This file
part of www.oakhillcemetery.info
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OF OAK HILL CEMETERY
Association Meeting Minutes
First
Meeting
To form cemetery association, to be called
Oak Hill Cemetery
Association.
John Richards Virgil Green
Luther A. Cole Andrew Peterson
Wm. C. Fountain Herber
Smith
J. W. Spencer George Sawin
J. A. Chadwick Daniel Jones
Linus Cady
Luther A. Cole Wm. C. Fountain
George Sawin Heber Smith
Linus Cady Daniel
Jones
Luther Cole resigned as trustee.
Augustus
F. Cady elected to fill vacancy.
First Officers
President Linus
Cady
Treasurer Heber
Smith
Clerk Wm. C. Fountain
Sexton James
A. Norris ($1.50 per Grave)
To be second Monday in
March.
Sold
28 lots on
Received deed from
Henry Mulberger, for ten acres on
Lot and land deals
involving Association, John Richards, Henry Mulberger,
and others, were contracted and carried out.
Routine
During following
years, nothing of much importance happened, except for routine business.
Set prices for lots
at $5.00. Raised to $10.00 short time later.
Fenced
grounds on
Purchased
thirteen and one-half acres in second ward of city from C. Schroeder for
$500.00 plus choice of five lots including, where he had already buried.
Mr. Schroeder to erect wooden fence along south line with
steps to go over fence.
Resolved
to purchase three and three-fourths acres adjoining Schroeder land from Mrs. C.
Vestry for $100.00. Resolved to purchase land lying
north of aforementioned purchases – up to
Resolved
to buy from Mrs. Bouton (Boughton)
parcel of land south of
1866
No wooden
structures. Fence on Hall lot to be removed by June, 1870.
December, 1866
All
18 x 18” foot lots to sell for $25.00. People
exchanging lots in old cemetery for new cemetery to pay $3.00 per lot and quit
claim old cemetery lots to Association.
President authorized
to sell special meeting Secretary authorized to buy suitable books to keep
cemetery records.
Well to be dug on
new cemetery by Christopher Schroeder. Treasurer and secretary requested to
record all deeds before delivering to purchaser of lots. Christopher Schroeder
appointed treasurer.
Lots 41 and 50 of
Block 12, deeded to John Richards in payment of debt against Cemetery
Association as per resolution passed on
Further
settlement with C. Schroeder.
Discontinued
sale of lots to Mr. Christopher Schroeder.
Received –
President, secretary and treasurer authorized to sell 7 56/100 acres of old
cemetery at best terms, but not less than $75.00 per acre and purchaser to
build one-half of line fence. Also
resolved that in case of a sale. C. Schroeder be
authorized to move necessary bodies to new Oak Hill Cemetery for $30.00.
Sale
of 7 56/100 Acres. Reported having sold 7 56/100 acres of old cemetery to Henry Mulberger for price of $543.75. Money
to Wisconsin National Bank at five per cent.
$16.50 paid to Fred Harte for map of cemetery.
President Dan Jones,
Ted Prentiss, C. Schroeder appointed as vault committee to bargain for building
a vault.
Resolved – No burial
on any lot until paid for.
President of Association
authorized to contract with Luther Boughton for
purchase of eleven acres adjacent to cemetery for $1,500.00
Deal with Boughton completed – ten and one-half acres at $1,435.23
including fence.
Resolved – city clergymen
and church organizations allowed to purchase lots for
half price.
Executive committee
formed. President, secretary, treasurer of Association to have charge of
cemetery grounds, all improvements, audit. Executive
committee to pass on all payments from cemetery funds.
Two hundred dollars
appropriated to build wooden sidewalk along south of cemetery from
Authorized new deed
register book with blank deed sheets, identical to pages in book. No deed to be
valid until recorded in the book.
Invested
in two $500.00 bonds for building new Jefferson County Court House at 7 per
cent.
Schroeder
Fired. Christopher Schroeder was
informed that he was being replaced as superintendent by Mr. Krueger. Mr.
Schroeder was requested to settle up his account with the Cemetery Association.
Writer’s Note:
(From preceding
minutes and records it would seem that Mr. Schroeder bought and sold cemetery
lots at will. Today’s books and records bear out the fact that many of those
sales were never recorded. It also shows that all records during Mr.
Schroeder’s regime were poorly and loosely kept).
Resolved – No graves
to be dug except on order from the secretary or in his absence, a trustee.
Grave opening charges set at $1.00, $1.50 and $2.00. Fee doubled for winter
graves. All money turned over to the treasurer and all bills paid by him.
