ISLAND CEMETERY LANDSCAPE MASTER PLAN

Landscape Master Plan for

Island Cemetery Newport, Rhode Island prepared for

Friends of Island Cemetery 30 Warner Street Newport, Rhode Island by

PLACEstudio, LLC Landscape Design 22 Boughton Road Newport, Rhode Island 02840 401.497.5722 www.placestudio.net

October 18, 2022

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS PLACEstudio, LLC would like to thank the Island Cemetery Board of Trustees and staff especially Sharon Hussey and Zachary Russell, and the Master Planning Sub‐ Committee; Harry Eudenbach, Lisa Lewis, Frank Ray and especially Pam Kelley for their invaluable contributions to this report.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS I.

INTRODUCTION

II.

HISTORY

III.

LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT (Existing Conditions) a. Infrastructure b. Areas for Development

IV.

MASTER PLAN a. Proposed Development Areas b. Project Breakdowns

V.

LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT a. Groundskeeping b. Preservation and Restoration

VI.

RECOMMENDATIONS OVERVIEW APPENDIX BIBLIOGRAPHY

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HISTORY

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ISLAND CEMETERY Introduction Island Cemetery is located at 30 Warner Street in Newport, Rhode Island. The plot of land including Island Cemetery and the Common Burying Ground consists of approximately thirty‐ one acres and is situated on a slope with views facing the harbor and the Pell Bridge. The Cemetery is bounded to the south by Warner Street; to the north by Van Zandt Avenue; to the east by Kingston Avenue and Vicksburg Place, and to the west by Farewell Street and the property boundary of the Common Burying Ground.

PROJECT GOALS AD OBJECTIVES The purpose of this Landscape Master Plan is to identify areas for future development to provide revenue for the ongoing management, beautification, maintenance, and restoration of Island Cemetery. This report identifies vacant burial lots and open space (carriage ways) suitable for future subdivision and sales. Specific projects have also been identified that would enhance the “garden‐ style” landscape design of the cemetery and provide new burial options.

Overall tree planting and the restoration and repair of grave markers, monuments, fences and gates, walls and granite curbing will be ongoing and undertaken as funding allows and at the request of staff. Sustainable landscape practices in grounds maintenance are included in this report. Staff will provide estimated project costs and determine priority of development areas.

METHOD OF INVESTIGATION Between January and August of 2022, PLACEstudio, LLC landscape Design (hereafter PLACEstudio), documented the existing conditions of Island Cemetery. Areas of development for Island Cemetery, the Van Zandt Annex and the Friends Cemetery were reviewed with the Master Plan Sub‐ Committee. PLACEstudio then illustrated those projects to show locations of fences and gates, walls, granite curbing, and contributing historic landscape features as noted in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) application. In addition, vacant burial lots and carriage ways were identified for development. The cemetery’s immediate needs were addressed and included event circulation and parking for Belmont Chapel, and the development of Cedar Avenue. (PLACEstudio completed two projects between 2021 and 2022; the Cedar Way project which included four columbaria, two memorial benches, and a Stewartia Grove for cremains; and Fern Way (renamed Hawthorn Place) which includes five Hawthorn trees, one Tulip tree and one memorial bench).

In 2021 the Master Planning Committee toured Swan Point Cemetery in Providence, Rhode Island, where we viewed various burial options, noting how new burial options were integrated into that historic cemetery. This inspired the group to identify specific areas of development within Island Cemetery that might accommodate new modes of burial, enhance the “garden 7

style” character as defined in the NRHP, and provide maximum revenue. Cremain burials on 3’ x 3’ lots and cremain “Scattering Gardens” were described as providing the most revenue per square foot of land. The results of this visit to Swan Point and an inventory of Island Cemetery’s available land allowed us to identify suitable development areas, and to assign two new burial options to the cemetery which include columbaria at Cedar Way, and a proposed “Scatter Garden” either at Memorial Circle (Travers Circle) or Shady Grove (southeast side of cemetery).

Alternative “green burial” options were reviewed and deemed not appropriate for our cemetery due to the lack of significant open space (the carriage ways are only 16’ wide). Five burial areas were defined for potential garden landscape character; Memorial Circle, Sycamore Walk, Shady Grove, Hawthorn Place, and Laurel Place. Other areas were defined as in need of landscape enhancements (no burials) and they are Belmont Circle and Monument Place, plus the Administration and Maintenance Buildings.

HISTORY ISLAND CEMETERY‐ Rhode Island Historical Cemetery #1 In 1836 the City of Newport purchased land northeast of the Common Burial Ground and a plan was laid out with the assistance of Henry Bull and William W. Freeborn in the “garden style”.1 In 1848, the site was sold to lot owners who incorporated it under the name Island Cemetery Company. In 1851, the company added the adjacent Willow Cemetery to the site.2 On December 21st, 1847, when the group hoping to become the new proprietors of the Island Cemetery asked the town of Newport to grant them a deed to the property, “there was much opposition from citizens not owning lots in the new ground… (and) there seemed to be in the meeting a disposition to stop all improvement.” However, the petition to transfer the land to Bull and his associates was quickly granted and they became the new proprietors, an act which, after the initial complaining, seems to have instantly prompted a new attitude toward the existing burial ground. “The town at this same meeting appointed a committee consisting of George Bowen, William Stevens and William A. Clarke to ‘look out for land for a new burial‐ ground’ and to examine the old burial place for room for its improvement.” Trespassers would be forbidden, and the desecrators of graves prosecuted—soon after, the town designated a yearly sum of $100 for maintenance and improvements of the old graveyard.3 This meeting’s quick change of direction shows how the very act of creating this cemetery company reflected the century’s new way of thinking about where the remains of a society’s, in this case Newport’s, dead should have their ultimate resting place. Colonial burials followed European traditions—remains were laid under the floors of churches and in churchyards, and 1

The Garden Style cemetery design became popular in the United States and Europe in the mid‐ nineteenth century due to urban overcrowding. The Garden Cemetery combines upright monuments with paths and plantings often developed as a botanic garden or arboretum.

2 Keen, Lew; A Guide to Historic Burial Grounds in Newport, 2021.

3 Island Cemetery Company in Newport Rhode Island, Report of the Treasurer. Boston, 1872.

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when these were filled, in burial grounds that lay, as Newport’s did, beyond the congested town or city centers. This was done partly because empty land was available, and partly from fear of contagion. Most burial grounds were simple and stark, without landscaping or special plantings to enhance the surroundings. However, as the 19th century progressed, attitudes toward death and the rituals surrounding death began to change, and with this change the concept of an arcadian “final resting place” for a loved one evolved into cemeteries becoming places of reflection and even enjoyment of a natural environment in a specially designed garden or park. The layout of the second phase of development in Island Cemetery, from Fushia Avenue north, incorporated two oval lots and two circular lots which reflected the Garden style ideal of the time. Figure 1 “Cemeteries we built for ourselves, increasingly after 1830, were places with winding roads and picturesque vistas. The idea being that you leave behind the mercantile world outside the gates and enter into the space where you can meditate, where you can come into contact with spirituality and concentrate. They were quite important spaces for recreation as well. Keep in mind, the great rural cemeteries were built at a time when there weren’t public parks, or art museums, or botanical gardens in American cities. You suddenly had large pieces of ground, filled with beautiful sculptures and horticultural art. People flocked to cemeteries for picnics, for hunting and shooting and carriage racing. These places became so popular that not only were guidebooks issued to guide visitors, but also all kinds of rules were posted.”4 There are currently two buildings of note standing within the grounds of Island Cemetery.

Belmont Memorial Chapel, currently in the midst of restoration, was designed by George Champlin Mason and Sons and built in 1886. Near the main entrance gate at Warner Street stands the Administration Building, designed by Herbert Wilson and built in 1902.

Many notable people are buried in Island Cemetery. These include Architects Richard Morris Hunt (1827‐1895), and native Newporter George Champlin Mason (1820‐1895). Maritime heroes include Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry (1785‐1819) and his brother Commodore Mathew C. Perry (1794‐1858); and many other notable local, state, and international leaders.5 The twentieth century saw Island Cemetery subjected to increased vandalism and neglect, especially the Belmont Memorial Chapel which fell into disrepair6. Many monuments and headstones have suffered theft and vandalism. Numerous family lots have not been kept up, some long‐since forgotten by their heirs. Efforts are being made to raise funds to restore monuments and maintain the cemetery grounds with private donations and grants through The Friends of Island Cemetery. With the help of volunteers and staff, the cemetery currently maintains the grounds of Island Cemetery, the Van Zandt Street Annex and Friends Cemetery.

