Letter to the Editor

To the Editor:

Open letter to the Mayor, town council, civic organizations, Fraternal organizations, churches and residents.

I, and two dear friends, all former residents of Delhi, on a recent trip back home, had anticipated and awe inspiring walk down memory lane as we walked the length and breadth of the Masonic cemetery.

 We looked forward to seeing grave sites of the founders of Deerfield and Delhi, remembering the struggles and hardships they had encountered as they settled on Macon Ridge.

We were fortunate enough to see the grave stones of those who gave their lives so that we could have a chance to remember them in this hallowed ground.

We viewed the final resting place for our grandparents, parents, teachers, scout leaders, ministers, classmates, mayors, town council members, aunts, uncles, cousins, Armed  service brothers, and  former “movers & shakers” who happily gave of their time and talent to the betterment of the community. 

It was to have been a reverential  time of reflection as we brought to mind the faces of those dear souls who helps shape us as we were growing up.

 Sadly, our mental image of what was to be was quickly shattered as we viewed the deplorable condition of the cemetery. 

With one exception, every where we walked was dry enough to have been mowed. 

The only wet spot was immediately adjacent to the western edge along the north south street. It would appear that poor drainage was the cause of standing water at this location near the grave stone of Dr. Hart. 

The ground was uneven and made walking a chore, especially for someone in heels. The fences and gates have not stood the test of time. 

The grass was the type usually found in a pasture, not on a lawn. Head stones were askew on many grave sites and the grass next to the stones made reading the inscriptions almost impossible.

 May I suggest that a coalition of concerned citizens and organizations be formed for the express purpose of restoring the Masonic cemetery to prominence and a place of pride for the people of Delhi and for the relatives of those interred there.

Respectfully submitted,

 Wilbur Kline

Graduate Delhi High, Class of 44

Westerville, Ohio