The Old Fence at Maplewood

by Dwight “Harry” Harrington, Cemetery Commissioner

As early as May of 2015, Barre Town Cemetery Sexton Dwight Coffrin began inspecting and analyzing the condition of the old fence at Maplewood Cemetery. The fence, dating back to 1905 certainly showed its age through rust and deteriorating metal components that make up the ornate iron fence. Sandblasting and painting would be an expensive proposition so Mr. Coffrin offered to look for some grant money to help defray the costs. The cost did come in above the limit needed to push the project into the competitive bid range. The sexton also researched types and costs of the proper paint to be used on the job.

In August, Elaine Wang of Special Projects prepared a grant application for the fence repairs at Maplewood. She provided information concerning the need to preserve the fence, the benefits to the public, and details of what would be done. Ms. Wang brought more questions in September to be answered and told commissioners the fence hadn’t been painted is some 15 years. She finished the application and submitted it in early October. When the state denied the grant, a budget issue was prepared for the voters for an appropriation over two years. Initial work began in September of 2017. A contractor did the sandblasting and the cemetery crew followed along with primer paint. The work went slowly, dependent on dry and calm weather, and a late start in the season. The contractor completed nine panels of the fence by the end of the season in 2017 and agreed to start up again in August of 2018. The goal for the year included finishing the fence panels up to the arched gate and the work ended in October due to poor weather. During 2019, the contractor finished more panels of fence, but communications with the sexton ended before all the panels on Farwell Street could be finished.

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