(Note: - evidently to correct ways that C. Schroeder handled the business). Map
to be corrected and copy put in good shape.
November, 1881
Holders of old deeds
issued new ones – executed by president and treasurer. Schroeder
deeds issued in new forms. (Note:
they never got them all).
Caught up With
Schroeder
Account against
Christopher Schroeder for unaccounted for lots and unpaid for to Association
was put into the hands of Henry Mulberger for
possible correction and settlements.
Executive committee
requested to take steps to bring about settlement with Schroeder.
May 16, 1882 BUILDING
Mr. C. Schmutzler submitted a plan for erecting a building and
observatory on cemetery. Motion by Mr. Quentmeyer
to go ahead with the plan. ($538.42)
Sold
one of Schroeder’s lots for $200.00 towards settlement of account. H. C.
Koch & Co. contacted to furnish plans for vault.
Hedges prohibited –
present hedges to be trimmed to length not to exceed 2 ft. 9 inches high. Walk
ways designated between lots and designated on map of cemetery.
On motion of W. F. Quentmeyer – To buld a receiving
vault as per plans on file with secretary, at a cost of $1,735.00. Motion
adopted.
??? 19, 1885
Bill for vault paid.
Lot care set at
$1.00 without hedge, $1.50 with hedge. Lawnmower purchased.
May 1886
Hereafter, all
foundations for monuments shall be of cement, substantially built, under
direction of superintendent.
Albert Gevers hired as superintendent at $350.00 per year. $1.50
per day to be deducted for every working day missed.
Fence authorized for
old cemetery. Wm. Humphrey, secretary.
Authorized
building wind-mill and placing of four tanks to hold 6 or 7 pails of water, to
be placed on grounds. Also main tank of larger capacity.
Regular
annual meetings to be held on second Monday of March for all future time.
??? 9, 1891
Lot owners ordered
to remove all hedges from around lots. Superintendent authorized to remove all
trees from lots which he thought advisable. Surveyor hired to lay out and plat new part of cemetery.
??? 9 1891
Association placed
$1,000.00 from general fund into a permanent fund.
Hereafter – 25 per
cent of net income of Association to be added to this fund. Jane Cole and her
son, Guy Cole, borrowed $3,000.00 at 6 per cent interest on their Denver City,
Colorado property.
Annual lot care set
at $3.00. Adult opening, $5.00.
President appointed
F. Quentmeyer, D. H. Kusel,
and Wm. Humphrey to select a design for a fence on south, or front, of
cemetery.
Authorized
plans and specifications for 46 inch picket fence for $15.00. E. Kunert Co., Miller, Reichardt
Mfg. Co. and Reliance Wire Works Co. to bring in bids.
Contract for fence
awarded to Reliance Wire Works Co., of the city of Milwaukee at bid of $795.00.
Association furnished paint (black), also paint for two coats on observatory.
Lots set at $60.00.
Half lots $35.00. All half lots to be divided east and west.
W. K. Means engeged to lay out and stake
the north part of cemetery, and to furnish a map of the whole cemetery at a
cost of $500.00.
Lots
in annex to Oak Hill Cemetery to be laid out as per discretion of trustees.
(This part of cemetery now owned by School District). All adult graves to be six feet deep.
As per
recommendation of W. K. Means, lot and block markets to be furnished by Mishler Bros. Co. of Ravenna, Ohio.
Forty per cent of
all lots sold in blocks 19 to 35, inclusive, be added
to Perpetual Care Fund, and that annual accounting of fund be made to
Association by secretary. Lots in old part of cemetery – blocks 1 through 17 be
re-appraised. All said lots to be charged at rate of $100.00 per lot, halves or
parts of lots in proportion, in addition to original purchase price. Separate
contract entered into with owners (P.C. Deed). Proceeds to be
added to Perpetual Care Fund.
Association
purchased one safety lowering device with all equipment for $100.00.
NOTE:
There were numerous
changes in membership of Board Trustees and officers during years 1850 to 1900.
As of
President - D. H. Kusel
Treasurer - W. F.
Voss
Secretary - Wm.
Humphrey – J. T. Monk
Superintendent - F.
C. Quentmeyer
Other board members
were: Daniel Jones, Leonard Schempf, Wm. A. Beurhaus, J. T. Moak elected
August, 1900, due to Humphrey’s death.
June, 1900
All
foundations for monuments and markers to be set by Cemetery Association.
Cost: 25 cents per cubic foot.
July, 1900
Decided to
macadamize main roads in cemetery as per plan by City Engineer and get use of
city equipment and advertise for someone to do the work. Tetzlaff and Co.
got the job. Bid: $924.25.
