CLAREMONT — The refurbished cast iron cemetery gates and new pillars made of cut stone at the Main Street entrance to Mountain View Cemetery will be dedicated at a ribbon cutting Wednesday at 2 p.m.
Five years ago, Public Works Department employee Norma Limoges discovered the gates partially buried in snow at the DPW yard and said she knew right away what they were.
The four gates, including two pedestrian gates, were removed about 25 years ago after a truck hit the stone pillars they were hung on.
Limoges began a fundraising campaign to refurbish the gates and install new pillars. The gates, made in Cincinnati were a gift from William H. Moody in 1923. 3D Welding re-welded, sandblasted and painted them last year.
Daniels Construction built the pillars and in the late summer, the gates were installed.
“I am just elated to have this project done,” said Limoges. “They bring a lot of dignity to the burial ground and they really look nice.”
Limoges was able to raise about $20,000 with the final $5,000 coming from the grandchildren of Marion Phillips, who was a mayor and state senator from Claremont.