1998-11-18November 18, 1998
Mr. John Dunn
Director of Municipal Financef/Treasure
Beverly City Hall
Cabot St.
Beverly, MA 01915
Dear John:
At the October meeting .of the Board of Cemetery Managers, the subject oTthe financial
status of the City's cemeteries was once again the prime topic of discussion. This is a
formal request from the Board for the following:
1) A report (print-out) of the Endowment Fund for years 1994 to current
depicting all activity on this fund including what types of funds they are
invested in.
2) A report (print-out) of the Sale of Lots Fund for years 1994 to current
depicting all activity on this account.
In addition We are requesting a Bi-monthly financial report, which includes all
receivables and payables for the City's Cemeteries.
Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
Loring J. Ward Jr. Chairman
Eugene Wood
Elyse A. Cotreau
Board of Cemetery Managers
Mr. Peter Gilmore, President
Beverly City Council
/~
City of Beverly
Board of Cemetery Managers
Meeting Minutes: November 18
Present: Mr. Ward, Wood, Dunn and Seamans, and Ms Cotreau
Approve minutes of previous meeting: Unanimous
Review of events since last meeting: None
Application by Mason family to erect second stone on family plot in Central Cemetery.
After discussion that this case is substantially different from other requests for multiple
stones (lot ownership is clear and interests of all owners of the lot are in agreement)
approval was unanimous.
A discussion took place regarding the application for veterans markers. The application
clearly states that markers are not to be placed in addition to markers already installed on
graves. George White, the City's Veterans Agent, has provided assurance that this
practice is permissible and should continue.
Board discussed Beverly Farms Cemetery, particularly issues of expansion, signage and
fences. P. Searoans to discuss expansion with consultant to determine limits of filling
permissible.
Discussion of potential expansion into the City's ancient cemeteries. P. Searoans
presented notion of using vacant space in Dodges Row for future indigent's lots. This
option would have a minimum impact on the neighbors and provide ample capacity into
the future.
Discussion continued on a letter from the Chair to John Dunn relative to financial
reporting of the Cemetery DeparUnent' s condition. There was an exchange of views
resulting in a wish by the Board .for some budget for a program to be established for
Fiscal Year 2000. Timing for the board' s consideration of budget issues is good as the FY
2000 budget begins being prepared shortly after the be~nning of the new year.
Board will develop a list of items to be considered, then prioritize the list for inclusion
the next city budget
Adjournment at 7:00
FINAl,
By Ryan Fortin
REPORT
Project Day Saturday May 9, 1998
750- I woke up and looked out the window to detennine the weatl~er
and see i.fi it was suitable 'for the project that today. I decided that
th~ project would still be on if it was just cloudy but not raining.
900- I went to pick up my "Main corp" consisting of Billy Beaulie~a
Matt Mason and Eric Brokvist. I decided that this group of young
Men would be my section Leaders for the groups I would be
forming.
930- Arrived at the cemetary, and proceeded to draw a map, which
would be used during the project to assist them in finding the stones
that nee. a:led the most attention. After making the "Final Map Copy"
I demonstr'~ted to Eric, Matt, and Billy how the project of repairing
the stones would be done.
1000- Most of the volunteers arrive. (Project Begins) Along with the
group Leaders I demonstrated the method of repairing to the
volunteers. I explained the method while my group Leaders
provided "Visual Aide".
1020- Everyone has arrived. They were seperated into 3 groups
with team leaders and an adult for responsibilty and safety. At this
time Ms. Catharine O,Hare arrived from the Beverly Citizen to take
pictures of the project and an interview with myself. 1Vh-. Peter
Searoans Administrative Aide to Mayor ScanIon arrived as support
from the City of Beverly.
1020 to 1230- Proceeded with the project. As I travelled from group
to group overseeing, I found that the volunteers were working very
efficiently, safely and according to plans.
1230 to 1300- Lunch pizza and drinks.
1300 to 1430- Project continued. Although we had originally planned
to repair 30 stones by 1430 we had repaired 45, several we were
able to bury back into the ground and others we were able to repair
the bases prior to gluing the headstones on them. During this project
we had several citizens who were walking through the cemetary and
thanked us for the repaires.
1440- The project was over and I thanked everyone for their time,
effort and energy they put into my Eagle Scout Project.
Wed. May 13- Mr. Jack Makros agrees to go to the cemetary and
collect the 2X4 braces we had used to hold the stones in place.
I thanked him for his time in helping me.
My Conclusion- While doing this project, I felt very sucessful as
it was all about giving back to the Community..I enjoyed the
leadership role and leamed a lot about working together as a group.
