By Courtney Yates
Title: GWC Memoranda Ledger, c. 1863-1897
Extent: 1.0 Boxes
Arrangement: Topical arrangment
Subjects: Brooklyn--New York, N.Y., Cemeteries--New York (State)--New York--History, Green-Wood Cemetery--New York, N.Y.
Languages: English
Transcribed section of hand written record log from 1863-1897 of various events at Green-Wood Cemetery including comings and goings of workers, trustees and elected officers. Mentions of salaries - increases, requests of denied increases, and the occasional workmen’s strike. Dates of new guide maps, rules + regulations and amendments to by-laws. Expansion and improvements of infrastructure like landscape grading, pipes and road work. Introduction of various plant and animal species and reports of extreme weather and natural damages to the cemetery. Visits to contemporary cemeteries like Mount Auburn and Woodlawn recorded, as well as acquisitions of land, offices and equipment for cemetery, the changing prices of vaults and burial lots. Interesting mention of bones, coins and military buttons from the Battle of Brooklyn found on Battle Hill in 1865. Additional folders with loose papers inserted into log book.
Handwriting fairly consistent but could be multiple authors, formatting, spacing and abbreviations of diary kept in typed transcription. The recording of date/events is occasionally unchronological - example pg 14. The begining of the book has an index of paths, avenues, hills, other eminences, dells, waters and lawns. The end of the book includes information about trustees ranging from 1838 to 1848
Brooklyn--New York, N.Y.
Cemeteries--New York (State)--New York--History
Green-Wood Cemetery--New York, N.Y.
1882
October 19 Superintendence of Avenues and gutters given to Mr. Wells.
Also on November 1st the superintendence of mowing.
October 27 Ground broken for foundation of monument to Comptroller.
“ 30 T.H. Muir’s salary raised to $1800. from Oct. 1st.
November 13 Petitioned Common Council for closing of 8th Ave.
“ 17 J. Thomas Sturgis employed @ $25. per month.
December 6 Election of five Trustees, viz. Messers Royal Phelps, Benj. H.
Field, A.W. Benson, A.M. White + J.W.C. Leveridge.
“ 13 Re-election of Offices and of Standing Committee.
8 Comptroller visited Woodlawn Cemetery.
April Police force enlarged.
May 128 trees planted.
Steps built to public lots.
Rear entrance made to cellar at N. Entrance.
Employment of painters.
Erection of fence on 20th st + 9th ave.
3 New wagons built. New Guide Map.
New manure yard fenced in + graded.
First saving of leaves for manure.
Destruction of rabbits commenced.
