The ancient water system serving Lone Mountain Cemetery has been abandoned after approximately 80 years of use because of the sad condition of lines and reservoir, it was announced today.
Abandonment was decided upon because of the many problems faced to keep the system operating to water approximately six lots in the cemetery planted in lawn. Owners of the plots have agreed to the abandonment.
Loss of the old water system brings to an end the only available source at the cemetery for the present. But it is hoped that in the future an adequate supply to irrigate the whole area can be obtained.
Ormsby County Cemetery District trustees are planning to develop extensive water supplies for use of the cemetery when funds are available, but that is expected to be many years away.
The old water system had its start in 1880 when a spring and 40 acres of land were deeded to two Masonic and two Odd Fellows lodges by Jacob Muller. Old timers believe the pipeline from Ash Canyon to Lone Mountain was constructed shortly thereafter.
Because of the problems in keeping the ancient system patched up enough so a small trickle of water would reach the cemetery, the possibility of lawsuits, and the great amount of work involved merely to keep the system from falling completely to pieces, the decision was made for its abandonment.
This continues the Appeal’s review of news stories and headlines during its Sesquicentennial year.
