By Staff
NILES – The Niles Service League has unveiled its 2008 Christmas ornament, which features Silverbrook Cemetery.
Silverbrook Cemetery, named after the brook that runs through it, is older than the state of Michigan. In 1836, George N. Bond purchased six acres to be use as a public cemetery. Over the years, the cemetery has increased to approximately 60 acres.
The entrance gates used today at the corner of Cherry and Main street, are the cemetery's third. Designed by Judson Clay Webber, and constructed in 1926. A plaque at the main entrance recognizes the first Cemetery Board in 1930: Judson Webber, Harry Fox, Charles E. Moon, Harry Mansfield and Fred A. Reynolds.
The original entrance was on 11th street, but was moved when the street became the main throughfare into the city. The second entrance was located at 13th and Cherry streets, but did not provide adequate space to accommodate funeral processions.
The present office was built in 1936, as a WPA project. The first office, located near the original entrance on 11th street, was moved. It is now incorporated into the tool house at the southern end of the city addition.
The Silverbrook Abbey was built in 1926. This mausoleum holds the bodies of many people who have contributed significantly to the history of Niles.
The Bell Chime Tower was built in 1936 as a WPA project. Records played in the office would broadcast over speakers in the tower during funerals.
Masonry work was completed on the Bell Chime Tower and the entrance gate by Tom Travick.
The mission of Friends of Silverbrook Cemetery is to work with city government to promote and restore Silverbrook Cemetery to its once proud heritage.
To gain an appreciation of the people who helped build Niles, Silverbrook Cemetery offers a self-guided tour. This community has many stories to tell and sites visited contain a glimpse into the past.
The ornaments will be available for $25 at the Apple Festival Saturday, Sept. 27 and Sunday, Sept. 28, Rana's hair salon, The Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce and the St. Mary's Craft Bazaar on Saturday, Nov. 8, 9 to 3 p.m., or by calling Joanne Hathcoat at 684-6335.