August, 1900
Due to death of Wm.
Humphrey, J. T. Moak elected secretary.
August, 1901
Complete set of
rules and by-laws drafted and adopted by Association. Complete text of rules
can be found in Volume 2 of Proceeding books, page number 26.
NOTE:
At this date, very
few of these rules still apply to the Association.
June, 1904
Committee of three
authorized to build a tool house on cemetery grounds. Fred Behlke
got the bid for $147.00. There were three other bids - $160.00, $163.62 and
$215.00.
August, 1904 MOUNDS
All grave mounds
leveled – no more mounds in future – all graves to be kept at ground level.
August, 1904
New
road work completed by Tetzlaff & Co.
May, 1905
MAPS and
PLAT BOOK
Secretary authorized
to procure two maps of cemetery. Also,
first plat book authorized. Secretary instructed to record each grave and grave
location. Record in book to be perfected as far as he
possibly can, and all future burials to be recorded in the book. They also bought the secretary a new desk for
$18.00
March, 1906 GEVERS
Paul
Gevers chosen as assistant superintendent, evidently
to succeed Albert Gevers, at a salary of $35.00 to be
adjusted at an early future date.
P. D. Quentmeyer remained as superintendent.
April, 1906 MOAK RESIGNS, JACOBI
HIRED
J. T. Moak, who had been secretary fronm
1900, tendered his resignation. C. H. Jacobi was chosen as the new secretary. Mr. Moak was voted a check for having done much extra service
for the Association.
May, 1906
MOUNDS
Because of much
dissention to the rules passed in 1904 prohibiting new, and leveling old mounds
on graves, the rule was rescinded. New rule – mounds, not over four inches in
height, allowed on old graves. No new mounds to be made.
March, 1907
Albert H. Jacobi made secretary. Paul Gevers,
assistant superintendent at $45.00 per month.
Bought new water tank. Purchase
of rubber stamp for all deeds stating that transfers must be recorded in
cemetery books in order to be valid. One hundred cedar bushes purchased, to be
planted along east line of cemetery. Ordered to repair pavilion (observatory)
and put it in good condition. Also to cut down four evergreen trees which were a detriment to pavilion.
July 1908
VAULT RECORD and FENCE
Albert Solliday permitted to build an above ground Vault on lot in
block 12. Treasurer paid $50.00 (or
$125.00) for bringing burial record book up to date. South fence painted by
Chas. David for $22.00. Other bids: 46.20, $47.50 and $48.50.
March, 1909
Copings around
graves or lots were no longer allowed.
1910
P.C.F.
showed a balance of $3,216.00.
June, 1911
AUTOS
Was
resolved to allow persons having automobiles to visit cemetery – except during
funerals. Resolved – Keep north gate closed and locked.
April, 1912
Sexton, Paul Gevers’ salary set at $50.00 per month.
February, 1913 WATER LINES
On Motion – it was
decided to apply for City water for cemetery use. Also find cost to lay water
mains to upper gate of cemetery.
NOTE:
(At that time, main
gate was directly to the south of main road or, right on top of hill).
March, 1913
Up to this point,
some of the roads had been developed, according to the cemetery map and were,
for the most part, macadamized. All these projects were left out on bids with
the City Engineer supervising all of the work. At this time, concrete being
cheaper than macadam, it was decided to cement
February, 1915
Water commission was
petitioned to construct water mains from corner of
June, 1915
Plans for water
works on cemetery made by Watertown City Engineer. A. Kraeft.
Plans accepted by Association and left out for bids. Mendenhall, Mayer Co. got
the job at a bid of $1,895.02. Other bidders were Kehr
Bros., Biefeld Co. and Schlueter
and Kiefer. City Engineer was again in
charge of the work. The City Engineer charged $48.00 for his services.
Watertown
Daily Times, 06 29 1915
Notice
to Contractors
Office of the secretary of the board of
trustees of the Oak Hill Cemetery Association, Watertown, Wis.
Sealed proposals will be received at this
office until the 2nd day of July, 1915, at
All work and material shall be done and
furnished in accordance with the plans and specifications on file in said
office.
Proposals shall be made only on blanks
provided by said board.
All bids shall be accompanied by cash or
certified check in the sum of five per cent of amount of the bid, payable to
the secretary of said board of trustees as a guarantee that the successful
bidder will execute a written contract with two good and sufficient sureties to
be approved by said board according to form of contract on file at said office.
The board reserves the right to reject any
and all bids.