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Greenfield, Rebecca. Our First Public Parks: The Forgotten History of Cemeteries. Atlantic Magazine, March, 2011 (interview with Keith Eggener, author of “Cemeteries”) 5 ibid 6 See www.belmontchapel.com for additional information on the restoration of Belmont Memorial Chapel.

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VAN ZANDT ANNEX In 1926 the Van Zandt Annex was added to Island Cemetery. The property is bounded by Van Zandt Avenue to the south, Evart Street to the north, Butler Street to the east and Brandt Street to the west. Figure 2 FRIENDS CEMETERY‐ Rhode Island Historical Cemetery #8 This graveyard property is currently bounded by Tilden Avenue to the north, Edward Street to the south, Feke Street to the east and White Street to the west. Figure 3 Newport’s philosophy of toleration provided a safe haven for early Quakers coming to America from England and other New England colonies.7 The first Quakers arrived in Newport from England aboard the ship Newhouse in 1657 and others quickly followed.8 In the 17th and early 18th centuries, Quakerism flourished in Newport, and a wealthy class of successful “Quaker grandees” prospered9, made up primarily of men who were successful merchants, traders and shipowners. By 1699 there was a need for a building where they could hold their regular meetings, and the result was the Great Friends Meeting House, still standing today. The presence of the Meeting House attracted other Quakers who made use of the lands surrounding it, and many businesses and dwellings were situated there. The Friends Cemetery likely occupies some of this land, as it lies only a short distance northeast of the Meeting House building.

By the mid‐18th century, the Quaker community was in decline, as Anglicanism and other Protestant faiths began to attract more followers. By the early 20th century there were so few Quakers left that the Meeting House became a community center and the graveyard was given to the Island Cemetery company, who now oversees and manages it. According to the Rhode Island Genealogical Society10, the oldest gravestone there is that of John Huntington, dated 1743. The Society also mentions findings from Quaker records which include the unmarked burial of Johanna Mott, who died in 1728.

In an interview with Barbara Benson of 53 Tilden Avenue, she recalls the late history of Friends Cemetery as told to her by Esther Fisher Benson, wife of John Howard Benson and then one of the few Quakers remaining in Newport: “When the Annual Friends Meeting (New England Yearly Meeting) left Newport in 1905 due to the decline of Quakerism in Newport, they gifted Friends Cemetery to Island Cemetery in 1932, with a deed of conveyance which stated the condition that a portion of the cemetery, at the north side along White Street, be reserved for use by Quakers only and that they could be buried there in individual lots for no charge.” These 7

https://newporthistory.org/properties/great‐friends‐meeting‐house/ Ibid 9 Stensrud, Rockwell. Newport, A Lively Experiment. 2015 10 Sterling, John Eylers et al. Newport, Rhode Island Colonial Burial Grounds, 2009 8

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graves are unmarked. If a Quaker wanted to be buried in another location there was a cap of $300.00.” 11

Figure 1‐ Map of Island Cemetery 1925 Corrected to 1949‐ “Garden Style” attributes (Archive) 11

Interview with Barbara Benson, 2022.

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Figure 2‐ Island Cemetery Section S (Van Zandt Annex) (Archive)

Figure3‐ Island Cemetery Friend's Cemetery (Archive)

NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) designated the Common Burial Ground and Island Cemetery as a National Historic Site on May 1st, 1974. The Period of Significance identified by the NRHP spans the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, with specific dates being 1640 and 1836.

Areas of Significance include Art, Military, Political and Sculpture.

Architecture The twenty‐first century has revitalized efforts to restore the cemetery’s architecture, especially the Belmont Memorial Chapel, which is supported by the Belmont Chapel Foundation. As of this report Phase I12 of the chapel restoration has been completed and Phase II13 has begun. The success of the Belmont Chapel restoration project has renewed interest by the public and foundations interested in preserving the cemetery’s architectural and cultural heritage.

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Phase I Belmont Chapel Restoration‐ Exterior Renovation Phase II Belmont Chapel Restoration‐ Interior Renovation

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The NRHP nomination cites three late Victorian buildings within Island Cemetery. The first is the cemetery office aka Administration Building (1901‐1902) on Warner Street, designed by Herbert Wilson. Figure 4 A second is the temple‐form receiving vault, designed by Edwin Wilbar in 1894. (This building was dismantled and no longer exists). The third building is the Richardsonian‐Romanesque Belmont Memorial Chapel, 1886‐1888, the work of George Champlin Mason and Son Figure 5 14: the circular Belmont lot includes an exedra and sarcophagus designed by Richard Morris Hunt in the Beaux‐arts style and executed in marble.15 Other buildings not included in the NRHP are the Maintenance Building Figure 6 across from the Warner Street entrance, two mausoleums and one tomb. Figure 7‐9 (We have included these as their restorations may be forthcoming and are certainly inevitable).

Figure 4‐ Administration Building

Figure 5‐Belmont Memorial Chapel

Figure7‐ J.T. Sullivan Mausoleum

Figure 8‐ Marquand Mausoleum

Figure 6‐ Maintenance Building

Figure 9‐ William C. Gibbs Tomb

Landscape Architecture According to the NRHP nomination, the original southern portion of Island Cemetery, with its main gates on Warner Street, was intended to provide a park‐like setting. “The 20th century portion of the cemetery is concentrated at the northern end behind the Belmont Chapel. The stones here are more uniform in size and spacing than anywhere else in either cemetery. The manner in which the cemetery has been developed and maintained perpetuates the park‐like atmosphere intended by the 19th century designers.”16 The nomination goes on to say, “Several family lots are noteworthy for the landscape architecture that defines the area as a private sanctuary. A squarely trimmed privet hedge borders the turn of the century Wetmore family lot (Lot # H1‐7) and divides it in half. Cypress trees mark the entrance. The back edge of the east 14

NRHP Nomination ibid 16 ibid 15

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section is lined with evergreens. In front of the trees is a large tablet with the inscription ‘Wetmore.’ The gravesites are defined by a bed of pachysandra and small headstones. The west of the lot contains a ledger on a high base marking the grave of Anne Derby Rogers Wetmore Sherman, the wife of William Watts Sherman. Granite curbing surrounds the entire lot. The setting is serene and simple..”17 Figure 10

Figure 10‐ Wetmore Family Lot

Figure11‐Belmont Circle (Garden‐style circle)

The NRHP nomination does not refer to a specific landscape, tree, or planting plan of any kind, however it does reference the circular lots which were laid out in the “Garden Style”18 Figure 11

and which typified the landscape design of cemeteries at this time. There are important specimen trees in Island Cemetery, although many have reached the final years of their lives. In its early years, the cemetery would have had numerous species of trees and shrubs as many colonial and gilded age citizens were collectors of plants from Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean.

Institutions such as Boston’s Arnold Arboretum encouraged plantings of rare or uncommon trees and shrubs, and often supplied them to individuals and institutions in Newport.

Monuments The NRHP nomination cites three specific monuments which contribute to the historic importance of Island Cemetery; the Oliver Hazard Perry obelisk and family lot (1826) Figure 12; the Major General Isaac Incalls obelisk (1862) Figure 13; and the Alfred Smith memorial statuary Amor Caritas, or Angel of Love (1884), designed by the sculptor Augustus St. Gaudens. Figure 14

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NRHP Nomination Garden Style refers to the planning and planting of parks and cemeteries in the 1800’s in an effort to provide the general population with places for enjoyment and relief from urban life.

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Figure 12‐ O.H. Perry Mem. (1826) (Archive) Gaudens

Figure 13‐ Major I. Incalls Mem. (1862) Figure 14‐ Amor Caritas by

Obelisks play an integral part in historic cemeteries and are frequently used as monuments and fence posts for family lots. Obelisks came into popular culture after Napoleon’s Egyptian campaign at the end of the 18th century, during which he became infatuated with Egyptian culture‐‐soon becoming “the latest thing” in Europe. Symbolically, obelisks represent a connection between heaven and earth, as well as power, strength, and fatherhood.19 Augustus Saint Gaudens (1848‐1907) was an American sculptor who worked in the Beaux‐arts style and embraced the American Renaissance movement in art which looked to ancient Greece and Rome for inspiration, “aiming to express an equally grand vision for America and its culture.

The foundation of the movement was a firm belief that art could inspire healing and progress.”20 This monument by Saint Gaudens, Amor Caritas (Angel of Love) Figure 15‐17, is unique in that it is made of stone (not bronze) and has a flower box at its base. Gaudens produced a number of these sculptures in diminutive form for numerous museums throughout the United States. A full scale, gilded version resides at his studio in Cornish, New Hampshire.21

Figure 15‐ Alfred Smith Family Lot# 761‐766

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Figure 16‐ 17‐ St. Gaudens 'Amor Caritas' statuary and flower box

20

Snider, Tui; Understanding Cemetery Symbols, a Field Guide for Historic Graveyards, 2017. https://samblog.seattleartmuseum.org/2015/09/object‐of‐the‐week‐amor‐caritas/

21

https://www.nps.gov/saga/index.htm

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HISTORIC PRESERVATION AND RESTORATION RECOMMENDATIONS:  

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  

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The NRHP highlights specific physical features, architectural and landscape, which support the Period of significance. These features should be prioritized for restoration and preservation.

