1856-02-04 Trustees Annual Report, 1831.026.036-001

The Trustees of Mount Auburn Cemetery have the satisfaction ^{are gratified in being able} to report that the property of the Corporation remains as heretofore in a secure and satisfactory state.

A considerable sum has been expended ^{during the last year} on repairing, grading and paving at the sides, some of the principal avenues. Many of the [?] and superfluous trees have been removed, and the branches of others trimmed away, giving 10 that the whole ground has a new finished and ornamental appearance than it had heretofore before [?]. Much remains still to be done in the [judiciaries?] and careful prosecution of these and similar improvements.

The westerly portion of Garden pond near Central avenue has justly been considered a blemish to Mount Auburn, on account of the stagnant condition of the water, and the muddings of the banks and bottom. A contract has been made for filling up this pond with gravel from the neighboring hill for the sum of $850. The earth will be raised about six & a half feet

above the present surface of the water, by which operation the Corporation will gain more than an acre of valuable land in one of the most eligible parts of the Cemetery.

Some preparatory arrangements have been made for the occupation of the Stone farm purchased last year by the Trustees. The principal avenues have been prospectively surveyed, and planted with young trees at suitable distances. Nearly the whole of these trees were in healthy & growing condition at the end of the summer.

The Chapel has been taken down as far as the [bare?] course, and resurrected rebuilt during the last year season, in a strong & durable and substantial manner. The blemished and insufficient stones ^{inserted by the unfaithfulness of the contractors} have been replaced with others of the proper size and appearance, and the character of the building is now in all respects satisfactory as to strength, solidity, and durability. No changes have been made in the design except by the introduction of some additional ornament on the outside. The interior walk not being yet sufficiently dry the painting ^is obliged to be defferred till next season.

The Statues designed ^intended to occupy ² the interior of the Chapel are all in progress under contract made with artists of high eminence in their profession. The statue of Gov. Winthrop is to be executed by Richard Greenough, - that of James Otis by Thomas Crawford, - that of John Adams by Randolph Rogers, - that of Judge Story is by Wm. W. Story. - The model statuettes of the first and third of these are already completed, - that of the second is promised [?], and while the [?] ^fourth statue of the fourth is ^already finished and in possession of the Trustees

Two lots owned by individuals in front of the Chapel, and which were laid out before that building was erected, have been [burdnened?] of their proprietors, by [expecting?] this for other lots fitted up for this purpose. The whole front area between the Chapel & Cypress avenue is thus laid open giving an advantageous view of the building.

A vote has passed the Trustees for laying out [greater?] lots of seventy five square feet each, and offering them for sale at $50. each This will accommodate a certain class of purchasers who have occasion for but small space, and at the same time ^will enhance the product of the land sold.

a(a.) The late superintendent, Mr. Rufus Howe having resigned his office, the Trustees have selected Mr. Jonathan Mann to fill the vacancy. This election however is temporary and subject to future confirmation.

(b.) An application has been made to the Trustees by a large and respectable^highly^^influential body of the proprietors in favor of erecting a conservatory for the benefit of those persons who may wish to obtain plants or flowers upon the spot. The subject has received consideration and is referred to the next board of Trustees

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It will be seen by the Treasurer's report that the expenditures of the last year have much ^^considerably exceeded those of any preceding year. This is in part owing to the payments which have become due on certain large operations [which?] ^^{such as} are not likely to recur, and partly to the state of transition between the retirement of the former superintendent and the introduction of his successor. The Trustees entertain the hope that a more economised system of labor will be introduced, and that the necessary work on the grounds will be performed by a smaller number of hands than heretofore.

A large ^^great number of bill ^^{oustanding accounts} for work done by order of individuals in the different lots of the Cemetery had remained uncollected by the late superintendent until they were found to amount ^^{in the aggregate} to about $5000. Immediate measures have been taken to collect these dues ^^{as far as possible} and about $2500, have already been paid to ^^{received by} the Treasurer. It is hoped that a large portion of the balance ^^remainder may yet be collected saved to the corporation.