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VALE CEMETERY - History and Significance

The decision to build a PUBLICK CEMETERY:

Around 1850, the old public burying ground in the Stockade area (near the intersection of Front and Green Streets) was in poor condition and unsanitary. By 1856 the Common Council concluded the land formerly known as the Hospital Farm off Nott Terrace would be a suitable place for a public cemetery. In June of 1857 the Mayor appointed a Cemetery Committee to lay out roads and prepare the grounds for a public cemetery.

The work proceeded rapidly and there was great public interest. Lots were ready for sale by the first of September and many were purchased. The dedication took place on October 1, 1857 with great fanfare. It was recorded that least 2500 people were present – quite a crowd. Burton Thomas was the surveyor and the one who laid out the plan for the tree plantings and general landscaping. Over 1,000 trees were planted.

Formation of the VALE CEMETERY ASSOCIATION

It was concluded by the Common Council that it could not assume the ownership of a public cemetery at taxpayer expense and that the Vale Cemetery should be owned and operated by a private organization.

On February 25,1858 fourteen of the lot holders formed the Vale Cemetery Association. Under existing state law it could then purchase the cemetery – at that time only 38 acres - from the Common Council.

The price was set at $800 and there was a requirement that land be set aside for the burial of the poor – Potter’s Field. Nine Trustees were eventually chosen for staggered terms of three years.