Dated Watertown, Wis.,
February, 1916
Windmill was torn
down and disposed of. Engine and water pump sold. Water storage tanks disposed
of. Bought sprinkling cans and waste cans.
February, 1917
Adopted “pay in
advance’’ policy for markers and foundations.
No more mounds on graves – all existing mounds to be leveled with
ground. It was decided to put rest rooms
in pavilion and rebuild to make building more serviceable for cemetery
purposes. Superintendent was instructed to have Mr. Arthur C. Kuenzi look over the present structure and make plans and
sketches as to how to proceed. Wages for workers adopted as follows: General grounds workers -
$1.75 per day. For digging graves - $2.00 per day.
May, 1917
Mr. Kuenzi presented plans for restrooms, etc. for future decision
by trustees.
June, 1917
Plans for new
building adopted and put out for bids. Art Kuenzi was
named to superintend the construction after a contractor was selected.
July, 1917
Five bids were
opened for construction of new building:
Richard Rowlands - $803.00, H.G. Zickert - $774,.00, John Shatz - $728.00, W.
Rohde - $740.00, Aug. Strassburg - $694.00. Secretary
instructed to enter into written agreement with Strassburg.
Bids for painting from Chas. David, Chas Helimann,
J.B. Murphy, S.E. Schmutzler,
Raue & Sons.
October, 1917 CHAPEL
Contract awarded to
Murphy for $101.00. After completion of building there was a controversy with
Wm. G. Pritzlaff and Co. who had evidently
sub-contracted to Strassburg. It wound up with the
Cemetery Association paying Pritzlaff an additional
$224.00. Total cost, $1,019.00 plus $30.00 fee of Mr. Kuenzi. Building was insured for $1,500.00 against
fire, lightning and tornado.
February, 1918 SIDEWALK
Price
increase on all foundation work. Resolved to put in
cement sidewalk approach to north and south chapel doors, five feet wide.
Further resolved to build sidewalk all around building. To be 30 inches wide and eighteen inches from
building. Flower beds all around building. Advertised for
bids to paint iron fence and Oak Hill sign on south side of grounds.
Bidders were: W. Raue
and Sons - $220.00, J.E. Schmutzler
- $228.00 Scheblack and Herzog - $230.00 and Chas.
David - $248.00. W. C. Raue awarded job.
1918, DELINQUENT OWNERS
List of delinquent
lot owners compiled and turned over to an attorney for
collection.
To meet the demand
of workers for higher wages, all prices were increased. For
instance, whole lots up to $50.00, single graves way up to $8.00. Grave opening up to $9.00, etc. (See page 150, vol. 2 – corporate
records).
Trustees added
another hike in prices for lots, half lots, single graves, etc. (Page 151 –
corporate records). Paul Gevers, sexton, wages raised to $55.00 per month.
May, 1918
Prices raised in new
division in order to include perpetual care.
February, 1919
Resolved – Blocks 19
and up be sold only as full lots. Deeds
changed to include perpetual care, etc. Rubber stamp authorized for correcting
older deeds. Set salary for treasurer at $25.00 per year.
April, 1919
Prices raised for foundation work.
May, 1919
LABOR and PRICES
Workers asked for
advance on wages. The trustees decided to increase wages as requested, feeling
it necessary to keep out of trouble. Two men were raised to $3.00 per day, two
raised to $2.50 per day, one raised to $2.25 per day, effective immediately. Paul Gevers, sexton, raised to $60.00 per
month. To meet increased labor costs, prices were again raised.
February, 1920
Paul Gevers’ salary raised to $75.00
per month. Prices for monument and marker foundations increased. Also perpetual
care prices raised.
April, 1920
Transfer Deed
Register established.
September, 1920
Increase in prices
for full and half lots.
March, 1921
Treasurer’s salary
set at $50.00 per year. Secretary’s salary at $300.00 per
year. Decided to recondition Christopher Schroeder vault as it had
become an eye-sore.
May, 1921
Block number 7
unsold lots reserved for future single graves. The office of vice president was
created.
June, 1921
Decision
to erect chain link Cyclone fence on north end of cemetery. Cost of fence $541.97.
May, 1922
Resolved to fix up
and beautify main entrance at south west of cemetery.
June, 1923
RESTROOM ROOF and GEVERS BARN
Voted
to place one dozen bird baths on cemetery, near by water faucets. Paid
$67,70 to Schmitz and Schlueter
to repaint chapel roof. Instructed Paul Gevers to remove his barn
which stood on cemetery property.
