Public Works

Cemetery Committee

Cemetery Committee from left: Paul E. Ressler, Deborah Stoessel, Richard W. Monaghan, Chair; Karen H. Crane, Rebecca Sheehan Purcell

Concord Cemeteries are an important asset to the Town. Visitors, residents and historians use them as a historical resource, a place of quiet contemplation and as a final resting place for many.

Highlights of what occurred in 2006 are as follows:

New Bylaw

Town Meeting approved a change in the Town bylaws to allow for the sale of cemetery lots to former residents who had lived in Concord for at least one year.

Special Ceremonies

• A well-attended ceremony was held in May to commemorate the completion of an extensive grave maker restoration program at the South Burying Ground.

• International attention was focused on Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in June when the remains of Sophia and Una Hawthorne, wife and daughter of noted author Nathaniel Hawthorne, were disinterred from their century old burial spot in England, transported to America and re-interred on Authors Ridge in the Hawthorne lot.

Cemetery Operations

Concord cemeteries total about 55 acres. Maintaining these grounds in top condition requires the continued efforts of the Cemetery Division and other Concord Public Works staff. The efforts of all are greatly appreciated.

Memorial Day and Veterans Day celebrations were held at Sleepy Hollow. These events were well attended.

A comprehensive tree management plan, developed by a consulting arborist, was begun at both Old Hill and Sleepy Hollow.

Sleepy Hollow

A comprehensive improvement program continued during 2006. Several roads in Sleepy Hollow, including those leading to Authors Ridge, were re-paved. Brass signs were installed at each of Sleepy Hollow's five gates. The installation and engraving of more than twenty granite street markers was completed.

The Knoll at Sleepy Hollow

Tree planting continued at The Knoll, the newer section of Sleepy Hollow. A commemorative stone, noting the former presence of Native Americans in the area now occupied by The Knoll, was put in place.

The carriage enters the gate of Sleepy Hollow and moves along to Author's Ridge where Nathaniel Hawthorne and other Concord author families are buried.

Smallpox Cemeteries

The Cemetery Committee assumed oversight responsibilities for the Town's three smallpox cemeteries. These cemeteries, one on private land, one on Town land and the third on land owned by the Commonwealth, contain the remains of residents who died during the smallpox epidemic of 1792.

Statistics

During 2006, there were 92 interments at Sleepy Hollow. Forty-eight of these were full burials and 44 were cremations. Of the 92 interments, 50 were Concord residents. Lot sales for the year totaled 77, with eight of these being sold to eligible former Town residents.

Friends of Sleepy Hollow

The Friends of Sleepy Hollow provided invaluable support in fulfilling their role of promoting the preservation, beautification and appreciation of Concord's historic cemeteries. Their map of Sleepy Hollow is an indispensable guide for visitors. Their work on the Hawthorne re-interment ceremonies helped insure that this event was a dignified success. The Friends continue to produce fund raising initiatives and educational programs on behalf of Concord's cemeteries.