During the project I felt everyone did their best and all did an
excellent job.
Mon. May 18- I returned to the cemetary to check on the resu!ls of
our work, the stones I checked were solidly on their bases. My
project was a sucess and it had ended.
On May 9, 1998, I had met the requirements in I'lanning,
Carlying out and Completing my Eagle Scout service project.
My project w~ to rep~r 30 headstones that wct c siltruled al
· e Centr~ Cemete~ in Beverly in the area of I lale, Bunnan
Bisson s~. These stones were off their bases duc Io deterioration
or vandalism.
I first beg~ to pl~ this project on Jan. 27 with my Fathcl'
when we ~ove ~ough the c~mete~ and observed that many slo~cs
were off their base~..~e following week my Fall~er and I wenl back
to the cemete~ to count the stones that needed ihe most allenlion.
We counted 77 of ~em. 1 decided ~at this would be the pert~cl
project. Later that week I contacted ~. Peter Scmnans and planned
to meet wi~ him on Feb. 13 to discuss my project, that day we reel at
· e cemete~ to view the pmicul~ ~ea I wished to do, which is
· e older section of ~e cemete~ (~ong the area of Hale and
Bu~an sB ) down to where some of the newer stones were (along
Bisson st.)'During ~at day ~. Semans advised me to contact him
and set a future meeting on what steps I would use to carry out tl~e
project. On Feb. 13 we proceeded to Abate montunent and asked lhcir
advise on the type of glue we should use to repair the stones, they
recommended we use a sealtite concrete adherrent made by Red
Devil as it is premixed and made for that.
On Mar. 11 I met with the Cemetery Co~nmission at the
City Hall and updated them on my project, Mr. Searoans asked if we
would supple to the Comission a list of names and dates of the
stones we wished to repair. On mar. 20, I returned to the ce~netery
along with my Father and my best friend Matt Mason to obtain ..
the names and dates on the stones we were going to repair. I brought
the list to Mr. Searoans the following Monday.
On Apr. 12 I met with my troop Leader Mr. Bill Beaulieu to
to discuss a date for the project which was set for May 9th, we
spoke about the equipment and tools we would need and a way
to set it up.
On May 3, I contacted Scouts, Scout Leaders and Friends
for commitments to participate in the project. Previous to tny calling
I had sent out a flyer to all those willing to participate.
On May 8, I proceeded to my Fathers office to discus last
minute preparations. We then went home and cut braces for the
stones.
Total time for planning and preparations was 10 hours.
On May 9th I carded out my project with 20 volunteers
including myself. I choose 3 people to be section leaders, before the
project began and showed them the method my Father and I had
established using 2X4s to put under the stone so it would be easier
to slide to the base and use them to help lift the stones, I then
showed them how to clean the bases and stones of dried on glue and
dirt using a chisel, also demonstrated to them how the glue should be
applied in one continuos line 1 inch in from the stone exterior to
allow for spreading. I also showed them how to straighten the bases
out using a pinch bar and wedging dirt under them.
When the project began I brought the whole group over and
demonstrated it once more with visual aide from my group Leaders
(Eric Brokvist, Billy Beaulieu and Matt Mason ). Following .the
demonstration I broke the volunteers into 3 groups, One'group for
cleaning and chiselling, another for gluing and litling the stone onto
the base and another for cleaning any excess ghae and etc.
One major change that occured in the project is that we
repaired 15 more stones than we planned to do that were found as
we were working.
Carrying out this project used a total of 60 hours.
On Wed. May 13 Mr. Jack Makros (one of the volunteers
went to the cemetery to collect the braces we had used to hold the
stones up while the glue dried. (Thank you Mr. Makros )
On May 18, I went to the cemetery to check on the results
of our work and the stones were all solidly in their places. My
Project was a sucess and had ended.
I would like to express my gratitude and heartfelt thanks to
everyone who supported me in this Eagle Scout project for their time
effort and energy. I could not have done it without all of the~n
( Thank You )
While doing this project, I felt very successful as it was
about giving back to the Community. I enjoyed the leadership role
and leamed a lot about working together as a group. I. felt everyone
gave their best and did an excellent job.
Thank you to the Boy Scouts of America for this great
opportunity.