Overall considerations should preserve the cemetery’s “park‐like” or “scenic” atmosphere and protect views to Belmont Memorial Chapel, important monuments and views to the harbor which prominently feature Newport’s Pell Bridge.

Specific trees and shrubs are mentioned in the NRHP report in reference to the Wetmore family lot only. There are however many important tree species within the cemetery which require ongoing care and maintenance. Bartlett Tree Service provides a complete list of tree names and locations. www.arbnet.org is also a source for tree locations and names. The cemetery should support ongoing bi‐annual tree planting in Spring and Fall.

Oliver Hazard Perry Memorial and Family Lot: Repair, clean and paint fence and gate in high gloss black. Replace missing piece of fence. Clean monuments, Grave Markers, and curbing.

Major Isaac Incalls Family Lot: Clean monument.

Alfred Smith Family Lot: Replace missing gate, clean and paint pipe fence rails high gloss black.

Clean grave markers. Engage a professional sculpture restorer for the restoration of large, seated, bronze angel. Consult with the Saint‐Gaudens National Historic Site in New Hampshire regarding the restoration and cleaning of ‘Amor Caritas’ and flower box. Prune evergreens and plant flowerbox seasonally with Passiflora (Passion flower) to match the relief carving on her belt and on the flower box).

Belmont Circle: Replace missing gate and horizontal iron pipe rails. Clean and paint pipe rails high gloss black. Clean grave markers and assess exedra for structural stability.

Wetmore Family Lot: Irradicate poison ivy and prune hedge to reveal granite curbing. Clean monument, grave markers, and granite curbing.

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LANDSCAPE DEVELOPMENT

INFRASTRUCTURE

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ISLAND CEMETERY LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT

EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE PLACEstudio has conducted an inventory of Island Cemetery’s existing conditions. This includes the identification of vacant lots and land available for development; fences and gates (both perimeter and interior); walls and granite curbing; built structures; historic sites (based on the National Register of Historic Places22; circulation and parking. These existing conditions were assessed for development potential, condition (Good, fair, poor), and quantified for future replacement or repair cost estimates.

In a meeting of the Master Planning Sub‐Committee, it was determined that neither a topographic survey of the cemetery nor a grading and drainage plan were required. Signage and landscape lighting will be handled in‐house by the Island Cemetery staff. A new logo has been created and proposed street signs are in development by cemetery staff.

Volunteer efforts have been instrumental in assisting with the upkeep of the cemetery.

Volunteers clean grave markers and monuments, plant trees, prune trees and shrubs, and remove weeds and ivy. Volunteers lead tours and help to keep the cemetery clean and safe.

PERIMETER FENCE AND GATES Island Cemetery is bounded by perimeter fencing which varies in material and design. The fencing runs along three sides of the property: Warner Street (east) connecting to Kingston and Vicksburg Place (northeast), Van Zandt Avenue to the north and Farewell Street to the west.

Vehicular and pedestrian access to the cemetery is located on both Warner and Farewell Streets. There are two small pedestrian gates which remain locked, one on Vicksburg Place and one on Van Zandt Avenue. During the making of this report the interior chain link fence that divided the Common Burying Ground from Island Cemetery was dismantled by the City of Newport. Some black vinyl coated chain link fence panels remain, extending from Warner Street inward along the property line. Discussion is ongoing as to whether to replace it.

The Van Zandt Annex has chain link fence on three sides: at Butler Street to the east, Evart Street to the north, and Brandt Street to the west with two points of vehicular and pedestrian access along Van Zandt Avenue, but with no fence or gates on that side.

22

Common Burying Ground and Island Cemetery, National Register of Historic Places Approval, May 1, 1974.

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Friend’s Cemetery has wood barrier fencing on its east and west sides and steel I‐beam, rail and picket‐panel on the north and south sides. There are double gates for vehicular and pedestrian access on Feke Street to the south and White Street to the north.

Island Cemetery’s main entrance is located on Warner Street Figure 18‐19 and boasts the original vehicular and pedestrian gates and granite gate posts that date from approximately 1848.23 This gate consists of four granite piers, each in the shape of a modified obelisk, conical rather than squared which have relief areas carved “Island Cemetery”. The vehicular entryway consists of two hinged, wrought iron gates attached to two large granite obelisks. On either side of the main gates are two pedestrian‐scaled gates, supported to the east and west by smaller obelisks of the same style. The ornamental fence, along Warner Street, is mounted atop granite curbing.

This fencing is wrought iron, composed of picket‐panels and posts topped with decorative spearhead finials, and painted high gloss black.

Figure 18‐ Curb and fence detail

Figure 19‐ Warner St. entrance gates

The other point of vehicular access is located at Farewell Street on the west side of Island Cemetery Figure 20‐21. The entrance is composed of a pair of concrete masonry unit piers which support a pair of chain link gates, flanked on either side with curved steel I‐beam, rail and picket‐panels, mounted on a curved concrete retaining wall. The retaining wall and fence extend to the Common Burying Ground to the south and to Van Zandt Avenue to the north.

There are two ground‐level planting beds on either side of the gates at the sidewalk and a third concrete pier is located where Island Cemetery meets the Common Burying Ground at Farewell Street. The piers are all in poor condition. The retaining wall is in fair condition. Efforts are currently underway to replace the entry gates, fencing, and masonry piers at this entrance.

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Island Cemetery was incorporated in 1848. The gates may have been established sooner or later than this date.

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Figure 20‐ Farewell St. entrance today

Figure 21‐ Farewell St. entrance date unknown (Archive)

The perimeter fencing along the east side of Island Cemetery consists of chain link panels, some are new; some are old and rusted and show some damage. There is a small pedestrian gate located on Vicksburg Place, across from D&D Fence Co., which remains locked. Figure 22 This area often shows damage from falling tree limbs and vehicular accidents are not infrequent, especially at the 90 degree curve in the road where Kingston transitions to Vicksburg Place. The fence here is unattractive, and neighbors on Vicksburg Place have complained that it is unsightly.

Figure 22‐Pedestrian gate at Vicksburg Pl.

Figure 23‐ Fence at corner of Vicksburg Pl. and VanZandt

At the corner of Vicksburg Place and Van Zandt Avenue the chain link fence transitions to steel I‐beam, post and rail fence with solid pickets. Figure 23 This fence continues along Van Zandt and then along Farewell Street. The fence is silver in color along Van Zandt and then transitions to black at Farewell Street. Figure 24 The silver fence looks worn and shows some rust; however, it is in good condition. The fence also contains a pedestrian gate Figure 25 that connects directly to the Belmont Memorial Chapel along an interior road (Fir Avenue). This gate remains locked however, both pedestrian gates at Vicksburg Place and Van Zandt Avenue frequently have the chain lock cut by neighbors to access the cemetery from the north and east sides.

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Figure 24‐Fence detail

Figure 25‐Pedestrian gate at Van Zandt Ave.

VAN ZANDT ANNEX The Van Zandt Annex is bounded on three sides by a chain link fence. There is no fence or are there gates abutting Van Zandt Avenue, however there is evidence that a fence was once mounted on the remaining concrete curb. The chain link fence is rusted and, as is the case with Vicksburg Place, the neighbors find it unsightly. Figure 26‐27

Figure 26‐ Van Zandt Annex entrance

Figure 27‐ Van Zandt Annex fence (typ.)

FRIENDS CEMETERY‐ Rhode Island Historical Cemetery #8 Perimeter fencing at Friend’s Cemetery consists of the original steel I‐beam, rail and picket‐ panel with entrance gates on White and Feke Streets. Figure 28‐30 Each entrance consists of two curved fence panels plus a pair of gates for vehicular and pedestrian access. The gates and fencing have a silver finish and are in good shape. The gates are connected by a four feet wide paved drive. The fencing along Edward Street and Tilden Avenue consists of a low, wood barrier fence which replaced a previous rusted chain link fence at the same location. 24

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Interview with Barbara Benson 2022

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Figure 28‐ 30‐White St. Gates, Feke St. gates, wood fence at Tilden Ave.

