1879-01-27 to 1884-07-10 Copying Book: Superintendent's Letters, 2005.062.008

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Oct 22 [187]9

J.N. Ballard Esq

Dear Sir

Your favor received. As to the shrubs, proprietors usually prefer to pay a price above the market value & cost of setting out, and then when the shrubs do not live call on us to replace them, which of course could not be done if not charged for at a higher price. I will alter the price as you suggest.

In regard to the myrtle one hundred and twenty five and often more plants are used on a single grave. When the florists put in myrtle they usually put in a much smaller number of plants and it takes much longer for the grave to become well covered. Then again two loads (cart loads) of loam and one fourth a cart load of manure was put on the graves in place of the gravel, as we find that if not well prepared the myrtle does not do well, beside which the myrtle needs constant watering which has been given it all summer. As I said, I charged you the usual price which is not an unreasonable one for the work done, and supposed

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that it was understood when the order was given, but as you say it was not. I have written the Treasurer to make whatever deduction you think is just, which I hope will be satisfactory & which he will do whenever you wish to pay the bill.

Yrs truly J.W. Lovering

Oct. 28^th [187]9

John Hastings Esq

Dear Sir

I will sell you an addition to your lot as per the plan enclosed, (the dotted lines showing the addition) one hundred and forty feet in all for $140. This will give you 2^ft 6 inches additional width on the side, and 4^ft6 inches on the other.

Yrs truly J.W. Lovering

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Nov. 8^th [187]9

Dear Sir

I enclose you a plan of lot #449, showing the position of the monuments & the graves as far as can be seen. The position of the graves in front of the monument would seem to interfere with the entrance somewhat.

Owing to a drain pipe the position of the lot cannot be changed, and I find I can make a wide gradual slope to the borders by changing the path line, so as to give 4 feet from the inside of the curbing to the edge of path. I explained to you yesterday that no border stone could be placed along the path. Of course the steps can be placed either at the center or sides as you prefer.

The lot slopes from back to front 4 inches, and the rise from the path to the lot, at the Center of lot, is 18 inches and at the corner posts (A&B on plan) 6 inches: I have raised the path to favor the banks in front of your lot as much as was possible without damaging the

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other lots. The water can be taken care of by putting some loose stone in the path, and by arranging the gutters & path now there, so that as far as possible it will flow elsewhere.

I have given you a good front line to the lot which it will be easy to fit, instead of the several broken lines now there.

I have marked the proper dimensions on the plan you left with me in red ink.

You will see still for that if you decide to put in a curb which is raised from the ground, the whole amount of rise for the edge if at center will be 18 inches, and if where the present gates are, 12 inches.

If, however, you decide to have a curb which is filled on the inside with earth, you will need one additional step not over 9 inches.

I would advise you very decidedly to have the first of the two curbs, that which stands entirely above the ground.

Yrs very truly J.W. Lovering

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Dec. 1st [187]9

T. Quincy Hill Esq

Dear Sir

The Treasurer requests me to inform you as to the condition of lot #554 (Searle) and I find it in very good order.

The bill for the ordinary care of the lot has been sent to Mr Searle but he has not as yet replied.

The bill sent you for "care & plants" $7.50 should have read plants $450 and top dressing with manure 2.00 instead 6⁵⁰; I have placed the differences to your credit.

Yrs truly J.W. Lovering

Dec^r. 2^nd [187]9

Mrs E. Munroe

Dear Madam

In reply to your note about the Charge for Myrtle on lot #2364, I would say that you are charged the usual price, and that for the last five years no smaller price has ever been charged for a single grave.

When Myrtle was put on your lot before, it was put on three graves at once and in those cases a small reduction is made, as it costs us less to do the work.

Hoping that this will explain the difference in the charges.

Respectfully J.W. Lovering