Hanover Cemetery Documents

Lot No. 93 (con.) 10.

December 7, 1955

Mr. Arthur H. Chivers Meriden New Hampshire:

Dear Mr. Chivers:

This will acknowledge your letter of November 30, 1955 to President Dickey in regard to the Wheelock stones.

I was very distressed to hear of the way these gravestones were being kept at the storehouse, and I immediately took steps to have the situation corrected. It was quite inexcusable the way they were being handledand it was contrary to the instructions I had given last spring at the time they were taken out of the ground.

Our purpose in taking them out was to see if the "ancient" tablestones could be preserved in a manner so that they could still be seen. We have obtained estimates on a new type of case which would have the modern tablestone, or perhaps the more recent one, on top exposed to the weather very much as at present. Then there would be a brass case on the side which would have the ancient stones under bulletproof glass which would enable them to be seen by anyone visiting the cemetery.

Apparently this was a very difficult fabrication job, and the total cost comes to around $1,700. I would appreciate your reaction as to whether you think an expenditure of this size for this purpose is justified, or whether it would be better to follow your own suggestion, that the stones be put back where they were found. Would you be good enought to let me know what your opinion is on this subject?

Sincerely yours,

John F. Meck.

Lot No. 93 (con.) 12.

December 15, 1955.

Mr. Arthur H. Chivers Meriden New Hampshire

Re: Wheelock Gravestones

Dear Mr. Chivers:

In Mr. Meck's absence on an extended business trip, I wish to acknowledge your thoughtful letter of December 10, 1955.

We agree with you that, if the necessary funds can be made available, construction of the permanent case outline in Mr. Meck's letter would seem to be the ideal manner in which to preserve and display these stones.

Thank you again for your informative letter, which I will bring to Mr. Meck's attention upon his return.

Sincerely yours, Paul F. Young Assistant to the Treasurer

PFY; rc

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See also memorandum on file written by Mr. Edward Connery Lathem to Mr. Meck under date of May 29, 1954.

Note; Mr. Percy Conner (caretaker of the cemetery) received notice in June, 1957 that the Wheelock stones would be put back.

They were placed as in the original position, somewhat beneath the ground level. Being of greater dimensions than those of the marble enclosure, they project beyond the boundaries of the enclosure.

"Here endeth the chapter"on the Wheelock stones.