September, 1924
Mr. Jacobi resigned as secretary of Association. Mr. Art Thauer was chosen to be new secretary and assistant
treasurer, with stipulation that Mr. Thauer become a
lot owner within sixty days. Also paid Weed Commissioner $2.00 for cutting
weeds on
March, 1925
New
salaries – Sexton, $85.00 per month. Superintendent,
$50.00 per year. Secretary and assistant treasurer to
$350.00 per year.
May, 1925
Association
purchased bird houses for cemetery.
July, 1925
Lehman Bros. awarded
contract to put in cement roads on south end. Approximately $1,200.00 paid.
October, 1925 SIGN-NORTH END
Placed sign at north
end of cemetery main road prohibiting use of the drive through the cemetery for
private purposes.
March, 1926
More
birdhouses and also bird feeders.
March, 1927
Paul Gevers made assistant superintendent, as well as sexton, at
a salary of $90.00 per month. Authorized purchases of
half-ton truck with dump body. Cost of truck, $427.00 plus dump body.
May, 1927
Suggested
purchase of small cement mixer. Raised lot prices.
July, 1927
Cemetery Association
paid share of $2,500.00 for paving of
March, 1928
Gevers
raised to $100.00 per month. Secretary
Thauer to $600.00 per year. Mr. Gevers asked
that a windshield be placed on the truck for the protection of the driver.
May, 1928
Approved
cement mixer on rental basis from Geo. C. Lehman. Discussed
placing of fountain at cemetery entrance.
Replaced
old lowering device and grass blankets. Total $249.50.
June 1928
Decision
to erect suitable fountain at entrance to the cemetery. Cost $500.00
plus cost of grading, cement work and plumbing.
July, 1928
A. Kuenzi engaged to bring plans for men’s and women’s comfort
stations in present chapel building.
Flowers to be planted around north and turn-around circle. Memberships for secretary,
superintendent and sexton to State Cemetery Associaition,
purchased by Association.
Mr. Kuenzi instructed to make four new maps of cemetery,
showing water and sewer locations.
Note:
(These maps are not
to be found at this date. We do, however, have other maps, and water and sewer
lines would not cause a problem to find them).
Contract for
restrooms in chapel awarded to H. G. Zickert, bid
price $1,729.00 with $10.00 per day penalty if not completed by October 15.
Purchase of three
acres adjoining cemetery at southwest corner, from Kwapil
Estate, for building tool building and storage space.
March, 1929
Salaries fixed
at: Sexton and assistant superintendent
- $100.00 per month, superintendent - $150.00 per year, and secretary and
assistant treasurer - $600.000 per year. Raised perpetual
care prices for old part of cemetery to:
$100.00 full lots, $50.00 half lots and $10.00 single graves.
From henceforth, all
markers in new division be restricted to 2-0 x 1-0 x
0-3”.
July, 1929
Purchased
first power lawnmower for $285.00. It was a Jacobsen. Decision to erect
building, 20 ft. by 60 ft., on property purchased from Kwapil
estate.
October, 1929
Bids for new utility
building opened.
Mallow and Son -
$3,384.00
Maas Bros. -
$3,700.00
Val Roth - $3,563.00
Louis Zoelle - $3,620.00
John Behnd - $4,570.00
After eliminating a
few items, Mallow and Sons got the contract for $3,170.00.
March, 1930
Moved
to revise cemetery rules and regulations.
June, 1930
Doumann vault erected on Lot #18 –
block #13.
September, 1930
A request by
Standard Mausoleum of Kewaunee, Ill., to build a mausoleum on Oak Hill Cemetery
was laid over for further discussion.
November, 1931
Fill ground ordered
for new part of cemetery.
March, 1932
Secretary empowered
to act as assistant treasurer. Moved to paint truck and put fenders on it.
August, 1932
Lot prices increased
– lots to be sold on square foot basis.
November, 1932
Decision
that no mausoleum may be built on new part of cemetery.
March, 1935
Moved
to hold monthly meetings from May through October.
June, 1935
Action
begun to reclaim unused portions of lots on which lot care had not been paid
for five years.
August, 1935
Reclaiming of
unoccupied parts of nine lots was finalized. Proceeds to be placed in perpetual
care fund.
September, 1936
Placed
protecting curbing at southeast corner of Lot #60 – block #12.
March, 1937
John Thauer elected temporary secretary due to illness of his
father, A. N. Thauer.
March, 1938
Sexton threatened
with cut in wages.
September, 1938
Authorized
getting bids on new truck to replace Model T.
October, 1938
Bought new G.M.C. truck from King &
Hintz. Bid price, $685.00
November, 1939
Office of sexton,
superintendent, secretary were abolished. Incumbents
of these offices relieved of further duties. Salary of the president was also
eliminated. New office of secretary-manager created and John Thauer hired to this new post at $1,600.00 per year salary.
