Protect Our Historical Treasures, Old Cemetery

To the Editor:

Your laudable editorial about Beefhead Ditch and Founders’ Park, have created some questions in our minds. Since our research indicates that La Grange has already covered up a portion of the original ditch, can they do so again, considering that the time of its original construction may make it historical? Does the Fayette County Historical Society have any interest in the retaining both Beefhead Ditch and Founder’s Palk?

Aside from wondering about the ditch, we would like both the city of La Grange and the Fayette County Historical Society to consider the matter of the old section of the City Cemetery.

Section 713.011 Texas Health and Safety Code, provides

Sec. 713.011. MAINTENANCE OF MUNICIPAL CEMETERIES.

(a) A municipality that operates or has jurisdiction over a public cemetery shall maintain the cemetery in a condition that does not endanger the public health, safety, comfort, or welfare.

(b) A municipality’s responsibility to maintain a cemetery under this section includes:

(1) repairing and maintaining any fences, walls, buildings, roads, or other improvements;

(2) leveling or straightening markers or memorials;

(3) properly maintaining lawns, shrubbery, and other plants;

(4) removing debris, including dead flowers and deteriorated and

(5) promptly restoring gravesites following an interment

Although the City mows, weed eats, and repairs fences etc. it does not appear to level or straighten the markers or memorials in the old section, some of which are not level, leaning badly, and appear to be in danger of falling over. Some of these stones are those of the founders of the city of La Grange and Fayette County. I once questioned a member of the city management regarding maintenance of the monuments, and was told that they are considered personal property, the maintenance of which falls to descendants of the person occupying the grave. This does not appear to be in compliance with the Texas Health and Safety Code.

Both the city and county promote La Grange and Fayette County as a historical tourist destination, and accordingly should seek to preserve these irreplaceable assets. Surely our history is as important to the future growth of the city and county as is the need to meet the demands of these changing times.

Would the city be willing to apply for a grant to repair the Beefhead Ditch and maintain its historical importance? What can individuals and local organizations do to improve the state of the old section of the cemetery, retain Beefhead Ditch and the Founders Palk?

Sandy Rials

William Crawford

La Grange