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Merrimack Cemetery, Huntsville, Alabama, page 7
cemetery to the city of Huntsville. When the cemetery was given to the city no records went with it. The mill tried to give the cemetery to the county and to the city earlier than 1951, when it was given to the city. Neither accepted because it was almost full and there was no room for expansion . Vandals have abused the cemetery over the years. At one time people found many tombstones piled in the middle of the property. A group of concerned families worked to put stones in their original places. Some mistakes may have been made, but it is believed to be in proper order. In later years the Boy Scout Troop One, sponsored by Merrimack Mill and later by Huntsville Mfg. Co., cleaned and cared for the cemetery as a community project. Some of the older tombstones are made of concrete with inscriptions scratched on with some simple sharp pointed tool. Most of these were made and inscribed by Wade Arthur Birmingham. A driveway, not paved but free of tombstones, goes from east to west in the middle of the cemetery. However there is no way to keep going and return to the street. All cars must back out. That driveway has been moved from where it was originally placed. In the fence on the southwest side are two log fence posts. At one time, before the Holiday Homes development was built, this was another entrance or exit to the cemetery. For years there was no fence at the front of Merrimack Cemetery. One was put up before 1995. On March 30, 1998, a four foot tall granite stone was put at the fence beside the driveway, with the name MERRIMACK CEMETERY, CIRCA 1900 engraved on its polished front. Mrs. Brenda Webb, Director of Huntsville Cemeteries, and Mr. Bill Kling, City Council member representing City District Four, are to be thanked for this recognition. Sources: Mr. E. F. DuBose, Mr. Owen Hammett, Springs Industries, Inc., Mr. Wade Birmingham, Jr., Mrs. Barbara Balch, Mr. Ralph Hargrove, Mr. Vernon Marks. Faye Speck Reese (Mrs. H. A.). Delores Watson (Mrs. H. T.). 7 - (1313)