Perimeter Fencing Recommendations: 

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Island Cemetery continues to make repairs to fences and gates as needed. The restoration of the Farewell St. entrance is a priority and efforts are underway. The fencing along Vicksburg Place and the Van Zandt Annex continue to receive complaints from neighbors, especially as they have residential housing facing them. The chain link is rusted and unsightly but otherwise is good condition and therefore not a priority.

Van Zandt Annex entrance enhancements are recommended. The cost of replacing the missing fence and gates along Van Zandt Avenue can be offset by the introduction of two columbaria (walls) which will incorporate the new fencing and gates. Painting the steel picket fence and gates black to match the main cemetery would provide continuity.

Friends Cemetery fencing is in good condition, however painting the steel picket fence and gates black to match the main cemetery would provide continuity

INTERIOR FENCES AND GATES Family lot Fences and Gates, Granite Curbing, Walls Numerous family lots within the cemetery are demarcated in a few basic ways; by granite block walls; by granite curbs with or without decorative fencing; by granite obelisk fence posts with horizontal iron pipes Figure 31‐34. In many cases these “fences” are missing sections or pieces, are partially damaged or require full restoration. Family lots cited in the NRHP take priority for restoration. Following the descriptions are recommendations for improving these demarcations for the purpose of enhancing the historic character of the cemetery.

Granite Fence Posts with Horizontal Iron Pipe Rails and Gates Approximately fourteen of the cemetery’s family plots have complete or partial perimeter fencing of this type. The fencing is composed of varying styles of granite obelisk fence posts 22

inset with horizontal iron pipe rails. Some granite fence posts are missing or partially damaged and all the iron pipes are rusted. Some lots are missing a portion of their perimeter fencing.

Most fenced lots have granite gate posts which vary in style and in addition, most of the gates are missing.

Figure 31‐ Elder Ave. family lot

Figure 32‐ Elder Ave. family lot # 654‐659

Figure 33‐Elder Ave. Pell family lot # 670‐673

Figure 34‐Belmont family lot

Three family lots retain their gates, which are rusted. They are O.H. Perry Memorial Family Lot #254‐255, Pell Family Lot #670‐673, and Mrs. George Stevens Family Lot #998‐1013. Figure 35‐37

Figure 35‐37 ‐O.H. Perry gate, Pell gate, Stevens gate

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Interior Fence and Gate Recommendations: 

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Existing gates and associated fencing should be restored and painted high‐gloss black with NRHP sites a priority. Those sites would be the O.H. Perry Memorial, Belmont Circle and Alfred Smith family lots.

Missing gates should be inventoried and may be replaced as resources allow.

GRANITE CURBING Decorative Fence Mounted on Granite Curbing The Warner Street Entrance and Oliver Hazard Perry Memorial are the only two locations that have decorative iron fencing mounted on granite curbing. The Warner Street fence is in good condition and the gates were recently restored. Some of the granite curbing has moved due to hydro‐static pressure, however this does not present a problem at this time. Any future restoration should review the displaced pieces. Figure 38‐39

Figure 38‐39‐ Warner St. fence and curb

The Oliver Hazard Perry family lot (NRHP) is surrounded by ornamental iron fencing composed of pickets with spearheads, like the fencing and gates on Warner Street. Figure 40‐41 The fence is mounted on granite curbing with a wrought iron gate. The iron gate is hung on granite obelisk piers. The wrought iron fence is rusted but in good condition, although there is one panel missing from the northwest corner. The granite curbing and piers are in good/fair shape.

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Figure 40‐41 ‐O.H. Perry memorial and family lot, fence detail

Granite Curbing There are approximately forty‐seven additional family lots that have full or partial perimeter granite curbing (no fence). The granite curbing varies in size and design Figure 42‐45. Many of the granite curb pieces have been subjected either to vandalism or the effects of time and weather.

Seasonal freeze/thaw and tree roots contribute to upheaval and displacement of the granite curbing.

Some family lots have low granite curb posts but no curbing, however these are not identified in this report. A full inventory of missing masonry requires a separate, full assessment.

Priority restoration projects are associated with NRHP family Lots and development projects.25

Figure 42‐45‐ Some Examples of Granite Curbing

25

See Master Plan Section

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Granite Walls Only four family plot walls still exist Figure 46‐49. Two of these require complete restoration from the ground up. They are the Delancey Kane Lot 864‐874 and the J.N.A. Griswold Family Lot 826‐ 834. The other two walls, George Henry Norman Lot 710‐717 and Henry Ledyard Lot 618‐621 have failing mortar joints, wall caps, and monolithic granite steps that require resetting. (It is unclear if they need to be completely taken down and rebuilt—see recommendations below).

There are no NRHP designated family lots that have walls.

Figure 46‐ Kane family lot

Figure 47‐ Griswold family lot

Figure 48‐Ledyard family lot

Figure 49‐ Norman family lot

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Granite Inventory Across Warner Street at the Maintenance Building is a stockpile of granite curbing, granite spheres, granite Lot markers, and miscellaneous items which could be used to restore some missing pieces within the cemetery. The City of Newport also has some granite fence posts at their Halsey St. facility.

Masonry Recommendations:     

Prioritize granite curbing restoration based on NRHP contributing family lots and development projects.

Seek an assessment of all missing granite curbing.

Clear vines and trees from existing granite curbing.

Plant trees as far away as possible from monuments, walls, and granite curbing.

A comprehensive inventory and assessment of walls should be obtained from an experienced mason.

CIRCULATION, PARKING, AND ACCESSIBILITY Assessment and suggestions Circulation and parking were studied to determine the most feasible vehicular activity as far as daily visitors, staff, and special events at Belmont Chapel. The Master Planning Committee considered whether vehicles should be in any way restricted from driving and/or parking on cemetery grounds. Dictating daily vehicular activity is perhaps unrealistic, however restricting vehicular access to and from some areas of the cemetery has been explored. Circulation and parking enhancements were identified to better serve visitors and staff and to keep wear and tear on the cemetery’s paths and roadways to a minimum. ADA accessibility was examined and evaluated at all three buildings, and in the proposed development areas.

Circulation enhancements for daily use and operations of the cemetery include the road “spur” at Fern and Hawthorn Avenues, currently unpaved, but will require paving in order to provide through vehicular access. At the same time, paving Oak Avenue carriage way between Calla and Daisy Avenues would allow vehicular circulation on the east side of the cemetery, however this is not considered a priority at this time. Figure 50

27

Figure 50‐ Chapel events circulation and parking

Figure 51‐ Weekday circulation and parking

Circulation discussions also considered the idea of limiting vehicular access to the cemetery north of Fuchsia Avenue. Moveable signage or post and chains could be used to prohibit vehicular access on seven roads: Acacia, Beech, Elm, Fir, Oak, and Willow, which are paved, and Sycamore which is an unpaved carriage way.

For special events, the committee determined that guests should enter at Warner Street and exit at Farewell Street. Visitors approaching the Belmont Memorial Chapel via Elm Avenue would be directed to parking on Daisy or Elder Avenues, the two widest streets in the cemetery.

For example, in June, 2022 there was a fundraising party at the Belmont Chapel. Parking was directed to the cross streets between Elder and Fuchsia Avenues, which was tight, but it did put people closer to the tented event situated at Fir Street behind Belmont Circle. Figure 51 Designated visitor parking areas for daily use in the cemetery should include Elder and Daisy Avenues, and Monument Place. Fern at Hawthorn will be paved Figure 52, and so will Monument Place Figure 53. Staff parking should be designated at the rear of the Administration Building Figure 54, the Maintenance Building, and Chapel Avenue Figure 55 located at the west side of Belmont

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Chapel. The Administration Building and Chapel Avenue locations will require paving to meet the needs of the staff’s daily and event operations.

Figure 52‐ Fern and Hawthorn

Figure 53‐ Monument Place

Figure 54‐ Admin. Building Pkg

Figure 55‐ Chapel Ave.

Paved Roads All paved roads within Island Cemetery are asphalt. Many roads have cracks or are overgrown with grass and some have potholes, however all the roads are accessible to vehicles and the condition is not problematic at this time. A professional assessment of the condition of the roads would be required to determine the future cost of any necessary rehabilitation. Figure 56‐58 Proposed paved areas should consider permeable paving solutions where Winter access is not required.

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Figure 56‐58‐ Road potholes, cracks and overgrowth

Accessibility Neither Belmont Chapel nor the Administrative Building are ADA accessible. The Maintenance Building is accessible. Retro‐fitting these buildings with accessible entry ramps is being studied.

Future development areas should be accessible and therefore paths of no less than five feet shall be maintained as part of any design.

There are no sidewalks within the cemetery however there are sidewalks along Warner and Farewell Streets that are the responsibility of the City of Newport.

