Jack:
For this one, I am one step ahead of you. Sent letters to all the County
Commissioners earlier this month. These letters were an effort to find all
the Cemetery Commissions; added in laws that pertain to County Commissioners
and cemeteries.
Next week I am sending letters to the auditors,recorders, and plan
commissions concerning cemeteries and their jobs.
Hopefully this will help.
Jeannie Regan-Dinius
Cemetery Registry Coordinator
DNR-DHPA
317/232-1646
317/232-0693 (fax)
402 W. Washington Street RM W274
Indianapolis, IN 46204
-----Original Message-----
From: Jb502000(a)aol.com [mailto:Jb502000@aol.com]
Sent: Thursday, May 31, 2001 9:36 AM
To: INPCRP-L(a)rootsweb.com
Subject: Re: [INPCRP] Abandoned cemeteries
In a message dated 5/31/01 8:24:09 AM US Eastern Standard Time,
andimac(a)oz.net writes:
Hello all,
I'm not certain why there is so much discussion on the word abandoned in
relation to cemeteries, but I'd like to share what people think in
Washington (state!). Everytime I lecture or speak to others about a
cemetery property, if I use the word abandoned, people take offense
(especially if they are caring for the cemetery). I have to explain that
it is a legal term used in our state laws to reflect that a property is no
longer owned by a living person or entity and has nothing to do with
someone caring for it or not.
Andi,
I agree 100%. Even if a property of any kind is declared
'Abandoned"
this does not give anyone the right to remove anything from it, be it a
cemetery, or a building. I believe under our present laws this is classed as
THEFT, or STEALING, both of which are punishable by law. That is because
they
sit on someone's property, actually someone owns everything, wether the
owner
be living or dead, and nothing is up for "Grabs". I often refer to our
cemeteries as "Pioneer" in my E-mails, in the Newspapers, and at a Zoning
board meeting that Lois and I attended. It appeared in the Newspaper that
way
next day. But at what point do we stop referring to them as "Pioneer"
cemeteries. The DNR and DHPA have a cut off date of 1939 in their Laws. Are
they still "Pioneer" up to that time? And yes Last winter out looking for
cemeteries in Floyd Co. I saw some that I referred to as literally
"Abandoned". After walking up to a half mile thru fields and woods, and then
up a 250 ft. hill in 35 degree temp. by my self, and saw their condition, I
felt they were Abandoned. Any time I see a cemetery like this words mean
nothing to me at that time, or later. I'm heartbroken because I know I can't
help. The New Albany Twp. Trustee, Tom Cannon is very interested in the
cemeteries in his Township, But until this winter he didn't know where most
were. To his credit he wants me to take him to everyone in his Twp. And they
will be Restored Properly. And yes, the people who care the most are like
me,
older, and without the financial capabilities to care for all the cemeteries
we would like. And to Jeannie, I appreciate your sending a copy of the Laws
and duties of the Trustees. I hope this helps. I also belive copies should
be
sent to the County Comissioners, who are responsible for funding. Who
knows,
someday-------------------- We will win.
Jack E Briles
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