the park. We call them "temporary" not because they are throw-aways but because they're left out for about a week or 10 days, while the flowers last. Then we collect them and put them back in the rack.

People find this to be incredibly acceptable—they love the concept. All they really want is a container—they don't really care what kind of container it is. In this day and age, they're on their way home from work, they stop at Kroger's to pick up bread and milk, see some flowers and think, "Oh, gee, it's Mom's birthday tomorrow, I think I'll get this little bouquet and run by the cemetery." They know they'll be able to grab a vase from the rack—they won't have to search for the vase or dig it up.

There is a metal sign at the bottom of every rack that says, "If by any chance this vase rack doesn't have any vases in it, please stop by our office, which is open seven days a week, to pick up a free vase."

The families are happy and it cuts down on our maintenance problems. During a cold winter, when freezing water might make even a bronze vase crack down the side, we've got customers in the office saying, "Hey, my vase is cracked; what happened?" We can explain what happened,
but do you think that's what the customer wants to hear? No way! All they're really saying is, "Fix it." If there is a problem with an existing permanent vase, we quickly repair it at no charge.

Newer cemeteries may not have this problem, but for an older cemetery, you do have those 78-year-olds coming in to put flowers in great-grandmother's vase and expecting it to be in the same pristine condition it was in 75 years ago. They think it should be a "forever vase," just like the cemetery's going to be there forever.
Any vase outside for 100 years isn't going to be in perfect condition, and if we are doing our job as cemeterians, we're thinking in that kind of time frame. We shouldn't think, "Well, I'm not going to worry about it—I'll be dead and somebody else can worry about the customer then." We've got to be proactive and think long-term.

TLC for Markers
We've done a number of things to try to cut down on complaints about markers:
•    We try to inspect each marker after it has been installed.
•    We've tried to improve our setting process, doing more compaction before the marker is placed.
•    When it's particularly wet, we try to use boards to displace the weight of the equipment over a larger area and protect the ground.
•    We have increased the number of times per season that we do vertical string trimming in each section. One of the concerns customers have today is that grass starts growing in from the edges over horizontal markers. To prevent this, don't just scalp out the grass around the marker, turn the string trimmer 90 degrees to the marker and edge it just like you would a sidewalk.
•    We reward employees for reporting sunken areas where a mower pan might chip a marker.
•    We immediately take care of chips, stains or any other problems the family reports. If a chip is significant enough or the customer is adamant, by golly, we'll replace the marker.

Settling Grave Problems
Graves are a challenge for cemeterians all over the country, especially for those who are in freeze/thaw areas or who have the type of clay, very compacted soils we have. We've tried doing a better job initially of tamping down the soil to prevent settling. We know when we do it under perfect conditions in August or September, we're not ever going to get a complaint from the family.

In the winter, when we're dealing with gooey, wet, super-saturated soils, we know it's going to be very difficult to compact the soil without any settling. We use a special aggregate or a gravel to minimize the compaction or settling. The pourable aggregate goes around the vault and no settling takes place there. We've improved the process, but we're not 100 percent satisfied.

How does a cemetery balance the need to keep the grounds safe and attractive with sensitivity to families whose heartbreak over the loss of a child leads to excessive grave decorations? This Australian cemetery tackled the problem by keeping families involved and informed throughout the process of redoing its children's areas.

The loss of life is rarely easy for a family. This situation is even more traumatic when a child dies before the parents.

The children's area of the cemetery often elicits the greatest emotional response from community group tours and other visitors to the cemetery.

Confronted by windmills, ornaments and the sight of a mother sitting at a baby's grave, visitors are reminded how lucky they have been and, at times, of a loss they may have experienced.

Highly emotional reactions among both general cemetery visitors and the actual friends and relatives of those interred at The Necropolis Springvale in Clayton, Victoria, Australia, were far more likely before we reestablished our children's area. In the past, they were often aghast seeing the variety of ornaments, weathered soft toys, irregular fences and trinkets placed on and around graves.

As in all things, what appeals to one family can be quite disturbing for another. These feelings were often reflected in comments made and confrontations with our staff.

This placed our employees who regularly interacted with the young mothers and fathers, siblings and the grandparents of the baby in a precarious position.

Staff are expected to enforce policy in relation to what can and cannot be left at a grave, yet they also feel the full brunt of emotional outbursts. This occurs when something arguably is not quite right, has gone missing, has been removed or where trinkets on a neighboring grave spill onto an adjoining site.

Understandably, staff were reluctant to strictly enforce memorialization policy in these circumstances, despite its clarity.

A growing problem
At The Necropolis Springvale, the lawn grave, interment fee and plaque were all provided at a significantly subsidized fee. The lawn grave ornamentation policy clearly stated that only fresh flowers and a plaque flush with lawn was acceptable.

Over the last decade. staff increasingly turned a blind eye, allowing recent interments to be commemorated during the initial months of visitation with a variety of miscellaneous ornaments, windmills, wind chimes, etc. This compassionate response to a family's perceived needs in turn created a more serious problem.

It appeared families started trying to outdo each other. Picket fences were erected (often encroaching onto neighboring graves), pebble mix and concrete were poured as grave markers, sunflowers and bumblebees on wooden posts were inserted next to plaques, and teddy bears were attached to adjoining trees.  Maintenance of the graves and plaques became impossible for staff, and we had created a "catch 22."

Some families wanted the area cleaned up. Others indicated they had chosen it because they liked what they saw. Like all cemeteries, we also faced a myriad of public liability and occupational health and safety issues and had no choice but to confront the situation.

Planning a new policy
With strategic guidance from professional counselors, we communicated directly with families. We surveyed and listened to their needs, held focus groups and explained our situation.

Anticipating it would be easier to implement change if families had a visual impression of what we were trying to achieve, we engaged Paul Laycock and Florence Jaquet Landscape Architects to assist with the design. They created artists' impressions of what the area would look like if we stripped everything, then completely reestablished the site.

Some families and sections of the media were opposed to the redevelopment. Fortunately, the bulk of the community acknowledged that our identification of the risks was realistic. They also appreciated the expense, time and effort involved in our consultative process.

It became clear that families had very straightforward needs. They wanted:
•    to feel secure and safe when visiting their own space;
•    areas in which to leave personalized memorabilia;
•    the surroundings to be colorful;
•    us to implement rules clarifying exactly what was permitted; and
•    consistent enforcement to avoid this situation happening again.

Implementing the agreed upon solution involved:
•    temporarily removing plaques and granite bases;
•    disposing of memorabilia that families had not collected;
•    installing memorial beds and edging at the head of the graves to provide an area for plaques and mementos;
•    completely freeing the lawn grave surface of any memorabilia;
•    providing plantings of annuals within the bed, effectively providing soft demarcation between graves;
•    repositioning the plaques in new positions within the bed;
•    permanently displaying the ornamentation rules in the area;
•    management empowering staff to enforce the new rules fairly and consistently; and
•    consistently adopting the approach that if deposited memorabilia is outside the rules, it goes straight in the bin.

The feedback from families and funeral directors alike has been outstanding. The area looks better, is easier to maintain and creates a more appropriate environment for remembering and moving forward.

The chief object in writing this paper is to show as near as possible the true value and character of this association, to the new members and the young men.

I think they should know something of what the old members have gone through with, in order to accomplish our present high standard of proficiency.

Satan is our strongest adversary in every walk of life and the cemetery is no exception to the rule.

Prior to 1887 or the inception of the AACS, the graveyard, as they were usually called at that time; but the most appropriate name would have been the wilderness of Satan.

Satan behind the monument,
Satan behind the shrub and tree,
Satan in every pathway,
Satan looking for you and for me.

The monuments in those days had little or no character at all. They were mutilated by all sorts of lettering, emblems and epitaphs such as,

Beneath this mound lies all we found
Of little Johnny Green,
Who went one night by candlelight
To get some gasoline.

In the twenty years past, the influence and better judgment of the superintendent alone has been very marked indeed, so that we now have monuments with character, grace, dignity and true art, and with no lettering on them but the family name. So you can readily see we have succeeded in driving Satan away from the monument.

The shrubs and trees, I say, have had Satan behind them too, for it keeps the superintendent continually alert for the almost endless variety of insects and each year brings some new imp of Satan for us to battle with, but with the aid of so many good sprays now on the market and such thorough hand books on entomology it is not much trouble for the active superintendent to keep his trees entirely free from Satan.

Perhaps it would be proper here to mention some of his imps that infest the tree. Gypsy moth, Umber moth, Leopard moth, Tiger moth, Ermine moth, Goat moth, Lackey moth, Thrips moth, Gold-tail moth, Brown-tail moth, March moth, Brindled Beauty moth, pine bark beetles and pine Weevils, musk beetles, sawflies, San Jose scale and the tree borer.
The avenues where Satan was always in evidence and especially after every heavy rain, both in wash-outs and with many varieties of weeds. Those that are fortunate enough to have cement curb and gutters on all grades and with the aid of the weed killer (several good formulas) and the practical and scientific methods employed by the up-to-date superintendent, we have succeeded in driving Satan from the avenues.

The lawns are not without their troubles with this same Satan.  There is the cutworm, the Tipulide or grubs, black and red ants, wireworms, and ground moles, all here to test our faith and patience.

Since the inception of this organization the active or progressive superintendent has driven Satan farther and farther until now he has him very close to the boundary line, if not out altogether. So that now, the name could well be, "God's Acre Beautiful or "Silent Park of Repose."

For the benefit of the young man, and the new members, I should like here to enumerate some of Satan's vexations that the older members had to encounter, before and since the inception of this organization. But I am delighted to report at this time that most all of these annoyances of the devil are now things of the past.

There was the hedge fence, the iron fence and the post and chain fence, the small wooden fence around single graves, the stone coping, shells, toys, toy houses, glass globes, tin wreathes, tripods, wire arches, gravel walks, terrace lots and all the other old tin and glass ware they did not want at home they took out to the cemetery.

The inception of this organization placed before us in the far distance an object to be attained. What was that object? Men in life and especially men of the American people are usually actuated by that indomitable spirit of gain, of honors, or wealth for themselves. What was the aim of these few men twenty years ago? What was that high ideal that they placed a way up in the sky shining like diamonds in the stars? That was to benefit mankind.

It was not to attain any present gain of great honors or high position. No, it was on the contrary, taxing them to their greatest abilities to achieve for the benefit of the common masses of humanity safety, and for your profession, for your calling, the title, position, elevation and advancement that should be in keeping with the progress of the age.

The present age is preeminently the age of progress.

The present age is preeminently the age of the young man and I am very much pleased to see so many young faces grace this assembly here today, as these very old members that have worked so faithfully for you, are one by one passing to their reward into that higher life of the soul unseen by mortal vision.

And now, gentlemen, with this heritage handed down to the young man, and the new members, these men of perhaps higher education that have been breathing in the spirit of progress of the age, what can we not expect? Will you not appreciate the efforts of these men so unselfishly accorded? Will you not endeavor to discharge the duties as not to bring reproach or anything like reproach or disgrace upon these efforts?

It should, I think, emulate in you higher ideals and nobler actions, to higher aims and greater achievements. Therefore, in all your considerations, in all your deliberations, please be careful to maintain the purity of this ideal.

Please give these older members credit for what they have accomplished in the face of so much discouragement. You have far better laws. Don't prostitute these laws. Don't misuse them. Don't aim to make them ends for personal gain. But hold them in the highest possible respect to the end that the whole nation may honor and respect you for it.

I am pleased to see so many ladies here. Manifestly there are fewer branches that exclude them in the higher walks of life. I am pleased to see them, for their gentle influences carry refinement, higher aims and nobler thoughts into our hearts and minds.

What we want to plead for, is not primarily new resolutions, it is a new life. I hope that we may see the difference. We need a new conception of what we are living for, a new picture of the sort of life which it is worthy of a man to live. You must have this or your good resolutions surely come to naught.

No haunt of nature is more sympathetic or attractive than the small, well-kept and well embellished lake or stream in the cemetery.

It is ever singing a song to the understanding heart. The friendliness of its babble touches the chord that vibrates when a kindred spirit reveals itself in the light of a human eye.

To my neighbor and friend, "drive away Satan" and join the AACS. You will find it the most intelligent movement ever conceived and carried out by the cemetery superintendents for their own moral betterment, higher ideals, intellectual and social advancement.

This association is made up almost exclusively of members of one profession. There are now very close to 600 members in the national and auxiliary associations combined.

We are looking for new members of course all the time, but they should be men of the right kind of material, not selfish and impartial, but always ready to impart what little you do know. "No Satan in that." But the man that does not want to impart same of his knowledge to others has Satan about him at all times.

Every cemetery should receive all, strangers and especially the commercial travelers, with a hearty and most cordial welcome. Do not be like some churches to the Sunday visitor, receive them with a coldness and indifference that make them wish they had never gone to that place and declare that they will never go back. Satan has first lease on that place.

It is one of the singular things about this business that the devil never takes a vacation, whilst most business men do, one or two times every year.
Satan is continually sowing the seeds of sin. What will you do with them, destroy them or cultivate them?

Satan with some of your employees,
Satan with same of your lot owners,
Satan in some of your drain tiles,
Satan looking for you and for me.

From the publication:
AACS - Proceedings of the 20th Annual Convention
Held at Detroit, MI
August 21, 22 and 23, 1906

I confess to a good deal of nervousness, representing as I do one of the smallest cemeteries in our Association, in writing a paper for this meeting, especially on so important a subject as the one before us. Legal matters affecting cemeteries is a pretty broad term and when we take into consideration that each State has its own laws, the subject is still more complicated. As I understand it, this paper is only intended to open up the subject in a general way and that it will be discussed more in detail by those who will follow. This being true, I shall endeavor to be brief and confine myself mostly to the situation as I find it in the State of Illinois. In this State it is no trouble to start a cemetery. The trouble is in providing for its future. The laws of our State relating to cemeteries are so general in their nature that we are left in doubt in so many specific cases. In this paper I can only mention a few of the questions that arise in most of our cemeteries and especially those that deed the ground. First, the legal right of the lot owner; so many persons believe because they hold a deed to a cemetery lot that it gives them the liberty to put on it, or improve it in any way or manner they see fit or proper. And it is an open question, in Illinois at least, how far they can be prevented.

I have spent a good deal of time among out attorneys investigating this subject, and I find almost without exception that they support the decision of the Supreme Court of Georgia, given in the May number of Park and Cemetery; page 267, "That the purchaser of a lot in a public cemetery, though under a deed absolute in form, does not take any title to the soil, but that he acquires only a privilege of license to make interments in the lot purchased, exclusively of others so long as the grounds remain a cemetery." But, that in the matter of rules and regulations for transfer of title, and very stringent rules in general, it would require a Supreme Court decision. Most all our cemetery deeds have a clause in them making the purchaser subject to the rules and regulations of the cemetery, but in the absence of any legal decisions on the subjects we do not know whether they will hold good or not. I give you an illustration.

A cemetery assesses each lot owner from one to five dollars a year for annual care of lot. The lot owner gets several years in arrears. Another rule says no interment can take place until all arrearages are paid. Can they enforce the rule? If so, it ought to in a manner settle the question of perpetual care of lots. Again, many cemeteries have a rule that no transfer of title to lots is legal without the association's consent.

Will that rule stand the test when the cemetery trustees or board of managers’ deed the ground?

Now I want to quote a few extracts or statements from a paper read by Fred M. Farwell, of Chicago, before the Illinois Association of Cemeteries, August 22, 1904. He said, "One of the most important matters we have to deal with and which is bound to arise more frequently in the future is the right of burial in lots and to whom all owed after the decease of the owner. Also the right of heirs to dispose of a lot in which the original owner is interred. Very few lot owners deed their lots back to cemeteries, in trust, naming those who shall have burial privileges in the deed, and as we have no law whatsoever on the subject, there is nothing to prevent some distant legal heir from trying, at least, to remove the bodies to single graves and selling the lot to outsiders. We may have rules and rules in regard to such proceeding, but will these rules stand in a court of law. I think it should be brought to the attention of every lot owner to deed his lot back to the Association, naming in the deed those whom he desires to have the right of burial.

It is the only way he can protect himself and be assured that his bones will lie in peace where he intends them to. I have in mind a case where a man died and in his will left a certain sum of money to his heirs to purchase a lot and erect a vault upon it, in which, as he supposed, his remains would be placed for all times. His heirs bought the lot in the name of the heirs of Mr. So-and-so, built the vault and entombed him. But he did not rest there long, as the heirs sold both the lot and vault and his remains now lie in a single grave. Had the title been invested in the Association this could not have happened!

We should have laws in regard to these important matters as they concern the general public and I think that the more stringent they are in regard to the rights of burial and transfer of lots the better for both the lot owner and cemetery.

Until last winter it was impossible to start a perpetual care fund in the cemetery I represent being owned and controlled by the City of Mattoon, as the City Council could not legally pass an ordinance and make it perpetual. So I enlisted the Senator and Representative from our district and they succeeded in getting an amendment to our State cemetery laws providing for that fund in cemeteries owned by cities and villages.

The legislative committee of the Illinois Association of Cemeteries had four separate bills introduced in the State Legislature last winter, but owing to the press of business and an early adjournment they did not pass, but we will certainly get them through next session. The provisions of the different bills are as follows. Specifying who can be buried in a cemetery lot; to prevent trafficking in the same and giving the trustees directors or managers of any cemetery, full control to make such reasonable rules arid regulations as they may deem necessary to enhance the general beauty of the cemetery in their charge. To provide police protection not only in the cemetery, but in the streets and alleys adjoining the same. To prohibit peddlers from selling or giving away any spirituous or malt liquors or drink of any kind, or running popcorn stands within 1,000 feet of the entrance to any cemetery in the State. And also to make it a felony for any person or persons to molest or in any way disturb any funeral procession or hearse or in any way disturb or interfere with the peaceful burial of the dead.

I am aware that in many of the States these and other questions of vital importance are settled by statute and we propose through the Illinois Association of Cemeteries to see that our Legislature enact such laws as will not only protect the lot owner but the cemetery association.
 
From the publication:
AACS - Proceedings of the 19th Annual Convention
Held at Washington, DC
September 19, 20, 21 and 22, 1905

On examination of annual statements of cemeteries as published in Park and Cemetery and Landscape Gardening, there seem to be two kinds of perpetual care funds:

First, and the most general, are the funds given for the perpetual care of individual lots. Such funds, it seems to me, should be called "Funds for perpetual care of lots."
 
Second, sums set aside by the cemetery officials for the perpetual care of the whole cemetery. We will call such funds "General reserve or general care of cemetery funds." The existence of either or both of these funds assumes that the location of the cemetery is permanent and that no change in environment will necessitate abandoning the land as a burial place. Before any cemetery officials give a contract or receipt binding the corporation forever, has proper precaution been taken, through legislative action or otherwise, to assure the permanency of the location of the cemetery grounds and their perpetual use as a burial place? We all know of many instances where cemeteries have been condemned, the interments ordered removed to a different location and often the identification of those interred completely lost. Suppose perpetual care had been provided for on lots in such cemeteries, how are the officials to carry out the binding contracts of their predecessors? Is it not paramount to all other considerations that the greatest caution be exercised to insure the permanency of location?

Next to the permanency of location, the permanency of the organization must be considered. Are our cemetery companies or associations so organized that provision is made so that they can carry out the contracts for all time themselves, or turn such funds or obligation over to some organization of an unending nature, which will bind itself and its successors to carry out the original agreement? If permanency in these two vital points has been provided for, we are in a position to accept the trusts imposed upon us, but if not, it were far better for us to be honest and candid and tell our patrons that we are a short-lived body and can only agree to bind ourselves for a specified time. Assuming that perpetuity can be guaranteed, so far as human foresight can guarantee what such a stupendous word implies we are in a position to consider the "proper and legal methods of applying the principle."

The laws of the State of Wisconsin have made provision for cemeteries to accept funds for perpetual care of lots as follows:

"Every such association *** owning and using lands for cemetery purposes shall take, hold and use such gifts, bequests or devises of personal or real property or the income or proceeds thereof, as may be made in trust or otherwise, for the improvement, maintenance, repair, preservation or ornamentation of any lot, vault, tomb, chapel or other structure in such cemetery, according to the terms of the gift, bequest or devise and in accordance with such reasonable rules and regulations as may be made by the officers charged with the duty of caring for the cemetery.

"If money is given or bequeathed for any such purpose and without direction as to the manner of its investment the income of which is directed to be used for any such purposes, it shall be invested by the proper officers in bonds of the United States, of this State, or of some county, city or village, town or school district of this State, or in bond or note secured by mortgage on property in amount not exceeding one-half the value of such property. * * * It shall be the duty of * * * such treasurer or other financial officer of any cemetery association to which any gift, bequest or devise has been made for any purpose within this section, on the first secular day of January in each year to make a written report to the Judge of the County Court of the County in which the cemetery thereof is situated, showing in detail the amount of funds and the value of property which has been received for such purposes and the disposition thereof, * * *. The said Judge shall examine all accounts rendered and audit the same and also examine into the investments made and securities taken hereunder.

"Property given, bequeathed or devised and trusts created for any of the purposes herein authorized shall be exempt from taxation and from the operation of laws against perpetuities, accumulations and mortmain."

Such are the statutory provisions of the State of Wisconsin to safeguard the funds left by individuals for the perpetual care of their lots and are the "legal methods of applying the principle."

The Trustees of Forest Home Cemetery, Milwaukee, gave the matter of perpetual care of lots a great deal of consideration before drawing their contracts, or receipts for funds to be deposited and it is with great pleasure that I give you the following form as a result of their deliberations:

"Received of ________ the sum of _________ dollars to be invested and the income of which is to be expended in the manner hereinafter stated, for the perpetual care of Lot number _____, in Block number _____, in Section number _____ in FOREST HOME CEMETERY, in the County of Milwaukee, WS, in doing work on said lot as follows: _______________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________.  Said sum of money has been received on the following condition, to which: That the amount received shall be invested, together with such other sums as have been or shall be received for like purposes, to the best advantage and kept in a separate fund, and the income arising from such invested fund shall, on the first day of May in each year, be apportioned as follows: One percent of the total amount of said fund shall be retained and carried into the General Reserve Fund of the Cemetery, and the balance of the income of such first named fund shall be apportioned pro rata to the several amounts in said funds and the amounts so apportioned shall be the amounts that may be expended during the current year on the lot, lots or graves, for the care of which said sums of money shall have been received. Any amount left over unexpended for any year or years on any given lot or lots or graves shall be added to the amount allowed to be expended in any subsequent year or years.

"No gift or bequest shall be entitled to any benefit from the income of the fund, unless such gift or bequest shall have been received at least one year prior to any first day of May. No gift shall be received for a less sum than one hundred dollars."

The form of contract is so simple that it does not seem to need explanation, but there may be some among us who have an inclination to use the word "why" and I will try to forestall such by giving the reasons before the questions are put. The one percent is carried to the general reserve fund for the purpose of paying the expense of looking after the investment of the moneys left in trust, and for reimbursing any loss that might possibly occur and also for the purpose of helping to maintain the cemetery, when the income from the sale of lots and other receipts have become so small as to be inadequate. While every lot owner, who is willing and wants to have his lot looked after in time to come, is particularly interested in such individual lot, he also wants to know that the drives, approaches and general appearance are kept up, and we have as yet failed to find anyone who does not see the wisdom of such provision and who is not perfectly willing to contribute his share for such purpose.

The wisdom of agreeing to spend only the income less one percent has been already shown; for, when Forest Home began taking funds for perpetual care, the prevailing rate of interest paid on first class mortgages, such as they could accept, was six and seven percent, while now it is only 4½ and five and in some instances they have accepted as low as four. Suppose the Trustees had agreed to spend five percent of the amount deposited; or a sum equal to five percent, which only a few years ago seemed like a reasonable calculation, they could not carry out the trust without loss. The management of every cemetery is now doing and always will do the best they can for their lot owners and they will get the best returns for their money obtainable with good business judgment and so depositors are and should be, satisfied to accept what the principal will bring. In case depositors are not satisfied with the form of contract issued, they have the alternative of depositing special securities and the entire income of such securities will be credited without deduction for the general reserve fund until such time as the securities so given shall mature or be paid, when the amount realized there from will be added to and invested with the special fund and the pro rata amount of the net income will be apportioned as provided for in above form of contract.

Another precaution to be observed is to avoid making contracts providing for too much detail, as they are sure to cause trouble. In a letter from one of the prominent members of our association is the following: "A contract made for setting tulips in a lot where the stone work destroys the greater part of them each year, is now making trouble for me." This contract was probably made during the time of the present incumbent and when it was made no doubt was entertained as to its practicability. If such snags are encountered in so short a time after the contract is issued, what right have we to burden our successors in years to come with provisions that to us seem reasonable, that to them maybe impossible of fulfillment? Were it not the wiser to agree to something like the following, changing the wording to cover the wishes of the depositors:

"The net income to be spent on said lot in keeping the lot, graves, monument and markers in the best possible condition" and then add, "if funds are sufficient, after the foregoing work has been done, plant and care for flower bed, or fill and water flower vase, or do any other special work as may be desired or specified”. The wisest among us cannot tell what conditions may surround our successors, and we must not do for others what we would not like to have done for us.

In one cemetery that I have heard of where contracts were made guaranteeing to "water the lot," the water supply gave out and the guarantee or agreement became, for the time being at least, null and void. Could not the depositor, if he were still living, or his heirs, if he were dead, claim that the contract had been voided by non-fulfillment and demand the refund of the amount deposited? How easily this danger could have been avoided by simply agreeing to give the best care possible to the lot.

