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Pearlington Cemetery Assn. in need of additional fence
Dear Editor:
We, of the Pearlington Cemetery Association, feel that a word of explanation is in order, regarding the photographs and “Quotes” of last week.
Pearlington Cemetery (black and white) is the final resting place of the oldest and most influencial settlers of Hancock County.
It was damaged by Hurricane Camille and badly in need of restoration when our volunteer group was formed in 1984 following the death of five-year-old “Jenny” Wilson.
Our plea for help was met by an outpouring of love and labor from both the white and black citizens of Pearlington.
We removed truckloads of debris, repaired stones, restored tombs (one of which was re-inforced with saw blades from the old mill) another, that of General Nixon, War of 1812.
We scrubbed, bleached and polished every stone in the cemetery.
Hancock County funds on labor were not involved in any of this.
The wrought iron gate and front fence were given as a memorial to a beautiful little girl who deserved a beautiful place to sleep. The remainder of the front fence was paid by donations.
We have tried as our means would permit to keep the grass cut, but we desperately need enforcible rules and regulations for burial and maintenance. As a result, this beautiful, historical place is in danger of being lost.
A fence around the remainder of the cemetery would certainly provide some protection and would be deeply appreciated.
Mrs. H.E. Wilson
Pearlington Cemetery Assn.
^By Ellis C. Cuevas
jj — - . ..
-I In Thursday’s edition of the newspaper, we published ®two photos£rom two sections of the Pearlington Cemet-L'ery and told of how a resident was complaining about not having the grass and weeds cut.
' Attempts were made at cutting the grass at the .cemetery prior to All Saint’s Day, but, not too much -could be handled because of wet conditions.
Thursday afternoon I visited the cemetery with Hancock County Road Superintendent Sam Cuevas to get a "‘bird’s eye’ view of the situation, o, Even without rain for several weeks, the cemetery is 'still very wet and boggy in many areas.
“ The cemetery, which was established when Pearling-.ton was platted in the early 1800’s, is placed a very low .area.
Cuevas said the quotes on the repair and replacement of sections of the fencing are to be received Monday by the Hancock County Board of Supervisors,
o	As soon as it is dry enough, the sheriffs office is to send trustees to finish cutting the grass.
I spoke to several longtime residents of Pearlington, and one told me he has family buried in the cemetery. He takes care of that section and several other families do the same.
He also said he has seen many times when water had ito be bailed out of the hole as graves were being dug.
Before the fence can be repaired, or replaced in some . .areas, a right-of-way will have to be cut, as the fence : liije Jia£..been taken over by trees.
| > t Th^P^rlington, Cemetery is interesting to walk
•	throufav, and check the*names, of many of Hancock | Qoua^M^founding families.^ *	\vs	#	^
s_£M^ny of t^he burials swere in the early 1800’s. "
H-^s ^pon as it is dry enough, Cuevas assured me that the^^^ir0,, cemetery ;grounds would be mowed.^v,^