To the editor:
After following the rules and removing all plants from the four lots I tend at Graceland Cemetery on time, I was surprised to get a call from another cemetery lot owner telling me all discarded materials from other lots had been placed on the historic Kuester lot located right on the circle in front of the chapel. I immediately drove out to take a look.
I thought I was on the wrong road as I didn’t even recognize the lot or see any of the headstones. Instead I saw dozens of discarded hooks, ornaments and miscellaneous materials taken from other lots. If any of our relatives were to come and visit the cemetery during this holiday season, they would share my shame at the condition of the resting place of these city pioneers.
I understand the notice to remove materials was not placed in the official city paper. It is my understanding that this is required. I know the notice of the cemetery annual meeting does appear in the official paper. I am aware of the rules and also subscribe to many area papers, so did see the notice. However, now our family lot has been littered with discarded materials.
If you have not checked your lot, please do so, as I noted that other lots have become dumping grounds for the removed materials. I also noted, as I had been informed by the person who notified me, that there are still nonseasonal floral decorations on graves in some areas.
The city of Clintonville subsidizes the operation of the cemetery. I attended the annual meeting of the cemetery board last April and my questions were met with comments of “We’ve always done it that way.” Perhaps it’s time to consider the wishes of the lot holders and citizens.
Mary-Beth Kuester,
Clintonville
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