No set rules can be made covering all cemeteries and each must work out its own problem. I would most urgently suggest the greatest caution be exercised in not making contracts or agreements that it may not be possible to carry out.

One writer to Park and Cemetery and Landscape Gardening says, "Three percent is a safe rate of interest to be allowed on perpetual care funds." Is any rate safe when United States bonds paying two percent are now selling at a premium? Suppose laws are passed making it obligatory for cemeteries to invest their trust funds in United States bonds, where is the safety of guaranteeing three percent? Not so many years ago, the trustees of a cemetery not five thousand miles away from Milwaukee, accepted funds for the perpetual care of lots and agreed to expend annually a sum equal to five percent of the principal.  Fortunately there were not many of those contracts issued, for if there had been, I fear that in a few years, judging from the decline in the rate of interest in the past fifty years, the trustees of that cemetery would think their predecessors were, to say the least, not good business men. Guarantee to do only what is possible and then do it for all time.

The neglected and unsightly appearance of many of our cemetery lots, when the immediate members of the family have passed away or have moved to distant locations, plainly shows the necessity of providing for perpetual care. I heard of a case not long since where the owner of a lot who was possessed of a large portion of this world's goods, stipulated in his will that twenty-five thousand dollars should be spent in the erection of a suitable monument on his lot. The executors faithfully carried out the provision of the will and the "suitable" monument was erected, and the remaining portion of the estate, after paying sundry bequests to charitable institutions, was distributed among the heirs. Nothing was left for the perpetual care of the lot and the monument, and in an incredibly short time the heirs failed to pay any attention to the matter and the twenty-five thousand dollar monument was surrounded by a hay field, which perhaps was fortunate, as it prevented passers-by from seeing that the grave of the one whose money paid for the "suitable" monument, was badly sunken and neglected. It seems to me that this one incident is better than a whole volume on the necessity of providing for perpetual care, and I would strongly urge on each and every cemetery official to advise his lot owners to be sure to provide funds for perpetual care.

Injustice to the purchasers of lots, the subject of "General Reserve Funds" for the perpetual care of the whole cemetery must be carefully and conscientiously considered and as large an amount as possible of the annual receipts should be set aside for this purpose. The Trustees of Forest Home Cemetery set aside 20 percent of the amount received from the sale of lots and single graves, after deducting the amount paid for lots and single graves repurchased and as the general income of Forest Home is still adequate to maintain the cemetery, the income on the principal is added to the principal each year.

We are all vitally interested in making our cemeteries as beautiful as possible and we must see that funds are provided for maintaining the standard in years to come.

TO RECAPITULATE

I. Make your location and organization permanent.
II. Secure funds for perpetual care. In doing so, first, avoid impossible contracts and, second, thus secure perpetual fine appearance of both individual lots and of the entire cemetery.

From the publication:
AACS - Proceedings of the 19th Annual Convention
Held at Washington, DC
September 19, 20, 21 and 22, 1905

When Mr. Kel1er wrote that he would like a paper from me I hastily said I would write one; naming my subject later.

I must confess that I was at a loss to find any subject that was new to our association. Under the circumstances I was compelled to name my subject "Generalities", giving me under such a title a chance to write on anything pertaining to cemeteries.

I have been called upon during the past season by several agents who were representing the manufacturers of signs and among their stock has always been a conspicuous sign, "Keep off the grass". One agent told me he had sold a leading cemetery in this state several hundred of these signs. I do not think this is at all consistent with a modern cemetery. We advocate the use of grass paths in order to have large stretches of lawns and by so doing practically invite the public or the lot holders at least, to walk on the grass.

Walking on the grass does no harm unless it is done in a beaten path; in which case there are better methods than signs to keep off the public.

In reading the June number of Park and Cemetery I saw therein that the cemetery of Spring Grove of Cincinnati, OH, had passed a rule prohibiting the driving of automobiles in the cemetery.

This is a subject that is of interest to us all and myself in particular. I feel that no cemetery board has the right to prohibit any automobile from entering the grounds, any more so than horse-drawn vehicles. A reasonable restriction: as to speed, etc., is perfectly right, but to prohibit is to my mind an unreasonable discrimination.

There are in the City of Buffalo today over five hundred persons who are the owners of automobiles and the number grows rapidly. Should any of these persons be the owners of a burial lot half a mile from the entrance of the cemetery; if he should wish to visit the lot he must walk from the entrance; presuming that the cemetery does not allow automobiles entering the grounds. Fortunately this is not the case in our city. As I have had the pleasure of driving one of these vehicles during the past year I am convinced that they are not the harmful things the general public seems to think they are. As an opinion, I will venture to say that I believe that the day is not far off when funerals will be conducted with horseless vehicles entirely. In conducting funerals, one of our leading undertakers has for the past two years gone to the cemetery in an electric automobile.

I believe that if the owner of an automobile would care to carry any case into court where he was kept out of a cemetery he would win. I venture this opinion because I have been watching the outcome of several similar cases.

Now, I believe that there are among our number many who conduct new cemeteries and who would like some points as to how to get more business. I myself am one of the numbers; but believe that a discussion of this subject will interest many of us.

We have resorted largely to advertising and on this subject I can certainly say where it does or does not pay.

A cemetery is a very hard thing to advertise, as it is something the public does not care to discuss unless they have to; it necessarily has to be done with care in order not to offend anyone.

Most of our Buffalo papers publish Sunday illustrated supplements. We find these the best mediums of all. We also find that church papers and programs are good mediums, but as for the daily papers they are worse than useless. We have found that an advertisement is not looked at unless there is an illustration with it. This of course cannot be done to advantage on the cheap paper used in the dailies. We believe that advertising pays in cemeteries as well as in other lines of business.

To write an advertisement for a cemetery takes a little thought. If you advertise bargains or reduced rates it looks too much like a bargain counter and cheapens your cemetery. However, it becomes necessary, if you are selling lots cheaper than your competitor to let the public know this, so we always confine ourselves to the simple statement that the price of lots is very reasonable; leaving the purchaser to find out for himself on inquiry.

The question may be raised by some of our members as to whether a cemetery should advertise. If not, why not?

It makes no difference whether it is a stock company or a bonded corporation, you must sell lots to pay dividends on the former and interest on the latter; I do not think the purchasing public thinks any the less of a cemetery corporation who advertises judiciously. Another subject that I think deserves the attention of the cemetery officials is billboards and advertising signs.

In some of the states there has been legislation prohibiting these unsightly signs fronting on parks, but I do not know of any similar legislation for the benefit of cemeteries. There are many instances of this kind that are a positive nuisance. Some of out cemetery presidents with influence should have bills' passed in their own states prohibiting any advertising signs opposite a cemetery entrance, also the planting of telegraph, telephone, electric or street car poles immediately in front of the entrance. I know of several instances where the latter positively marred some beautiful entrances.

From the publication:
AACS - Proceedings of the 17th Annual Convention
Held at Rochester, NY
September 8, 9 and 10, 1903

My experience as Cemetery Superintendent has been so short, that it would appear to be impossible for me to say anything that would be interesting or instructive to men who have had a much longer experience in the work. I am reminded of a circumstance which happened in our city some years ago, which illustrates my position. There was a colored fellow whose name we will call Sam, who had a job of building fires in and sweeping out one of our big stores, Sam went to the store one cold morning, built the fire and then sat down by the stove, intending to remain there but a few minutes, but the fire had such a soothing effect that when the proprietor came in later on he found Sam fast asleep and the stove red hot. He shook Sam violently, when he jumped to his feet and said, "Foe de Lord, Colonel, when I sot down here dat stove wa'nt a b c, and now she am a readin' an' a 'ritin'." A little more than six years ago I was made Superintendent of the Washington Cemetery. Previous to that time I had had no experience in outdoor work whatever. Everything was new to me and everything had to be learned. Fortunately I secured the services of a man who had been employed by my predecessor for some years and knew, of course, when to mow and how to dig graves, that being about all that had been attempted up to this time. The rules at that time had few restraints and permitted almost anything that the lot or grave owner .thought he or she wanted. And, as probably you all know, the first inclination of the bereaved one is to plant something, and it may be a profusion of things. Vines of different kinds with the wire arch for them to run on, seems to be one of the favorites. Of course, as has been wisely provided, time, the great healer of all our sorrows, takes away that pain and loneliness, and the manifold duties of business and household cares cause us to come less frequently to the cemetery. As a rule they know nothing of pruning or trimming, so that because of neglect, ill a comparatively short time, that which was intended to be a thing of beauty becomes a jungle. Six years ago there were a number of lots in our cemetery that were so densely grown in trees, shrubbery and vines that there was but one narrow entrance to the lot. Upon examining the rules of the cemetery, I found that the Superintendent had no power to do anything on a lot without the consent of the owner. I talked to some of them about clearing up the places; in almost every case the lot owners were opposed to having anything disturbed, as they called it, so matters progressed for nearly two years. I knew something ought to and must be done, but what? I had no right under the rules, but little confidence in myself and I think less courage. I laid the matter before the trustees, who, after taking the matter under advisement, determined to make and adopt new rules, which was done in February, 1899.

The new rules put the Superintendent in absolute control of the cemetery grounds, with power to prune, trim or remove anything that was objectionable. Now, of course, I had the power for the time being to do as I pleased, or as my judgment dictated, but I hadn't sufficient confidence in my own judgment to act at once. Then it was determined that our Secretary, Mr. Silcott, and myself should be sent to the convention of the American Association of Cemetery Superintendents, which was held that year in Cleveland, Ohio. The first to greet me on that occasion was our big brother Boyce, who by his cordiality and happy disposition made me feel at home among you at once. I found you all gentlemen, ever ready to extend the right hand of fellowship and everyone willing to impart all the experience and knowledge he possessed and I want to say to you that I needed lots of it. I had not the courage to acknowledge my profound ignorance by asking questions in open meeting, but some of you found it out in our private talks. I found everything very interesting and so instructive that I felt that I had learned more at this meeting than I could have learned in years of experience. I made a resolution then and there that I have carried out ever since, and, thus far, I have not been mistaken, and that is this: When I wish to make a change or an improvement to study the matter well first, and if I satisfy myself that it is the proper thing to do, then to call the attention of my trustees to it, presenting the case in all its bearings as far as I am able. If they see the matter as I do, there is hardly room for a mistake, then push it to completion, but, as Davy Crockett said, "Be sure you are right, then go ahead." When we arrived home from the convention I proposed to at once commence our improvements by putting all corner posts level with the surface of the ground and doing away with the foot stones, which we did during the fall and early winter, without saying a word to lot owners, and, strange to say, there was nota complaint, but many favorable comments. I remember the saying of one of the lot owners, after looking over the section on which his lot was located. He said, "Well, this reminds me of a beautiful grove after the underbrush has been taken out."

We were so encouraged over this experience that we employed an expert to do the pruning and trimming the following spring. This we have done every spring since. We have not only done the trimming, but have taken out a great many trees and shrubs and have probably planted as many or more than we have taken out, but we locate them differently. All this has been done without the knowledge or consent of the lot owners and I have never heard one word of complaint. We have more visitors than ever before and we have nothing but compliments on the improved appearance of the cemetery. I am sometimes asked "What improvements are you going to surprise us with this year?"

Three years ago we commenced utilizing ground that we had in different parts of the cemetery that was not suitable for burial purposes, by setting clumps of different shrubs, such in part as the different elders, golden or yellow leafed, variegated and the common, also red and white Dogwood, Duetzias, Weigelas, Hydrangeas, Sumac and others, all grouped separately. We keep the grass smooth around the beds and the beds are kept clean, so that you can readily see the improvement over the uncared for spots. They are now places of beauty and have improved the appearance of all. While clearing up the lots spoken of above, many rose bushes of various kinds, some very good ones were taken out. We saved all of them. We have a plank fence on one side of our grounds. We set these rose bushes along this old fence, which made quite a long hedge which we are adding to, from the same source, in the planting season. For two years now we have had in the month of June a bower of bloom. Fortunately the bugs, worms or whatever it is that destroys the foliage, have not bothered this very much, so that it is a thing of beauty the season through. A vast improvement over the old fence. This costs nothing except the labor of taking them up and resetting. If any of the brothers have an old fence and a surplus of roses I would advise this method of hiding the old fence and at the same time utilize the roses.

All these improvements date from the time we first met with you gentlemen in convention at Cleveland, Ohio and we really accord to you largely the credit for our improved condition and appearance, for, upon second thought, I don't believe up to that time I had advanced to the a b c class. But, thanks to you as a body and many of you individually, and to our most excellent friend and monthly visitor, Park and Cemetery, I hope I have advanced to the second grade in my work, if not as a writer. I cannot understand how any Cemetery Association that has not been brought to a state of perfection, can afford to be without the help and counsel of this or some similar organization. I remember well the discussion on the manner of filling graves. Up to that time and for a short time after, we filled the graves by throwing dirt in loosely or sometimes when nearing the top we would tamp it a little and the balance of the dirt was wheeled or carted away, and perhaps the next week and I have known it to be necessary the next day, to take a part of the dirt back to refill the grave. This would probably be necessary a half dozen times in as many months. Now we tamp all the dirt back that will go in, raise the grave a little above the grade, put the sod back and we rarely have anything more to do with it. So that if the friends return to the grave in two or three hours, the open grave they left is exactly like its neighbors, except perhaps for the flowers that were left to be placed on top. We find this much more economical for us and much more satisfactory to the friends. It at first used to surprise some of them to find the grave sodded, but I never heard anything but the most pleasant remarks about it. I do not believe there has been a paper, except perhaps this one, read, or any discussion of any subject pertaining to this, our cemetery work, but what there has been something in it that will at sometime be useful to us. Of course there is no one who could write on any subject connected with this work that would apply to all cemeteries, because, what would do well in, Ohio (I am speaking more particularly of planting) would not do at all South. North, East or West, by reason of the difference in climate in soil and for various other reasons. Yet, I maintain that even a paper of this kind would be a help to some, if not to all of us. There is another great help to me and that is the published reports of the different meetings as they come to us later. Often in trying to think out a problem, for instance, when we planted the clumps spoken of, I could not determine just what I wanted or needed or how I wanted it, so I take the reports, look through and find what this man or that one says on the subject. I look at the report of the visits made to the different cemeteries and I am able to see in the main pretty clearly what I saw with the eye, so that I am able to consider the kind of a place I want to fill and compare it with the kind of place I saw this or that then remembering or reading what the different men have said about the advisability of this or that kind of a tree or shrub, for the kind of place we have to fill, and we can arrive at a conclusion very soon. When we have determined what we want, then carry out our ideas and I think we will generally find we have done the right thing. We allow our lot owners and citizens all the privileges that we can consistent with good management and order. Our gates are open from 6 o'clock in the morning until late in the evening, and the people come and go at will. We encourage the planting of flowers by our lot owners and only restrict them to kind of plants to be used and where to plant them. We furnish water and pots to carry it from the different hydrants on the yard, allow them to do their own planting and to care for their plants if they wish. We find there are very few who do not give their flowers sufficient care to keep them in bloom or bright foliage all through the season. This plan we find works well with us and gives our friends an interest in the cemetery that they would not otherwise have, in fact makes them co-workers with us. Notwithstanding the rule that almost all cemeteries have and we have as well, prohibiting tin cans, broken crockery, etc., we, for a short time before and until the faded and withered flowers are removed from graves and lots after Memorial day, permit almost anything. There are among us a number who are unable to procure hot-house flowers or handsome vases to put them in, yet they have just as fine feelings, sympathies just as keen, as their more fortunate brothers and sisters. If we bar them because of their inability to provide the more costly flowers and receptacles, we have blunted or destroyed that finer feeling and made them feel that they have no part in the one day in the 365 that is made sacred by the memories that are called up. This day with us is observed by all, and on that day you could scarcely find a grave that hat; not been remembered and you can see flowers on every hand, in fact nothing but flowers; the grass, shrubbery and trees, the broken dishes and cans are covered by the blossoms that hang down and over them. We think we have done ourselves no harm and have done those people a kindness they will remember.  Our experience is that it takes no more time to pick up the can or dish with the flowers in them and cart them away than it does to pick the faded flowers from the more costly vase.

This, ladies and gentlemen, is in part my experience as a Cemetery Superintendent and some of the things I have learned by attending the meetings of the AACS.

From the publication:
AACS - Proceedings of the 17th Annual Convention
Held at Rochester, NY
September 8, 9 and 10, 1903

When your chairman, Bill Boyd, asked me to accept a topic at this Convention, I readily agreed to do so because I knew he was going to ask me to talk on cremation, he knowing full well that this was the subject that I was best qualified to speak on and give to you gentlemen some basic information based on my past training. You can imagine my surprise when my topic arrived - "Increasing Cemetery Revenue." Well, gentlemen, we are still going to handle that subject through cremation and those profitable items which arise due to cremation or the operation of a crematory, so let's change this subject to read - "INCREASING CEMETERY REVENUE THROUGH CREMATION".

During the past 10 years I have attended at least one Convention and sometimes two each year, all dealing either with cremation or the operation of a cemetery, such as the CAA, ACA or the NCA I have heard various talks on how to do this and that and have tried to absorb those points that I thought would apply to my place of business, but if you want to get the real lowdown on the operation of a crematory or a cemetery, get in a car with another cemetery man, preferably a man that knows considerably more than you do or a man that is or has been an officer of this organization and has entree into any place, spend six weeks living together, visiting different burial properties each day and talking to the men who operate them; then if you don't come away from that trip a better operator you are in the wrong profession. It has always been my idea that the cemetery business was primarily the burial of the dead and the sale of lots, but it was on this trip that I learned that everything in the cemetery business could be simmered down to one word features or a feature. We all seek features with which to enrich our cemetery; we know that the day of a burial ground no longer exists in the American civilization. It is with this in mind that we seek to create in the form of memorials an atmosphere of beauty for the memory of those we serve. When I came home I decided to look at my own properties and take inventory of what we had. We truthfully thought that we had a most acceptable entrance with a beautiful rock garden just as you enter, no burials within 600 feet of the front entrance, well laid roads, rolling grounds, many magnificent monuments, a well located chapel, a crematory, a large mausoleum and several columbariums, and finally I decided - "No" - these are not what we have, but we do have features and features within features, and that is what they are today "Features of Valhalla," so I now must talk features to you. Of all the features that I saw they were all erected with one thought in mind, namely, to enhance that particular section of ground so that it would make that section a more desirable one in which to own a lot, or to assist in the sale of lots. I checked various locations on our property and noted one place where there was a stately old oak tree, well developed with long spreading branches, and realized that there had been many desirable lots sold and expensive monuments erected surrounding this tree. The lots were so arranged that they circled around the tree and the monuments placed so that the tree formed the background, this is no longer a mere tree, it now is a feature. It cost me nothing; Nature had been good to me, it had protected and grown this tree for many, many years. It certainly enhanced the value of this particular section in which it stood, but the lots have now all been sold, the tree has served my purpose as a producing feature, and I wonder what it is today, a tree or a feature. As a tree it has no value other than. the wood, cord wood, so maybe we had better look at another type of feature, a feature that will produce revenue from within itself in addition to having all the advantages that any other feature might have, You may need an administration building or a chapel in your grounds, you might feel that your cemetery should have a mausoleum unit or you might like to have a crematory and columbarium with a chapel in or near your cemetery. All of these revenue producing features are self liquidating and any of these features can be started first and provision made for the others to be added as conditions or needs arise.

I am particularly interested in that portion of these features that deals with the chapel and the crematory. I realize that I am talking to a group of men that represent many different size towns and various communities, and the possibilities or results will naturally vary according to the size and needs of your community, but I would like to say that these thoughts do not necessarily apply to only larger populated centers, because your buildings will be sized according to the needs of your community.

The erection of a chapel and crematory muchly broadens your trade territory because you will receive cremations from adjoining towns, and the many people coming to your chapel and crematory is always a desired position for your other properties. I know that the building of a chapel in our cemetery has done much for the cemetery. Our own lot owners take considerable pride in bringing their friends to visit the chapel. In very inclement weather, such as icy days and heavy snows in the winter, we use our chapel for ground interments, provided the chapel is not reserved for a cremation or mausoleum service. Our visitors at the chapel are many times more than the visitors to the cemetery. On those memorial days such as Easter, Mother's Day, Memorial Day and Christmas, many visitors have learned to come with their friends just to see the mass flower displays, and of course, our chapel is used for memorial services. It is a feature that they take pride in showing.

Cremation is not a new innovation; it dates back to early history, and today a great many people are cremationists or cremation minded. There are enough favorable points to cremation and indoor burial for cremation to stand on its own feet. By that I mean you do not have to degrade ground burial or mausoleum entombments in order to sell cremation. The opening of a crematory is going to bring many people to your property; people who have a dislike for ground burial those that are curious and they all will want to know more about cremation.

In opening a chapel and crematory it will naturally take some time before cremations begin to come to you, but remember the first crematory placed in operation generally controls the cremation business in that community, and unless you furnish that service someone else will do so. It is very apt to be one of the local funeral directors who realize the need of a crematory and can see the possibilities of operating one. Let the control of a crematory be vested in one local funeral director and immediately cremation will begin to be retarded in that community. The local funeral director will very probably plan on building his crematory in the basement of his funeral home where else can he build it? All he wants to be able to say is: "I can handle cremations for you." He will figure that by building a crematory he will secure practically all the cremation business in that locality, and without question it will be a profitable venture for him. This crematory would serve without the facilities which you are able to provide through your cemetery and chapel. With this would come the hesitance of other funeral directors to patronize a competitor, and could easily retard the acceptance of cremation in your locality. It is thus recognized that the crematory should be a part of the cemetery, and in so doing we have created another feature.

Cremation is a form of the burying of the dead and should be handled entirely by a local burying organization. It can be in a cemetery or adjacent to a cemetery, and at a location where everyone can visit and pay their respects to their loved ones. Cremation is not a method of disposal of the dead, but rather a method of preparation for permanent preservation.

This now brings me to another revenue producing feature the columbarium.

A columbarium is any place where cremated remains are permanently placed or inurned. This may be a building of its own, it may be a room off the chapel, or it may occupy a small chamber in a portion of your chapel. The manner in which cremations are first handled in any community is generally the manner in which cremations and columbariums are handled in that locality. There are two schools of thought in the cremation field, commonly referred to as the Eastern and Western ideas. In the Eastern part of the United States they formerly used cremation as a method of reduction in size so that burial could be made in an already overcrowded burial ground, while the Western or California idea is to use cremation as an entrance to indoor burial or entrance into a beautiful columbarium. It is the Western trend of thought that I am talking about. There are just as many people who believe in cremation and want to erect a fine memorial as there are families who purchase fine monuments in the cemetery grounds, in the ratio of cremationists to those who prefer ground burial; in other words, people do not believe in cremation because they want something cheap, it is because they do not want ground burial. We have many memorials in our columbariums that cost as much as $3,500.00 to $5,000.00, and in some of the larger, columbariums I know that they have sold many memorials at an even higher figure; but like any other business, your sales are not always those of the higher priced locations. You will have many in the lower price brackets, and this is the volume business.

Now, how do we go about securing this revenue producing feature? I am assuming that you have an office on the grounds, and if not you can include it in our feature, but you would like to have a chapel. This is quite a feature to any cemetery, but we want a revenue producing feature, so let us add a room on the rear of the chapel be sure that everything is kept on the same Boor level, because we do not want our crematory placed in the basement. You are going to show cremation to the public and it should be in a showable location, attractively designed and kept spotlessly clean at all times.

The story "Light Like the Sun," which was undoubtedly one of the finest articles ever written about cremation, appeared in the Reader's Digest in March, 1938, and was reprinted by public request ten years later in January, 1948. The main statement in that story was: "Tell me about it, it is what I don't know that I fear," according to Francis Newton, the author; and that is the public's request - tell us about cremation. They want to be able to see a crematory chamber where cremations are held, so have your crematory chamber built so that you can show them to anyone as you are explaining cremation.

Now when you build your chapel you will have to have some type of heating plant, which will necessitate a chimney, so let us enlarge this chimney and place two 18”x18” additional flues so that a crematory chamber or two can be added when needed. Do not raise your stack any higher than normally needed for your heating system because the present day crematory does not require a high stack. I know that one of your main questions right now is - How much will a crematory chamber cost me? I cannot give you that figure because it is going to vary according to how your building is arranged in preparation for a crematory chamber, but we do have men attending this Convention who can give you more definite information regarding your particular needs than I can in a general way. This will probably be a topic in our round table discussion, at which time I hope that their representative or any other one will be present.

The average price of cremation will vary from $40.00 to $60.00 in different parts of the country. The price of cremation will generally be about 33⅓ percent above your local grave opening and interment fees. A crematory with any number of cremations will prove a very profitable addition to your chapel. One desirable point about a crematory chamber is that there is practically no upkeep or maintenance unless you are running a large number of cremations, and under those conditions you can afford the maintenance cost.

Now that we have our chapel and crematory in operation we will need another revenue producing feature, a small columbarium. This can be located in any desirable place: it may be an additional room added to your chapel or you may have made provisions in building your chapel to have alcoves that can be used for columbariums. Remember that after your crematory the columbarium will be your next largest revenue producing feature, and is entitled to an appropriate location. In selecting the place for your columbarium choose one that is attractive and well lighted; in this room we will build niches -not many at first but a diversified group of sizes and types of niches. In some sections of the country people prefer a closed front niche, while in others they use a glass front niche in which cast bronze urns are placed. Personally I prefer this type of niche because my bronze urn business will amount to approximately sixty (60) percent of my niche sales and is a profitable item.