Board of Manager,
Z otlng Ward, Jr., Chairman
Peter Seamanx, Clerk
Eugene Wood
John Dunn
Elyse Cotreau-Ferrts
-. ' Ci .of Beverly ..'....;.
cemet oe a"ment - .. ,
191 Cabot ~treet
Beverly, Massachusetts 0191
Telephom~' (978) 921-6000
July 21, 1998
Ryan T. Fortin
136R Livingstone Avenue
Beverly, MA 01915
Dear Mr. Fortin:
The Board of Cemetery Managers wishes to acknowledge and express our appreciation
for the work you and your group performed at Central Cemetery on May 9. This long
neglected section of one of this city's older cemeteries needed the ministrations provided
and this effort has inspired others to seek out projects in other city cemeteries.
Specifically, you provided this board with a specific plan of action to meet your goal of
righting fallen headstones. I observed you as you presented to your group work
assignments, demonstration of procedure and delegation of responsibilities. Work was
orderly, efficient and above all, safely performed. You had an appreciation of the abilities
of group members and assigned jobs accordingly.
Finally, you accomplished more than you had initially planned, righting some thirty-eight
headstones. Many of these had been over for many years and the city has no resources for
performing the important work you have accomplished. Again, we thank you for this job
well conceived and executed.
Sincerely,
Peter Searoans
Commissioner of Cemeteries (pro tem)
PBS/s
c/o Beveriy Cemetery
Beverly City Hall
Beverly, MA 01915
Dept.
Dear Sir:
My name is Robert Sarkisian, and I am interested in working at the
Dodge Street Cemetery in Beverly for my Eagle Scout service
project. I am a Boy Scout in Troop 35, Hamilton, MA.
It has been brought to my attention that areas of brush must be
cleared away along the perimeter up to the stone wall. I will be
clearing this brush for my project. Once the greens are cut they
will be piled up beyond the wall.
I will be working with Mr. Albert W. Dodge of Hamilton, MA on this
project. It is necessary for you to approve my project plans
before I can begin. I have enclosed a copy of these plans for you
to look over.
If these plans meet your satisfaction, please send a written
statement (signed), in the envelope I have enclosed, that you have
reviewed and accepted the project. This envelope is addressed to
my Scoutmaster.
I look forward to discussing my project with you if you have any
questions. You can contact me at 978-468-2807.
Thank you very much, and I look forward to your approval.
Robert D. Sarkisian Jr.
Age 17
Junior Assistant Scoutmaster
Troop 35, Hamilton MA
August 14, 1998
LAW OFFICE OF
Non~xA~ C. I-IA~SE~
52 WASHINGTON AVENUE
CHELSEA, MASSACHUSETTS 02150
(617) 884-9636
(617) 884-8864
FAx (617) 884-9205
City of Beverly
Cemetery Department
191 Cabot Street
Beverly, Massachusetts 01915
Attention: Chairmare Board of Managers
Lot 305, Plan 4
Beverly Fares Cemetery
Dear Sir/Madam:
I am submitting my request for appointment as Lot Representative of the aboVe-captioned
Lot.
I trace my fight as being a nephew, therefore, an heir, of Dagney Jacobsen, the lots
original purchaser, in July, 1928.
Beverly City records indicate Mrs. Jacobsen was a widow in 1928. I have no family
knowledge of a remarriage, or other children than her daughter, Eva Jacobsen, buried in May,
1928.
My mother, Ruth Hansen, was Dagney Jacobsen's sister. She was buried in the Lot in
1938. My father, Christian Harksen, Ruths' husband, was buffed in the Lot in 1945.
Considering the age of Mrs. Jacobsen, who was bom in the last century, and after a
diligent search, I cannot find her whereabouts or any other of her heirs.
Kindly advise me of your decision.
If approved, I designate my cremation interment in the said Lot near my parents.
City of Beverly
August 14, 1998
Page 2
In the event of my decease I designate my cousin, Andrea Richie of I Harraden Street,
Rockport, Massachusetts, as my successor Lot Representative.
Thank you for your consideration of this matter.
Very truly yours,
Norman C. Hansen
cc: Andrea Richie
531 Oxford Road
Oxford CT 06478
August 10, 1998
Mr. Loring Ward, Chairman
Board of Cemetery Managers
c/o Cemetery Department
191 Cabot Street
Beverly MA 01915
Dear Mr. Ward:
Enclosed you will find a copy of a letter sent to you on June 10, 1998. Since I have received
no reply or acknowledgement in two months, I thought it best to resend the letter in case it had been
lost. I did call your department, but they could not say for certain that my letter was received. I hope
you will understand my concern, and also understand that I am not familiar with the operations,
procedures or schedules of the Board of Cemetery Managers. This is a matter of great importance to
me.
I would be more than happy to meet with you personally at any time if you should feel that
necessary. I would also be happy to supply any additional information that you might require. Please
feel free to call me M - F, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm at 860-741-3027.
