Arches added to define entrances to Old Madison Cemetery

Jeanne Steadman, from left, Steve Abbott and Cindi Sanderson stand under the Old Madison Cemetery arch on Maple Street. (RECORD PHOTO/GREGG PARKER)

MADISON – Two sets of iron arches have been installed to define entrances to Old Madison Cemetery on Mill Road at Maple Road.

The arch on the western edge of the cemetery at Maple Road stands 16 feet tall. The other arch was installed about midway of the cemetery on Mill Road and is eight feet tall. Lettering on both black arches reads “Old Madison Cemetery.”

The idea originated several years ago when Jeanne Steadman asked Madison Garden Club to donate boxwood shrubs that they were replacing in planters on Main Street. Steadman realized that the shrubbery could be planted along Maple Street and help to define an entrance to the cemetery.

“The cemetery has a park-like setting and is beautiful,” Steadman said.

Now, as president of the city’s cemetery committee, Steadman asked herself and others, “Wouldn’t it be great to have an arch like so many older cemeteries have at their entrance? It would look really pretty with the backdrop of the boxwoods.”

Steadman consulted Steve Abbott, who is manager of Madison Public Works Department. “Steve found the funds from his budget to get the two arches,” Steadman said. Steadman also acknowledged help with the project from cemetery committee vice president Cindi Sanderson and City Councilman Gerald Clark, who serves as liaison to the cemetery committee.

New Market Iron Works constructed the arches.

Steadman can envision more improvements at Old Madison Cemetery. “I can see it expanding. Steve Abbott may be able to fill in a ditch on the west side for parking. Madison Beautification and Tree Board has some city benches available,” she said.

The cemetery committee is working with Historic Huntsville Foundation to have a ‘cemetery stroll’ with historic reactors at Old Madison Cemetery.