One of JCAM’s most recent acquisitions is the Netherlands Cemetery in Melrose, established by Dutch Jews.
According to Sarna and Smith, The Jews of Boston (1995): Congregation Beth Eil was founded in 1859 and acquired land for a cemetery in Melrose.
According to Ehrenfried, A Chronicle of Boston Jewry: the Melrose deed passed on November 30, 1860, the Congregation incorporated on March 29, 1875 for the purpose of maintaining the cemetery, and was reorganized in 1909 as the Netherlands Cemetery Corporation.
Massachusetts Secretary of State confirmed incorporation of Beth Eil on March 30, 1875 and confirmed incorporation of Netherlands Cemetery Corporation March 7, 1910.
The cemetery had been neglected for years, and many of the headstones have been toppled and broken. JCAM brought in its craftsmen to raise and repair many of these monuments (examples shown below – hover your cursor over any image to stop the slideshow). In the spring of 2015, a complete power washing of all the headstones and markers is scheduled.
The cemetery is in desperate need of attention. Based on availability of funds we hope to begin masonry work on the rear retaining walls, stairs and railings of the cemetery. We will upload those photos as soon as they become available.
If you’d like to make a donation toward the Netherlands Cemetery restoration project, please go to our Donation page.