Richard J. Hemenway ~
City of Beverly
Board of Cemetery Managers
Loring Ward, chair
Ely~e Cotreau
Eugene Wood
John Dunn
Peter Soamatm, oletk
September 29, 1998
Bruce R. Morris
9 Vive Street
Beverly, MA 0 1915
Dear Mr. Morris:
The'Board of Cemetery Managers met September 3 and deliberated a request for an
exemption from Cemetery rules relating to markers, specifically multiple markers on
family cemetery plots. The Board voted to stand by the present rules and deny the
pending application. It is the Board's consensus that otherwise the future orderliness of
our cemeteries will be impossible to enforce.
Since you had not formally applied for an exemption to these rules, no action was taken
regarding your interest in placing a second upright marker on your family's plot. The
application option is still available to you; however, the Board's action September 3
might dissuade you and I thought you would want to know.
I am sony to be the messenger of this disappointing news, and be assured that the
Cemetery Department stands ready to help in any appropriate way.
Sincerely,
Peter Searoans, Commissioner
City of Beverly
Board of Cemetery Managers
Loring Ward, chair
Elys~ Cotreau
Eugen~ Wood
John Dutm
Peter Seamam, clerk
September 28, 1998
Richard J. Hemenway
53 1 Oxford Road
Oxford, CT 06478
Dear Mr. Hemenway:
The Board of Cemetery Managers met September 3 and deliberated your request for an
exemption from Cemetery rules relating to markers. You made an impassioned case for
your request; however, the Board voted to stand by the present rules and deny your
application. It is the Board's consensus that otherwise the future ordediness of our
cemeteries will be impossible to enforce.
You might consider the purchase of a six grave cremation lot, which permit the
installation of upright markers, and relocate your parents' cremated remains. The Beverly
Cemetery system has such a section under construction at Central Cemetery, which will
be available, later this fall. I enclose a price list for your consideration.
I am sorry to be the messenger of this disappointing news, and be assured that the
Cemetery Department stands ready to help in any appropriate way.
Sincerely,
Peter Searoans, Commissioner
531 Oxford Road
Oxford CT 06478
June 10, 1998
Mr. Loring Ward, Chairman
Board of Cemetery Managers
c/o Cemetery Department
191 Cabot Street
Beverly MA 01915
Dear Mr. Ward:
I am writing to you after speaking with Mr. Peter Seamam concerning my request to place a
slant memorial stone on my parents grave in Central Cemetery. It is my understanding that a standing
regulation prevents the placement of more than one upright stone on a lot. I am requesting a waiverof
this role for the following reasons.
My father, William W. Hemenway, died in 1989 and was cremated. My mother had the um
placed on the Appleton Family plot that is close to the first gate on Butman Street. She did so because
my mother, Mary Jane (Iverson) Hemenway, was related to the Appleton Family through her paternal
grandmother. When her mother died, she was raised at 28 Dane Street by her father's mother who
was an Appleton by birth. My mother always told me that a grave plot was reserved for her there in
the Appleton lot.
As my mother's financial adviser after my father death, I advised her to place only a small
flush marker over my father' s urn, as I knew that as much money as possible would be needed for her
long term care. It was, however, always our intent to place a larger stone bearing the Hemenway
family name. We discussed this on many occasions, and I knew of no reason why my Mother' s
wishes could not be carried out. My mother died in July of last year, and now that the estate is finally
settled, I would like to carry out those wishes for a permanent memorial.
The care of family markers was always a strong tradition in our family. Some of my earliest
memories are of trips to Peabody to plant flowers at the grave of my grandfather, and, later, after my
grandmother's death, at both graves. This would be done at lease four times throughout the year. The
Appleton and Iverson graves in Beverly were tended with the same frequency. I have continued that
tradition in my own family, and I f'md it extremely difficult that I will not be able to return to Beverly
periodically and plant flowers at a Hemenway family stone.
Mr. Searoans has pointed out that there is already an Appleton stone on the lot, but I believe
that there is no room for more names, and, above that, Appleton is not my family name. I would like
to be able to honor my parents with a Hemenway marker.
-2-
The existing flush marker will be removed so that there will be only one Hemenway marker. I
will be happy to either waive claim to any care around the stone ( Iwill provide it as necessary), or to
pay any reasonable endowment fee that you might deem appropriate to cover any future additional
care.
I can only hope that I have managed to convey to you how important this matter is to me. I do
not wish to cause additional work for someone, but this is a matter that I must live with for the rest of
my life. I would deeply appreciate you kind consideration of my request.
Respectfully yot:rs,
Richard J. Hemenway