Article from 1916 Twice-a-Week Times, Louisiana, Missouri
CERTAINLY FINE IS THE BEAUTIFUL SEXTON’S OFFICE IN RIVERVIEW
New Cemetery Improvement And Necessary
Have you seen the new “Sexton’s Office” in Riverview Cemetery? If you haven’t it is worth your while to go look at it. You’ll find a place to sit down and rest-something we have never had up there before, but that has been badly needed.
Few of us know that during a month of the hottest weather, this much needed improvement was being built and completed. The building is perfect in design and for the purpose intended, namely, quarters for the sexton’s tools, and a safe place for the cemetery records, as well as a temporary vault, if found necessary to care for a body overnight.
The entire building is of concrete brick with a red tile roof, making it a harmonious picture as it nestles under the birch trees on the main avenue. A delightful feature for those who will visit the cemetery and love to visit Riverview, there are two porches each with a comfortable concrete bench, where one may rest and feel that the “angels are hovering near,” for a nearby bird bath has this charming sentiment lettered on its face: “Where the birds are, there are the angels.”
When the cemetery wall was built by popular subscription in 1911, there was $125 left, which has drawn a small rate of interest ever since. The neglected condition of the cemetery has been very noticeable, following the long rainy season this spring. So, about July 1, Mrs. J. D. (Eliza) Bowman suggested to the Pike County Chapter D. A. R. that they turn over the $125 to her for further cemetery improvement. Having the most absolute confidence in her executive ability, this was done, and this artistic little “sexton’s office” is the result.
While Mrs. Bowman designed the structure and supervised every detail from foundation to finish, even modeling the urns that ornament the front, and the beautiful bird bath with her own deft fingers, she insists that the public appreciate the splendid work of William Kemery, the competent and efficient contractor who carried out her plans and designs so well not forgetting that he gave the “maximum of work for the minimum of wages.”
Now let us encourage this work by better care of our lots, and better still look about a membership in the Cemetery Association, which will provide or the perpetual care of your graves.
Too much praise cannot be given Mrs. Bowman for her untiring efforts in this necessary improvement that will ever remain an honor to her labor of love. We hope in a short time to give a fine picture of the sexton’s office and surroundings.