In the erection of our columbarium or group of niches I use a 12"x12" niche as my basic unit because from this many other size units can be made. A 12"x12" niche can be divided in half, either horizontally or vertically, making desirable companion niches, or they may be divided into quarters, forming single niches. For the larger niches partitions may be removed, forming various size niches. In every columbarium unit that I have built I have always had at least one memorial niche that is a feature of that room. I generally have an art glass window in this niche, and it is often sold first, because there are enough people who believe in cremation and desire a fine memorial to justify this type of a niche. May I caution you gentlemen, that you establish a policy concerning the type of memorials placed in your columbarium in the beginning; for example, that only cast bronze urns be permitted in glass front niches. If you do not have rather strict regulations regarding your urns you are apt to have quite a conglomeration of containers varying from jelly glasses to Woolworth's deluxe china. In your closed front niches make available permanent but less expensive type containers. It is the pattern that you set at the beginning that will regulate the beauty of the columbarium that you will have in years to come and the revenue which this feature will return to you.

I have brought several general designs of portions of different columbariums that we have, and I believe that I can show you that there is more money per square inch in columbarium sales than there is per square foot in cemetery lot sales.

Now if you are giving serious thought to the erection of a chapel and crematory in your cemetery take a trip and visit the various chapels, crematories and columbariums throughout the country, and I believe you will realize that the addition of these types of revenue producing features will mean an increase of revenue for your property.

From the publication:
1948-1949 NCA Yearbook

Not wishing to disappoint the program committee, I will, therefore, submit my thoughts to you in the form of a paper to be read by one who I am sure can visualize the picture I wish to portray, I confess the subject is rather unique. It differs from the subject matter submitted in papers written to enlighten us on the problems that come to all of us in our daily routine of every day life, no matter what our environments may be. But when we take a retrospective glance at our past experiences as cemetery men, in our daily endeavor for betterment, we can only admit that the subject conveys and expresses the sentiment that covers the field in which we labor.

I feel that I am deeply indebted to Mr. Conwell for the words, "Acres of Diamonds," that was the subject of one of his masterful lectures some years ago. I was deeply impressed by the way and manner in which he applied them to the lives of men in the field of human endeavor, and by his permission I want to use them in a manner that may lead our thoughts to the "Acres" that have been given into our care, where God's "Diamonds" have been laid away for a time into mother-earth to remain there until the day dawns, when they shall surely shine again.

In our most thoughtful mood we bring back to memory our early experiences, our trials and difficulties, the solving of problems that were counted as rights sacred by our forefathers from time immemorial. The changing from the old to the new, in order to keep pace with modern ideas advanced by men having visions of higher and nobler ideas that in due time would revolutionize the old order of things and be the means of adding grace and dignity to that part of the earth's surface where the human family sleep, into a beautiful garden, has been your task and mine. What we have accomplished will be an exhibition to a marked degree to what extent we may have dedicated our lives to our work. Future generations, I am sure, will applaud our efforts if they are in line with the standards adopted by this organization to follow nature in her planning and designing, as far as lies in our power, so that our work when completed will be a field of "Acres" exhibiting art out-of-door.

In view of the marked changes would it be strange if men should marvel at what has been accomplished in the past four decades or since the birth of this organization, when a small body of men in convention assembled saw the dawn of a new era and banded themselves into an organization for a purpose, because of having coordinate views in the affairs of cemetery management, as well as development that must in due time lead to cooperation and betterment in cemeteries that are the "Acres of Diamonds" scattered, not only over the North American continent; but over the whole world. In the struggle for the higher ideals let us not forget the moments of sunshine as well as the moments of shadows, for they are a part of the every day life of those, whose souls are quickened by the inspiration gleaned from lessons in nature, for nature is the school of our environment in which we live. In it we listen with delight to the song of the birds and are charmed; by the whispering voices that come to us from the sighing breezes that kiss the flowers as well as the trees.

Perhaps it was the chairman's wish that I relate some of my personal experiences during almost forty years of continuous life in cemetery work, some of it being spent in the development of parks, playgrounds and civic improvements, that he wished me to, write an "Letting the Sunshine into a place of Shadows." In the early days of my experiences I found myself pondering over the individual tastes of the bereaved in expressing sincere grief and sorrow for those dear to them and lost for a while, and the method employed, what they believed to be their sacred duty to perform, some outward expression in memory, be it in the erecting of monument, the building up of a huge terrace about their lot, enclosing them with hedges, coping, iron or wooden fences where permissible, the lavish use of weeping trees, especially the use of the willow, anything that would in any way give expression to their bereavement and sadness. All this was interesting to me because the scene when finished portrayed a picture of shadows where even the flowers in their dismal environment failed to bloom for the want of a ray of sunshine. To brighten these places and let the sunshine in was the problem for me to solve, and is the problem that must be solved by everyone into whose hands are given supervision and care of the "Diamonds" laid away for a time in God's Acres. To me it soon became a pleasure for I found that by personal contact and intelligent reasoning, the rays of sunshine penetrated deeper and deeper into the heart of the men and women open to conviction who observed with keen interest the results obtained in the changing from the old to the new order of things in the development of the new additions on modern lines. For in the progress of developments they for themselves, could, in the final analysis, visualize a beautiful garden, where the somber doleful, uninviting scenes would finally pass into oblivion.

In my daily efforts in reconstruction, to bring harmony between past misguided efforts and natures own plan—for if we are at all successful in our endeavors we, must follow nature and learn to imitate her in many ways—guided by such influences the task before me became work most agreeable, for I found quite a steady response of cooperation on the part of those with whom it was my privilege to often meet and discuss the early ways and methods of their ancestors, to which they had fallen heir, in the performance of what they believed to be their duty to build something in some way contrary to nature that would be outstanding and in its appearance differ from that executed in memory by their neighbor. In many instances I found it only necessary to explain certain reasons for contemplated changes to gain their hearty approval and confidence and when the picture of the garden scene, I had in language tried to portray, became a reality, their happiness revealed itself in an atmosphere of sunshine.

May I at this time say a word of encouragement, as well as advice, to those young in this great organization who have entered the field of cemetery management in neglected Acres where reconstruction is the key to advancement on modern lines in landscape planning as we see it today. It is well to give an exhibition of your ability to prove your worth in being able to master the problems. By all means court the confidence of your people or your daily efforts for betterment may be full of shadows and your ideals go on the rocks.  Diplomacy is one of the prerequisites of an efficient superintendent. He who can sympathize and bring sunshine to those who come in sorrow from homes where shadows have fallen will surely gain the favor and respect of the bereaved. He will play a leading part in community betterment and will ever be upheld in his efforts when making more beautiful the "Acres of Diamonds" in which he labors.

Perhaps the thoughts and sentiments that I wish to leave with you in this convention can better be expressed in the following lines:

God's Acre is planted with diamonds
Whose luster the world could not see
Till death had polished the treasure
To a beauty that ever shall be.

In soft holy silence they rest there,
Safe guarded in crypt or in green
And like a rare gem in its setting,
They glow with a heavenly sheen.

Under full gleam of the sunshine
Under soft veil of the shade,
These delicate diamonds now resting,
Will never lose luster, nor fade.

The years that sweep over the acres,
The memories deep as the heart,
Shall increase the worth or the diamonds;
From whom we have seemed to part.

But they're ours and God's for the ages
They are treasures that love cannot lose,
They are kept for the crown of adorning,
When he His crown jewels shall choose.

Do we tread the soft acres in sorrow?
Do our tears bathe the flowers and grass,
As hidden from view these fair diamonds
Regard not our grief as we pass?

Be comforted heart that is lonely,
Be grateful that treasures are there,
You will walk across "Acres of Diamonds"
Whose worth is beyond all compare.

Thank God for the beautiful setting,
He gives to His jewels and gems,
For the diamonds are placed for His purpose,
And never a stone He condemns.

From the publication:
AACS - Proceedings of the 41st Annual Convention
Cleveland, OH
August 22, 23, 24 and 25, 1927

Now, when I took hold of Hamilton Cemeteries—we have two cemeteries, 100 acres each. One is a new one. Naturally you can always begin right in a new cemetery, where you have a great many problems in an old one. Our cemetery began in 1846. When I came into that cemetery my friend from Ohio said last night, or the other night, that he could supply a modern milk dairy with all the bottles they wanted, that he could collect from his cemetery. Well, I could beat that a mile; I could supply two modern milk dairies and a horseradish factory, pickle factory and a jam factory with enough to last for two years. We had every conceivable thing you could think or in our cemeteries, bottles, jars, loving cups, bowls, beautiful cut glass receptacles—sometimes they have similar ones now in automobiles, but larger size, some running up as high as a dollar and a half to two dollars apiece. Our cemetery was literally covered with those jam tins, lard pails, honey pails, jars and tins of every description. I decided I was going to get rid of all that junk. You know, as well as I—you have all had experience in every city—down at home they have a beautiful loving cup up on the piano. Little Mary knocks it off and breaks off the handle. They have a beautiful milk pitcher and Susan breaks the handle off and out to the cemetery with it. Uncle John is dead, he don't know the difference anyhow, whether it is broken or cracked. And we used to get the junk of all the homes in the city—something that was broken and they didn't want around the house, up to the cemetery with it. Now, when it comes to clearing up this stuff—ours are municipal cemeteries and the prominent citizen and tax-payer and the fellow who writes his letters pro bono publico, it is a hard thing to deal with the public when they have been used to a thing for so many, many years and to innovate a system to do away with that which they have had a right to do as public citizens is a very difficult problem. But do you know that even the general public, who are usually hard to handle, if handled diplomatically, carefully and with a great deal of judiciousness—and they are all from Missouri—you have got to show them—but after you have once convinced them that what you are trying to do there is no selfish motive behind it, but it is in the general interest of beauty of the cemetery as a whole, why you can handle the general public like clay in the hands of a potter, after you have convinced them that you are right.

The first problem that presented itself in getting rid of this stuff was how; and the substitute. What are you going to give them in place? We had a flower holder there, receptacle similar to the Winona, similar to the many flower holders we saw the other day and we see in every cemetery. But I immediately began to figure it out, that you couldn't get the people to buy flower holders for sixty cents to a dollar apiece when they can buy the cornucopia tins, with handle attached, funnel shaped, that they come and put in the ground—our cemetery was literally covered with them, all over. Some people would come up and buy one tin for 25 or 30 cents, bring them up, put in one bunch of flowers and then they wouldn't come back again the whole season. They get rusty, dirty, and throughout our whole cemetery we had thousands of these cornucopia tins sticking up, bent and broken, standing there like a lot of drunken soldiers. Well, I shouldn't say drunken soldiers, because soldiers never get drunk; I should say sailors—drunken sailors. That is better.

We changed our rules. We used to say, "Please don't put any more bottles in the cemetery. And we changed our rules from "please" to "must"; you must not put any papers in the cemetery. And we had some beautiful printed cards, had them framed and we fastened them at convenient places throughout the cemetery, advising them that the cemetery was run for the benefit of everybody, and that we desired to make it beautiful and that they must not use any glasses, china, tin, iron, or anything but a particular double receptacle, in the ground one inch below the sod. I said a moment ago, "What are you going to substitute?" We sell the double tin flower holder at 35 and 45 cents. Now, I said the people won't pay 45 cents when they can get a cornucopia tin down town for 25. I took that flower holder that we had, it was the usual length, which I thought was a little too long; it had three small feet soldered or riveted down about an inch and a half from the bottom, for the inside receptacle to rest on, I immediately said, "Those three little feet are superfluous—not necessary—galvanized iron. I don't know the weight or degree, or class or the sheet-iron. I said, "What is that worth?" I said, "That inch and a half waste can be eliminated." I got a pair of snips, went around and snipped off the feet and an inch and a half of galvanized iron. Then I went down to the American Can Company, of which we have a branch in Hamilton that turns them out by the millions. I said "What can you give me 5,000 of these sleeves and 5,000 of these inner tins at?" Well, they said, "The outer sleeve, bottomless, we don't make that at all. We are a can company. You will have to get that from some tinner or some sheet metal place. And they took the can and sent it in to their cost expert and he figured a few moments and they came back and said, "We can give you that inner tin, but we haven't that diameter, or circumference. We have one just a trifle smaller and we make then in styles and sizes, that it would mean some new machinery to make one exactly the size you want." It was a little smaller than the one I wanted, but their price was so ridiculously low in large quantities that I thought I could use their size. I even found out another thing. I conceived the idea that I could save an inch of my outer sleeve. And you know the saving of material is a great matter in trying to reduce costs. I said. "That will do."  We got these inside tins; they were in sheet iron, japanned, and green. I went to another, the McCarley Co., a very large institution there in Ontario. I got a price from them on the outside sleeve. When I got the two of them finished they cost 17 cents the double set. We immediately decided we were going to sell them to the public for 15 cents, including the setting in the ground. Now, in case Michelson is here, he will want to know what we charge up the other two cents to. I will tell you, Michelson, we charge the other two cents up to profit and loss, in case you might want to ask the question. So we sell them for 15 cents apiece, including the time of our men setting them in the ground and we pay our men 50 cents an hour. We immediately begun to eliminate these other things, and sell these flower tins. Now, we don't give any away, like Kincaid does, and I don't intend to start it. I will tell you why.

Now, you would be surprised to know that, after one year, with a great deal of care in handling the people, that a glass bottle, china or porcelain jar, tomato can, jam can, cornucopia tin, or anything other than our original receptacle is not to be found. I have ordered two and three lots, of 5,000 each since and the finding of a receptacle, outside the one we furnish, is as scarce in our cemetery as a perfumery bottle in a glue factory. We haven't any. We have cleaned them absolutely clean. They say, "How do you manage it?" 'We simply say to the people, "Now, here, our soil is all sand and gravel. You bring these cornucopia tins in here, and as soon as you place them there they are bent or broken, and they look very bad; you put your bouquet in there that you paid 50 cents for, more or less and a little while afterwards a sweeping wind comes along and blows your beautiful bouquet over in the shrubbery, or against the fence. You take our flower tin—we give them a concrete example we said to some of the women folk, put your fingers in that water in that standing tin, with the wind and sun and heat against it, and then come put your fingers down in these tins an inch below the ground, where the men can walk over and pick out the inner tin, whether it has a bouquet or not. If not, he can run his lawn mower over; if there is a bouquet in it, he simply picks it up runs his lawn mower over and puts it back in. We say "Put your fingers in that water. They put their fingers in, and the water in there is cool, while the weather above is warm. We say, "your bouquet will last twice as long." They say, "There is something in that. We want one of those tins."

We used to tell them with glass containers just as soon as the first frost set in that frost expanded and burst them, and they were hard on our men's fingers, and our mowers and the general public's feet and shoes. We had to clean up car loads of glass in the spring, and we wanted to eliminate that, and get rid of it. And, by using a reasonable argument with the public there was no difficulty in convincing them that we were right, and no more glass bottles are brought up to our cemetery, unless—if there is one brought up it is on a new grave, where the family hasn't had a lot in the cemetery previously, and don't know much about it. Then they will bring up a bottle the first time they come up to visit the grave, but we have our men so well trained that we do exactly what Michelson said the other night, if we see them coming in with a glass jar we say, "Madam, that jar is not permitted; you can go to the office and buy a tin for 15 cents." And they know we are not making a tremendous profit when we sell them for 15 cents. So they know it is not a financial matter, or a revenue matter, when we ask them to go to the office and buy from us. If they happen to put it in and we don't see it, if it is only five minutes after we put it in the flowers are taken out and water poured over the flowers and the glass jar goes into the refuse box, even if it is only five minutes after it is placed there.

I don't know what your opinion is about prohibition. I have mine. They say it can't be enforced. Yes it can. The prohibition of glass bottles in cemeteries can be enforced, because we enforce it.

From the publication:
AACS - Proceedings of the 40th Annual Convention
Memphis, TN
October 11, 12 and 13, 1926

After twenty-seven years active management as Superintendent of Oak Hill Cemetery, the best I can do is to recall what has been accomplished in that time and to whom the credit is due.

I am a firm believer in evolution in some things and the manner of conducting a cemetery is one. I claim no great credit for myself, but prefer to give it to those with whom I have come in contact during that time. To take over an old established cemetery and work it over to meet present day demands was no light job.

Before beginning my work I took a survey of my surroundings and set about making necessary changes and here is where I feel that much credit is due others. A visit to Cave Hill Cemetery, Louisville, was the first trip made and Mr. Robert Campbell, Superintendent, shall always be remembered for the many courtesies shown me by making suggestions as to changes that were advisable. Next, a visit to Spring Grove, Cincinnati and there I came in contact with William Salway, who in turn gave much valuable information as to cemetery management. Between the two, Mr. Campbell and Mr. Salway I hardly know which to give the most credit.
 

After I began digesting what I had learned as to what a cemetery superintendent should be and do, then the size of the job I had assumed began to dawn upon me and evolution set in. Everything from the office to the smallest detail in the yard had to be overhauled. I had much prejudice to overcome as we gradually changed the manner of doing things and we are such creatures of habit that it goes against the grain to make a change, however advisable.

One change was to do away with filling graves in the presence of the family and friends, which was accomplished by patience on our part and reasons for such change. Along with this change we gained approval by better service, such as providing tents for the family and friends during committal service, a lowering device and such. Next, we began restrictions as to monuments and markers on lots, and then we had trouble enough. Years of worry, argument and finally absolute refusal to deviate from a given course convinced our lot owners that such was to be the rule.

In 1905 our association became affiliated with the National Association of Cemetery Superintendents.

At Rochester, New York I met those good fellows that have since become such good advisers, that I shall ever feel under obligations for much friendly advice. Some have gone to their reward, and may it be great—Wm. Stone, Timothy McCarthy and others. Of those living are George M. Painter of Philadelphia, Edward G. Carter and W. N. Rudd of Chicago and many others. These men were always ready to give advice based upon their experience on any subject submitted for their consideration. So thus, we were encouraged in our work, for without such friendly assistance we perhaps would have made more mistakes than we have.

I have submitted for the question box a subject that has caused the writer some annoyance. For a while I was flattered by having a printed form submitted covering every phase of cemetery management imaginable, which I laboriously answered and prided myself on being able to display my knowledge. But after a while the thing became monotonous and I began to think there were some people who needed enlightenment, but my feathers fell when I was informed that my replies were being used by promoters to further their interests in land deals for profit to themselves.

This may be my swan song, as I have gone quite a journey in life, but in spite of a handicap dating back six years, I am in fairly good working condition, but I want you to know that I consider the AACS one of the most unselfish institutions of which I have any knowledge.

Reverting to reforms, the automobile is another. I well remember the first machine that was driven in our cemetery; what a commotion was raised. A near panic was on hand in about two seconds by some old ladies and horses that had passed the voting age, making things lively for a short while. Then, we put a clamp on automobiles. Next we admitted by license and a fee. More trouble. Finally the horse was eliminated and the automobile is at this date supreme. But we have a troublesome problem to meet at times on Memorial Day in particular; we believe we have found a solution.

On last Memorial Day 1625 automobiles were admitted from 7 A. M. to 12 noon at one gate when all vehicles were excluded for the balance of the day. The afternoon is given to exercises of the G. A. R., and the attendance of visitors is on foot only. Our cemetery was established in 1851 and the avenues were ample for that date but since the advent of the auto and the many times multiplied numbers as compared with horse-drawn vehicles, makes it quite necessary to control them in some manner, at times. Admittance at the west or Columbia Street entrance and exit at the south or Virginia Street. One way traffic and signs directing the way, and "No Parking on This Avenue" enforced by officers supplemented by Boy Scouts to the number of about forty solved the problem satisfactorily.

So you see why I believe in evolution, or perhaps some would prefer the word reform.

Our first reform was in the office, such as records, diagrams of lots, much detail, records, etc. Out in the yard avenues were widened, and in some instances rebuilt entirely, much planting of trees and shrubbery and a clearing of trees in burial sections and assuming of tree-planting by ourselves.

From the publication:
AACS - Proceedings of the 39th Annual Convention
Chicago, Illinois
August 24, 25, 26 and 27, 1925

The subject "Creation of a Modern Park Cemetery" would necessitate a theoretical discourse—the "Creation of Forest Lawn" is an actual experience from which you may acquire some practical benefit.

My first glimpse of Forest Lawn Cemetery showed it to be a little country cemetery, of ten acres developed, forty-five undeveloped; with no buildings, no improvements, with the exception of a grove of olive trees and a few scattering headstones. Such a picture most of you have seen many times. Forest Lawn's other assets were a total of 1400 interments, and yearly gross sales of $28,000.

Today, twelve years after we took charge, Forest Lawn Cemetery is Forest Lawn Memorial Park—Park it is, because the visitor rarely recognizes that he is entering into a so-called "cemetery". Forest Lawn now comprises over 200 acres, with a total of 28,464 interments, sales amounting to more than one million dollars per year, and total assets aggregating ten million dollars. It averages 300 interments per month, and 81 weddings per month. Our payroll of yesterday showed an organization of 406 employees, including an Architectural Department of 12 Architects and an Engineering force of like number.

Today it possesses many buildings of historical and architectural charm that house some of the world's greatest art treasures, and last year more than 525,000 visitors passed through her gates. Forest Lawn is not only a safe depository for our beloved dead, but also a place for the living to visit and sacredly enjoy. The manner in which these results have been arrived at are briefly as follows:

My first move twelve years ago when I awoke to find myself in charge of Forest Lawn Cemetery, was to personally visit the great interment places of the world. I talked to Superintendents, Grave Diggers, Presidents, and Undertakers. I wanted to find out why a African-American whistled when he went through a cemetery; I wanted to find out why most of the interment spots in the United States were places to be shunned—looked upon as civic liabilities where they should have been civic assets. I wanted to find out why even the most beautiful cemeteries were visited by people mainly from a sense of duty; why most of them were so ugly, and why they didn't have architects and landscape engineers connected with them. I wanted to find out if the cemeteries were wrong or if it was the people. And then when I had finished with the cemeteries, I visited public parks, glimpsed their lovely vistas, watched their fountains at play, admired their beautiful statuary and studied their architectural buildings. I strolled through museums and galleries of art; I questioned people who had traveled in the art centers of the Old World—and then I came home. I had found my answer.

BUILDER’S CREED

I have always found if I put my thoughts into writing the very act seems to clarify my mind and enables me to approach a problem in a logical manner. And so, on New Year's Day, 1917 I sat down and wrote what I termed "The Builder's Creed", and if I were called upon today to give you my recipe for the "Creation of a Modern Park Cemetery", the best I could do would be to hand you this Creed:

"I believe in a happy Eternal Life. I believe that those of us left behind should be glad in the certain belief that those gone before have entered into that happier life. I believe, most of all, in a Christ that smiles and loves you and me. I therefore know the cemeteries of today are wrong because they depict an end, not a beginning. They have consequently become unsightly stone yards, full of inartistic symbols and depressing customs, places that do nothing for humanity save a practical act and that not well.

"I therefore prayerfully resolve on this New Year's Day, 1917, that, I shall endeavor to build Forest Lawn as different as unlike other cemeteries as sunshine is unlike darkness, as Eternal Life is unlike Death. I shall try to build at Forest Lawn a great Park, devoid of misshapen monuments and other customary signs of earthly death, but filled with towering trees, sweeping lawns, splashing fountains, singing birds, beautiful statuary, cheerful flowers, noble memorial architecture, with interiors full of light and color, and redolent of the world's best history and romances. I believe these things educate and uplift a community.

"Forest Lawn shall become a place where lovers new and old shall love to stroll and watch the sunset's glow, planning for the future or reminiscing of the past; a place where artists study and sketch; where school teachers bring happy children to see the things they read of in books; where little churches invite, triumphant in the knowledge that from their pulpits only words of love can be spoken, where memorialization of loved ones in sculptured marble and pictorial glass shall be encouraged but controlled by acknowledged artists; a place where the sorrowing will be soothed and strengthened because it will be God's Garden. A place that shall be protected by an immense Perpetual Care Fund, the principal of which can never be expended—only the income there from used to care for and perpetuate this Garden of Memory. This is the Builder's Dream; this is the Builder's Creed."

That Creed has never been changed from that day to this and at Forest Lawn it has been not only our aesthetic guide but it has been the practical, every day rule upon which all our development and operation has been based.

Let me tell you of a few of the milestones that we passed in our endeavor to carry out this Creed.

Our financial set-up included two corporations—one, a corporation which owned the land and was the usual form of Business Corporation with stockholders who invested their money with the hopes of making profit. The other corporation, called Forest Lawn Cemetery Association, was a mutual association with no stockholders, comprised of lot owners and so constituted that any profits it might make must be expended back upon the cemetery and could not be distributed for the benefit of any individual. The Land Company made a contract with the Association to sell the Association its land and the purchase price was determined by a fifty-fifty division of whatever amount the Association should receive from the public for its lots. The Association thus purchased from the Land Company real estate as it would have purchased it from any other corporation or landowner. The Association then took these lands and manufactured them into a cemetery product.

Financing, efficiency and organization have always been the subjects that we at Forest Lawn give the most Attention. We know if the finances and sales are not forthcoming, the plans that we hold so dear to our hearts cannot be carried out. Forest Lawn had no money; therefore we next turned our attention to a Sales Force.

The Sales Force was divided into two groups: A salaried force for selling our products for immediate use to the purchaser who had a death in his family; the other group sold our product before need and their remuneration was based entirely on commission.

This "Before Need” was the first organization west of the Mississippi to sell cemetery lands in this manner—a method that had been tried in but two other places in the world before. Sales forces are needed, but they can be either a great blessing or a great abomination. I could talk to you for hours on our experience with sales forces, but time does not permit. In passing, let me urge this one word of caution out of our experience. That Sales Force is wrong whose whole theory of salesmanship is based upon price, money, buy cheap today and make a profit tomorrow. The best and highest type of salesmen in this business never mention these subjects—he deals only with the moral factors involved, such as insurance, duty, protection to the family, approaching the matter in the same light as one draws his will.
 