Circulation, Parking and Accessibility Recommendations:  To best serve daily staff parking needs, the area behind the Administration building should be paved to accommodate four cars (approximately 45’wide by 20’ deep).

Additional paved parking for events staff can be located on the west side of Belmont Chapel at Chapel Ave. with the approval of the Belmont Chapel Foundation.  Fern Ave. at Hawthorn should be paved to provide through vehicular access.  Monument Place paved parking is not a priority but should be considered.  Oak Avenue circulation enhancement is not a priority currently however it can be paved in the future to allow through traffic on the east side of the cemetery. Crushed stone would be adequate here as no snow removal is necessary.  All buildings should pursue accessibility and adhere to ADA guidelines. Belmont Memorial Chapel and the Administration Building are on the National Register and should consult with the State Preservation and Heritage Commission on any proposed exterior alterations.  All future lot development should provide pathways of no less than five feet wide.

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Utilities Water is available to the Administration Building. There is one hose bib located on the east side of the Administration Building and another at the Van Zandt Annex. There is no water available to the Belmont Memorial Chapel. The Maintenance Building had water at one time but it is unclear if the running water is operational there. There is a hose bib at the Van Zandt Annex, but no water is available at the Friends Cemetery.

Sewer is connected to the Administration Building and to the Maintenance Building, however in the latter the sewer is not in working order.

Exterior electrical outlets do not currently exist at any of the buildings. Plans for exterior lighting and fire safety standards are in the works for Belmont Chapel. The Administration Building requires electrical updating and is currently being assessed. Surrounding streetlights do provide adequate light at the perimeter of the cemetery, but the general ambiance remains rather too dark at night (see recommendations below).

Utilities Recommendations:      

The Maintenance Building should be assessed for all utility improvements. An exterior hose bib is recommended for maintenance staff operations.

ADA accessible restrooms should be integrated into any future design or restoration proposal for the Maintenance and Administration Buildings.

The Administration Building requires a full utility assessment.

The Belmont Memorial Chapel should have adequate amperage for events.

Temporary toilets should be provided for all cemetery events.

Accent lighting at the Farewell St. entrance gate and at all of the buildings would enhance safety as well as the nighttime appearance of the structures and deter vandals.

Site Drainage The original drainage system for the cemetery does not appear to be fully functional.26 Figure 59 At present, this has not caused any obvious problems. However, rainwater that gathers at a low point at the northwest corner of the cemetery does overflow beyond the property bounds and onto the Farewell Street sidewalk and into the road.

Van Zandt Annex and Friend’s Cemetery do not seem to have any drainage plans but there do not seem to be any drainage issues at this time.

26

See Fig. 44‐ Plan for Island Cemetery (1925)

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Site Drainage Recommendations: 

Engage a Civil Engineer for a full topographic survey and drainage plan for the main cemetery. The engineer could assess the entire property and make recommendations for maintaining storm water runoff as required by law. This may require only partial restoration of the original drainage system. Any building renovation should tie in downspouts to a drainage system that may be daylighted into the landscape should topography allow, or at the very least tie into a French drain (crushed stone).

Alternatively, engage a licensed Landscape Contractor to assess areas what are not draining properly.

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Figure 59‐ Drainage Plan (1925)

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LANDSCAPING Island Cemetery consists of approximately twenty‐one acres of mowed lawn and is planted with trees and shrubs which are maintained by the staff and volunteers. Volunteers contribute twice a year or more to general clean‐up, weeding, vine and shrub removal. Volunteers also clean grave markers and monuments. Tree work, earthwork, burials, masonry repair and landscape projects are bid out to sub‐contractors.

Trees, Shrubs and Lawn Bartlett Tree Service has identified and assessed the condition of the trees in Island Cemetery and consults with Island Cemetery annually on prioritizing removals, treatment, and pruning.

Island Cemetery’s trees are also documented on Newport’s Open Tree Map.27 The Van Zandt Annex and Friends Cemetery have not been documented by Bartlett.

PLACEstudio has documented existing species and locations and recommended locations for new trees at Van Zandt Annex and Friends Cemetery as well as making recommendations for existing and suggested tree locations at the proposed project area sites; Belmont Circle, Memorial Circle, Shady Grove, Sycamore Walk, Hawthorn Place, Laurel Place, Memorial Place, the Maintenance and Administration Buildings.

The City of Newport is one of only two cities in the country that are registered as arboreta through Arbnet.28 Many of Newport’s private homes, estates and institutions are registered as arboreta. Island Cemetery would be a prime candidate for arboretum accreditation which, if approved, would enhance the cemetery’s status and recognition in the community.

Accreditation is based on self‐assessment and on the documentation of an arboretum’s level of attainment of the accreditation standards. These standards include planning, governance, number of species, staff or volunteer support, education and public programming, and tree science research and conservation. 29 Arbnet lists the following as benefits of accreditation:  

Being recognized for achievement of specified levels of professional practice.

Working toward higher levels of professional standards once accredited.

27

www.opentreemap.org

28

www.Arbnet.org

29

ibid

34



  

Identifying with other organizations at similar or higher levels of accreditation to provide comparative benchmarks and models for further achievement.

Earning distinction in your community.

Exerting leadership and influence by serving as a model to encourage professional development in other organizations.

Identifying opportunities for collaboration with other arboreta for scientific, collections, or conservation activities.

Landscaping Recommendations: 

 

Adopt a plan for environmental stewardship by reducing mowed areas, increasing permeable areas, increasing tree canopy coverage and providing native plant communities for wildlife.

Support and grow volunteer efforts through partnerships.

Apply for Arboretum accreditation through Arbnet.org.

SIGNAGE All signage will be taken care of by Island Cemetery staff. The cemetery has posted visitor Information signage which includes rules of conduct. Figure 60‐62 Suggested additional signage includes cemetery name and dates at all cemetery entrances (Island Cemetery, Van Zandt Annex and Friends Cemetery), cemetery street and carriage way names, NRHP family lots, building names and a cemetery map. Additional signage for daily and event operations will be implemented at the discretion of cemetery staff.

Figure 60‐62‐ Existing signage

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MASTER PLAN

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Figure 63‐ Island Cemetery Landscape Master Plan (2022)

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AREAS FOR DEVELOPMENT The Landscape Master Plan defines areas for development which will enhance the character of the cemetery and identify available lots and locations for additional burial options. Figure 63 Island Cemetery has ample space for new burials and inurnments. Approximately nineteen vacant lots are still available in the original 19th century portion of the cemetery. Some carriage ways can be laid out into saleable lots and others, such as Cedar Avenue, Ash Avenue and Beech Avenue have already been sub‐divided and assigned lot numbers. The 19th and 20th century layouts created paved carriage ways and smaller unpaved paths between family lots which still provide access for visitation and maintenance. The smaller of these unpaved pathways are best suited for tree planting as there is not enough room the five‐foot path that is required for accessibility. To the west of Ash and Acacia Avenue there is some burial or inurnment availability as well. Field research and measured layouts are required for these small paths and odd shaped areas that are not designated as carriage ways.

The Van Zandt Annex has no lots available but there are small paths suited for tree planting.

Friends Cemetery will require ground‐penetrating radar (LIDAR) to determine if there are any vacant lots available, as many Quakers, according to their tradition, were buried in unmarked graves.

INTERMENT AND MEMORIALIZATION OPTIONS: TRADITIONAL AND NON‐TRADITIONAL PRACTICES AT ISLAND CEMETERY Prior to 2022, Island Cemetery offered interments and inurnments only. A visit to Swan Point Cemetery in 2021 inspired the addition of four columbaria and two memorial benches at Cedar Way, which expanded the cemetery’s burial options to four. The future proposed scattering garden at a re‐designed Memorial Circle will increase the burial options to five, and to seven if memorial trees and benches are included. Providing as many options as possible to the public will increase interest and sales within the cemetery.

Columbaria In 2021 Island Cemetery engaged PLACEstudio to design four columbaria at Cedar Way (east) as well as a memorial burial location for cremains. Cedar Way is meant to be a prototype for the future development of all the carriageways; each would feature a winding path and a grove of trees, with an area for memorial plaques situated on 3’ x 3’ lots for cremains Figure 64‐66.

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Figure 64‐66‐ Cedar Way columbaria, memorial bench, Stewartia grove

Two other proposed locations for Columbaria are both off‐site. The first is at the Van Zandt Annex, along Van Zandt Avenue; this would be similar in style to the columbaria at Cedar Way but significantly larger. The second would be an interior columbarium Figure 67‐68, either at the Administration Building or across Warner Street at what is now the Maintenance Building.

These two locations should be studied for suitability.

