Oak Cliff Cemetery, Dallas, Texas
To Dallas County Archives main page
(Update December 27, 2005)

1897
OAK CLIFF CEMETERY.

________

The Ladies of the City Working
Hard for Its Improvement.

     Mr. E. P. Turner said to a Times Herald reporter yesterday:
     "The ladies of the Oak Cliff Cemetery Association are working earnestly to raise the funds necessary for the improvement of the cemetery. They have met with good success so far and appreciate the ready response from those upon whom they have called for assistance, and all agree that the improvement of the grounds should receive the co-operation of all residents of our little city.
     "In order to facilitate this movement, the ladies of the association have agreed to meet at the cemetery Saturday, April 10, at 9 a. m., and request all who are interested in the undertaking to meet them and help in the light work that will be necessary. Much of the rough work will have been done by that time. All are requested to bring rakes, hoes and baskets for removing trash, and those who can remain all day should bring lunch. A flower, shrub or evergreen to plant on some neglected grave would be gratefully appreciated."

- April 4, 1897, Dallas Daily Times Herald, p. 2, col. 6-7.
- o o o -

1899
OAK CLIFF COUNCIL.

______

Ladies Want the Cemetery
Improved--Sewers
Discussed.

     The Oak Cliff council met last night in regular session. Mayor M. L. Morris presided. Aldermen present were: E. P. Turner, A. W. Clem and G. N. Quillman. Aldermen Dorman and Bonner were absent.
     A petition from several leading ladies of Oak Cliff, asking that the Oak Cliff cemetery be improved and beautified, was presented. The cemetery was dedicated by W. H. Hoard to the community about ten years ago. Under the terms of the gift, the cemetery was to be governed by a board of trustees elected at a mass meeting of citizens of the community. The council determined last night to call a mass meeting for the purpose at an early date.
     Mayor Morris stated that he had been in correspondence with some gentlemen who wanted to put a sewer system in Oak Cliff. The mayor said he had asked them to show him a plat of the streets the sewer would traverse. The projectors of the sewers, he said, wanted to own the system for five years and then give the city an option on its purchase.
     C. O. Fakes was elected city scavenger and the council adjourned.

- May 7, 1899, Daily Times Herald, p. 7, col. 3.
- o o o -

1903
added December 27, 2005:
OAK CLIFF NOTES.

     The Oak Cliff Improvement Society met in regular session last Friday afternoon at 3:30 o'clock in the public school building. There was a full attendance, and reports were heard from the heads of the kindergarten and cemetery committees.
     The former committee reported that there were enrolled at present, forty-eight pupils and that three teachers were employed. Plenty of money is on hand to pay the teachers regularly, and the kindergarten is in a generally prosperous condition.
     The cemetery committee made its report, which included an appeal for more funds with which to carry on the improvements already begun on the cemetery, and to make additional improvements.
     The society has made the improving and beautifying of the cemetery a part of its regular work and has, up to the present time, depended almost wholly upon those personally interested, for funds. In accordance with the plans of the committee, some of those who own lots have obligated themselves to pay the sexton a fee of $1 per quarter for taking care of their lots, the work to be done under the supervision of the committee. Some have neglected to co-operate in this plan, and as a result, the unkept lots tend to mar the general effect.
     The committee is of the opinion that quite a number of people who have a personal interest in the cemetery have not heard of the efforts along this line, and wants to appeal to all of them to come to its aid. It is desired that each owner of a lot enroll his name at once, and pay the $1 per month toward keeping the lot in order.
     It is also desired to appeal to all public-spirited citizens, whether personally interested or not, to assist in this work. They want to make the Oak Cliff cemetery a beauty spot, and to this end, they ask contributions. All of the money realize by the fees of $1 per quarter is used on the lot of the one who pays the dollar, and the committee has to get what money is spent for general improvement from other source.
     Members of the society say that nothing speaks better for a city than a well-kept cemetery. The word cemetery means a place to sleep. "Let us make it a pleasant place," they say. "Let us have your assistance in this matter."
     All contributions should be sent to Mrs. J. V. Spears, Grand avenue, Oak Cliff. Mrs. Spears is chairman of the cemetery committee.

- October 11, 1903, The Dallas Morning News, p. 40, col. 5.
- o o o -