Melrose Receives $100K to Restore Historic Wyoming Cemetery Wall

The City of Melrose will receive $100,000 to repair the historic WPA wall at Wyoming Cemetery this Spring . The funding comes as a result of an earmark sponsored by Senator Jason Lewis and Representative Paul Brodeur and included in the current FY18 state budget. The earmark was recently released by the Baker Administration after the Legislature successfully overrode the Governor’s veto.

“Wyoming Cemetery is the most sacred land in the City for many Melrosians as it serves as a final resting place for their loved ones. As we continue to invest in the cemetery property through the city budget, these funds will help preserve its historic character, and more specifically the perimeter wall and entrance. The need for this work is long overdue and once again, I am thankful to our state delegation for securing these funds” said Mayor Gail Infurna.

The stone wall at Wyoming Cemetery was constructed in 1937 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA), and the cemetery boundaries have remained unchanged since the final land acquisition of 1891. The Works Progress Administration (WPA)was the largest and most ambitious American New Deal agency, employing millions of people to carry out public works projects including the construction of public buildings and roads.

“Every budget cycle, my first call is to my city counterparts to find out how the state can be helpful. This project was on the top of the list. Wyoming Cemetery not only adds to the historic character of our city, it  has served as a place of peace and tranquility for generations of Melrosians,” State Representative Paul Brodeur said. “ I was pleased that I was able to advocate for and ultimately deliver this funding to ensure that this asset is available for decades to come.” 

Added Senator Lewis, ““Partnering with the City of Melrose to strengthen local infrastructure is a top priority for me, and I’m very pleased this funding will help restore this historic cemetery that is so important to our veterans and the community at large.”

The cemetery wall project is expected to begin in this spring and be completed by June of 2018.