We next laid plans for development. We immediately saw the wisdom of merging together all forms of burial—namely, cremation, mausoleum, and cemetery under one management and one ownership. This, I believe, was the first time this had been done in the United States. The amalgamation of three overheads meant not only financial efficiency but again gave to the purchaser a great service. A family could disagree upon the various forms of burial each one desired and yet in Forest Lawn we offered to them the prospect of finally being gathered together in one spot.

"Beauty" was the yardstick by which we measured equally the physical development of our grounds and buildings the requests of the purchaser that something special be done on his lot or his crypt, or the Engineer's and Architect's plans and specifications. We realized that Forest Lawn must be developed as a whole. No longer must the individual be allowed to do anything in regard to his interment space.

I adopted three slogans:
1.    We shall depict LIFE, not Death.
2.    A safe depository for our beloved dead and also a place for the living to sacredly enjoy.
3.    Spend one dollar in construction today to save one cent in future care tomorrow.

We also changed the method of computing Perpetual Care in terms of a percentage of the purchase price, to that method of setting so much aside per square foot of land area to be taken care of regardless of purchase price received.

Our next step was to revise the rules, regulations and restrictions. Here we encountered the greatest obstacle of all. Precedent is one of the hardest things there is to combat in the human mind. The older we grow the less do we like changes; the more we like to do as was done before. The public looks with suspicion upon radical changes in interment places.

We had early determined that it was monuments that had turned cemeteries into stone yards. I could find nothing beautiful in ninety nine percent of the so-called "monuments" placed in the cemeteries of America. They rendered a Park plan impossible. We first offered the purchaser a ten percent discount if he would accept a deed without a monumental privilege extending above the surface of the lawn. I then called together the prominent monument dealers and reasoned with them. I suggested that in the main they were creating objects of ugliness. I requested that they cooperate with me in endeavoring to create only memorials of beauty. I left that meeting discouraged because it seemed to me there was not one of them on speaking terms with "beauty." A year later, Forest Lawn took the bull by the horns and forever eradicated the so-called "monument." Then they took me to the Grand Jury. "Restraint of trade" was the charge. Have you ever walked into the Grand Jury room as a possible defendant? I explained and the Jury laughed away my fears.

Then we underwent that experience, awful to any cemetery man, viz., of seeing would be purchaser turn and leave Forest Lawn without purchasing, because they could not have a monument. It took nerve to "Stand by the guns" in those days—particularly when we were sailing an unchartered sea. I held firm, however, in the belief that the Five Dollar gold piece was obscured by the Silver Dollar close to our eye and too, one must be true to one's Creed. Soon the tide turned. The public began to see the picture we were striving to create and today, the only requests we have for monuments are when the purchaser desires to spend sufficient money to create a real work of art.

Through the years we gradually affected other reforms. I list a few of them:

We banned artificial flowers.

Nothing in front of or on mausoleum crypts except those bronze vases and crypt memorials designed by and furnished by the Association.

(I wonder why it is that people always go to their attic when they desire to take something to a cemetery or a mausoleum I have seen mausoleum shelves that look like a bottle factory on a spree.)

No memorial decoration whatsoever placed without the approval of the Association.

The Association does all planting.

Markers at graves restricted to bronze only—more lasting and more artistic; lawnmowers do not chip.

No coping or any form of enclosure allowed to mark the lines of any lot or grave.

Memorials in mausoleum either bronze or Carrara marble—other metals and Alabaster prohibited.

No cut-in letters permitted on crypts except in first unit of mausoleum.

All burials in Forest Lawn must be made in concrete boxes, the reason being that wood boxes cave in, leaving an unsightly greensward and add appreciably to care.

We pictured LIFE, not Death. We carefully eradicated the old familiar signs of death. We substituted the winged-doves, swimming ducks, singing birds, splashing fountains—everything symbolical of LIFE. We eradicated even the trees that lose their leaves in the winter time suggesting death. And thus restriction upon restriction we piled up but always that restriction was based upon the good of all, even though it hurt the individual, and always based upon the best professional artistic judgment we could get.

Our first building was inspired by the Architect's visit to that little church at Stoke Poges where the poet Gray wrote his immortal "Elegy, written in a Country Churchyard." In keeping with our resolution to depict LIFE and not Death, we added, adjacent to the pews, conservatories filled with flowers and singing birds. Over the chancel we wrote this inscription: "A New Commandment I give unto you, that ye' love one another." This church was properly dedicated with all due solemnity and ceremony and then, like any other church it was thrown open for sermons, funerals, weddings, christenings, etc. We called this church "The Little Church of the Flowers" and it has become so popular that today we are just finishing another, to be dedicated as the "Wee Kirk o' the Heather." It is an exact reconstruction of Annie Laurie's church at Glencairn, Scotland, which lies in ruins.

Our Mausoleum has been built in units, conforming to a general plan. We estimate the general building will take about fifteen years more to complete, at a total cost of approximately Twenty-five Millions of Dollars. Four units have been completed and sold. The fifth is now under construction and will contain the great Memorial Court of Honor wherein "The Last Supper" window will be placed. These units have been built as sales progressed. Gross sales in the Mausoleum, to date, have amounted to approximately three millions of dollars. Here again we planned to eradicate gloom and depression substituting cheer, bright colors, depicting galleries of art rather than halls of death, always bearing in mind our slogan of "A safe depository for our beloved dead, but also a place for the living to sacredly enjoy." I touch the physical description only briefly because I understand you are later to visit Forest Lawn.

I shall never forget my first purchase of statuary. It was Edith Parson's "Duck Baby," made famous by Robinson's poem at the San Francisco Fair. I suggested to the Board that they authorize me to make this purchase. I immediately saw that the appropriation would not pass the Boards, so I adjourned the meeting without putting the matter to a vote. A week later I purchased the statue on my own authority as General Manager. A short time ago we placed in Forest Lawn the great "Mystery of Life" statue, comprising some twenty two life size figures, the site of which occupies 3,576 square feet, at a cost of approximately sixty-seven thousand dollars. That appropriation passed the Board without a dissenting vote and many expressions of enthusiastic approval. Such was the difference between the old attitude and the new. The same men, the same Board but with a different view point.

In 1923 I started by biennial trips to Europe, with the intention of studying at close range the art and architecture of those places acknowledged by the world, without debate, to be "beautiful." Every other year I have gone abroad, bringing back to Forest Lawn bigger and better things as my experience became qualified and Forest Lawn's progress became more assured. I could talk to you for hours telling you of antique furniture, old tapestries, the sword of Charles the First, Michelangelo's "Moses", "The Last Supper", in art glass, Fanfani's "Mother Love," Canova's "Three Graces" adinfinitum.

If you desire, go see these things for yourself. Be sure to tell my boys to give you a Guide Book, (we finally had to issue one, explaining approximately 165 works of art—educational, inspiring, and replete with the world's best historical romances. Who ever heard of a cemetery having a Guide Book? Who ever heard of a cemetery that, during the month of June, had to close its book of wedding reservations at 165 because there were no more hours left? I hear someone say—"Weddings are good advertising". If you stop there you miss the very point I am trying to illustrate. It means that the attitude of people is changing towards our interment places. Instinctive in every human heart is a desire and a reaching out for the beautiful things of life. Give the public "beauty" and it will respond a hundred fold.

We already have museum rooms at Forest Lawn. I hope the day will come when we shall have a Forest Lawn Academy of Fine Arts, free to the worthy youth of the Pacific Coast. I hope to persuade sufficient people in this Southland to provide in their wills endowments, whereby the Honor man in the graduating class in this institution or arts may be given three years abroad, with expenses paid. An ambitious program, yes, but I believe basically correct and no more difficult of accomplishment than the ones we laid in 1917, a great many of which have come to pass.

Ladies and gentlemen—this brings me to my last topic—the Memorial Idea. All the figures and facts that I have heretofore quoted have been made with the hope of convincing you that the statements I shall now make are not merely theoretical assumptions but facts born of hard experiences in the interment field. I fancy I see u smile come over the faces of the Californians in this audience, because they have heard me speak on the Memorial Idea before. I am sorry, because I fear they will be bored, for I shall say nothing new—I shall not even attempt a newness because the more familiar I can make this subject to them and to you the more surely can I drive home the intense conviction that I have.

The memorial instinct is one of the oldest and greatest in man. It is this instinct that, moving in practical ways, has created the great art and architectural triumphs of the ages. Few people realize that it was the memorial idea that gave to the world the Pyramids, the Taj Mahal, which is acknowledged to be the most beautiful building in the world. Westminster Abbey, the Partheon, the Castel Saint Angelo and practically all of the enduring works of architecture and art that succeeding generations have journeyed around the world to see and admire.

Mr. Will Durant, author of that book "The Mansions of Philosophy" which is being so generally read just now, pays a remarkable tribute to the influence which the memorialization idea has played in art and architecture. He says:

"Architecture began with tombs that housed the dead; the most ancient architectural monuments in the world—the Pyramids—are tombs. Churches began as shrines to the dead and places for worshipping them. Gradually the burial place was taken out into the neighboring ground, but still, in Westminster Abbey, the graves of great ancestors are within the church. From these beginnings came the proud temples raised by the Greeks to Pallas, Athene, and the other gods; and from similar beginnings came those fairest works ever reared by man, the Gothic cathedrals, whose altars, like those early tombs, harbor the relics of the holy dead."

All of our history books, our literature and much of our daily living, is derived from the efforts of the past ages to leave a record of themselves in memorials. Everything passes except that generated by this Memorial Idea. Its spiritual significance defends it against encroachments of a material age, and the cemetery, mausoleum, or crematory that plans such development upon this foundation can rest assured that coming generations will approve. If you hold strongly to the spiritual thought which inspires it, if you but carry the message by the dignity of form and proportion, the refinement of color and detail, by the beauty of the whole, present generations will reward you and future generations admire and preserve.

Do not fall into the error of believing that the average cemetery official can create beauty. I seriously doubt if there is a man in this room capable of truly evidencing the Memorial Idea in form and color. If any of you have that capacity then you have combined in you the qualities of a great architect, a great artist, a great landscape engineer and a great sculptor, because these attainments are needed. You will find that in the long run it will be cheaper to hire those men acknowledged to be "Great" in these lines and to whom God, at birth, gave the power to create beautiful things.

If you plan artistically correct in the beginning you will find that in the end you save money. Look at Paris with its Champs Elysees and intersecting streets, planned by a great architect long before the automobile came into existence. Correct planning meant broad avenues which automatically took care of automobile congestion, whereas today we, in our cities, are spending millions to change these narrow streets.

The financial welfare of every man in this room is dependent upon the elevation of the Memorial Idea, to encourage it is obvious—to degrade it is suicide, and yet that very thing we do every day.

THE CEMETERY MAN, who allows an ugly thing placed or developed within the confines of his grounds, or by word of mouth divests if of its spiritual significance, is helping to destroy the Memorial Idea.

THE MAUSOLEUM BUILDER, who allows any material or form of design to go into his building except that acknowledged by the technical world to be the most lasting and the most beautiful, writes his own epitaph.

THE CREMATION MAN who stops with the ashes (incinerated remains) in his hands, and fails to insist that his client create a memorial for those remains, evidenced by an urn and a niche, or solemn committal to a grave or mausoleum, will, in time, like Samson, pull the house down upon us and himself. God hasten the day when the crematories will take their stand and say "No more incineration without the creation of a memorial—we define the word 'cremation' as including incineration, inurnment and permanent deposition—the three actions are inseparable and indivisible."

THE UNDERTAKER who impresses his clients with the feeling that his portion of attending to the death is the most important, that he is, to all practical purposes the end of the transaction (where the Memorial Idea demands that he be but the entrance door to the Memorial Temple), that Undertaker is the greatest fool of all. His is the greatest opportunity because his clients are in a plastic state, ready to be tuned to the highest call of the Memorial Idea, or molded with a commercial, materialistic, get-it-over form of thought, which results in nothing of lasting benefit to society of his family.

How long—how long will the Interment Association endure the degradation of the Memorial Idea by certain low caliber Funeral Directors? I know of many Funeral Directors who are high class, intelligent, sympathetic and in tune with the Memorial Idea, but I am informed that there are many others whose efforts tend to lower the ethical standards so strived at by the Association of Funeral Directors.

God forbid that I shall be compelled to enter the undertaking business, but I solemnly prophecy this: That the Memorial Park of tomorrow will demand sweeping reforms on the part of the undertaking craft or Memorial Parks will build and develop undertaking establishments of their own. I prophecy, because the end is obvious—it is economically correct. In any other business these consolidations would .have been effected long ago. Service to the public of the future will demand an undertaking establishment in every cemetery—in every mausoleum—in every crematory, where the sorrowing purchaser may go and transact all of his interment preparations at one time with one concern and one individual, in a place where he, his family and friends at the time of the funeral may park their automobiles in grounds where roads provide ample parking area and amidst surroundings of beauty and quiet which soothe and comfort their sorrow. The public of the future will demand that this consolidation be effected to save them the high cost of burying. Then, and not till then, will the Memorial Idea be in position to be brought to its highest fruition.

Let you and me resolve to go back to our various institutions and "play the game", resolved to stand staunch and true to the Memorial Idea; resolved that when we are distracted by the barrage of requests from unthinking owners to allow this or that improvement to their interment space, to stand fast and "play the game."

I have known a few business men who consistently have fought a victorious fight, but I think most of us, with all our good intentions fall back boot by boot until at last, for some reason, we stiffen and hold our own. Hold fast to this Memorial Idea—it will make you free spiritually and financially.

Cemeteries can never be separated from religion. Yesterday, religion was puritanical—it spoke in the terms of the Ten Commandments—in terms of sacrifice—in terms of Calvary.  Today, religion is gladsome, radiant—it speaks in the terms of the Beatitudes—of joyousness and the Smiling Christ. And so, as the cemeteries of yesterday evidenced the religion of yesterday, so must the successful Memorial Park of tomorrow, evidence the religion of today. Cemeteries are the physical expression of the religious spirit of their time.

My belief is that the Interment organization that demonstrates its right to exist, must prepare to serve the living by not only giving them a safe depository for their beloved dead, but a place that will be spiritually uplifting, physically beautiful, its personnel filled with a sincere desire to serve its fellowman. Such a place will truly express the Memorial Idea. Such is the true conception for the "Creation of a Modern Park Cemetery".

From the publication:
AACS - Proceedings of the 43rd Annual Convention
Los Angeles, CA
September 3, 4, 5 and 6, 1929

To obtain the best and most satisfactory result from trees and shrubs in connection with cemetery planting is one of more than usual importance.  We have only to look around us in many cemetery grounds to recognize how desirable improvement, from a special standpoint, and by a judicious selection and arrangement of cemetery trees and shrubs becomes. It is generally found as time rolls on, that a large proportion of the trees originally planted are where they should never have been, and as a consequence, have to be cut away before they have really served any useful purpose. The great object of modern cemetery planting is not so much to afford shade, form screens or accomplish other objects of practical importance, as it is that the beautiful picture presented by a skilled display of trees, shrubs and flowers should rob death of the many terrors which the ignorance and superstitions of olden times surrounded it.

The modern idea of a cemetery is not so much that the grave is the end of all as it is that it is the beginning of a new career of happiness which we are taught the new life is to be. The earliest idea of paradise was that of a beautiful garden, and it is impossible to rob the paradise of the future of the same surroundings. The modern cemetery is, therefore, the ideal garden of the future, so far as it is possible for the human intellect to accomplish; and it should be the aim to make pleasurable the visits of the living, by making beautiful the resting places of the dead, leading the mind from gloomy thoughts such as ancient cemeteries fostered; but this beautiful garden must necessarily be subservient to practical details. It is impossible to accomplish anything in this world, that is not a financial success and there is no reason why financial success and the ideal cemetery garden cannot both go hand in hand. And, in fact, the financial aspects require close consideration in connection with the adornment of the grounds. In the planting of the cemetery, therefore, the possible desires of future lot holders should be considered. I knew once of a cemetery which prided itself on the number of rare trees it contained, and which had among its arboreal treasures one of the finest specimens of the Cedar of Lebanon to be found in the United States. The majority of lot holders would have been proud to have possessed such a rare gem. Not so, however, the one who owned it at the time in mind. The superintendent of the company was amazed when the lot holder came one day to insist on cutting down the tree, because it shaded over the grave and moss grew on his marble monument. Determined to save his tree, the superintendent had to make arrangements to give the owner a large price for his lot and sell him another one, and have the interred removed rather than have his beloved tree taken away. Such occurrences as this cannot always be foreseen, but they may be sometimes, and thought should be given in the arrangement and planting of cemeteries to the possibility of such unpleasant occurrences. With this end in view, it would seem desirable, therefore, that portions of the grounds should be reserved expressly for planting in order to beautify and make as nearly as possible an ideal garden spot, while that portion devoted to the lot holders should be as free from planting as would be consistent with the necessary landscape effect. By the judicious selection of these spots, a general landscape effect would be produced which is lacking in very many cemeteries, even in those of recent beginning.

I have frequently felt that sufficient importance has not been attached to the artistic arrangement and planting of the entrance to the cemetery. It was with great pleasure when visiting the Forest Hill Cemetery of Boston; I saw that this had evidently been taken into consideration when the plans of the cemetery were drawn. Who having driven along that broad, sweeping drive, planted on both sides with most beautiful specimens of Blue Spruce, Nordman Fir and other choice evergreens, supplemented with banks of Rhododendrons, Azaleas and handsome thickets of shrubs, and on up through the ivy-covered archway, has not felt that he was indeed entering a beautiful Paradise! I really believe that more attention should be given to the approach to, and the entrance of the cemetery grounds proper, for it is there that visitors get their first impression and first impressions are always the most lasting.

Perhaps this was more impressed upon my mind when I visited Forest Hill, because it was only a few days before this that I saw another cemetery in western New York, where the entrance was directly from the street, through the conventional gateway with its stern granite posts and iron railings. Not but what the grounds of this cemetery were very artistically arranged, but the entrance to it did not give me the same feeling of rest that I experienced when I visited Forest Hill. Yet the entrance to the cemetery of which I speak could very easily have been arranged so as to give one the idea of entering a beautiful park, simply by placing the entrance proper a little distant from the street, and massing a number of choice evergreens, trees and shrubs on both sides of its sweeping driveway.

It is not my intention to go into the details of how to plant a cemetery, because that is the province of a landscape gardener; I merely wish to throw out a few hints or points which to me seem to be frequently overlooked, and this question of an artistically planted entrance is, I think, one that particularly needs attention. It seems to me that it is your duty, gentlemen, to let no opportunity escape to instruct your lot holders how to keep in touch with the improved and more advanced aims of the modern cemetery. Every one is prone to do a certain thing because custom has made it popular and this is as true in cemetery matters as in everything else.  The huge marble or granite shaft, rarely an object of beauty and sometimes but a mere display of wealth, is usually erected with the best intentions, and its use is still a custom mainly because it is believed to be the most fitting thing to do and lot holders have not learned a more advanced idea. And this is just where the question arises - What is the most advanced idea by which we can satisfy that desire to do something to show how the dead are missed or loved? Would not the planting of rare trees and plants be more fitting and bear testimony to our love to a far greater extent than does the erection of monuments? Do not visitors at a cemetery show more real love for the trees and flowers than they do for a block of marble or granite, upon which more frequently they look with more curiosity than respect? There is no doubt that our dead soldiers are more honored and the living more inspired by the strewing of flowers annually on their graves, than they would be by mere monuments alone. We must get lot holders to remember with us that beautiful trees and shrubs produce beautiful thoughts, and keep us, as it were, in communion with those we have lost, and that trees, shrubs and flowers are, therefore, more fitting than monuments. The most choice and beautiful evergreens that could be selected would cost but a small portion of the value of a monument, and would leave a handsome fund to be placed in the hands of the superintendent for the annual care necessary to keep the lot in a beautiful condition.

I understand that no marble monument or headstone marks the spot of the famous Nicholas Longworth, one of the pioneers in the industrial development of Cincinnati, and possibly the father of modern strawberry culture, but that he sleeps beneath the spreading branches of a noble elm tree.

I think that you will all agree with me that the time is here for some changes in this direction. Many of you have already passed rules forbidding the erection of marble copings, iron railings, and I think in some cases tall headstones. A few years ago this would not have been possible, but today the people have more advanced ideas, and through your teachings are becoming willing to discard these things. Even in the matter of headstones and monuments they are showing a desire to design them after ideas more natural than the marble shaft and square or rounded top headstone. This is shown by the imitations of tree trunks, and boulders now frequently seen in cemeteries. The monument in Harleigh Cemetery near the main entrance representing a column of stones, doubtless attracted the attention of many of you and each of you perhaps have in the cemeteries which you superintend, monuments, the erection of which has been suggested by some seemingly appropriate object in nature. It is but a step from the imitation of nature to the real, and I firmly believe that the transition would not be so difficult of accomplishment as one might suppose. Let but a few of your lot holders start the work and others will quickly follow. It is probable that the idea may be too radical for its full accomplishment at an early date, but I have no doubt but what it will come in time just as other reforms have been adopted after persistent efforts have been made to bring them about.

It is always a Source of regret that there is not more desire for more meritorious trees and shrubs in cemetery planting. Why should quantities of Arbor-Vitae, Norway Spruce, Austrian or Scotch Pine be used, when the more rare and vastly more beautiful Nordman Fir, Oriental Spruce, Englemans Spruce, Douglas Spruce and the superb Colorado Blue Spruce and Swiss Pine could be used to as great advantage? It certainly should not be because the first named are cheaper, for first cost in planting should not be a consideration, as the work is to last one may say forever. To be sure, there are portions of the United States where some of these named may not be hardy, but there are many that will thrive almost anywhere. The Blue Spruce, Douglas Fir, Englemans Spruce and the Picea concolor are all natives of the mountains of Colorado, and should thrive in almost any portions of the United States, unless the soil of the particular spot be unfavorable. It is not commonly known that plants which are apparently not hardy in a more northern climate than where they are indigenous prove quite so if they are protected when they are small until they become established. The most northern limit of the Magnolia grandiflora is I think North Carolina yet we in Philadelphia and vicinity have no difficulty in getting it to grow if we protect the tree for a few years until it can force roots below the frost line. There are several of these trees in Philadelphia that are not less than twenty-five feet high.

It is impossible for anyone to say positively what might or might not thrive in a certain locality. This can only be learned by the individual efforts of yourselves. Select what you believe would thrive in your soil and climate and test it for a year or two; the cost would be trifling, and every time you find something new or uncommon that will grow in your cemetery, you will have added a new subject of interest to your grounds.

Of late years the planting of evergreen beds has become quite popular; and in many of the more recently designed cemeteries and, in fact, in a number of the older ones, numerous beds are now planted. There is scarcely any form of Spruce, Fir, Arbor-Vitae or Retinospora that cannot be used in this connection, as by frequent trimming, even the larger growing sorts can be kept within reasonable bounds, and at the same time a much finer color will develop from the constant pruning. The great labor and cost of planting large beds of greenhouse plants annually have had much to do with the advancement of the evergreen bed,--as in the latter case the first cost is the greatest one.

During the last few years there have been many introductions of plants from Japan which have been found to be extremely hardy, and also many from Europe and remote parts of our own country, and it may be desirable to mention a few of these that would doubtless be valuable for cemetery work. The Cercidiphyllum, a Japanese tree, has proven hardy in many sections of the country where it has been tried. It is a pyramidal tree, but rather more spreading than either the Lombardy Poplar or the Pyramidal Oak. It seems particularly adapted to heavy soils, and especially to low and damp situations, where it makes quite a strong and rapid growth. The Kolrcuteria is a Chinese tree, making a low, spreading growth.  In July it is densely covered with very large panicles of yellow flowers and is particularly attractive at that time. It is not a new tree, but rather uncommon. One of the prettiest trees adapted to cemetery planting which has recently been introduced is the Styrax Japonica, few things can be more beautiful than the pearly white flower, abundantly produced in the early part of July. The Pterostyrax hispidum is also a valuable addition, a rather spreading tree, of moderately rapid growth, and covered in May with drooping racemes of white flowers entirely covering the tree. This I think will become extremely popular, when it is thoroughly well known.

Of improved varieties of our native trees, nothing seems to have become more popular than the forms of Cornus florida, the red flowered and the weeping. These with the parent plant seem to be adapted to all soils, situations and climates, and consequently are found largely in all cemeteries. The red flowered form is particularly beautiful in spring when covered with bloom, though later, as with the other two, when it assumes its varying tints of autumn coloring, few plants exceed it in gorgeousness.

The recent introductions among shrubs are too numerous to mention, doubtless they have been brought to your notice many times. A class of plants which have sprung into great prominence in a short period is hardy perennials and they need more than a passing word, indeed, a whole chapter could be written of the many useful positions they might occupy in our ornamental planting. A class of plants which after planting become more and more beautiful every year as the roots become stronger, and which, by judicious selection of varieties give a continuation of bloom from early spring to late fall and exist in form from those of low and dwarf habit to plants making a growth from five to six feet are what perennials comprise. It would be useless for me to attempt to name desirable varieties, as this would depend upon the soil and location where the particular bed is to be planted, but I can assure you that you would never regret the use of these plants in your work, and would find the study of varieties particularly adapted to your necessities of great interest to you.

