WESTFIELD – The Historical Commission is seeking to generate revenue for a revolving account to preserve headstones and artifacts in the city’s oldest cemetery.
Commissioner Cindy Gaylord said Monday night that the Park and Recreation Department, which oversees maintenance of the “Old Burying Grounds”, discovered earlier that day that a tree limb fell over the weekend and caused damage to a fenced family plot.
The cemetery, which has stones dating back three centuries, is located behind the houses along Mechanic, North Cherry, East Bartlett and White streets.
The Historical Commission is initiating a program this October that Gaylord said could become an annual event to generate revenue for preservation of the historical cemetery.
The commission is sponsoring guided Ghost Tours of the burying grounds on Oct. 25 and Oct. 27 between 5:50 and 9:30 p.m. The pastor of St. Mary’s Parish as offered to allow participants to use the church parking area.
Actors and actresses will portray the city’s historical residents buried in the cemetery, standing at the headstone of that historical figure then present a historical perspective of that person and their impact on the early development of the city.
‘I see this as a launching pad for the future,” Gaylord, who has been coordinating the event with the support of city departments and organizations, said. “Maybe this will become a month-long activity and will become a major fundraiser to maintain the stones. It costs thousands of dollars to maintain the headstones.”
One key element is ensuring the safety of participants in the Ghost Tours, Gaylord said.
“We have generators to provide lights, flashlights and lanterns to aid patrons in crossing Mechanic Street and because it’s city property, the city’s insurance policy will cover us, so we don’t need to purchase coverage,” Gaylord said.
The Commission is also trying to secure pumpkins, hay bales and corn stalks to create a harvest festival atmosphere Gaylord said.
Each half-hour tour is limited to 25 participants and the $5 ticket will be available at the Westfield Athenaeum.
“It’s really exciting,” Gaylord said.
