Ledyard Cemetery Committee Plans Expanded Cemetery Records, Assistance At Woodbridge Cemetery

LEDYARD, CT — The Ledyard Cemetery Committee is planning to expand public access to its updated cemetery records while also arranging help with maintenance at Woodbridge Cemetery, according to minutes of its Sept. 8 meeting.

The committee met at Ledyard Town Hall, 741 Colonel Ledyard Highway.

Chairman William Vidal III said he plans to make hard copies of the committee's updated cemetery book available at town libraries, Town Hall and school libraries. He also wants the information posted on the town website, with links to individual cemetery records and the complete book.

The updated book has two indexes: an alphabetical listing and a separate index of veterans organized by cemetery and military campaign. Vidal will seek estimates for printing 30 copies and plans to present the costs at the committee's October meeting.

Help Planned At Woodbridge Cemetery

Alternate member Vincent Godino reported that the town had heard from resident Utopia Manning, who said she and her husband had been maintaining Woodbridge Cemetery but would need assistance in the coming year.

Committee member Kristie Gardiner-Lundgren said Sue and Paul Billings had been maintaining Robert Stoddard Cemetery and had done a good job. Godino said he would ask the Billings whether they were interested in helping at Woodbridge Cemetery and would tell Manning that the committee would assist with maintenance.

Gardiner-Lundgren also reported a concern from Christina Nieto of 254 Whalehead Road, whose backyard contains a gravestone dating to the 1700s. According to the minutes, the worn stone once identified "Mr. & Mrs. Allyn," along with additional text.

Nieto is selling the property and was concerned that future owners might disturb the site without knowing about the gravestone. She asked whether the existing stone could be remarked or a new one installed. Vidal said he would visit the site and assess the stone.

Cemetery Preservation Added To Agenda

The committee agreed to add "Preservation" as a standing committee item on its agendas beginning in October.

Gardiner-Lundgren suggested using remaining D-2 cleaner on gravestones in inactive cemeteries as temperatures cool. She later told Agricultural Commission Chairman Bruce Garstka that she had used the cleaner at Maintown, Robert Stoddard and Ezekiel Gray cemeteries. She said spraying the cleaner without scrubbing worked, although scrubbing produced additional whitening.

Vidal also reported that the town had received its reimbursement from the state's Neglected Cemetery Grant program.

The committee discussed the condition of cemetery signs after Gardiner-Lundgren brought in a Fanning Cemetery sign that had fallen and was found in the road. Vidal said several signs near roads were beginning to curve, possibly because of wear or snow thrown by plows. Godino said he would contact the company that supplied the signs.

Budget Increases To $4,000

Vidal reported that the committee's new fiscal-year budget would increase to $4,000. He also said the committee's records contain approximately 769 veterans. Reynolds said veterans' grave flags are generally ordered in December, and Vidal estimated the committee should order about 800 to provide a margin for error.

The committee unanimously approved its June 9 meeting minutes, and at 5:02 p.m. Its next meeting is scheduled for Oct. 13.