8686-R1_ML&P_BuxtonAnnualReport_2022-2023_Web

2023 Buxton Cemetery Committee Report The Cemetery Committee was formed in 1989 with the purpose of locating and identifying the ancient cemeteries of the Town of Buxton. The secondary purpose was to clear some of the growth from these old burial grounds and, to the extent possible, restore the gravestones to their proper location, condition and posture. The Committee members used John Frost’s 1967 survey as a reference point and followed maps and sketches as well as written and oral directions to some long-neglected grave sites. The Committee now focuses on mowing the cemeteries and improving the appearance of the Town Cemeteries. The Cemetery Committee manages the ancient cemeteries. East Buxton Cemetery on Narragansett Trail, Flanders Cemetery on Long Plains Road near Buxton Center, Highland Cemetery in Groveville, Pine Grove Cemetery on Cemetery Road, South Buxton Cemetery at Tory Hill, and Woodlawn Cemetery off of Groveville Road are all managed and maintained by separate associations. During 2023, the Buxton Cemetery Committee was mainly inactive in terms of major projects. The Committee began to plan for needed repairs following some storms in late 2022, and again in late 2023 that caused damage to the town’s cemeteries. In winter 2022, a vehicle slid off of Limington Road, right through the gates of the Hill Cemetery. The Committee is working on a plan to replace the broken gates. Severe weather during the fall and winter of 2023 also damaged the Flood Cemetery on Turkey Lane. The iron fencing at the front of the cemetery was knocked to the ground and broken by high winds. We are hoping to replace this fence during spring or summer 2024. The Committee is also replacing several of the cemetery signs that have been damaged or are missing. These include Martin-Titcomb-Elwell Cemetery on Long Plains Road, Emery-Bradbury Cemetery on Brandow Lane, and Flood Cemetery on Turkey Lane. Please note, the Town of Buxton’s Public Lands Ordinance applies to all cemeteries in town as well. A copy of that ordinance can be found at this link on the Town Clerk’s webpage: https://www. buxton.me.us/town-clerk/pages/parks-and-public-lands-ordinance.

Respectfully submitted, Ethan Bump, Carrie Cousins, Chad Poitras Town of Buxton Cemetery Committee

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