From the publication:
AACS - Proceedings of the 8th Annual Convention
Philadelphia, PA
September 11, 12 and 13, 1894

In preparing this paper on Sunday funerals my first thought was to introduce it with same account of the origin of the custom. But on looking through the reference books at my command, I found ample description of funeral rites among the Greeks and Romans as well as among other nations, both ancient and modern, but nothing was discovered to indicate the evolution of the Sunday Funeral. The reasons for its abolition have been discussed often. Mr. Hamill gave the most important ones, hence I can only say that my own reasons are much the same, and I am very anxious to see a discontinuance of funerals on that day. From my experience of thirteen years in Green Lawn Cemetery I think it is a desecration of not only the day which according to the commandments we should duly observe, but also of the cemetery grounds.

Visitors who on this day exceeding those on week days, congregate at the grave in such numbers as to completely crowd out the mourners and friends, compel us to use our authority in dispelling the crowd, which in nine cases out of ten return to the grave as soon as our backs are turned, so that it is necessary to either let them stand or create a scene. Sunday funerals also require our presence all the day causing us to work seven days in the week while other business and laboring men are spending the day either at church or quietly resting at home with their families. How many here present see a day of rest? I think judging you by myself you would all be benefitted and recuperated in more ways than one if it were not for this Sunday funeral. I have talked with quite a number of our ministers and they all favor the idea but are very dilatory in bringing it before the public. Our funeral directors are also in favor of it but slow to act. A reform of this nature cannot be affected by a funeral director or superintendent alone. It must be by a united action that the desired result may be achieved. Having thought long and deeply on this subject, and considering the opposition on one hand, the ineffectual methods on the other, I came to the conclusion the most practical plan was to form state associations and bring the subject before the legislature having it made a state law, in this way it not only benefits the large cities but towns and villages also.

From the publication:
AACS - Proceedings of the 7th Annual Convention
Minneapolis, MN
August 22, 23 and 24, 1893

The desirability of planting flowers in cemeteries is a very debatable question, and full of interest to superintendents, so much depending upon the surroundings.

By flowers is meant annuals, perennials and other flowers used in florists work.

Let us take a burial ground conducted strictly upon the lawn system, say for instance, Spring Grove Cemetery, Cincinnati, where every surrounding indicates quietness and repose; the beautifully kept lawns, or open spaces surrounded by, or dotted with trees and shrubs bearing foliage of different hues, and shades of green. Each of these lawns or spaces are beautiful pictures in themselves, the trees being planted to throw light and shade on the sward heightens the beauty of the picture, and the effect upon the spectator is soothing and commands silent admiration. The very somberness of the surroundings indicates repose, and the mind immediately associates itself with the idea of the suitability of the cemetery as a final resting place. Beds planted with brightly colored flowers upon such lawns would be extremely out of harmony with the surroundings, and would not be desirable.

Flower planting, no matter how artistically the work is done, is palpably artificial, and in the majority of cemeteries, out of place. A modern cemetery should appear as natural as possible. Imagine a nicely graded section adorned with trees and shrubs; the landscape artist has expended his energies in making it appear as perfectly natural as possible. A lot owner, whose portion is probably in the most prominent part, conceives the idea of having bed upon, or a border around his lot; the graves are also adorned with plants until the lot has the appearance of what a brother superintendent justly describes as a crazy patch-work quilt. No doubt the work is artistic, it does not harmonize with the surroundings, and to the trained eye of a landscape gardener the effect is harsh in the extreme. Lot owners, as a rule, care nothing for the harmonious appearance of the whole. To the individual lot is what they desire to call attention.

One great aim of a cemetery superintendent should be to educate the people to the fact that "in simplicity there is beauty;" that a cemetery should look natural and park-like, and that the general appearance of the whole should be studied, rather than any particular spot. A stupendous task, more especially, in localities where the residents migrated from parts where the modern cemetery system is unknown. To their minds the old country churchyard, with its heterogeneous mass of flowers and vegetation is beautiful, and exactly what a burial ground should be. A few days ago the writer counted no less than 34 plants of different varieties, including mint upon a four-foot grave. Nothing can persuade the owner that it is not the most beautiful grave in the cemetery.

To prevent this class of ornamentation will require stringent rules, the enforcement of which means unpopularity, and few officials care to have their cemeteries unpopular. Several who have tried arbitrary rules in this direction have had to modify them in obedience to public feeling.

There are many first class cemeteries where flower planting is extensively practiced, these are now being styled “flower garden cemeteries”. The question of the desirability of flower planting is settled as far as they are concerned.

There are also burial grounds where flower planting would prove an improvement, but these places can scarcely be classed among the lawn cemeteries. They are simply grave yards, no great amount of landscape work having been lavished on their construction, and the management “a sort of     go-as-you-please”.

Then again, there is the dollars and cents side of the question. In the majority of cemeteries, both large and small, the desire to make money is paramount, and what should be has to give way to the mighty dollar. So few can afford to sacrifice cash to sentiment, and as most cemeteries are conducted for the money there is in them, flower planting will be encouraged. It is business, simply business.

Where flower planting is considered desirable, study should be given to the use, as much as possible, of dwarf growing plants and such as bear flowers, quiet in color, for in few instances do the brighter colors harmonize with the surroundings of a burial ground. For cemetery work nothing looks worse than a bed containing a mixture of tall growing plants, such as dahlias, lilies, salvia, chrysanthemums, hollyhocks and others too numerous to enumerate. Pretty effects can be obtained with dwarf growing plants, especially when massed, and they are not so visible from a distance, therefore their appearance is not so striking, nor is the appearance of the lawn so broken as by their taller brethren.

In cemeteries where flower growing is encouraged a spirit of emulation soon creeps in, and lot owners try to out-vie each other in their efforts to have their lots look nice. To the great joy of the florist who acquiesces in the good work and soon the lawns are covered with all manner of designs, regardless of the surroundings, till oft times, the whole resembles a wild garden in its profusion of bright colored blooms. These beds soon become dried and withered blotches in the landscape, especially during the heat of summer, unless kept well watered each day, meaning more joy for the florist, who, of course, has to be paid additional for watering.

From the publication:
AACS - Proceedings of the 7th Annual Convention
Minneapolis, MN
August 22, 23 and 24, 1893
 

The first thing that attracts the attention of visitors to a cemetery is the genial outline appearance and its prominent points. Then the most imposing monuments are selected for examination. After these come the head stones and markers. Here the visitor, whether he be from abroad or living in the same city or neighborhood, begins to investigate and comment on the various stones, their construction and inscriptions, particularly the latter. A large number of people who bury their dead, are unable to build a monument, hence, it seems as if they were desirous to erect a headstone that would resemble one, they try to put up something that will present as large a surface as possible, regardless of its appearance or good taste. We all understand how difficult it is to educate the masses, as to what is the most appropriate for headstones, for this reason alone, such rules should be adopted by cemetery organizations as will regulate and end all controversy.

I have examined the rules of many cemeteries and was surprised at the great diversity and latitude of the rules, and still more surprised at the omission of any well defined rules in many cemeteries on this matter. Go into a majority, and I might almost say all of the first class cemeteries, and you see headstones that are a disgrace to the place, and when you inquire why they are permitted, you are informed by the superintendent that he does not approve of them, and has done all he could to prevent their being put up, but the rules of the cemetery do not positively prohibit them and he cannot help it I recently visited a beautiful cemetery in the capital of a New England state. This cemetery was a comparatively new one, and is being conducted on modern ideas. Here I found numerous headstones (or slabs) that had been moved from the first cemetery located in the place, one marble slab 2½ feet high by 15 inches wide and 1¾ inches thick, set in a granite base, with brimstone. The stone was badly discolored several inches from the base, the date on it was 1833; another on the same lot in the same condition, two feet high 10 inches wide 1½ inches thick. Another of marble moved there dated 1851, set in marble base, five feet high, two feet wide and 2 inches thick. These three stones are sufficient to illustrate the point I wish to make. None of these were in good condition, they certainly did not look well, and they marred the beauty of the cemetery. Then why were they there? Simply because the rules of the cemetery did not prohibit it. I suppose that I might safely add that the owner of the lot claimed that there was a sacredness about those ancient stones that he must respect, while the real fact probably was, that he venerated the few dollars required for new stones more than the old deformities that he moved from the ancient graveyard.

Why should every modern cemetery not make a rule that no such rubbish could be moved into the grounds, and why not make a rule that no new stones should be erected that will in time appear almost as bad as those referred to? I believe there is a general opinion among owners and superintendents of the best cemeteries that headstones should not be over one foot high, and not less than six inches thick. This association can do very much toward bringing about some desirable uniformity as to height and dimensions, thereby preventing that "old graveyard" appearance which we so heartily detest.

The members present understand what inappropriate things, words and designs people will put on stones if allowed space to do it. "The Weeping Willow" of old, the hand pointing upward, and "Mary's little lamb”, which has served her time in all positions from the young creature up to quite a large sheep, according to the ability to pay for her carving.

The object of this paper is to simply remind the association of the defects and necessity of rules on this subject, knowing that a discussion by the experienced members will be of more value than any elaborate argument I can make.

From the publication:
AACS - Proceedings of the 6th Annual Convention
Baltimore, MD
September 27, 28 and 29, 1892

Upon receipt of a letter from Bro. Higgins, requesting me to write a paper for this meeting I was at first inclined to refuse, but as he kindly left the subject to be chosen to myself, I decided to make an effort, knowing that you would excuse any shortcomings, as my experience has been brief, as compared with that of a majority of those present.

When the matter of taking charge of a cemetery was first suggested to me, I had been engaged for five years in park work, and was dubious about making the change, fearing that the work would not suit me; but the objectionable features have all disappeared, and I become daily more and more interested in the work.

My first experience was with a close corporation and the cemetery was started to supply a "long felt want."

The ground selected was an eighty-acre piece of rolling land, of which about ten acres were covered with a heavy growth of black oak, ten acres low and unavailable, and the balance very handsome meadow land. After having the entire piece cross-sectioned, they called upon a well known landscape gardener to make a design, which was done, and I proceeded to grade and plat about twenty acres, at an expense of about three thousand dollars.  A chapel and vault were built, costing six thousand dollars.

About the time we were ready for business the "long felt want" had disappeared and no one seemed anxious to die in order to patronize us. I remained there about eleven months, during which time we made about one hundred-thirty burials. The directors were somewhat disappointed at the small amount of business and the correspondingly small income, and had reduced the force to a minimum, which compelled me to neglect numerous things which should have been attended to.

Even in this short time I had learned that it was going to be no easy task to keep the grounds in good shape, especially where the business was run in private interests. The few lot holders we had there, had already proposed some of the wildest schemes imaginable for decorating their lots, and our directors did not like to oppose them too much. I was about discouraged with the outlook, when a proposition was made me to take the position I now occupy.

Lakewood, at this time, had been established nineteen years, during which time the management had been changed but once, the first superintendent having held the position twelve and one-half years, and my predecessor six and one-half years; the assistant-superintendent four years, while the foreman had been in that position from the start. All of these men were removed when I took charge.

As was but natural, they had each a certain following among the lot owners, and some of them were much vexed that the change was made, and made it correspondingly disagreeable for me for some time.

Upon coming here I found three hundred bodies in the vault awaiting interment, and I can assure you it looked to me like a formidable task, but when the time came things seemed to shape themselves about right for me and I got well through the spring work without any serious trouble.

My views as to rules, management of men: etc., differing quite materially from those of my predecessor, caused me some trouble with the men who had previously worked here, and I had quite a struggle to right things to my ways. The rules, existing here previous to my time, were very good, but they had not been strictly enforced, and when I attempted to enforce them it brought a great many people to the front with their grievances and complaints, and kept me in hot water for some time.

In many respects my experience has been very similar to that of Bro. Hamill, as set forth in his paper of last year. I found innumerable rusty wire arches, rusty and broken down seats of all descriptions, and every kind of a utensil that could be thought of to sprinkle with or carry water in. These had to go, and I made a clean sweep of everything that was not fairly presentable. Seats and arches are now forbidden, and the consequence is a much neater looking cemetery, but much more bitterness of feeling against the superintendent, which I hope will die out some day.

At times I feel somewhat downhearted and despondent at the opposition which seems to meet nearly every improvement or change that is suggested, but have secured a box of Dr. Barker's "cheerful pills" and find that they help me wonderfully.

There seems to be a wide difference of opinion among lot owners as to what constitutes a neat looking and well-kept cemetery lot, but by making an effort to meet and talk with them on the subject I can turn a great many of them to my way of thinking. A little reflection convinces nearly all of them that at general system of improvement is necessary, but all are not so ready to believe in its enforcement in their particular case.

The first impulse of a person purchasing a burial lot seems to be to plant something, it makes but little difference what it is, but there must be some planting.

The following from an article written by the late R. M. Copeland, the well-known New England landscape gardener, is to the point on this subject: "It is natural for everyone who has a cemetery lot to show his interest in it by some kind of decoration, and planting trees and shrubs is the simplest and most obvious thing to do. But, when we remember that trees, unless when grouped to give a compound effect, when each tree loses a part of its beauty or effect, to receive something by contrast or harmony with its neighbors, should stand from twenty-five to forty feet apart, it is plain that a lot of fifteen by twenty does not give much chance for trees; consequently, as everyone wishes to plant trees, cemeteries as the lots are sold become too" treesy," too much shade, no intervals of light and grass for contrast; the trees crowd each other to their mutual injury; the shade prevents the growth of shrubs, and thus we lose the many chances for beauty which they offer. Guided by the mistakes that have been made in our older cemeteries, we should try to secure for the future a method of treatment which will forbid all changes of grade, curbing, fences and over-planting. Even the old cemeteries, as they take in new land, can change their vicious practices and approach to the true theory on which they were based; but every new one should be sure to foresee the capabilities of the grounds selected and adopt such plans for laying them out as will insure, in the end, all the naturalness, grace and beauty which result from well directed efforts."

From the above we can judge of the importance of the subject, and how necessary it is to maintain from the start the proper regulations.

I read with a great deal of interest the articles in the MODERN CEMETERY, and heartily agree with most of the writers, but am sorely afraid that it will be a long time before the monument dealers will quietly submit to there being many of Bro. Eurich's model cemeteries. The desire for display predominates too strongly, and the dealers in monumental work can and will encourage large and numerous stones more effectually than we can discourage them.
 

From the publication:
AACS - Proceedings of the 6th Annual Convention
Baltimore, MD
September 27, 28 and 29, 1892

Once more we are assembled; once more we meet to discuss questions of vital importance to us.

We, who have charge of grounds wherein rest the remains of so many loved ones, have an honored and sacred duty, and it behooves us to perform that duty as near perfect as possible. We are public servants and should have the fullest confidence of those we serve. Without that confidence we are useless.

We are to comfort the afflicted by caring for the dead with tender hands, and complying with their requests in a gentlemanly and courteous manner. We are to meet the rich and the poor. Their family ties are the same. Death brings the mortal remains to the same level. As man stands in the presence of his Maker there is no distinction in regard to his worldly possessions. We brought nothing into the world; neither can we carry anything away. In the course of human events it is impossible for everyone to own a burial place, and consequently in cemeteries owned and controlled by the city or town in which they are located, a portion of ground is set aside for public or free lots. Such is the case in the cemetery of which I have charge. The name of Potter's Field, Pauper Lot and other discourteous names attached to that part of a cemetery I do not like. A man may be poor and yet support his family comfortably and not be able to purchase a lot. True, we may bury some who are called paupers in a worldly sense, but when life departs they cease to be paupers, and are no doubt wealthy in a spiritual sense. A short time ago I was accosted by a stranger who wanted to know where our Potter's Field was. I answered him that we had no such place, but if he was looking for the Public Lots I would direct him. Another asks where is your Pauper Lots? and received the same answer. In regard to these lots I simply wish to state my experience in the way of improvement. I have visited cemeteries where the Public Lots were very unsightly and in obscure places and concealed by hedges, with but very little care. I do not mean that they should be in the most prominent places, but wherever they are they should not wear that neglected look. Properly cared for by the superintendent will do much towards removing the stigma attached to them.

For many years, and in fact since the commencement of the cemetery, people have been allowed to exercise their individual taste in decorating these graves, and the result was several hundred of these graves were enclosed by fences of all designs imaginable. One grave was a flower bed, the next the sod taken off and the soil exposed; one mounded and another flat, a shrub here and a shrub there; nothing in harmony and on the whole anything but agreeable to the eye. Our public lots are located in different parts of the cemetery, and are designated by numbers. Each lot is divided by sections and designated by figures or alphabetically. Each grave is marked by a marble slab 6 inches in width and numbered, which is furnished by the city, and when any particular grave is wanted it is only necessary to turn to the records and find the number of the lot, section and grave. Three years ago I graded a new Public Lot called the 5th, with the intention of carrying out my ideas of what a public lot should be. Rules were posted and were cheerfully complied with. No structures of any kind allowed around the graves. The grass not to be disturbed, no shrub or bush allowed. Parties were allowed to set stones of their liking, if they so desired, not to measure over 2 feet in height or 16 inches in width. Two or three plants were allowed to be set near the headstone. Bouquets were, of course, allowed. Three purple-leaf beeches were set in the center of each section at equal distances. A gravel walk 4 feet in width divides the sections with 2 feet of grass in front of the stones, making 8 feet from stone to stone across the walk. I can now point with pride to my new Public Lot, a level carpet of green enshrouding those who sleep. Lawn mowers can now be used, where it was impossible on the old lots, and of course making the cost for care much less and with better results.

I have since removed the various structures from the old lots, and more or less of the shrubs, and am busily putting them in a presentable condition. In many cases an explanation was necessary, some thinking it a hardship not to allow them the privilege of enclosing the grave of some dear one. But when they were invited to look at the new lot they readily saw that a change had been made for the better. Many are so anxious to decorate a grave that they know not where to stop, and carry it far beyond good taste. As large a percentage of the public graves are watched over and furnished with bouquets as those on private lots They are visited more by children than the private graves, and are adorned by childish hands with many a flower. Bodies are constantly being removed from these lots, as many purchase lots as soon as their financial condition will admit. A body must remain in the ground at least one year before removal. Last year 330 were interred in these lots, the regular interment fee being charged. The care and appearance of the public lots should go as far towards establishing the reputation of a cemetery for neatness as the appearance of private lots.

The dead must be cared for by the living and as far as the cemetery is concerned, the care of the public lots should be watched over as carefully as the private lots. Feeling an interest in the public lots from the day I took charge of the grounds, and feeling that they should be looked on with the same degree of respect as other parts; of the grounds, prompted me to prepare this paper.

From the publication:
AACS - Proceedings of the 6th Annual Convention
Baltimore, MD
September 27, 28 and 29, 1892

If one could cover the best characteristics in human nature in one word, I presume that word would be GRACIOUSNESS. Shakespeare said: "The King-becoming graces are justice, verity, temperance, stableness, bounty, perseverance, mercy, lowliness, devotion, patience, courage and fortitude" and if we possess these qualities to some degree we shall possess the fundamental requirements for the work in which we are engaged. I want to lay stress here on the fact that in this more than in any other line of work a Superintendent of a Cemetery must possess to a noticeable degree these best elements in human nature.

Graciousness implies broad sympathy and understanding and who other than a Cemetery Superintendent comes mo re often in contact with people when these characteristics are needed. Some one has said, "Graciousness is the outward manifestation of a fine soul. Like the sun it shed its light every day of the year."

I am inclined to believe that the title of a paper such as mine tends to make one theorize on what should be rather than things and human beings as they actually are and for this reason in order to make a practical talk I shall try to discuss some actual happenings that reflect the Superintendent in his daily work. A real interest in one's work is one of the big factors and the two essential fields of human endeavor in which the Superintendent should be efficient are engineering and business. Two or three weeks ago I talked with a very efficient Superintendent who expressed the opinion that a man in charge of a Cemetery should be of a decidedly mechanical turn of mind. My experience of seventeen years cemetery work reinforces his opinion.

The analysis of what constitutes a good Cemetery equipment will I think bear this out. For instance in my own case, the property of the Corporation contains the following: Office and chapel, a crematory; a side track; a pumping station, water-mains and all the necessary hydrants, fountains, etc.; four trucks, two automobiles, 8 or 9 steam and hot water boilers, 8 or 10 electric motors, 5 to 7 gasoline engines; steam roller and spraying outfits; equipment for building roads; equipment for setting all stone work including mausoleums, and it naturally follows with this building and plant that a knowledge of construction is decidedly necessary to the plant maintenance.

I feel quite positive that everyone here agrees that knowledge of civil engineering in its broadest sense should be a requirement of one in charge of cemetery work. The building of roads, changing the contour of land, laying water pipe and drains, concrete work in various forms, comprises the every day work in modern cemeteries. The civil engineer is the forerunner of civilization. He is also the one who hest can lay the foundation for the construction of a cemetery as we like to see it today.

Agriculture and horticulture should form a large part of a Superintendent's knowledge, in such a manner that proper landscape work can be executed and the ultimate effects of young planting be foreseen years ahead. One of the early problems I remember that I had to solve was the elimination of the scale from our many, bay trees and half hardy stock. It was an entirely new field of study for me at that time but fortunately having had some study in chemistry, it helped me accomplish this work. It was done in such a satisfactory manner that its results have lasted for fifteen years or more.

A good business man has always seemed to me to be symbolic of self-reliance. The importance of self-reliance needs little more than mere mention. If a man is afraid to trust his own conclusions and convictions, all his thinking is of no avail and a timid business man is doomed. There are fundamental laws governing business and an attempt on our part to acquire knowledge relating to these is of decided advantage to the corporation for whom we are working. In this as in all fields of human endeavor, thinking is the essential thing. The ability to think is not acquired without effort and unfortunately many shrink from making the effort. In the words of Joseph Johnson, "Thinking is hard work; it is much easier to saw wood."

There have been papers read at these meetings in regard to advertising and salesmanship. In New England particularly, advertising of cemeteries has no place at present but a characteristic desirable in any executive is salesmanship. For instance at Mount Auburn there are at present 297 fences; there are probably twice that number of curbing. For our part we have got to work hard to make these lot owners get our point of view as regards the removal of all enclosures and the best salesmanship is that which makes the other man get your point of view.

Tact is a characteristic certainly valuable in our particular line of work. Tact is defined as "ready power of appreciating and doing what is required by circumstances." Many unusual circumstances occur in the Cemetery man's work where all the tact that he can master is necessary to relieve the situation. I often recall the experience of J. W. Lovering who preceded Mr. Scorgie. A lady insisted on placing a mausoleum on her lot which measured 20' x 20'. Her lot measured 15' x 20'. When Mr. Lovering called the facts of the situation to her attention, her answer was, "I am alone with my dead, there is no one to help me." It was not very long after this instance that Mr. Lovering met with an accident that later caused his death. This was interpreted by the lady as an act of God because the Superintendent would not allow her to place the mausoleum she desired on her lot. There are in all lines of work people who at times apparently lose sight of reason and in the ordinary business a sharp shock or answer may straighten out the matter. It is quite often that unreasonable demands are made upon us and it is at such times, that the Superintendent can be valuable to his organization.

I have often been asked as undoubtedly many of you have as to why we selected this particular line of work. In fact the question was asked me last Friday when I was arranging about some planting on a lot. One sentence answers for me. I find the work decidedly interesting and there is no end of study that one can do to really become proficient in it. I recall the first interview I had with Mr. Prentiss Cummings late President of Mount Auburn Cemetery when I was candidate for the position of Assistant Superintendent. He said he knew of few lines of work which required so much knowledge in the various fields of human activity as that of a cemetery superintendent and I feel sure that you will go a long way among clubs and associations to find in any association men of higher talent or ideal; than such men as James Currie, James C. Scorgie, Edgar King, W. S. Pirie, W. F. Landes, Arthur N. Hobart and many more that I could mention. It is a worthy and honorable work in which we are engaged and decidedly essential to our modern life. Practical work and sentiment enter largely into everyday operations and this reminds me of an appropriate summing up of the primary use of a cemetery made by a friend and lot owner at Mount Auburn. He said "The utilitarian aspect of the interment of human remains is concerned only with an excavation in the earth of sufficient size and depth. All other considerations are matters of sentiment. Respect for the departed, the wish to perpetuate their names in the minds of the living, the desire that the final resting place may be attractively embellished with artistic memorials and be maintained in orderly neatness, are all matters of sentiment. But what would human life be without sentiment? Without question, below that of the beasts. If one acquires a fine lot in a well kept cemetery and derives satisfaction there from, no excuses need be framed, for his act and feelings spring from some of the best elements in human nature. He who honors not the dead is likely to neglect his duty to the living.

The progress of institutions and men is inevitably dependent on ideals and desires for something larger, and better. As the principal motive force in the improvement of the cemetery, the Superintendent should never be satisfied with existing conditions. I always like to have before me the inspiring words of Bishop Brooks "Sad is the day for any man when he becomes absolutely satisfied with the life he is living, the thoughts that he is thinking and the deeds that he is doing, when there ceases to be forever beating at the door of his soul a desire to do something larger which he feels and knows he was meant and intended to do."

From the publication:
AACS - Proceedings of the 38th Annual Convention
Portland, Maine
August 18, 19, 20 and 21, 1924

The Superintendents members of the joint Cemetery Rules Committee are responsible for my appearance here today. When I have finished the short talk, I am sure you will agree with me that in suggesting that I be invited to come, their kindness of heart and courtesy exceeded their judgment.

As I recall it, the suggestion was something like this. In the past the Memorial Craftsmen have been represented at our Conventions by men who talked eloquently on Art and Design and we think it would be a good idea to have a change. As far as absence of eloquence goes, I can fill the bill.