Figure 67‐ Interior cedar columbarium, Swan Pt. Cemetery (www.swanpointcemetery.com)

Figure 68‐ Cypress columbarium, Swan Pt. Cemetery (www.swanpointcemetery.com)

Scattering Gardens The idea of a cemetery providing scattering gardens was introduced to our group during our visit to Swan Point Cemetery in 2021. These provide an open area where a loved‐one’s name is engraved on tablet (along with other names) and the ashes then dispersed by the mourners in a central circle around a stone Figure 69‐70. This option has proved financially beneficial for Swan Point, as well as affordable to its customers. A scattering garden is included in this master plan at Memorial Circle and possibly at Shady Grove”.

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Figure 69‐70‐ Swan Point’s Memorial Grove scattering garden and memorial tablet

Carriage ways There are approximately twenty‐two sections of unpaved roads or carriage ways in Island Cemetery. The square feet of developable land can be divided by full‐body burial lots or cremain lots. Full‐body burials will need to be laid out north to south to maintain a five‐foot‐ wide access path on the west side of the carriage ways. Headstones installed facing south enable the best light to fall on the inscriptions and making them readable. Cremains have less of a space limitation, and the stones may be laid facing inwards towards a central path, preferably faced so as to promote legibility. It is important to consider when developing the carriage ways that all access pathways must be at least five feet in width to accommodate accessibility for visitors as well as allow for maintenance. Additionally, views to the harbor, Pell Bridge, and adjacent historic grave monuments should be considered when locating trees, benches, or other landscape plantings in order to maintain and enrich the scenic setting and historic character of the cemetery Figure 71‐72.

Figure 71‐72‐ Views to harbor and Pell Bridge

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PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT AREAS In addition to the carriage ways, there are ten proposed development areas, five of which have been chosen as saleable lots and are considered character‐defining and suitable for landscape enhancements. These are: Memorial Circle, Sycamore Walk, Shady Grove, Hawthorn Place and Laurel Place. Development of these areas would provide new space for burial options, memorial options, and landscape enhancements. Figure 73 Memorial Circle and Shady Grove are being considered as a scatter garden, the establishment of which would add another burial option to the cemetery. An interior columbarium at either the Administration or Maintenance buildings would add still another option, bringing the total number of options available to eight (full‐body burial, cremains in‐ground, cremains in an outdoor columbarium, cremains in an indoor columbarium, scattering cremains, group memorial grave marker, memorial bench, memorial tree).

SHADY GROVE

Figure 73‐ Diagram of Proposed Project Areas

Overall cemetery landscape enhancements such as tree allees and memorial benches located at appropriate places throughout the cemetery can provide an ongoing source of revenue while increasing tree canopy coverage, thus restoring the cemetery’s “garden” aesthetic as well as 41

benefitting the environment. Registering the cemetery as an arboretum would support this “greening” effort and in addition can provide partnerships with the City of Newport, the Newport Tree Conservancy, and Newport’s Health Equity Zone (HEZ). It is recommended not to do an overall tree planting plan at this time, but rather to plant trees as each area is developed.

Care and watering are a concern, and concentrating efforts one area at a time is prudent until full or part‐time horticultural staff can be engaged.

The following are descriptions of the development areas in no order of priority.

Memorial Circle‐Scattering Garden Proposal Memorial Grove will surround the circular William R. Travers family lots (# 920‐929 and 971‐ 975). The design will be composed of 3’ x 5’(min.) granite slabs for engraving. There will be two slabs for each, or every other, curved piece of existing granite curbing (NOTE: 3’ x 5’ is a manageable size for masons to carry by hand; anything larger requires equipment). The existing granite curbing around the Travers family lot will require re‐setting. This repair would be a priority, after which the slabs could be installed. Trees and benches could be installed at any time. We propose fourteen medium‐to‐large species of trees and five granite benches for the outside of the circle and at the connecting carriageways. The Edwin O. Read family lot (# 947‐ 951) at the southeast of the circle, needs complete restoration of its granite curbing as the existing tree has uplifted the curbing and should be removed. For this reason, no future trees should be planted in proximity to any existing granite curbing or wall. Figure 74‐75

Figure 74‐Memorial Circle sketch‐ view south (after)

Figure 75‐Memorial Circle‐view south (before)

Sycamore Walk Proposal The Sycamore Avenue carriage way consists of three segments which then turn into Maple Avenue at the northeast corner of the cemetery. This potentially long and winding walk provides ample opportunity for burials, memorial benches and tree planting. A small access path runs parallel to Sycamore and Vicksburg Place, through the middle of existing burial lots.

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This path can provide additional tree screening for the neighbors on Vicksburg Place however, according to the Island Cemetery Plan of 1927, there is a drainage line running through it (see figure 46) which must be taken into account. It is recommended that there be a 5’ pedestrian access path within Sycamore Walk. Figure 76‐77

Figure 76‐ ‘Sycamore Walk’‐ view north (after)

Figure 77‐ ‘Sycamore Walk’‐ view north (before)

Shady Grove Proposal Shady Grove is an anomaly in the cemetery layout, in that Poplar Avenue branches off from Oak Avenue creating an open space at their intersection. This space is suitable for burials or as a scattering garden. Memorial trees and benches could be located here, although, according to the Island Cemetery Plan of 1927, there is a drainage pipe running from Locust Avenue (east) through Oak Avenue (see Site Drainage Plan) that must be considered.

Large trees in this area have already established a shade corridor that is much cooler in the summer than in the rest of the cemetery. This area would be well‐suited to the addition of flowering understory trees such as native dogwoods, Cornus florida, or colorful foliaged trees like Japanese maples. Landscape enhancements, for example planting colonizing ferns at the edges and a clover lawn in the carriage ways, would eliminate mowing in this area. Should it be agreed that a connecting road be installed at Oak Avenue, then crushed stone would be preferred for its permeability. No snow plowing is required in this area. Figure 78‐79

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Figure 78‐ Shady Grove‐view north (after)

Figure 79‐Shady Grove‐view north (before)

Hawthorn Place Proposal Hawthorn Place encompasses the north end of Fern Avenue, the Griswold Family lot, and Hawthorn Avenue (section 3). In the 2021 we planted five Hawthorn trees (Crataegus ‘Winter King’), and one Tulip tree (liriodendron tulipifera) at Fern Avenue. Dwarf cherry laurels (prunus lauroceresus ‘Otto Lutyens’) were planted under the Hawthorns and a memorial bench was installed at the behest of an individual. The two adjacent family lot walls need full restoration.

Hawthorn Avenue could be developed at the same time to create a character‐defining area which can be developed and marketed together. Figure 80‐81

Figure 80‐ ‘Hawthorn Place’ at Fern Ave. (view north)

Figure 81‐ Wall at Fern and Hawthorn Ave. (view west)

Laurel Place Proposal Laurel Place comprises Sycamore Avenue (Sections 2 and 3), Laurel Avenue and a small portion of Maple Avenue at the northeast corner. This area has a pleasant shady feel to it as well as some character‐defining features such as granite curbing, a sarcophagus, and Celtic cross monuments. This area could be developed for cremains, flowering trees, and memorial 44

benches. According to the Island Cemetery Plan of 1927, there is a drainage pipe running through the middle of Laurel Avenue and these two sections of Sycamore Avenue and Maple Avenue (see drainage map) that must be taken into consideration. Figure 82‐83

Figure 82‐Laurel Place‐view west

Figure 83‐Laurel Place at Sycamore Ave.‐view south

Maintenance Building Interior Columbaria Proposal A proposed interior columbarium located either in the Maintenance Building or the Administration Building would potentially add an additional space for inurnments as well as visitor gatherings. An architect who specializes in historic renovations should be engaged to provide the necessary assessment, design, and budget for what could be a unique project.

Figure 84‐85

Figure 84‐ 85‐ Maintenance Building and Administration Building

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Van Zandt Annex Columbaria Proposal The Columbarium at Van Zandt would be composed of two columbaria in walls built to the east and west of the Van Zandt Avenue entrance. Two new entry gates and a central fence would connect to each of these walls, establishing a street “presence” and identifying this annex as part of Island Cemetery. It will also shield the cemetery from busy Van Zandt Avenue vehicular traffic.

The two columbaria would measure approximately 5’ tall x 30’ wide, each with stone veneer and bluestone caps like the columbaria installed at Cedar Way. Memorial benches and trees would be located within the annex and at the existing pedestrian access paths. Landscape enhancements could frame the new columbaria installation. Perimeter fence repairs can be made as needed. Figure 86‐ 87

Figure 86‐ VanZandt Annex Plan

Figure 87‐ VanZandt Annex entrance gates, fencing and columbaria walls‐ view north

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Friends Cemetery‐ LIDAR Mapping It is not clear how much developable space is available in this cemetery. It is thought there may be numerous burials without identifying markers. Ongoing discussions with Salve University aim toward investigating the site with ground‐penetrating radar (LIDAR) in order to properly map this cemetery.

