Hope Cemetery in Galesburg got a hand from a group of volunteers recently, partly in an effort to beautify the space across from the future library.
Volunteers removed and recycled chain-link and barbed wire fencing and installed nearly 500 feet of new black aluminum fencing.
Workers had to hand dig through three roots and bricks to facilitate the setting of posts in concrete.
Treasurer of the Galesburg Public Library Board Martin Reichel not only initiated the project but paid for materials himself.
He’s been a Hope Cemetery trustee for over 40 years and explains that there’s long been discussion about erecting a suitable fence.
But with the new library being constructed across the street Reichel felt a fence “keeping with the library and its grounds” would be a contribution he would be willing to make.
He hopes the fence is attractive, and durable and is reflective of Hope’s importance as a community landmark.
Hope Cemetery is tended to by a non-profit organization and Board of Trustees and is the final resting place of several Galesburg founders including George Washington Gale.
