The vault at the cemetery was originally built in 1887. During the winter months when it was impossible to dig graves in the frozen ground, bodies were placed in the vault. In the spring when the ground thawed, the bodies were then buried. If the families chose, they could then have a graveside service. The caskets were slid onto the pipes (this arrangement may have come later). In addition to air vents in the doors, a vent went up through the ground with a cap which resembled a little cement house on top of the hill. After the cemetery obtained a heating unit that could thaw the ground, the vault was used only for storage. As of 1997 the vault is in need of repair as the walls are pulling away from the ceiling. Restoration will depend on what money might be available. Looking out through the door. The vault is at the north edge of the cemetery. Additional photographs and resources can be found at the Waverly Public Library on the local and family history page http://www.waverlyia.com/public-library/research/local-and-family-history-collection.aspx Accession No. 97B0028
Comments:
The vault at the cemetery was originally built in 1887. During the winter months when it was impossible to dig graves in the frozen ground, bodies were placed in the vault. In the spring when the ground thawed, the bodies were then buried. If the families chose, they could then have a graveside service. The caskets were slid onto the pipes (this arrangement may have come later). In addition to air vents in the doors, a vent went up through the ground with a cap which resembled a little cement house on top of the hill. After the cemetery obtained a heating unit that could thaw the ground, the vault was used only for storage. As of 1997 the vault is in need of repair as the walls are pulling away from the ceiling. Restoration will depend on what money might be available. Looking out through the door. The vault is at the north edge of the cemetery. Additional photographs and resources can be found at the Waverly Public Library on the local and family history page http://www.waverlyia.com/public-library/research/local-and-family-history-collection.aspx Accession No. 97B0028