Dated
November, 1940
Bought
oil burning stove for utility building. Purchased caps
and jackets to be used as uniforms for cemetery employees.
March, 1941
Resolved – no more
wooden rough boxes allowed. Burials must be in enclosed sectional concrete
crypts, or cement vaults, or steel vaults. Cemetery will furnish cement boxes
or crypts if so desired, at a price. Grave opening charges increased to $18.00
for crypt and $23.00 for cement boxes. Secretary authorized to buy supply of
crypts and sell at cost plus $4.00
May, 1941
Moved
to pay time and one-half for all work done on Sundays and holidays. Secretary given a $200.00 bonus.
May, 1941
Purchase of new
casket placer.
Secretary
given privilege of foreclosing on any lots to arrears in lot care. Purchased supply of sunken type vases for resale. Purchased ¼ h.p. grinder.
Purchased hay mower. Purchased small cement mixer (still using it-1973)
March 1943
Secretary-manager
salary, $175.00 per month. Paul Gevers ordered
to deliver all records, etc. to Cemetery Association by
May, 1943
Harry Kuester hired
to fill position of secretary-manager at salary of $1,800.00 per year. Secretary to be bonded at expense of Association.
May, 1943
Salary of outdoor
man set at $28.00 per week for summer and $20.00 per week for winter.
June, 1943
Books were not in
good condition. Special secretary hired to bring books and accounts up to date
as Mr. Kuester wanted all in order when he would take
over.
August, 1943
Resolved - no lot
owner can re-sell without first offering to sell it back to the Association.
October, 1943
Trustees asked for
complete inventory of tools and equipment owned by Cemetery Association.
November, 1943
Raised
all prices.
May, 1944
Proceedings begun to
reclaim ten more lots that were behind in lot care payments.
September, 1944
Gevers
fired. R. Zier given raise.
February, 1945
New book-keeping
system set up. Special or Perpetual Care accounts set up away from general
accounts. Mr. Virchow P.C.A.
hired to set up complete system, with general account and perpetual account
independent of each other.
March, 1945
Price
increases blocked by O.P.A. (war time).
1946 and 1947
Routine
business.
April, 1948
Established
loan committee.
Note:
The end of 1949
rounded out the first one hundred years of the operation of the Oak Hill
Cemetery Association. Names of organizers of Association and men who married on
Association business are listed in this brief, in year 1899. Others who served
and married on through some of the first fifty years and those prominent men
who served during the second fifty years were: Dan Jones, D.H.
Kusel, W.T.Voss, P.C. Quentmeyer, W. Humphry, W.A. Beurhaus, Len Schempf, J.T. Moak,
J. Prentiss, Al Gevers, C. Hugo Jacobi,
H. Wertheimer, Albert Soliday,
Paul Gevers, John Schempf,
Fred Keck, Edw. Schempf, Art Thauer,
Chas. Skinner, John Behnd, Oscar Wertheimer,
E.J. Hoermann, Dr. A.F. Solliday, John Thauer, Richard Thauer, John
Keck, Frank Koenig, Cl. Peters, Fred Kaercher, E.F. Lemmerhirt.
Officers and Directors 1949
President – Keck,
treasurer – Solliday, secretary – Kuester.
Directors – Koenig, Peters, D. Kusel,
E.F. Lemmerhirt, F. Kaercher.
April, 1950
Set new prices for
new division of cemetery. Inaugurated gasoline allowance for
secretary.
May, 1950
Resolved – increase
number of Board of Directors from six to seven members.
December, 1950
Annual lot care
increased.
January, 1951
All prices – single
graves, lots, foundations, etc., increased.
March, 1951
Wages increased –
outdoor lead man’s demand for a $10.00 raise was reduced to a
$5.00 raise on a take it or leave it basis. Other raises were in
accordance with tradition. Purchased new mowers.
April, 1952
Association forced
to borrow for general fund for the first time. Borrowed
$700.00 from Wisconsin National Bank, to be paid back within the year.
October, 1953
Created
two new offices, to wit: second vice president and assistant treasurer.
April, 1954
New
toilets in restrooms by Reideman-Surdick, cost -
$210.30.
October, 1954
E. F. Lemmerhirt elected president, at a special meeting.
Note:
(As
of December 1, 1973, the present date, Mr. Lemmerhirt
is still president of the Association).
November, 1954
As more and more
burial vaults were being sold, the Association was being knocked out of the
crypt business. Therefore, a charge of $15.00 was added to grave opening
charge, for all vaults that were buried. Secretary to notify
all funeral directors of the action.