At the request of Mr. Floyd, I announced the subject appearing in your program "The Memorialists' Obligations". A few days later the Craftsmen Monthly bulletin came out in which the Editor, our National Secretary, announced the subject as "Co-operative Relations between Cemetery Superintendents and Memorial Retailers". So you see I am well provided with subjects.

The Memorialists' obligations should lead him to be considerate and courteous to all with whom he comes in contact, to the end that be may make friends. Friends we must have, and should improve the chance whenever offered to acquire them, not only for pleasure derived but because we never know when one may be of real help to us. We should also take heed that we do not spoil such opportunity by a thoughtless discourtesy. An example of such a lost opportunity by a thoughtless gentleman speaking in Cleveland a few days since, in the following story:

A train conductor was halted in his work by an old lady inexperienced in travel, as evidenced by these questions:

"Conductor, I notice every time the train stops you get off on the platform. Why do you do that?" "Why, madam, it is part of my duty to be sure that all passengers get off safely." "I see you go every time to the station and talk to the man in the window. What do you do that for?" "I have to go to him to get my train orders." "Yes, and I see you always go up to the engine and talk to that man. What do you say to him?" "I have to give him his copy of the orders received, so he knows how to run the train." Once again she asks, "Every time just before you get on the train you make motions like this. Why do you do that?" By this time, quite a little irritated by her persistent queries, he responded “That is the way I signal the Engineer to get the Hell out of here" and passed on. Reflection, however, caused him to regret his language and after completing his trip through the train he returned to the old lady's seat and found her reading the Bible. "Mother," he said, "I am sorry I used such language to you and I came back to ask you to forgive me". To this he received a response in his own code signal.

Your Association, formed about 1887, with a first meeting in our good State of Ohio, at Cincinnati, I assume in a way had similar objects to our own, namely the elevation of the character of the membership and their work the promotion of beautiful cemeteries with the ultimate appeal to the sentiment and satisfaction of the lot owner.

Our own organization, not of so long standing, naturally has not made a corresponding advancement with yours. Organized originally with a pretty selfish motive, commercial returns for the time and money spent, it has during the past few years materially changed its ideas and objectives. Today we are working on a very comprehensive five year service program, covering among the most prominent items:

1. Establishing a scholarship of design in Columbia University, that our young men particularly may have the opportunity of training that will better fit them to help in creating the Cemetery beautiful.

2. A course in Advertising is being handled by a competent committee with a view to elimination of some of the crude appeals for business being made on the Dollar and Cents basis.

3. A school for the training of apprentices in the practical end.

Among numerous tangible evidences of our service is a traffic bureau for the collection of freight overcharges and adjustment of rates. Letters are coming into our headquarters every day expressing satisfaction with this service. A letter coming to my own desk a few days ago said: "I have received freight refund from the Traffic Bureau sufficient to pay our expenses in the organization for two years."

In 1920, by the way, before our organization had a paid, and by "paid" I mean a full time secretary, we had between four and five hundred members and we had something like eighty-seven or eighty-nine dollars in the treasury and we had $1800 in debts. At that time by an increase in dues we started and employed a paid secretary. Today we have something like thirteen, between thirteen and fourteen hundred members; we have approximately fifteen to sixteen thousand dollars in the treasury with which to do all of these good things that we have outlined in this five year program.

The contact between the Superintendent and the Memorialists up to 1921 had been wholly individual. At our convention of that year in St. Paul, a committee was appointed to confer with a like committee from your organization, with the object of eliminating friction and misunderstandings where they existed and to formulate a code as a guide to the conduct of business between us.

During 1923 and 1924 several of these joint meetings have been held with the result that while the proposed code is still incomplete, each side has submitted subjects for consideration, some of which have been adopted and others have been discussed and are still open for debate at succeeding meetings.

However, the good work accomplished, has not waited for the completion of this document, but the frank expression both orally and in written reports has brought a decided change of sentiment. Many who formally had chips on their shoulders, because of some real or imagined grievance toward an individual, have revised their sentiment and desire to cooperate.

The most notable example of this is in one of the prominent old time dealers who when asked to serve on our committee refused to do so. He believed in fighting, not cooperation. I recently received a three-page letter from him expressing interest in our work and advising cooperation. So you see the seed sown grows sometimes in what might seem to be barren soil.

You know when you are touring our what might be called a roller coaster highway, from the top of a high hill you look down and on to the next hill and how steep it appears to be from the distant hill and how the grade changes to an easy one when you coma to it. So it has been with many supposed serious points of difference in this committee work. Through discussion entirely different view points were obtained. The Superintendents found that where their contact with certain individuals had led them to assume that the Memorialist was opposed to many of their rules just on general principle, it developed that a large percentage were heartily in accord with any rule which seemed to be for better cemeteries. On the other hand many of our men woke up to the fact that what they had considered as arbitrary rules when considered from the right view point were really in their interest. As an example:

We all know the lot owner who wishes to do as he likes on his cemetery lot, dig it up whenever it pleases him to place a shrub or plant. "I bought this lot and can do what I please on it," he says. He carries the same idea on to the purchase of a monument. If his taste and perhaps his thought of investment runs to some Rock Faced Monstrosity, something entirely out of character for the lot and; surroundings, he is inclined to persist that he be permitted to place what he wishes on HIS lot with thoughts only on this transaction and the profit therein. Oftentimes the Monument Dealer has encouraged him in this mistaken idea, assuming also that the Cemetery rule controlling the design and size of the Monument is antagonistic to HIS interests. The Memorial Craftsmen are fulfilling some of their obligations by using their best efforts to educate their members to the right view on this point, that wherever a Cemetery Superintendent insists on appropriate design and sizes of Memorial for the lot and location, he is helping to put the business on a higher plane, which can only result in better financial return, to the erector of Memorials. We still have the lot owner who goes into the Cemetery and selects a Monument perhaps in close proximity to his own lot and insists that he wants one like that. This we all recognize is the wrong thing to do. Who can better assist us eliminate this objectionable feature of the business than the Cemetery Superintendent, HIS rule, to which some have been inclined to object, barring duplication is in reality a more tangible argument with which to dissuade the buyer from making this serious error, than any appeal we may be able to make to him.

Many of our members have been asked for suggestions and I am glad to say we have received some splendid constructive ideas giving evidence of genuine interest in the modern Cemetery. We have also had some requests for presentation to you on just a few matters which we are sure you will be willing to give consideration.

It is the custom with some Cemetery Superintendents to emphasize to their lot owners that no stones are placed in the Winter. This they do without a thought of the effect on the mind or the hearer, who immediately decides that he can pass up the matter of ordering a stone until Spring. This in the aggregate makes quite a percentage off from the Memorialists' Fall and Winter Sales, with the result that you and ourselves have a belated order to take care of perhaps in the last part of May, whereas if the order had been placed early in the year, we could avoid troubles attendant on such orders. Just a word added by you, suggesting the advantage to all concerned of the placing of a contemplated order now, would help and be of a cooperative nature.

Several of our Cleveland Cemeteries, all but one of which has used Grass Markers for years, are conceding to the interest of the lot owner and permitting Markers 4 to 6" above grade, thus adding to the satisfaction of both the Memorial seller and buyer.

We hear much complaint from the lot owners who condemn the grade marker for the following reasons:

1. They do not fitly commemorate the deceased, their loved one.
2. It is difficult for the owner or their friends to locate the grave because the stone is concealed from view until one stands directly over it.
3. Almost without exception they are in a soiled condition, from absorption of moisture and the earth that floats in on them spoiling the natural beauty of the stone and making inscription work illegible.
4. For these reasons they reflect discredit on the Memorialist, the lot owner and the Cemetery management who provide for their use.

We also ask your consideration to the end that the limit of size may be extended as applied to Monuments on lots surrounded by other lots not carrying the privilege of a Monument.

Finally, wherever there exists, as there always will, a difference of ideas between us, let us concede each to the other honesty of opinions and sincerity of purpose, to the end that our patrons, the lot owners may see their sentiment gratified an beautiful cemeteries with artistic and enduring Memorials.

In closing, I wish to express on our committee's behalf and the Memorial Craftsmen of America, our hearty appreciation of the courtesies received from your committee and your Association.

From the publication:
AACS - Proceedings of the 38th Annual Convention
Portland, Maine
August 18, 19, 20 and 21, 1924

The Landscape Development and improvement of a Cemetery is a continual process, requiring constant study, perseverance, and patience, and there is no landscape problem that deserves more consideration and study. A cemetery may be planned and developed, conforming to the plans of the most capable landscape architects and yet, through the ravages of time, the addition of new features or the removal of old ones, existing conditions are so changed that constant replacements, addition, and re-arrangements are necessary to preserve a pleasing and appropriate landscape effect.

Old trees that have stood out as the prominent features in a given section may have to be removed because of damage by storm or defects due to old age. Many plantations of trees and shrubs may have included certain rapid growing species that were planted for their immediate effect and which it was the intention of the architect to remove, as time developed, the slower growing species. The erection of additional features, such as monuments, mausoleums, and etc., may necessitate additional planting, which would in the absence of such features, be misplaced and undesirable; or again, the exact opposite may be true of some planting have to be removed or rearranged, on account of the creation of new view areas.

This continual development rearrangement, control and maintenance, should all be guided by the same motive, and not show the individual characteristics of each succeeding Superintendent or Sexton. To this end it is imperative that a general plan of the entire property be made at the outset. The preparing of a general plan is also a necessity from the standpoint of economy.

This plan should be prepared by a competent landscape architect, preferably one having made a special study of cemetery landscape and having had experience in their development. Unless the architect is to be retained permanently in an advisory capacity, which is strongly recommended, the preparing of the general plan, is but a part of his work, for the plan should be accompanied by a written report of recommendations to cover a period of years, outlining the possibilities of the future, the motive behind the plan, the order of its development and both general and specific recommendations, relative to the treatment and control of individual lots. A report of this kind in the lands of a competent manager would insure harmony in future developments and if issued in pamphlet form for the benefit of the lot owners, would prove not only of educational value but an asset as a sales factor.

It will be the purpose of this paper to outline a few of the principles of landscape development which should be included in such a report.

The real value of any art may best be measured by the feelings it creates, the emotion it stirs, and the inspiration it offers to those seeing or hearing its expressions. The success or value of our cemeteries (as works or landscape are) may then be measured by the nature of the feelings, the emotions stirred and the inspiration given to our visitors and lot owners while in the atmosphere of the cemetery. What should be the nature of these feelings and emotions or what atmosphere should our cemetery create?

First:

The atmosphere of the presence of God, as evidenced by the feelings of ease, peace, hope, seclusion and righteous inspiration.

Second:

The feeling that an artist has utilized the gifts of nature in adapting them for a special use and purpose in creating a beautiful place in which the living may lay their dead.

Third:

The feelings, emotions and inspirations prompted by the visible evidence of individual tributes to the love, memory and honor of departed Loved Ones, ever mindful of the fact that Death is the Great Equalizer and is not controlled by worldly power or position.

These are the feelings that the landscape architect should endeavor to create in our cemeteries by the method in which he preserves, develops, regulates and controls the elements which make up the cemetery landscape. We are all familiar with the terms "Lawn Plan" and "Memorial Park" as descriptive of what the predominating elements of our modern cemeteries are today. These terms have undoubtedly served their purpose in an educational way but I sincerely hope that their continued use will not prevail or will not be necessary, for through the efforts of this and allied associations I look forward to the day when the word "cemetery" will need no qualifications to convey to the minds of the people a distinct meaning vastly greater than mere lawn areas and park atmosphere.

As a race, we have and are developing certain national characteristics in our literature, music, painting, architecture, etc. This is especially true in our landscape design. Distinctly American landscape design fathered by Andrew Jackson Downing and carried to a high degree of individuality by that noted New England gardner, Fredrich Law Olmsted, has always been characterized by what is known as the naturalistic style of development. Adolph Strauch known as the father of the Lawn Plan Cemetery was the first to successfully apply this natural style to cemetery development. His application of this natural style, although considered at the time an innovation, constituted perhaps the most forward step that has been made in the history of cemetery development.

Although there may be some disagreement as to the degree to which the natural style should control the cemetery to the exclusion of all formal effects, there can be no disagreement about the fact that the development of natural beauty should be the predominant theme in our cemeteries if they are to kindle those feelings of emotion and inspiration which we intend that they should.

For the convenience of discussion, let us consider the following units or elements which make up the cemetery landscape and their relation to the development of an appropriate atmosphere.

1.    Entrance area or approach avenue
2.    Administrative area
3.    Service area
4.    Driveways
5.    Views and special areas
6.    Enclosure
7.    Trees and shrubs
8.    Expressions of sentiment

First: Entrance Area or Approach Avenue

First impressions are the most lasting consequently the impression created by the approach to the cemetery is of vital importance. We cannot turn sharply from a busy street finding ourselves immediately in the heart of a cemetery and feel that we are in a secluded, quiet and peaceful area, at least, not without some shock and subsequent loss of ease. The change being sudden does not permit a restful easy transition from the worldly business atmosphere to the quietude of the cemetery. The principal function of an entrance area or approach avenue should be then to create the feeling of approach to a secluded area of peace and quietness. This may be accomplished in four ways: First, it may be possible to approach the cemetery by way of a city or town boulevard system, tree lined and restricted to pleasure vehicles; second, the use of a natural approach as a ravine, or gully within the grounds itself. Ferncliff Cemetery, of Springfield, Ohio, has an example of such an approach following between a stream and a bluff on and not particularly adopted for burial purposes; third, the purchase and development of a special right of way to the cemetery as has been done with such a pleasing effect at Forest Hill Cemetery, in Boston, MA; fourth, by the actual construction of a short drive within the cemetery grounds itself. This drive should ordinarily be of a winding nature in order to make it appear longer and offer a better opportunity to effectively screen a sudden complete view of the cemetery itself. This entrance or approach area should be treated as such in its landscape development, that is, there should be as far as possible, no spectacular or distracting views on either side, the main view being directly ahead. Consequently, an appropriate treatment would be a tree lined avenue with heavy plantings of shrubbery along the sides.

Second: Administrative Area.

The office building and fits accessories should, for the convenience of the public and the management, be located at or near the entrance. If the approach has been effectively made, the office building and entrance features may be combined and should be of harmonizing architectural design. If, however, the approach has been quite sudden it is advisable to have the office building somewhat separated from the gate or entrance feature so as to create the impression that it is well within the atmosphere of the cemetery, thus perhaps softening the mental feelings of those transacting business therein.
 
Simplicity in design and landscape effects should predominate in this area as it is purely an area created as a necessity and not of special meaning in the landscape itself. Massive and elaborate gateways are not desirable as they produce a harsh feeling of rigid enclosure and lack of freedom. Memorial arches, a pair or group of pillars with suggestive chains, an arbor, or some of the iron gateways of simple design which create the feeling of protection without the harshness of an actual barrier are the best types of entrance features. The architect in designing the entrance features and office building should work in harmony with the landscape designer, especially with regard to the question of views from the office or waiting room.

Views from that part of the office where the public transact their business should not include scenes of burial areas, but should be limited either to distant views or that landscape area immediately surrounding the office as it is undesirable to create the impression of burial in close proximity to the administrative area. Open lawn areas framed with groups and specimens of shade trees and shrubs should constitute the principal landscape elements of this area.

Third: Service Area.

The service area and its buildings should be located and designed purely from the economic standpoint to service and utilization of space least adapted for burial purposes. Although this area should receive consideration in the actual plan of the cemetery it requires no special mention in a written report.

Fourth: Driveways.

The driveways of the cemetery although developed principally for the purpose of service in providing access to the burial areas, constitute nevertheless one of the most important elements of the landscape and may be made one of the most attractive features, if properly designed and constructed. The general scheme of road design has been discussed in many papers given at these conventions and we are all thoroughly familiar with the preferred methods of following the general contour of the ground utilizing the valleys for roadways, eliminating sharp turns, circles and the so-called geometrical projections of the engineer, the proper distance between the driveways, their drainage, relative grade with the surrounding area, elimination of the reverse, curve, etc., etc. These and many other factors, the landscape architect must consider in his arrangement of the general plan.

I will touch on a few of the principles of landscape which might be emphasized in a written report, supplementary to the actual plan or design.

You will recall that we treated our entrance drives, purely as an approach to the cemetery, and therefore limited the view solely to the area of the approach and entrance. We have a somewhat different condition now we have arrived in the cemetery for the driveways being primarily means of access to burial areas, must permit in fact emphasize this feeling of access through actual visibility or views of the burial areas. We will discuss the nature of these views a little later.
 
Sentimentally one road is as important as another, yet there are two influences which must be considered in determining their relative importance from the standpoint of design. First there is the purely mathematical or engineering factor which determines the width of roadways according to the area which they serve and the probable traffic from the standpoint of service. Second, there is the question of which roads should be made the most attractive on account of their location, the area to which they lead, and the views which they afford.

From the standpoint of landscape development those roads which offer the most pleasing general views should be made the most important and prominent. Many of our owners prefer a lot that is in a prominent location, while others prefer secluded spots. Our roadways should reflect with their prominence, the areas to which they lead. Thus a roadway leading to an area developed particularly for its reclusive atmosphere should not entice the visitor by its prominence or natural ease of approach.

Roadways while designed to create a natural easy approach to the burial area, must also create a natural free and easy movement of traffic leading out of the grounds. This is quite important especially in our large cemeteries, which if poorly designed, very often remind one of a maze which is very easily entered but one has an awful time trying to find the way out.

There has been a tendency of recent years to plant a row of trees on either side of the road, thus creating a tree lined avenue or boulevard of every thoroughfare in the cemetery. There are undoubtedly many roads that and improved with this treatment, but were every road thus lined with trees restricting our views to the limit of the roadway, we would leave the cemetery with thoughts only or beautiful drives. Let us create a greater feeling of variety and naturalness in our cemeteries by framing some of our views with groups of trees and shrubs rather than evenly spaced row of trees bordering our roadways.

There has also been a tendency to construct the roadways of light colored, glaring materials, thus magnifying their prominence. This may be desirable in some instances of formal treatment as around the Chapel, but for the most part I think the roadways, should be as inconspicuous as possible, considering their natural prominence from the standpoint of service. Therefore, the roadways should be constructed with materials of subdued color. Tarvia bound macadam with a sweep coat of trap rock screenings being perhaps the best in this locality.

Five: Views and Special Areas.

Views and vistas constitute the principal landscape effect of the cemetery. In general landscape development the large sweeping lawn areas provide our most pleasing views. Unfortunately in our cemeteries, we are greatly limited in the possibilities of creating these views on a large scale because of the predominance of expressions of individual sentiment by means of monuments, head stones, urns and flower beds.

The nature of the development around the administration area, the reservation of special areas, and restrictions governing the erection of monuments, will allow the architect to create some of these larger lawn areas, but for the most part, our views will consist or limited view areas. This is by no means an objectionable feature however, as the smaller the view areas are, the greater their number and variety will be, thus magnifying the extent of the grounds, and its atmosphere of privacy and seclusion.

Nearly every cemetery has one or two particularly beautiful spots, such as ponds, wooded slopes, or artistic buildings, which as natural features or artistic developments constitute the main views about which our roadways are developed. These views must be properly framed in the landscape picture and their beauty gradually unfolded to us as we proceed along the drives. I say gradually unfolded, because the sudden vision of an unexpected scene creates not only a feeling of admiration but also the feeling of surprise with a resultant unconscious suspense and alertness of mind, which is at variance with the feelings of ease and peace that we wish to create. Consequently our views should be presented not by the sudden unfolding of one spectacular view or several minor ones all at once but through a gradual transition from one to another catching a glimpse now and then of some view beyond that promises added attraction as we approach it, but which glimpse is not sufficiently prominent to detract from the complete view then in line of view.

One beautiful spot may be viewed from many angles, each view being as attractive as the other and yet sufficiently different to preclude the feeling of sameness or predominance of any particular feature to the exclusion of the lesser views and features; as our nation has developed certain characteristics of landscape so each cemetery and each section in the cemetery should have its outstanding features and characteristics. This character of the cemetery as a whole should be expressed in the development of the natural beauties characteristic of the grounds which we see unfolded in series of beautiful views and vistas.
 
An individual character may be given to various sections, not only by the way we develop the natural features but also by the way in which we control and regulate the individual expression of the lot owners in a given section. Thus we may develop sections of either a prominent or a reclusive nature, garden theme sections, sections developed particularly for the burial of soldiers or special lodges, avenues or areas developed to private mausoleums, etc., etc., even giving a pleasing individuality and naturalness to the single grave section. The landscape architect should be informed of the probable need of such sections in the cemetery to be developed and in his report include special recommendations for their control and development.

Six: Enclosure.

Whenever possible the enclosure of a cemetery should consist of a natural planting of trees and shrubs and not an artificial barrier of rigid enclosure. Unfortunately the later form of enclosure is in most cases a necessity but can be supplemented with a suitable planting to relieve its harshness. Boundary planting should be made with particular attention given to its sky line. A stiff formal hedge-like planting of either trees or shrubs of the same height is not desirable. Boundary planting controls the views of scenes without the grounds and forms a background for those within. Views without the grounds should he limited to those distant views which impress one with the magnitude of the universe. Views within the grounds should have a background with a varied skyline to convey the feeling of depth and distance.

Seven: Trees and Shrubs.

Trees and shrubs are the material which the landscape artist uses to frame existing and create new views. The placing of this material is purely a matter of study in each individual case to create and frame the most pleasing views, and screen the undesirable with a natural arrangement. I hope to have given you some inspiration that will assist you in your study of the proper arrangement of the trees and shrubs in your cemetery as a means of controlling the views. For assistance in the arrangement of this material for natural effects, I can recommend no better help than a study of nature's own arrangement. In nature, we find our trees and shrubs growing either singly or in groups or in compositions of single specimens and groups combined. When in groups we may find one separate group of a single species or again a group may contain two or more species, one species prevailing in a certain area and gradually being replaced by another species.  When singly we may find a few single specimens scattered within a group of another species or we will find a few specimens growing singly without attachment to any particular group.  When in combination of single specimens and groups, we usually find a clump of four or five and then not far distant a single specimen or two which although separated from the group, are seemingly attached to it.

When trees and shrubs are found growing together the shrubs are usually grouped in the foreground as a sort of border in front of the trees, which arrangement would he characteristic of our border or enclosure planting.

When trees and shrubs are growing more or less detached then the tree is usually in the foreground flanked with one or more groups of shrubs. This arrangement is ideal for use in the burial area with the shrubs serving as background for the monuments and the trees breaking up the views into separate pictures and adding depth to the composition.

Skyline plays an important part in this, nature's arrangement and many really wonderful illusions can be accomplished in our landscape effects by a careful attention to skyline. We can create the appearance of distance or vice versa. We can make undulating ground appear to be level ground or we can level off the steep slope almost at will simply through an interchange of high or low growing species in the foreground or background depending on the effect to be produced.

The question of what to plant: Most of those who are entrusted with the care of a cemetery are more or less familiar with the more common trees and shrubs and their natural habit of growth and these should constitute the majority of our plantings. For reference purposes, and a handy guide in selecting plants for special purposes, I would recommend the text books published by Doubleday Page & Company called "The Complete Garden" by A. D. Taylor, Landscape Architect. As a general rule plants used for backgrounds to monuments should have a dense even foliage and be planted close together or in clumps, while plants used in groups purely for the purpose of separating one area from another should have a less dense foliage and be planted more openly thus increasing the lights and shadows and giving an appearance of extent and depth to the area. Hard wood trees and hardy shrubs should be used almost exclusively, care being taken to provide a continuity of bloom and color.

Eight: Expression of Sentiment.

I cannot agree with some of the landscape architects who would prohibit expression of individual sentiment to the point of excluding all memorials and personal tributes. We cannot afford to make parks and only parks of our cemeteries. Why do we say we develop the cemetery for the living as well as for the dead? Is it merely to present them with a beautiful park or is it to create a beautiful setting in which the living may lay their dead, and show evidence of their love for the departed by the placing of a fitting tribute or memorial at this last resting place. Let us not prohibit these personal expressions of sentiment, but let us so regulate and restrict them that they do not predominate the whole, but become a part of it, thus preserving that feeling of harmony, unity and equality which is such a necessity to the atmosphere of the cemetery.

There are many ways in which the individual may express this personal tribute. Possibly one of the most appropriate, is the planting of trees, shrubs and flowers as memorial, for after all are they not nearest to nature and after having served their purpose and the time comes for their removal, they leave no scar to mar the landscape.

Let us encourage their use as expressions of tribute and so regulate their use that they may become at least in part a unit in the landscape development. Trees and shrubs existing on a lot when sold or originally planned to be placed on the lot would settle the problem in many cases. In others the privilege of addling a few perennial flowers in the shrubbery group would suffice. Again a specimen tree not called for on the original plan but permissible and necessary because of developments within the area would be suitable. Certain lots specified in the general plan might have the privilege of containing an urn filled with vines and flowers. Specific sections or parts of sections might contain limited space for the growing of flowers in beds, either to be planted by the lot owner or the cemetery. Excessive planting of gaudy flower beds as a general privilege however should be prohibited as they constitute only a selfish motive.

One lot owner vainly attempting to outdo the other in mere display, whereas in reality the little violet plant placed on the grave maybe a more worthy expression of sentiment than the most elaborate display of carpet bedding.

The most common expression of a lot owner's tribute is the headstone or marker. These should be restricted to a height not to exceed four inches about the ground level. Markers of this height do not appear as miniature monuments on the horizon when seen from the roadway and yet as we approach each stone it seems to rise up and show distinctly that it marks a grave as it should.
 
