Sadly, that’s probably the only way it will get done.

Oh, and bring a lawnmower and rake too.





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Without making this political, the aid to cities and towns, during the past 8 years has been severely reduced. Meriden has for many years been suffering from the exodus of their small industrial base, and the tax burden fell on a residential base of lower incomes. Funding the maintainance of a municipal property which doesn’t benefit the living taxpayer isn’t high on their list. Further, that cemetery, historical as it may be, is essentially closed, as there are no more plots available.

Aside from the sad news regarding the state of the cemetery, I sure appreciate everyone's feedback on how to best visit Meriden. If I was driving, I would be more than happy to haul along some tools and get the Parker plot cleaned up. Unfortunately, expediency for these assessment visits usually dictates airline travel from Nashville. I doubt the TSA guys would approve of lawn care implements in my carry-on, eh?

Good tip on the Museum, Brian. I'll be sure to make prior arrangements, if they are amenable to my timing.

I'm looking forward to the visit, no matter what I see. I'll post some pictures after my time in the hometown of our beloved Parker's.

Dave

When the PGCA held its "Meriden Homecoming" in June of 2003, The site of the original Parker Gun Works was a fenced-off lot overgrown with weeds and rubble from the 1970 fire that destroyed the factory, but the little office building hard by the railroad tracks that housed the office on the second floor where guns were packaged for shipping still stands. Shortly thereafter, a PGCA team retrieved a treasure trove of hanging tags and "other paperwork" from the soot-laden attic.

Per Brian's advice on the historical society, BE SURE to call ahead to make an appointment for a visit. With today's economic situation, many state and municipal museums (many of which are outstanding) are open on a very restricted schedule.

A few pictures on one of our more recent PGCA visits to Meriden.


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Oh, my gosh, Dean! Great photos! Thanks so much for taking the time to share them! I just got off the phone with my client, and it looks like I'll be in Meriden on Thursday, April 11. I'm very much looking forward to it, no matter I find. I sure hope I can get into the museum. I'll go to work on that next week, well in advance of my visit.

Thanks again, Dean.

Dave

if i lived close to meridan i would not mind keeping that cemetary up....i have done 3 little cemetary here in the south clean most of my life but sadly mother nature will take over when i pass this life....charlie