November, 1954
Special
meeting with funeral directors at funeral directors’ request. They asked
that wording “vault charges’’ be stricken. Also designed
special reduced charge for opening for all county burials.
March, 1955
Kickback
and complaints on cheap vaults set-up at cemetery. Decided to wait with
any action in order to see if vault company would have
cemetery handle the situation.
March, 1956
It was decided to
transfer fund of $1,100.00 to general fund.
March, 1957
Investment committee
of four formed. To act as audit committee and also set as securities counsel,
with full power to invest fund money. As a check of the books had been
neglected since 1949, this committee was to make periodic checks of the books.
In 1958 it was resolved that this committee be the president, treasurer, and
two trustees to be appointed annually.
December, 1958
Borrowed
$1,500.00 from Perpetual Care fund to pay off $900.00 note at bank. Remaining $600.00 to be used for general expenses. Raised foundation prices.
February, 1959
It became necessary
to ask the City of Watertown for financial aid. Secretary ordered to draw up
cemetery’s needs for presentation to City Manager.
March, 1959
Secretary Kuester presented a long list of badly needed improvements
and repairs that were long overdue, not done because of lack of funds. No
raises in pay granted.
March, 1959
Record of letter to
City Council – not in minutes, but in secretary’s file, dated
Answer came in form
of a resolution passed by City Council, signed by Glenn Ferry, City Clerk, and
Fred W. Kehl, Council President, stating Council’s resoluton and quoting from State Statute #157. The cemetery
was granted $3,500.00 for year 1960. (Dated Sept. 15, 1959).
Note:
This was the
beginning of the annual appropriation from city to cemetery.
January, 1960
Decided
to sell off three and one-half acres at southwest end of cemetery, running into
July, 1960
Poor shape
financially. Put borrowing limit at $2,000.00
March, 1961
First
newspaper ad soliciting for sale of burial space – listed prices, etc. Published names of Cemetery Board. Asked
to arrange meeting with City Council regarding finances.
October, 1961
Amended
corporate record to allow borrowing additional $1,000.00 at this time.
June, 1962
Dr. Miller offered
$6,000.00 for three and one-half acres of cemetery property, which was
rejected, as it was far too low.
Secretary Kuester instructed to contact Mr. Leon Frey in regard to
possible purchase of land on the east side of cemetery.
March, 1963
Mr. Leon Frey
appeared at the meeting. Offered sale of 13 acres along east
side of cemetery at a price of $20,000.00.
July, 1963
Decision again made
to sell three and one-half acres on southwest of cemetery. Set price at
$1,500.00 per acre and $10,000.00 for building.
June, 1964
Moved
to sell three acres to school board for $6,000.00 amended to sell for
$9,000.00. Amended to sell full three and one-half
acres including building for $25,000.00.
Painted
chapel building. David’s Sons got the bid for $294.00.
October, 1964
Badly needed road
work discussed and started . Main
project to cut in and develop road along east fence. Received gift from
Stark Brothers for purpose of water extensions
Note:
Any money left to be
used for road work. Road work was forgotten.
February, 1965
Met
with Mayor White and school commissioners. Three and one-half acres,
being outlot #71, for price of $6,700.00 including
building. Provision that cemetery Association have right to use building, rent
free, for a period of not over five years.
August, 1966
Request
by school board for a right of way through cemetery’s southwest corner to put
in a road for school buses and other traffic. The Cemetery Association
turned down this request, as they decided to keep the original plat in tact.
August, 1966
Cemetery billed
$825.00 for water main and $1,421.00 for sewer on
March, 1967
Secretary Kuester stated that for ten years, the Board had talked of a
bonus which was just gone over. Mr. Kuester suggested
that they find another man. As a resullt, his
automobile allowance was raised to $720.00 per year.
Summer, 1967
City Street
Department put in new east road as per plat map.
September, 1967
Decision
to remodel old chapel and use south part of building as an office.
November, 1967
President
and secretary to contact carpenters and others to find out probable cost of all
remodeling, plumbing, wiring, electric lines, etc. Also cost to bring in
above ground and etc. Also cost to bring in above ground and underground
service. Also instructed to get cost on bringing up telephone
and gas service lines.
1968
Meetings,
discussions, but not much in way of action.
May, 1969
First
investments in Mutual Funds.
Received bid for
shop and garage on northeast corner of cemetery (marked “Storage’’ on plat
map). Called for more bids. Total of
bids thus far, $7,196.85.