The family monument is perhaps the most difficult to control of all the memorials. Primarily these should be restricted to certain locations or lots specified on the general plan. This location should be for the most part well back from the road where the monument will have a background of trees and shrubs to give it a proper setting. The majority of the modern cemeteries have or are making such provisions in their most recent development but the difficulty of regulating or controlling the design and appropriateness of the memorial is still a delicate one and one which in many respects controls the entire atmosphere of the cemetery. With of course, many exceptions the prevailing idea of the public seems to be that a monument is principally a means of perpetuating a name in stone. This is the wrong conception of the true purpose of a real memorial, which should be a work of art on which the name has really little more significance than the name of an artist, penned inconspicuously on the canvas of a great painting. If we would restrict the size of the name on markers, I feel sure that the public would soon develop an appreciation for the real merits of the monument, namely, its artistic qualities purely as a work of art, a memorial not a name card.

In closing, I am suggesting three methods whereby we as Cemetery Superintendents and officials may best cooperate to improve and develop the character of our cemetery (1) Organization; (2) Cooperation; and (3) Education.

1. Organization of local clubs or associations with the objects of interesting the different civic authorities, park boards, and county officials, with the importance of cemeteries in relation to the boulevard system and park systems of the district, and the encouragement of street tree planting on the roads leading to the cemetery.

2. Cooperation with the American Society of Landscape Architects by the appointing of a committee to wait on a similar committee from that association with the purpose in view of arranging for yearly interchange of speakers at our various conventions, whereby we may learn more of the landscape possibilities in our cemeteries, and they may be more fully informed of specific problems of cemetery landscape.

3. Education by means of issuing pamphlets for distribution to the public; the encouragement of special courses of cemetery management, in the landscape departments of our colleges and a similar encouragement of memorial design in architectural institutions.

From the publication:
AACS - Proceedings of the 38th Annual Convention
Portland, Maine
August 18, 19, 20 and 21, 1924

When the officials of your society asked me to address this convention; I was reluctant to accept the honor because I keenly realize how little qualified I am to contribute any information of consequence to such a gathering of experts. And I was more sensible to the contrast that has in the past existed between the idealism that actuates you in your profession, and the commercialism that has wrought such havoc in the art I follow-a contrast that led me to feel I might be a stranger within the gates!

While many of you realize that my personal views and opinions coincide with the most advanced and progressive ideals and objectives of your association, nevertheless I cannot escape the fact that among my several vocations, I am a "stone-man" and that you cannot but invest that term with some bitter reflections. I very much hope, however, that you, will not feel as Emerson did, when he said to some unfortunate victim of his displeasure, '''What you are thunders so loud in my ears that I cannot hear what you say!"

I can perhaps best express my frame of mind in approaching my subject by reciting a little incident I witnessed in Washington a short time ago I went for the first time to the United States Supreme Court. And I heard there a young lawyer who had come out of the West with the absurd notion in his mind that he would show the court how much of the law he knew. In the sublime confidence of his conceit, he plunged into an abstract and involved dissertation on the law. About the time he reached his climax, the late Mr. Justice White leaned over, and rapping his gavel impatiently exclaimed: "Counsel will confine his remarks to a statement of the FACTS, the Court knows the LAW!”  And so I want to assure you, my friends, that I have not come here with the absurd notion that I can teach this court the law! (There are some people you know who think you know enough about the law anyhow!) Indeed I feel that I have been asked to bring the proverbial coals to New Castle and it isn't going to take you long to find out that I am not a lecturer even if I confine my remarks to a statement of the fact.

It may be true that I have written thousands of columns in magazines, newspapers and in some books on art in general and the art of the cemetery and the monument in particular; but that is no evidence that I am an authority, because like a great many writers I have lived in safety behind a barrage of words while the editors were out on the firing line catching all the bullets. Lecturing is quite another proposition. You've got to come out in the open and go over the top with real ideas, not mere language. And so I feel that Mr. Dooley was a great philosopher when he said, "It's not so bad, Hinnisi, to have people size ye' up wrong, it's whin they git yer noomber that yer in dainger, me bye!" (Laughter)

Now, I have been asked to talk about "Individual Lot Planting as Related to Memorials and the Trend in Cemetery Art." I am sure you do not expect me to essay an abstract or technical discussion of planting and horticulture, to dwell upon the elements of effect and their application because the technique of planting is part of your profession. I will approach that phase of the subject purely as a layman, an artist layman perhaps. And so far as the art of the monument is concerned, let me assure you that I am not going to inflict upon you one of those cut and dried histories of Memorial Art that start with Cleopatra and wind up somewhere around Theda Bara! (Laughter)

No, I want to reach out and beyond that sort of thing, if I can. I want to talk to you a little while about the mission of beauty in our cemeteries. I want to start with the fundamental idea that the cemetery is a vital civic institution with a vital mission of the LIVING, not alone the dead! That the cemetery is not a mere utility, that beauty is not the mere adornment of a utility; and that the monument is something infinitely more than a mere vehicle of commerce!

I want to put over one dominant thought, that it is our mission and the mission of beauty in our cemeteries to so fuse and direct art sentiment and reverence that our cemeteries will not only reflect, but that they will play a part in shaping the moral and spiritual aspirations of the community! I want to do this because I believe that it is through beauty and beauty alone, whether it be in art or religion that man will ever penetrate the veil of that eternal mystery "where God in Man is one with Man in God!"

And so my theme is the quest of beauty; my text is more art and less stone; and my topics will be the function of planting the function of regulations governing stone-work and the function of architectural design in the achievement of our objective. My arguments will be built on the one premise that the great and only obstacle to the quest of beauty in our cemeteries is the congestion of stone-work and that the congestion of stone-work is not only a detriment to the cemetery beautiful but that it is a menace to the art of the monument as well. In my helpless way, I will try to draw my arguments from the slides.

(At this point the lights were extinguished and Mr. Leland's discussion of the slides could not be recorded by the convention stenographer. The lecturer spoke extemporaneously throughout his address and no notes being available, a digest of the topics covered is here given.)

DIGEST OF SLIDE DISCUSSION

The sixty or more views were grouped into three divisions,-General Planting for the Cemetery, Individual Lot Planting, and slides illustrating Current Tendencies in the Art of the Monument.

In the first group Mr. Leland showed several views illustrating vistas in the Harrisburg Cemetery. Describing the roadway of wildwood that leads to one entrance of the cemetery he made an appeal for more natural beauty and less man-made art, for "more God and less Man in our cemeteries”.  By way of contrast, he followed this appeal with a slide showing an old section of the Harrisburg Cemetery immediately beyond the wild-wooded road. Complimenting Mr. Barnes for his remarkable achievements in relieving the congestion of stonework in this older part of the grounds, Mr. Leland said that the natural beauty of the Harrisburg cemetery had gained for the superintendent. Mr. Barnes, a well earned reputation as a naturalist and nature lover and that the congestion of stone which he inherited from a previous generation had given him also somewhat of a reputation as an "anti-stoneman" contrasting the old sections of the grounds with the new lawn-plan areas.
 

Mr. Leland touched upon the elements of effect in cemetery landscapes, attributing the major principles to the constructive work of the Association of American Cemetery Superintendents. Contrasting the European and American cemeteries, with a series of slides, he extolled the achievements of the American lawn plan, closing this phase of his discussion with a slide which paid tribute to the memory of Adolph Strauch, the centennial of whose birth had just passed:

In Memoriam
Adolph Strauch
August 30, 1822
April 25, 1883

Father of the American Lawn Plan Cemetery; his vision, ideals and achievements have exercised an international influence and his life will ever be a source of inspiration to all men in his field who sense the larger mission of their calling.

The second group of slides, on Individual Lot Planting, opened with a series of views selected to illustrate the point that the lawn-plan alone was not sufficient to insure a beautiful cemetery and to relieve inevitable stone-work, that the lawn-plan was a means and not an end The views contrasted lawn-plan sections in which the monuments were relieved and un-relieved by individual lot plantings. Mr. Leland supplemented his argument with a slide quoting the late James Currie as follows:

“. . . .Deciduous and evergreen shrubs; dwarf conifers liberally and judiciously interspersed, and artistically arranged are invaluable accessories in disguising or softening the bald and often harsh effect of obtrusive stone structures, and enhancing the beauty and harmony of some beautiful and artistically designed monument."
The late James Currie
Courtesy of "Park & Cemetery"

Followed then a series of slides illustrating the efficacy of individual lot planting in relieving congestion of stone-work and in beautifying plots.  The subjects ranged from simple headstones to imposing mausoleums.  The symbolism of planting and examples of good composition in harmonizing the planting with the memorial were shown. Before and after effects were illustrated by numerous slides. Mr. Leland appealed for the adequate endowment of planting on individual lots maintaining that foresighted designers of memorials today were advising their clients to include proper planting and endowment in the total appropriation for a memorial.  With the beautiful Olmstead plot in Harrisburg Cemetery as an example, he showed how the resourceful designer and architect can cooperate with the cemetery authorities in reclaiming and utilizing steep embankments for burial plots of singular beauty, a far more intelligent expenditure of money and labor than applies to the average mausoleum, he said. Mr. Leland advocated a movement to demand much larger plots surrounding mausoleums, maintaining that it was poor taste and poor judgment for lot owners to expend large sums for stone and little or nothing for plots, and that the results were no less harmful to the cemetery than they are to the builders of mausoleums.  He illustrated the unhappy effects resulting from the "tenement row" placing of such structures, arguing for more isolation and the placing of such buildings against natural screens such as bills and mass plantings.  Among the many other topics included in this group of slides Mr. Leland considered several methods by which the designer of memorials can save a beautiful vista in the cemetery.

Coming to the third and last group, the lecturer showed slides illustrating the consequences of laxity in the regulation of stone-work and their effect upon both the cemetery and the art of the monument. He showed a slide quoting the following opinion from the writings of the late James Scorgie.
 
"Forty years ago, it looked like an endless conflict between the forces of selfishness, ignorance and prejudice, and those of culture and regulation. I can see not only a vast improvement, but a public opinion behind that improvement that insures for permanence."
-The late James C. Scorgie
Courtesy of "Cemetery Handbook"

With logical arguments he appealed for more and better regulations governing stone-work,-not less, and he illustrated the desirability of such rules from the designer's point of view. Briefly touching upon the controversial "grass-marker" Mr. Leland maintained that the objective of the grade marker was beyond all criticism and that the only objection was one of personal taste. He expressed preference for the marker p1aced not more than four inches above grade, explaining that his criticism of the grade-marker was that it lacked definition around the edges in consequence of overgrowing grass. He illustrated his argument with slides but qualified his opinion by observing that the subordination of the marker was so vital that either method had much in its favor. By means of numerous slides he showed the efficacy of certain rules and regulations restricting stone-work notably in the area of monuments, the use of ledgers and kindred subjects. He explained a new rule that Woodlawn Cemetery in New York has recently adopted, one that regulated the superficial area of a monument. This rule is to be considered in a special article in PARK & CEMETERY. Mr. Leland also showed various methods employed by designer in attaining individuality of design through adaptation. He closed his forty minutes of discussion with a review of current tendencies in design, placing emphasis upon the so-called formal garden themes.  (Lights turned on)

I am afraid that I have rather superficially covered the subject. In conclusion I would like to suggest just one more thought. People often say to me. "Leland, I don’t see how you can like your business, this business of designing tombstones all the time!" And I daresay in your work you frequently hear similar facetious remarks of this kind. Now I am frank to tell you I do not like the "monument business", the "business" of selling monuments. I do not love a work that brings me in constant association with sorrow and suffering. No, I do not like the "monument business!"  But thank God in common with a great many of my contemporaries, I can and I do love the ART that makes it possible for me to transform a rough hewn block of stone into a thing of significance, soul and beauty! I do love the Art of the Monument!

And you men and you women - you cannot love the funeral aspects of your profession,-however little contact many of you may have with this phase of your work, - you cannot love this association with grief, sorrow and suffering. But you can and you do love the larger mission of your cal1ing!  -The service that makes it possible for you to create beauty and tranquility out of chaos and despair!  -You can and you do love the work, the service that through the inspiration of your great association makes it possible, in the words of Mr. Currie, not only to reflect but to shape the moral and spiritual aspirations of the community. You CAN LOVE this, the larger mission of your calling!

From the publication:
AACS - Proceedings of the 37th Annual Convention
Harrisburg, PA
August 20, 21, 22 and 23, 1923

There are situations and questions which can be summed up by an epigram-fortunately, even if I had the wit to make one, this question of the control of stonework in cemeteries, is still an open and unsolved one and can only be stated by a more or less elaborate set of rules.

With a garden cemetery, to which lot owners have given approval of the plan by the act of buying there, why is it not possible by a few simple rules to bound the activities of monumental builders so that they will not be in conflict with the spirit of the scheme? The lot owner's answer usually is that the lot was selected under the stress of affliction when rules were not then uppermost in the mind. Any law or regulation which requires the generality to act uniformly in a specific case must have the full sanction of public opinion behind it or it will be evaded, and the evasion have so much sympathy as to make enforcement difficult. Paradoxical as it may seem, this disinclination to be ruled by others, tends not only to conserve our liberties, but is a fundamental element of all human progress. Independence of thought and action are at once the cause and effect of progress. Are we altogether guiltless of fostering the idea of independent treatment m cemetery work? Have not certain sections of rules, usual to most cemeteries, a suggestion that differences of treatment are desirable?

The sanest and fairest set of regulations that has come into my hands says "the copying of a monument is to be avoided. No matter how pleasing a design may be, to duplicate it destroys the effect and injuries the appearance of a cemetery." I agree with every word of this but if the idea is not modified by common sense it would furnish an excuse for evading any rule, and does it not instill into the minds of lot owners that say grave markers uniformly level with the sod, may become monotonous. The great majority will of course follow the bellwether as we found to our sorrow in the east, when the curbing craze afflicted us. We all desire to be original, but so little are we so that from cemetery monuments to pin-heel shoes, we follow the crowd. It is the thinking few that will exact intelligent variety of treatment, and it seems to me that the thinking few are worth listening to and answering with something better than the east wind of authority.

Some of my friends knowing the distaste I have for popular memorials, may wonder at these expressions, but stating the things thus baldly may bring out discussion, and I seriously wish to put you in the frame of mind in any such discussion; not as that of the architect who sees his efforts to build an artistically finished structure, spoiled by perverse stupidity-not as the gardener who has laid out God's Acre pleasing in color with contour restful to the eye and soothing to the broken heart ruined by hideous stone structures and garish colors-but as such men and yet possessed by sweet reasonableness and ready to sympathize with any honest difference.

I have said, any law or any cemetery regulation which is ahead of public opinion, will be difficult to enforce, and a law enforced in a lax manner not only spells difficulty for the management in other directions but opens the door to the suspicion of favoritism. A novel of the Victorian period, the name of whose writer I have forgotten, if I ever know had the title "Grasp Your Nettle," so my moral is, if you are confident of the necessity of a restricting rule, make it and adhere to it. General statements that your cemetery is on the park or garden plan, without definite rules, invite trouble.

A century ago, the burial places of this country were at least somewhat better than those of any corresponding community, but at that they, were bad enough. The leading spirits of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society thought the time was ripe for a change, and the result was the establishing on a considerable scale of a garden cemetery. Dr. Jacob Bigelow, whose efforts mainly brought this about, is today quoted in the Medical School and his "Florula Bostoniensis" is still a prize.

Associated with Dr. Bigelow were able men in other walks of life who have left their imprint on the nation. One would think that inaugurated under such auspices, the scheme would go uninterruptedly to success, yet in fifteen years we find the good doctor lamenting that the granite curbing and iron fence were destroying the whole character of the place. Some years later, the wonderful success of Straus' work at Spring Grove, induced the authorities to set off a portion to be treated as a lawn, one-half of which was sold as burial lots and the other half reserved as ornamental ground. Nearly every one of these lots is enclosed by the usual granite curbing.

There is an old saying that after death we are each entitled to our six feet of ground, and is it not a natural extension of the idea, that each family is entitled to its own burial place, with its meets and bounds the most conspicuous thing, and the individual grave marked not with something which will be lost in the general plan, but even at the expense of taste with something which will shout aloud to the passerby. Let us, therefore, formulate rules that are fair and reasonable, that will take into consideration not only the needs, but the customs of the public and having made the rules adhere to them. We are learning fast that the happiness of the individual is important and necessary to the general welfare, yet it is not unfair to ask that in the royal fellowship of death, individual tastes be merged in a general scheme. Public convenience is conserved and individual liberty not much circumscribed by the establishment of one-way streets.

You will have noticed that I have been very general in my statements, and not at all helpful with suggestions as to particular rules. The truth is I have never seen a set of rules I could fully endorse. Some are as impracticable as trying to make water run up hill and others are so vague as to be a mere pious expression of opinion.

I always have a feeling that the unfortunate results of this state of indecision will be remedied by what our successors a hundred years hence will do to our cemeteries, and that in reality the worse the individual lot looks, the sooner the remedy will be applied. I have seen a cemetery transplanted bodily to make room for a reservoir. I see children playing and a baseball diamond over the place where were buried men who took no small share in the making of the nation. Our pious forefathers placed the bodies of their kin in the vaults under churches, with the full expectation that they would there rest until the General Resurrection. Today they are scattered to wherever the frugal-minded church authorities could find the most economical resting place. If the good souls who are loud in their wail as to the arbitrary rules of cemetery corporations, could look into the future, they might pause before setting up memorials, the individuality of which is the chief characteristic.

I have no doubt that nine-tenths of the cemetery corporations represented here are protected by proper rules, but I doubt if any such proportion of them carry them to their logical conclusion. If your experience has been along the lines of mine, designers of monuments, and to a lesser degree, landscape architects, resent any suggestion of control. Men with originality and broadmindedness will consider the surroundings when producing a design, but with many the idea seems to be confined to making the lot stick out, and if it is an excrescence, their end is secured as much as if it was a gem of art. Keeping in mind, therefore, that the garden cemetery is an effort to produce a complete and harmonious whole, the authorities should have absolute veto over anything and everything added after the completion of the rot layout and preparation of the lots avenues, ornamental grounds, etc.

I take it that it is agreed that in any modern cemetery, curbing, fences, or anything approaching that character should not be permitted. I have noticed in some garden cemeteries, entrance steps which are just about as objectionable as the curbing, the excuse for placing these may be met by a proper grade. You may have noticed how some architects building in residential sections are obsessed with the idea of carrying the grade of the lawn so that it will meet the sidewalk with an abrupt bank at an impossible angle-impossible so far as maintaining a proper turf is concerned. A lawn or cemetery lot should start with a reverse curve tangent to the avenue, and should be graded up to the desired elevation without an abrupt break. Should this idea be followed the necessity for steps would be taken away. If one is unfortunate enough to be in one of the older cemeteries, where such things are by the deed permitted, it is important that steps be set back at least 18 inches from the avenue, so that if a change of line or elevation is thought desirable, it may be possible. In changing our avenues to meet the present conditions of transportation and modern ideas of road building, we found that steps added greatly to the expense, and in many cases altogether prevented the improvement. I may say here, parenthetically, that the cost of cutting the grass in a section where fences, curbs, steps, etc. are permitted is nearly three times that in a corresponding area laid out on the usual lawn plan. It follows, therefore, that in estimating the amount needed for the perpetual care of a lot having these encumbrances, not only must the actual cost of their care and repair be considered, but the additional expense of the care of the grass which their presence entails must be charged.

When it comes to the question of rules governing monuments and memorials in general. I confess I am a beggar for your opinion rather than a giver of any useful information. I have said that the size and position of the monument should be determined by the cemetery authorities. I don't think they should attempt any supervision of the artistic qualities of the work. Even so versatile a man as the cemetery superintendent, does not function well as an art commission. The works of architects, even those of the landscape variety, repeat themselves so often, that I doubt the effect of a one-man set of ideas. Truth compels me to say that the improvement in monumental design in the last twenty-five years has been more marked than in any other line of cemetery endeavors. It is unwise to place duplicate monuments, however artistic, near each other and the wise designer today is considering the question from the point of view of permanent position rather than showroom effect.

Monuments should be limited to 7 percent of the area of the lot and mausoleums should have a clear space on either side equal to the height. When it comes to considering grave markers or headstones, I confess I have not seen a rule which is not open to objections. In the cemetery in which I have the honor to serve, there has been for about forty years a rule limiting headstones in the lawn section to 30 inches in height. With a molded base that is too low for full inscription; that is as full as is desirable if the lot is without a monument, and if a cross should be used, it might be four feet high and still be less conspicuous. If there is a monument, headstones of 30 inches are altogether too high.

Under our deed the trustees by special veto may make concessions, but largely because my stonecutter friends have not played fair, this condition has not been a success, so that I believe in establishing a general rule and administering it without variation. Where cemeteries have placed limitations on headstones, the rule for height vary from three feet to markers level with the sod. Experiments are now being made in various cemeteries of selling lots on which the erection of a monument is forbidden, but I presume low headstones are permitted, and of selling lots on which only a monument may be erected. So natural and so universal is the desire to mark the individual grave that I feel such lots so sold will be very limited in number.

I also think the plan of having markers level with the sod is objectionable. A stone large enough to have a name or even initials inscribed, if level with the turf, is a bid for disfigurement. The man behind the lawn mower is not of such intellectual caliber that he can follow instructions and avoid running over such stones. A marker not over six inches high will not mar the lawn effect, and will be safe from the grass cutter and other workmen. The flat ledger monument used so much by our English cousins is now frequently used, and is capable of artistic treatment. We protect them by planting a border of ivy or euonymus around them, but such a border wide enough to grow a vine, would spoil the proportions of the small grave marker. A rounded edge is protection to such stones, indeed the bottom bases of all monuments and headstones, liable to come in contact with the lawn mower should have the edges rounded.

I am afraid that when you read this paper in the cold type of the official report you will find some apparent contradictions and inconsistencies. Because the question to my mind is still an open one with many sides, each having a part of the truth with it, there is some excuse for these inconsistencies.

Men are said to become pessimistic as they grow older and doubtless I tend in that direction, but if so, the situation as to stonework, as I see it, must have wonderfully improved. Forty year's ago it looked like an endless conflict between the forces of selfishness, ignorance and prejudice, and those of culture and regulation. Today I can see not only a vast improvement, but a public opinion behind that improvement that insures for permanence.

The conflict between the gardener and the stonecutter is now hardly in evidence. The gardener has ceased to reproduce Joseph's Coat as a front gate ornament, and the stonecutter does not now offer you the biggest thing you can get for the money. While the gardener of today has a freer hand in the cemetery, he has also a higher conception of the work he has to do. He is using less of the exotic and ephemeral and depending for effect on that which nature has set to his hand, fitting and congruous to the climate and environment in which it is to be used. The monumental builder has become not only more sympathetic with the aims of the gardner, but as I have said before, is improving his work in form and mustering to his aid all of art and science that is worth preserving.

Of all agencies which have made for better feeling, saner methods and finer taste, the right of the line beyond question belongs to this Association. When the twenty-one men of forward vision met in 1887, they had high aims, ability and purpose, but even then, "they builded better than they knew." To our sorrow and loss, but few of these men remain with us. The great majority of them have passed to their reward, and the banner is now in younger hands. May a due portion of the wisdom fidelity and faith of the founders be upon them and so we may rest in the assurance that work of their hands will be established in the place to which all flesh shall come.

From the publication:
AACS - Proceedings of the 34th Annual Convention held at Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
September 7, 8, 9 and 10, 1920

No phase of human activity has stronger traditions than the burial of the dead. In all ages man has attempted to give expression to his belief in the immortality of the soul. Almost the only records we possess of many races are the tombs which they erected. It is to be hoped that our own present age will never come to be judged by the records it will leave of burial in its great cities.

Idealism in Cemetery Design.-The first principle in cemetery design is the creation of that unmistakable atmosphere which we associate with the burial of the dead. There is a modern tendency to avoid a funereal aspect in cemeteries as though a cemetery was after all something to be ashamed of which ought to be disgusted as something else. Cemetery design as a fine art seeks to give expression to the purpose for which the design is created. In other words, the cemetery must look like a cemetery, not like a public pleasure park or recreation ground. This can only be accomplished by a study of the traditions which, throughout innumerable centuries, have produced certain well marked associations which we recognize as the atmosphere surrounding burial. An obvious example to prove this point may be drawn from architecture. No architect or designer who is unacquainted with the traditions of ecclesiastical architecture can build a church which is going to look like a church. He may succeed in meeting all the schedule of requirements laid down for his guidance as to seating capacity, choir space and altar, but the result is likely to prove much more like a moving picture theatre or physics lecture hall than a church. The reason for this is that, as a result of thousands of years of religious faith definite associations in architecture have grown up which we instinctively connect with public worship. When we go to church we are disappointed if the outside of the building looks like a barn and the inside like the Strand theatre.

What are the associations which have grown up around the burial place for the dead? They are seclusion, repose, solemnity and mystery.

Seclusion.-The modern cemetery is seldom secluded. Too often the roar of traffic on the great thoroughfare, where it is usually located, is only too audible.

Repose. - Having finally succumbed in the whirlpool of modern business life, the soul is everlastingly denied that repose for which it has been craving and is left in contemplation of the traffic problem of our great cities.

Solemnity.-Solemnity is accomplished by means of masses of granite balancing upon one corner.

Mystery.-There is nothing mysterious about our cemeteries. They constitute a permanent monument to the vanity, cynicism and materialism of our age.

In the United States reaction against the indecencies of the modern civic cemetery with its harvest of dragons’ teeth and its glorification of atrocities has led to extremes in which the whole purpose of the cemetery must be disguised as though death itself were the crime and complete obliteration of its evidence of the object.