Memorial Trees and Benches Every proposed tree in the Master Plan has the potential to become a memorial tree. Memorial trees typically have in‐ground markers for the decedent Figure 88‐89. Contemporary burial practices often integrate burials with tree planting. In the case of Island Cemetery, however, it is not the intent to allow full‐body burials with tree planting. Cremains alone are considered allowable.

All the new development comprise areas suited for the placement of Memorial stone benches.

These benches typically serve as memorials only and do not have burials associated with them.

Figure 90‐91

Figure 88‐89‐ Memorial tree markers

Figure 90‐ 91 Memorial benches

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Development Area Recommendations:    

Development Areas to be prioritized by staff and presented to Board of Trustees for Approval.

Build on current efforts by finishing Cedar Avenue, Hawthorn Place and Belmont Entrance.

Provide additional burial options such as a scatter garden, memorial trees and an interior columbarium.

Maintain a 5’ minimum access path at all development areas.

PROPOSED LANDSCAPE PROJECTS AND COMPONENTS (not in order of priority) (NOTE: All quantities and dimensions are approximate. Each project requires design development and layout in the field with staff and Master Planning Sub‐Committee members).

1. General Projects  Fence replacement and improvements  Monument and grave marker restoration  Masonry  Tree planting‐Spring and Fall  Landscape enhancements (groundcover)  2. Carriage Ways‐ Full burials and cremains (Cedar Ave.)  Headstones/ Lots  Memorial trees (28)  Memorial benches‐to be determined  Landscape enhancements‐regrading  Landscape enhancements‐seed, groundcover and shrubs 3. Memorial Circle‐scattering Garden  Reset existing granite curbing  Granite tablets (3’ x 5’) with inscriptions (24)  Memorial benches (4)  Memorial trees (11‐14)  Landscape enhancements‐ groundcover 4. Sycamore Walk‐ full burial and/or cremains  Headstones with inscriptions  Memorial benches (5‐7) 48

 

Memorial trees (30‐35) Landscape enhancements‐ groundcover and shrubs

5. Shady Grove‐ full burial and/or cremains or scattering  Headstones with inscriptions  Memorial benches (4‐ 5)  Memorial trees (16)  Landscape enhancements 6. Hawthorn Place‐ full burial and/or cremains  Paving at Hawthorn  Headstones with inscriptions‐Full burial and cremains  Memorial benches (5)  Memorial trees (11)  Landscape enhancements‐groundcover and shrubs 7. Laurel Place‐cremains only (3’ x 3’ Lots)  Headstones with inscriptions‐flush to grade  Memorial benches (3)  Memorial trees (5‐7)  Landscape enhancements‐groundcover 8. Oliver Hazard Perry Memorial‐no burials  Paint fence and gates  Pave Monument Place  Trees (2‐4) 9. Belmont Entrance/allee/circle/Chapel parking‐no burials  Farewell entrance gates, fence and masonry piers replacement  Belmont family lot gate replacement, fence repair and painting  Pave adjacent carriageway for staff parking  Provide accessible entrance to Belmont Chapel (Associated landscape costs)  Trees (5)  Landscape enhancements‐to be determined 10. Welcome entrance‐ accessibility, beautification, infrastructure‐no burials  Pave staff parking area  Architectural assessment for renovation  Building ADA accessibility (associated landscape costs)  Exterior electrical outlet (1) and lighting 49

 

Trees (2) Landscape enhancements‐shrubs

11. Maintenance Building‐proposed restoration and interior columbarium‐T.B.D.  Architectural assessment for renovation  Exterior electrical outlet (1) and lighting  Hose bib (1)  New fence and gates  Landscape enhancements‐to be determined 12. Van Zandt Annex‐columbaria, fence and gates‐burial lots available?  2 Columbaria (approx. 30’ long each x 5’ H) *Cost estimate based on Cedar Way design  2 pairs gates  Fencing at Van Zandt Ave (80LF)  Perimeter fencing (790LF)  Trees (7)  Landscape enhancements at Van Zandt Ave‐to be determined 13. Friends Cemetery‐assessment  LIDAR grave mapping  Gingko tree (females) removal and replacement  Landscape enhancements‐to be determined

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LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT

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LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT Landscape management is vital to ongoing property enhancement and maintenance at Island Cemetery. This plan is a guide to maintaining the cemetery’s existing infrastructure, tree and plant communities. Grave marker preservation and restoration are not included in this report however there is information available through the National Park Service website regarding standard practices for grave marker preservation.

Management Record Keeping In an ideal world there would be a position for a Head Groundskeeper at Island Cemetery. This person would be responsible for a grounds‐maintenance including seasonal tree pruning and planting, scheduling of projects, crew supervision, volunteer supervision and keeping track of all expenses. A record of these activities and associated expenses should be maintained and kept in a secure place. A final grounds‐maintenance report can then be easily included in the Annual Report.

TREES Existing Trees Bartlett Tree Services is currently responsible for the identification, inspection, and assessment of all trees within Island Cemetery proper.30 Bartlett has not documented trees for the Van Zandt Annex or Friends Cemetery. PLACEstudio has identified these trees and assessed their condition.

New Tree Planting PLACEstudio has provided a tree planting plan for the development areas. Species of trees will be reviewed and located at the onset of design development for each location and approved by the Master Plan Committee. Suggestions for particular tree types are included in the schematic design, examples being deciduous, evergreen, small flowering trees, or large specimen trees.

The cemetery should consider purchasing a water wagon to water any new trees and plantings and also to apply fertilizer as necessary. Water supply can be augmented through rain barrels at Administration and Maintenance Building downspouts.

TURF CARE

30

See Bartlett Tree Services Report/ website

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Currently the cemetery is mowed every week or on an as‐needed basis. Crews should avoid damaging monuments, grave markers, and trees with mowers by keeping them 6”‐ 12” away from stones. Weed‐whackers can be used within the 6”‐12” limit near stones. Grass should be kept between 2”‐3” high.

Sustainable Turf Care Reduced mowing has been adopted at Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, MA, where it is felt that implementing this practice will create a more naturalistic and historically appropriate appearance as well as reduce carbon emissions.31 Mulching leaves in place is another sustainable practice which, over time, significantly reduces the person‐hours required for annual clean‐up and at the same time improving the soil’s organic matter and nutrients, thereby eliminating the need for fertilizers.32 Some amount of leaves (1‐2%) will still need to be collected but they should be used to produce compost for trees and new planting beds. 33 Lawn alternatives Alternative lawns have become increasingly popular for reasons which include no maintenance, no irrigation, and ecological benefits not offered by traditional Kentucky bluegrass.

Transitioning a standard Kentucky bluegrass lawn to a sustainable model that requires less mowing requires overseeding with drought‐tolerant grass species such as rye and fescue. Mt. Auburn Cemetery has had success creating lawns with fescue sod and other meadow‐like plants such as clover. These are also an alternative and require no mowing. These alternatives may be good to try in Island Cemetery’s proposed development areas to reduce or eliminate mowing, especially in the carriage ways. Slice‐seeding a specialized mix into the existing lawn is recommended. Below is a list of over‐seeding options as well as numerous groundcover alternatives (NOTE: Sun and shade conditions must be considered when specifying any plant material).

Landscape Management Recommendations: 

  

Adopt a plan for environmental stewardship by reducing mowed areas, increasing permeable areas, increasing tree canopy coverage and providing native plant communities for wildlife.

Purchase a water wagon prior to any future tree or plant installations.

Create low or no maintenance alternative lawns using suggested seed as above.

Let fallen leaves lie in place to create mulch and natural organic matter.

31

https://mountauburn.org/landscape‐management/ ibid 33 ibid 32

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LAWN ALTERNATIVES/ SEED MIXES Fair Play' Seed Mix Alan Seed, Exeter, RI 40% Perennial Rye 40% Fescue 20% Kentucky Bluegrass Improved Fragaria spp.

Tifolium repens Trifolium fragiferum

Wild strawberry White clover Strawberry clover

GROUNDCOVERS BOTANICAL NAME Ajuga reptans Athyrium felix‐femina Carex morowii 'Ice Dance' Dennstaedtia punctilobula Gallium odoratum Gaultheria procumbens Hedra helix Hosta spp.