1969
The minutes are not
clear as to when the work on chapel was completed, nor
when the office was moved. The disbursements show, however, that this was done
mostly in 1969, completed in 1970. Moving done in 1969.
Approximate cost, including equipment - $1,518.00.
New shop and garage
started in 1969. Completed including cement slab for sand, etc., in 1971 –
approximate cost $9,228.00. These figures also from
disbursement and trial balance records.
1970
Raised
borrowing power from $3,000.00 to $5,000.00.
June, 1970
Oak Hill Cemetery
named as one of the recipients in the Hermiene Flohr will. Some of the money in stocks.
This was received partly in 1971 and 1972. Final payment early in 1973 brought
this total to over $7,000.00 This money, as per her
will, used in general fund.
November, 1970
Again
raised borrowing power to $8,000.00. Had to borrow
$2,000.00 at this time in order to have money to finish out fiscal year.
This brought the total of notes at bank to $5,000.00 for year 1970. Moved to
remove large flower bed in park area and put in grass.
April, 1971
Mr. Kuester announced his intention to retire. A new secretary
was hired who agreed to take over in June. Mr. Kuester
died in May. His duties were carried on by the treasurer until a new secretary
could take over.
November, 1971
Architectural firm
of Durrant, Dieninger, Dommer, Kramer and
Gordon requested right of way through north portion of cemetery to service
apartment buildings which they were to build on east side of cemetery. This
request was not permitted.
It was decided to
have the secretary proceed with reclaiming 16 lots which were delinquent in lot
care. It was done by public noting procedure and was finalized
January, 1972
All duties of the
secretary were spelled out in writing at the request of the secretary.
Secretary was to act as secretary-manager.
May, 1972
Hillman, who had
worked for cemetery since 1934, quit without notice.
July, 1972
All prices increased
to bring more in line with present trend. Authorized removal
of wrecked fence and junk along west line of cemetery.
October, 1972
Notified
of bequest to cemetery in the will of Clarence Gloger.
Entered verbal
agreement with Ewald Kopplin to have all graves dug
by machine, except where impossible to get machinery in.
Invoked overcharge
for all after hour burial.
March, 1973
Adopted
new rules for planting and setting markers and monuments. No more
planting of trees or shrubs to be allowed. Authorized secretary to remove any
urns not planted for two or more years.
May, 1973
Reported
on increasing vandalism in cemetery. Many old markers and monuments
deliberately knocked over. Some smashed. Report on much needed road work. Dogs
outlawed in cemetery. Request of secretary to convert the old fountain at
cemetery entrance into a planter, as it would need considerable repair to again
run water through it, and also create a target for modern day vandalism. The
request was granted and geraniums, marigolds, petunias, spikes and vinca vines were planted in the fountain bowls.
August, 1973
Authorized much
needed water extensions – about 550 feet plus faucets. This is to be paid for
with money received from Clarence Gloger estate.
Authorized planting
of 125 single graves in area in block #14 where large flower bed was removed.
Also to lay out extra row of single graves at west and of block #10. These
layouts not on large cemetery map, but are recorded in plat book, with layout,
and also in file in cemetery office safe.
Twenty-two
delinquent lots added to list of reclaimed lots. Finalized in
September, 1973.
All proceeds from
reclaimed graves divided, with 70 per cent to general fund, and 30 per cent to
Perpetual Care Fund.
Truck received much
needed repair, including tires. May need new truck soon.
A lady who lives
near cemetery painted fence on south end of cemetery. No charge, but we bought
the paint.
August, 1973
The Oak Hill sign,
which had been junked and on way to dump, was retrieved, reconditioned, and
replaced over the south gateway. We hope the sanding truck doesn’t knock it
down.
December, 1973
Brings
these comments up to the present. More names added to list of men who
were active in development in last 23 years. To round out first 123 years of
Oak Hill Cemetery, we add the names of: Ray Kern, Byron Wackett,
Edw. King, Carl Stallman, H.W.
Hartwig, Dan L. Kusel,
Chas. T. Yeomans, Carl Raue,
R.J. Schmutzler, Roland
Harder.
There are some names
mentioned after the second 50 years, who are also active at this date: Present
board members – E.F. Lemmerhirt,
president; C.D. Peters, vice president; R.J. Schmutzler,
treasurer; Carl Stallman, C.T.
Yeomans, Byron Wackett,
Roland Harder and George Zoelle, secretary-manager
(employee).
This is but a brief
outline of some of the more important events since the incorporation of the Oak
Hill Cemetery Association. More detailed information can be found in the
minutes of the Association, which are complete since the organization in 1850.