Some years ago I received a call to visit a small cemetery and make suggestions for re-planning on more modern lines. What I found was a cemetery which approached more nearly to my ideal in cemetery planning than any modern burial ground which I have ever seen in any country. I felt instinctively upon entering that I was in the presence of the work of a student of great intellect and vivid imagination. My clients informed me that the cemetery was originally designed by a much traveled Jesuit father, since deceased. The rectangular site, of perhaps 30 acres, occupied the whole of a high tableland from which all views of the surrounding town were completely shut off by a double belt of Scotch and Austrian Pine, forty feet high. The plan simplicity itself took the form of a great cross which cut the property into four quarters. The lines of the cross were marked by straight wide alleys of level grass with a well designed monument at the crossing. Bounding the alleys on either side was a tall cedar hedge, in front of which were spaced out pyramidal cedars 25 feet high. The four blocks were subdivided into lots with simple head stones and served by a road way passing through each. Those fortunate enough to be buried here enjoy an atmosphere of seclusion repose, solemnity and mystery.

Requirements of the Modern Civic Cemetery.-The site: While twenty-five years is an extremely long period in the life of cities, it is an extremely short period in the life of a cemetery, if one may use the word life in connection with a burial ground. During the past twenty-five years the principles of transportation in our cities have undergone a complete revolution resulting in the spread of population over vast areas which would have been impossible under previous methods. A site chosen twenty-five years ago on account of its seclusion may now be the centre of the utmost congestion. The time has not yet arrived when definite limits will be set to the growth of cities although signs are evident that such action will eventually have to be taken.

The search for a site for a cemetery, therefore, will be guided by geographical and topographical conditions more than by judgment as to future civic development. A site partially or even entirely surrounded by water, for instance, will promise seclusion for an unlimited period. In mountainous and hilly districts sites can often be found which will insure seclusion for the cemetery on every side but one.

Accessibility.-In order to be accessible the cemetery need not necessarily be located on a great thoroughfare or any road which seems likely to develop, as such. A good road open to traffic at all times of the year is a necessity, but the possibility of an entrance some few hundred yards away from the thoroughfare rather than immediately upon it, is no disadvantage. Street car service within short walking distance of the cemetery should be provided or the probability of the provision at a later date considered. From two to four miles from the district which the cemetery is expected to serve is not too great a distance.

Seclusion.-Seclusion is by far the most important feature in my opinion when choosing a site. Natural topographical features, such as the crest of a hill or an expanse of water, are more to be relied upon than belts of trees either existing or proposed. Few of our native trees thrive well in the densely populated districts of our cities and it is doubtful if any trees can be counted upon to provide seclusion of such permanence as is demanded by a cemetery.

Aspect.-A site sloping toward the southeast and heavily protected toward the west, northwest and north is the ideal which should be sought. There are days in spring and fall when attendance at a funeral is sufficient to strain the affection of the most trusted friend. As our cold weather comes almost invariably from the north to the .west, protection from that quarter is essential. I have seen properties only a few hundred yards apart where the transformation from bleak winter into glorious summer is accomplished solely by means of a plantation of evergreens on the northwest. The convenience and comfort of the public, the associations surrounding a resting place for the dead and the operations connected with a cemetery in winter time demand adequate shelter from strong cold winds.

Natural and Topographical Features.-A hilly or undulating site is usually more attractive than a level site. Level sites are inclined to become extremely monotonous unless great skill is used in the layout and planning. It is most important that the whole of the Property should not be seen at one time as quite apart from the unsightliness of a forest of monuments, a piece of property invariably gives the impression. of much smaller size when the whole of it is seen at once than when broken up into a number of spaces varying in interest with well screened boundary lines. A property may be broken up in two ways, either by topographical irregularities or by masses of planting existing or proposed. While a site should not necessarily be condemned on account of being level a sharply undulating property will us usually possess greater possibilities for interest and beauty than one devoid of natural features. Existing trees on a property are of course a priceless asset, but much would depend on their character and disposition. If the property is likely to be fairly well preserved from city smoke for a long period a growth of cedars would be invaluable. Cedars, owing to their character and shape, will help more than any other native tree to produce the atmosphere of mystery which should be the keynote of a cemetery. Being evergreen they will also maintain the character at all times of the year. White pine and Norway spruce, although evergreens, are not to be counted upon to any great extent. The former invariably dies out upon the approach of the city while the latter is a short lived tree at the best of times and becomes extremely ragged and unsightly when old. A heavy growth of deciduous timber over the whole of the property may be rather a disadvantage than otherwise. While theoretically, the exact amount of clearing desired ought to be possible it is usually found in practice that great difficulty is experienced in having trees removed and the result may be less satisfactory than building up plantations where needed upon a bare site. In city cemeteries natural streams of water are an asset if obtainable, but can seldom be counted upon for very long, as the development of the city will usually eventually cut off the supply.

Soil and Drainage.-Every cemetery superintendent will agree upon the importance of soil and drainage when choosing a site for the cemetery. Owing to the depth at which graves have to be dug the water table must be kept down below six feet from the surface at all times of the year. The depth at which drainage operations have to be executed. may be an item of very great expense if large areas have to be dealt with. A deep, well drained sandy loam is the ideal soil for cemetery sites. Heavy clay should be avoided. Rock close to the surface would of course condemn any site.

The Layout.-Having chosen the site the next problem is its development. The scheme of development will be based upon certain information which must be on hand before a start can be made. An accurate topographical survey must be prepared of the whole with contours varying from one to five foot intervals according to the extent of the property and the differences in elevation to be encountered. Full information should be provided as to boundaries, location and character as well as the nature of the property beyond them. All trees and shrubs should be located their caliper spread and variety being marked clearly upon the plan. Armed with this information the designer may sit down and think out his problem.

When designing for any utilitarian purpose certain arbitrary limits and requirements are always laid down for the guidance of the designer. The designer of a dinner fork, for instance, knows that he is required to invent some type of instrument to be used for transferring pieces of roast beef from the plate to the mouth by means of the hand as a carrying medium. His first business is not to conceive something beautiful, but to sit down and discover the limits and requirements within which his design must take form. His summing up of the situation will probably be somewhat as follows: In the first place, he finds that his instrument must be suitable for picking up off the plate easily and gracefully a piece of meat. In the second place, he sets limits to the size of the piece of meat with which he has to deal. Thirdly, his instrument must be easily grasped in the fingers. Then again the meat must not be so firmly grasped by the instrument that it cannot be easily removed in the mouth. He knows that the fork must be easy to clean. It must be strong enough for the purpose but not so unnecessarily strong as to be clumsy. In solving all these problems he has already made long strides toward introducing an object of beauty, an object which expresses the purpose for which it is intended.

In exactly the same way the cemetery designer will sit down and think out the utilitarian purposes which his design is intended to serve and the limits within which this problem is to be solved. The requirements in this case are as follows:
1. The provision of suitable sites for graves, keeping in mind economy of land.
2. The provision of access to those graves.
3. The creation of a setting, or atmosphere, for the graves in keeping with the traditions of burial.

Instead of commencing by locating individual graves, he will turn his attention first of all to the question of access to the property as a whole. This involves the question of an entrance or entrances. In this connection the general direction of traffic to and from the centre of population which the cemetery is expected to serve will be considered. In a general way, the most convenient spot on the boundary of the property will be chosen but the right choice of an entrance is most important. In addition to being convenient for people approaching the cemetery, the entrance should also provide possibilities of concentration from and distribution to the various parts of the cemetery. Assuming that the cemetery does not front upon the main thoroughfare the entrance should be so placed, if possible, as to be visible from the thoroughfare, so possibly at the end of a connecting street. In order to make it more imposing the entrance should be at a slight elevation.

Having located the entrance, the distribution of roadways and the location of definite areas to be set aside for graves will be considered in conjunction with the cemetery office and chapel. For two reasons the bottoms of alleys are unsuited for graves. In the first place, they are apt to be wet, no matter how well drained artificially, and in the second place, the bottom of a valley filled with monuments is much more likely to destroy the restfulness of the cemetery than high ground similarly treated where the monument can be partially screened. In a general way, it may be said that the roadways should be kept to the graves on the high land. Distances between roadways are determined largely by the distance the pall bearers may be expected to carry. As this distance should not exceed two hundred feet it follows that the property should be intersected by roadways not more than 400 feet apart in cases where the intervening space is given over to graves. Traffic distribution must be carefully studied. It is quite obvious that circulation of traffic is preferable to blind alleys provided with turning spaces, although some of these latter will be inevitable on certain properties where the grades do not permit of circulation.

In a general way, three widths of roadways will be used in cemeteries. The one-way road of nine feet; the two-way road of eighteen feet and the three-way road of twenty-four feet. The one-way road, circulating and returning, may be expected to serve an area of from 15 to 20 acres. The two-way road will serve one or more of such areas. Three-way road will be used near the entrance and central parts of large cemeteries where much concentration of traffic is to be expected. Time will not permit us to deal further with the details of roadway layout and construction.

Focal Points and Controlling Features.-Something more is required of the cemetery designer than an engineering solution of a roadway scheme at the best grades and curves. The plan must represent something more than an aimless maze of curving roads. Focal points and controlling features are absolutely essential to the well thought-out plan, even in the smallest cemetery. The symbolism of burial demands a certain degree of formality, dignity and stateliness and although it is only seldom desirable to have formality embrace the whole of the design some areas must always be given a formal setting. Architectural features of merit; such as chapel, office and larger private monuments, which ought to enrich all cemeteries, form an admirable opportunity for the designer to provide controlling sites in his plan for just such features. In larger cemeteries one central distributing point, formal in treatment, comprising the chapel and some monuments, will form a controlling feature of the plan. A number of secondary focal points should also be provided at various points in the plan. A roadway may, for instance, be diverted to the right or left at the approach to a steep grade forming an admirable site for one of the larger monuments.

Graves and Monuments.-Until complete control is obtained by the designer over the monuments permitted, the ideal cemetery will never take form. Fifty years ago some simplicity and restfulness in the village church yard and cemetery were possible. This was, partly due to the fact that in most cases the funds available did not permit of anything more than simple headstones and partly to the fact that the traditions of burial were held in greater respect.

Some cemeteries in the United States have succeeded in the control of monuments almost to the point of abolition. Abolition, although infinitely better than individual license, is not the ideal. Monuments can and should be beautiful. They should be an aid to the designer instead of a hindrance and a priceless asset to the dignity and beauty of the cemetery. What is needed is control, both of lots and of monuments, by the cemetery designer. He it is who ought to decide the character of the memorial which is to be permitted on each grave. They will vary from flat stones level with the turf to the simple head stones or sarcophagus, while special lots will be set aside for larger monuments.

From the publication:
AACS - Proceedings of the 34th Annual Convention held at Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
September 7, 8, 9 and 10, 1920

Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Convention:

I don't know why Mr. Salway should call on me to read a paper here today when there are so many brilliant speakers present who would do justice to this distinguished audience. However, he did, and I'll do my best.

My subject is “The Advantages of Restricting the Size of Monuments.”

The advantages of a rule to limit the size of a monument to a certain percentage of area of the lot on which it is erected, is apparently not generally appreciated, and I thought a few words on this subject might be appropriate.

First, the ground not covered by stone work has a more pleasing appearance, the grass is much easier to cut and larger spaces between monuments as well as markers, gives a more beautiful landscape.

In addition to this it is better for the Cemetery financially. We all know that many, people are vain and their first thought is to have a monument that will be conspicuous, even though they require space for only two or three graves. The majority of families are small nowadays and people figure they want space for just so many graves before they come out to buy and have the general idea that a Cemetery will be glad to let them put up any kind of a monument they may want. Let a salesman ascertain at once whether or not they contemplate a monument in the future and he is then in a better position to know what to do. Of course, some lots are sold without monument privileges, but I, find it hard to educate many people that a monument is not necessary.

Only a short time ago a lady died and left in her will the sum of $500.00 for a monument to herself, and her executors wanted to purchase space for one grave only, as she had no relatives to use additional graves, but as our rules permitted only 4% of the area to be used for a monument it was necessary for them to buy a fair-sized lot in order to carry out her wishes. Similar cases are numerous, but I have another case in mind which involved a considerable amount of money and proved very advantageous to the Cemetery.

In June of this year one of our lot owners sent out an artist with a design of a very large and ornamental settee for a monument which he proposed to set on a lot 20x24 that he had owned for many years. I informed the artist it would be impossible to erect this Memorial on so small a lot at which he was quite indignant said our rules were arbitrary and we ought to be glad to have such an exquisite piece of work in our Cemetery, as it would be such an asset to the surroundings. After considerable talk I partly convinced him that our rules were made for the benefit of our patrons and beauty of the Cemetery and suggested to him to reduce the size to conform to them. This he objected to, naturally. Then I suggested that the purchaser might consider a larger lot, to which he also objected as it was against their religion to move the dead. The interview ended with him going away still indignant and under the impression that our rules were arbitrary and we did not appreciate a work of art. He said we ought to have someone in charge that had ability and taste to discriminate and approve artistic designs. Of course, I told him that tastes and opinions varied so much that it was almost impossible to find two persons who thought alike on any subject and especially art for a cemetery.

I finally suggested that I would like to sell the lot owner and explain the matter to him personally, and an appointment was made a few days later. A party of four came and practically all of them objected to the thought of removing to another lot. I praised the design, which was quite worthy of admiration, and after a good deal of discussion and showing them over the grounds, pointing out the advantages of a large lot, I felt I was gradually overcoming their prejudice to removal. After two more interviews negotiations were completed for a lot to cost over $20,000.00 on which the memorial is to be placed.

Had it not been for the restrictions, this memorial would have been set on a small lot, practically covering it, in the midst of old fashioned stones, and the beautiful effect entirely spoiled by the surroundings. In addition to this we should not have sold the new lot, which you will no doubt agree is an item worthy of consideration.

Of course, it was not necessary to have quite as large a lot as they finally purchased, but they realized by that time that plenty of lawn space and the use of suitable shrubbery would enhance the beauty of their design and give the desired effect. I am confident that the owner will feel rewarded both for the money expended and the sacrifice of his sentimental objections against removing the dead.

MORAL--Sell a lot to fit a monument, rather than spoil your Cemetery by crowding stones together and getting the effect of a stone yard instead of a Cemetery.

President Wm. H. Atkinson: Are there any remarks on this paper of Mr. Wallis?
Mr. H. Wilson Ross: I think it is well to draw the attention of this audience more carefully to the remarks Mr. Wallis has made, for I know that we all in the past have made the mistake of allowing too much monumental work to be placed on lots of especially the smaller sizes. Very many times artistic monuments have been erected in places where if the surroundings had been such as to give them the advantage of a good setting, they would have had more than double the artistic effect; but the surroundings were inadequate to secure the effect that they were intended to produce. I think we can well carry home with us the thoughts that Mr. Wallis has suggested, and that it would be well for us to insist more strongly on carrying out many of those ideas in our own grounds.

From the publication:
“AACS - Proceedings of the 33rd Annual Convention held at Cincinnati, OH"
September 24, 25 and 26, 1919

The sad lessons learned through making serious and expensive blunders are generally impressed on one's mind so forcibly as to never be forgotten. While the educational value of knowledge so gained is frequently great, the cost is excessive.

It has seemed to the writer that perhaps notes of a few of the many blunders which he has made, or of the results of which he has had knowledge during some seventeen years of cemetery work, might be of interest and of possible value to the younger men in this association.

Perhaps the greatest, the most inexcusable and the most criminal blunder which a cemetery manager can make is in overlooking any possible chance for errors or omissions in the records d lots and graves and the data regarding interments. No interment should be allowed in any cemetery until a complete and perfect system of recording has been provided for and the proper books, indexes and plats are in the superintendent's office. The most perfect system possible, however, will not secure perfect results without continuous, careful work by the superintendent. The plat system is the foundation of all good work in cemetery recording, but the results from this system may be sadly lacking in accuracy if the lot corners are not permanently marked, if the measurements are inaccurate, or the platting is carelessly done. It should be an invariable rule that each record shall be made complete while the matter is in hand and not be left to a later and more convenient time. It is an equally important rule, that as frequently as once each week, every entry relating to lots or interments made since the last checking, every distance and measurement and every plat of a grave should be carefully checked and verified to the most minute detail. Clerical errors occur with the most careful and constant and careful checking is the price to be paid for accuracy. In this connection will properly come a reference to duplicate records. This is the age of carbon copies. It is a matter of slight trouble and expense to duplicate by impression paper the consecutive record of interments, and if the copy is kept in a different location from the original, the superintendent and his lot owners will have abundant cause for thankfulness in case of the accidental destruction of one set of records.

Perhaps the next most important point is the preparation of full and well considered plans for the entire cemetery before the first shovel full of dirt is handled. Here it pays to make haste slowly and to expend money freely. Every dollar carefully expended and many apparently wasted in this way will in later years be returned many fold in the saving of expense of development and maintenance, besides the added beauty and harmony of all the parts. There are too many patchwork quilt cemeteries in the land now. Let us not help to make any more of them.

Just a word upon a tender subject long years of careful work by an intelligent man in a cemetery will teach him much; good reading will help greatly; attendance at these conventions and visits to the leading cemeteries all over the country will do more for him; but he will still be in the primary class as compared with the men who make the laying out of cemeteries a profession, and have a large number of successful works of this kind to their credit. We should let no small feeling of fear or petty jealousy restrain us, but when work of this kind is to hand, call for demand, if necessary the advice and assistance of the best man who can be had.

In the new cemetery, lack of funds may prevent good work in the laying out, grading and planting of the first sections, a desire to secure lot buyers and interments may lead to a laxity in the enforcement of rules and regulations, consequently, in nearly all cemeteries, the earlier sections are the most unsightly, while as funds accumulate and the cemetery becomes more popular, the general work, as well as individual lot improvements are better. The early work has been done, and the first sales made near the entrance and every visitor forever after is compelled to pass through the most unsightly part of the grounds. By all means let us begin at the back instead of the front, or at least reserve from sale a large tract around the entrance and extending well into the grounds.

All rules must be general in their application and must be uniformly enforced otherwise they are void if contested. A firm and impartial enforcement of the rules may save much future trouble. A mistake in point was one where the allowing of a lot owner to cut down a small and unimportant tree, came near making it impossible to prevent another lot owner from cutting down a two foot oak and carting it home for firewood.

A neglect to keep careful plats of every sewer and water pipe, with all levels, connections and junction points; and sizes and. materials of which they are constructed, is a mistake no matter how unimportant or temporary the work may be.

Marks for the base lines of all surveys should be made permanent, if possible, and bearings taken and recorded, so that they may be replaced if destroyed or tampered with.

The superintendent who has not at his disposal a transit level and rod and is not reasonably familiar with their use is to be pitied. It is not a serious task for an intelligent man to post himself so as to be able to do all necessary surveying and platting for his cemetery and his work will generally be much more accurate and satisfactory than that of the ordinary surveyor. Not long ago, the writer, in visiting a large cemetery, noticed that a cloth tape-line was in use and on asking why they did not use a steel one was told that they were too expensive. This reminds one of the old story of the carpenter seen walking rapidly down the street with his hands widespread and arms extended at full length above his head. Upon being questioned by a friend who met him he said, "Don't bother me-got the measure of a door-going to make a frame." Those cloth tape measurements and the carpenter’s “measure of a door” are each a little open to suspicion.

The writer does not claim to have exhausted the subject of mistakes or even to have made a beginning on the mistakes he himself has made, but there is one that he proposes not to make, which is to read a long paper before this association. It will also be noted that he has not quoted any poetry.

From the publication:
AACS - Proceedings of the16th Annual Convention
Held at Boston, MA
August 19, 20, 21 and 22, 1902

Nine years ago the Association of American Cemetery Superintendents was organized and held its first meeting at Cincinnati. The object of the association was to cultivate a better taste, and improve the various branches that enter into the management of cemeteries among superintendents and other cemetery officials.

But while we all can bear testimony to the good work of the association among its members, and the consequent improvement of our associated cemeteries, we have had too often to realize the great need of the coopera¬tion of the cemetery lot owner, without which the grand work of our associa¬tion can be only partially successful. Hence the necessity of educating the lot owner as well as the cemetery official. You will naturally say that this is a large undertaking. I admit it, but it must be done, if not in whole at least in part. The cooperation of the cemetery official and the cemetery lot owner is essential to the introduction of modern improvements and the main¬tenance of the most approved methods in cemetery work.
. .
This association has commenced this education from its inception, and continues to do so by its annual meetings as well as through its organ, "THE' PARK AND CEMETERY."

The lot owner cannot fail to see the marked improvement in our cemeteries of late years. This is because the education of the cemetery official has been going forward with uniformity on a new and improved plan. Our cemeteries assume more of the appearance of the park and garden and ex¬hibit more and more the most approved ideas of art in memorial stones while discouraging and prohibiting what is unsightly and inartistic. This is simply keeping pace with other institutions which lead in modern civilization and mark its growth. The cemetery, the dearest spot on earth to most peo¬ple, ought not be neglected in this forward march of progress, but should re¬ceive its due attention and be made to exert a humanizing if not a Christianizing influence. The condition of our cemeteries has been taken as a mark of our civilization. I think it was Benjamin Franklin who used these memo¬rable words, "Show me your cemeteries and I will tell you what I think of your people."

But how can all of this marked improvement be kept up if the lot owner will not cooperate with those who have made cemetery improvements in their most modern form a special study.

Boards of trustees make rules for the mutual advantage of lots and lot owners and insist on strictly enforcing these rules that the cemetery may be conducted on the latest and most approved plan. Yet the latter regard as unjust and arbitrary the very rules that were made for their benefit. This shows the want of education. If the cemetery were to be conducted after the notion of every individual lot owner what an unsightly pile of confusion we would have; hence all well conducted cemeteries insist on enforcing strictly the rules laid down for their management, treating all parties alike, whatever their business or station in life.

The difficulty of getting lot owners to comply with cemetery rules is most noticeable in cities of mixed nationalities. Some of these people bring their old customs and prejudices from their native country and it seems morally impossible to get them to conform to improved American ideas in cemetery management. Hence the position of our American cemetery su¬perintendent is often a very disagreeable one.

The tendency to violate rules or to avoid conforming to them is the prin¬cipal difficulty we find with lot owners.

Filling their lots with unsightly stonework without a particle of concern for good taste. Making high mounds over graves and ornamenting them with tin boxes, shells and other domestic relics from the kitchen and the nursery. This is most unbecoming and excites feelings of impatience or disgust in peo¬ple of good taste who frequently ask the question: why do you allow this desecration of the cemetery? We can only answer that our lot owners don't know any better. Then why don't you enforce the rules? they ask. Perhaps our rules are too liberal and don't go far enough in prohibiting this kind of nonsense.

We know that the finest cemeteries are those that have the strictest rules and insist on their being observed without fear or favor, while cemeteries that allow lot owners too much of their own way are repulsive and unsightly.

Prospective lot owners should buy large lots, at least ample grounds to provide sepulture for their respective families. This could be done if economy were exercised in funeral expenses and useless and unnecessary stonework. Instead of this, extravagant funerals are the rule, the interment takes place in a public lot or a very small cheap lot, and an expenditure of a hundred or two hundred dollars made for useless stonework follows in the immediate future.

Great mistakes are made in buying very small lots, which are quickly filled. The result is that the bodies have to be removed to a large lot causing a great deal of unnecessary expense, which might have been avoided if am¬ple ground had been purchased at the first selection. Another mistake is made in buying lots .in partnership. This too, often ends in disagreements and very unseemly misunderstandings, causing a great deal of annoyance to cemetery officials and undertakers. This trouble is generally brought about when parties buy lots from persons outside of the cemetery association, who cannot give a dear title without the consent of other parties interested and the cemetery association also. Such titles are usually clouded and often prove invalid.

All lots should be placed in charge of the cemetery association in perpetual care, so that when the members of the family pass away the lot will be looked after, and at any time the cemetery association will prove the most interested, caretakers for the sake of the general good appearance of the cemetery. This rule is insisted on in nearly all up-to-date cemeteries.

Great mistakes are made in the erection of stonework. There seems to be no judgment exercised in this matter and when a mistake is made it is very apt to be copied in all its details of hideousness. There is nothing so un¬seemly as crowding unnecessary stonework into lots.

Stonework should be confined to low corners for marking boundaries, and these should be level with the surface, or nearly so; low head-marks on a level with the graves. No such thing as a so-called entrance should be permitted; these are peculiar to St. Louis cemeteries. If the lot owner wants a monument it should be of new design and not copied from any one in its im¬mediate neighborhood and should be built in proportion to the size of the lot. Copying designs of monuments is not permitted in well regulated ceme¬teries.

If cemetery officers were consulted the lot owner could learn what the prevailing custom in other cemeteries was. But the stone man is the guide, philosopher and friend at the closed grave and the result is we have too much stonemason and too little artist and designer.

The improvements in cemeteries must be conducted under one general plan dictated by educated taste. Individual rights must be subordinate to this one general plan if you are to have harmony and neatness in the cemetery. This is obtained only where the cemetery authorities have complete control of grounds and graves. Then the grounds are laid out with taste according to modern ideas. But where the grounds are sold in lots confusion commences and the stone yard supplants the lawn and the garden.

Hence; the necessity not only of the education of lot owners, but the para¬mount importance of enforcing such education by discipline.

I have spoken of cemeteries as promoters and tests of civilization. Civili¬zation consists in subordinating the will and interest of the individual to the comfort and well being of all. This subordination so necessary in the walks of life is equally requisite in the habitation of the dead.

From the publication:
AACS - Proceedings of the 10th Annual Convention
Held at St. Louis, MO
September 15, 16 and 17, 1896