Juniperis communis 'Green Carpet' Juniperis horizontalis Liriope spicata Matteuccia struthiopteris Onoclea sensibilis Osmunda cinnamomea Pachysandra Polystichum acrostichiodes Seslaria autumnalis Sporobolus heterolepis Thelypteris decursive‐pinnata Thymus Vinca minor

COMMON NAME Bugleweed Lady fern Japanese sedge Hay‐scented fern Sweet woodruff Wintergreen English ivy Hosta varieties Green Carpet dwarf juniper Creeping juniper Creeping lilyturf Ostrich fern sensitive fern Cinnamon fern Pachysandra Christmas Fern Autumn moor grass Dwarf prairie dropseed Japanese beech fern Thyme varieties Periwinkle

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RECOMMENDATIONS OVERVIEW

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RECOMMENDATIONS OVERVIEW The preceding historic and existing conditions assessments have informed available areas for development and guidelines for tree placement that maintain and enhance the cemetery’s historic context and physical setting. By identifying particular areas suitable for development, Island Cemetery staff can assign annual expenditures for design, monument and grave marker restoration, fence repair, tree planting, and landscape enhancements. Overall facilities and utilities, grading and drainage, and maintenance assessments may be reviewed by licensed professionals in those fields for prioritization and cost estimates. The following are overall recommendations which have already been vetted by the Master Planning Sub‐Committee.

HISTORIC PRESERVATION AND RESTORATION 





  

 

The NRHP highlights specific physical features, architectural and landscape, which support the Period of Significance. These features should be prioritized for restoration and preservation based on the afore‐mentioned descriptions in the NRHP nomination.

Overall considerations should preserve the cemetery’s “park‐like” or “scenic” atmosphere and protect views to Belmont Memorial Chapel, important monuments and views to the harbor which prominently feature Newport’s Pell Bridge.

Specific trees and shrubs are mentioned in the NRHP report in reference to the Wetmore family lot only. There are however many important tree species within the cemetery which require ongoing care and maintenance. Bartlett Tree Service provides a complete list of tree names and locations. www.arbnet.org is also a source for tree locations and names. The cemetery should support ongoing bi‐annual tree planting in Spring and Fall.

Oliver Hazard Perry Memorial and Family Lot: Repair, clean and paint fence and gate in high gloss black. Replace missing piece of fence. Clean monuments, grave markers, and curbing.

Major Isaac Incalls Family Lot: clean monument.

Alfred Smith Family Lot: Replace missing gate, clean and paint pipe fence rails high gloss black.

Clean grave markers. Engage a professional sculpture restorer for the restoration of large, seated, bronze angel. Consult with the Saint‐Gaudens National Historic Site in New Hampshire regarding the restoration and cleaning of ‘Amor Caritas’ and flower box. Prune evergreens and plant flowerbox seasonally with Passiflora (Passion flower) to match the relief carving on her belt and on the flower box).

Belmont Circle: Replace missing gate and horizontal iron pipe rails. Clean and paint pipe rails high gloss black. Clean grave markers and assess exedra for structural stability.

Wetmore Family Lot: Irradicate poison ivy and prune hedge to reveal granite curbing. Clean monument, grave markers and granite curbing.

LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT INFRASTRUCTURE SUMMARY Perimeter Fencing Recommendations: 

Island Cemetery continues to make repairs to fences and gates as needed. The restoration of the Farewell St. entrance is a priority and efforts are underway. The 56

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fencing along Vicksburg Place and the Van Zandt Annex continue to receive complaints from neighbors, especially as they face residential housing. The chain link is rusted and unsightly but otherwise is good condition, and therefore not a priority.

Van Zandt Annex entrance enhancements are recommended. The cost of replacing the missing fence and gates along Van Zandt Avenue can be offset by the introduction of two columbaria (walls) which will incorporate the new fencing and gates. Painting the steel picket fence and gates black to match the main cemetery would provide continuity.

Friends Cemetery fencing is in good condition; however, painting the steel picket fence and gates black to match the main cemetery would provide continuity.

Interior Fence and Gate Recommendations: 

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Existing gates and associated fencing should be restored and painted high‐gloss black with NRHP sites a priority. Those sites are the O.H. Perry Memorial, Belmont Circle and Alfred Smith family lots.

Missing gates should be inventoried and replaced as resources allow.

Masonry Recommendations:     

Prioritize granite curbing restoration based on NRHP designated family lots and development projects.

Seek an assessment of all missing granite curbing.

Clear vines and trees from existing granite curbing.

Plant trees as far away as possible from monuments, walls, and granite curbing.

A comprehensive inventory and assessment of walls should be obtained from an experienced mason.

Circulation, Parking and Accessibility Recommendations: 

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To best serve daily staff parking needs, the area behind the Administration building should be paved to accommodate four cars (approximately 45’wide by 20’ deep).

Additional paved parking for events staff can be located on the west side of Belmont Chapel at Chapel Ave. with the approval of the Belmont Chapel Foundation.

Fern Ave. at Hawthorn should be paved to provide through vehicular access.

Monument Place paved parking is not a priority but should be considered.

Oak Avenue circulation enhancement is not a current priority, however it can be paved in the future to allow through traffic on the east side of the cemetery. Crushed stone would be adequate here as no snow removal is necessary.

All buildings should pursue accessibility and adhere to ADA guidelines. Belmont Memorial Chapel and the Administration Building are on the National Register and should consult with the State Preservation and Heritage Commission on any proposed exterior alterations.

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All future lot development should provide pathways of no less than five feet wide.

Utilities Recommendations:     

The Maintenance Building should be assessed for all utility improvements. An exterior hose bib is recommended for maintenance staff operations.

ADA accessible restrooms should be integrated into any future design or restoration proposal for the Maintenance and Administration Buildings.

The Administration Building requires a full utility assessment.

The Belmont Memorial Chapel should have adequate amperage for events.

Temporary toilets should be provided for all cemetery events.

Site Drainage Recommendations: 

Engage a Civil Engineer for a full topographic survey and drainage plan for the main cemetery. Alternatively, engage a licensed Landscape Contractor to assess areas what are not draining properly.

Development Area Recommendations:    

Development Areas to be prioritized by staff and presented to Board of Trustees for Approval.

Build on current efforts by finishing Cedar Avenue, Hawthorn Place and Belmont Entrance.

Provide additional burial options such as a “Scatter Garden”, memorial trees, and an interior columbarium.

Maintain a 5’ minimum access path at all development areas.

Landscape Management Recommendations: 

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Adopt a plan for environmental stewardship by reducing mowed areas, increasing permeable areas, increasing tree canopy coverage, and providing native plant communities for wildlife.

Purchase a water wagon prior to any future tree or plant installations.

Support and grow volunteer efforts through partnerships.

Apply for Arboretum accreditation through Arbnet.org.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

(Photo by Nick Benson, John Stevens Shop)

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BIBLIOGRAPHY Books Island Cemetery Company, An Historical Sketch of the Island Cemetery Company in Newport, Rhode Island. Boston: Press of John Wilson and Son, 1872 Keen, Lew, A Guide to Historic Burial Grounds in Newport. Charleston, SC: The History Press, 2021 Maps (arranged chronologically) Map Collection of Island Cemetery 1925 corrected March 1, 1949. Map of Island Cemetery Newport, R.I., Compiled from Existing Plats and Original Surveys by R.J. Easton & Son C.E. 1932. Island Cemetery Friend’s Section Newport, R.I., R.J. Easton & Son C.E. 1934. Island Cemetery Section C (Van Zandt Annex), R.J. Easton & Son C.E. Reports and Other Documents Island Cemetery Company, An Historical Sketch of the Island Cemetery Company in Newport, Rhode Island. Boston: Press of John Wilson and Son, 1872 Island Cemetery Annual Reports and Trustees’ Meeting Minutes, 1922‐1927, 1934‐1984 Island Cemetery Incorporation Book (1848) Island Cemetery Company Newport, Rhode Island Constitution, By‐Laws, Rules and Regulations, 1955 Articles “Island Cemetery,” The Daily News, January 18, 1848 Websites www.islandcemeterynewport.com www.mountauburn.org www.newporthistory.org 60

www.nps.gov www.swanpointcemetery.com Interviews Barbara Benson, personal interview, July 13, 2022Keen, Lew, A Guide to Historic Burial Appendices (from page 65) Appendix A: Cemetery Maps‐ Island Cemetery Archive Appendix B: Existing Conditions Diagrams‐ PLACEstudio, LLC Appendix C: Proposed Circulation and Parking Diagrams Appendix D: Comprehensive Master Plan‐ PLACEstudio, LLC Appendix E: Lew Keen Tour Map

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Appendix A: Cemetery Maps‐ Island Cemetery Archive

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Appendix B: Existing Conditions Diagrams‐ PLACEstudio, LLC

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Appendix C: Proposed Circulation Diagrams

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Appendix D: Comprehensive Master Plan‐ PLACEstudio, LLC

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Appendix E: Lew Keen Tour Map

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