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Cemetery entrance not ready just yet By SUE WATSON
Staff Writer The long awaited reopening of the front gate at Hill Crest Cemetery has to wait a little longer. There
will be no drive-through traffic until the wrought iron gates are
repaired and installed, said Andre’ DeBerry, mayor of Holly Springs. The
matter was brought up in the recent meeting of the board of aldermen by
Lois Swaney-Shipp, who said the people of the city want to use the
formal entrance as she thanked the mayor for repair of the columns. DeBerry said he wants to finish the project completely before opening the gate to the public. The
historic archway and gates provide a sense of arrival to local traffic
and to visitors alike. Listed on the historic register, Hill Crest is
the resting place of war heros, statesmen, and famous politicians. Known
to locals as “Little Arlington,” 10 of 12 Confederate generals from
Holly Springs are buried at Hill Crest. These are Maj. Gen. Edward C.
Walthall, Brig. Gen. Samuel Benton, Brig. Gen. Winfield S. Featherston,
Brig. Gen. Daniel G. Govan, Brig. Gen. Absolom M. West, Brig. Gen.
Christopher H. Mott, Gen. Henry E. Williamson, Adj-Gen. Thomas A.
Falconer, Adj-Gen. Kinlock Falconer, and Asst. Adj-Gen. Harvey W.
Walker. (Visit www.headboardsoftstone.blogspot.com for more history and
a virtual tour of Hill Crest.) In other business, the mayor and board: •
heard a request from the Holly Springs Federated Improvement Club for
reimbursement of some costs the club has incurred as a result of the
Martin Street project in Holly Springs. The club is restoring the
Bessie Jones House, a prominent old home in African American and
Caucasian history that is located at Martin Street and North Randolph
Street. • discussed a 5 percent decrease in
health insurance rates for Holly Springs Utility Department employees.
The new premium for HSUD employees is $426.56 for individuals per month
and $1,075.52 for a family plan with Blue Cross/Blue Shield. The city
employee rates were not presented. Grace Bonds
with Craft and Wynne Insurance said rates declined partly because of a
nonsmoking policy and due to better health of employees. •
learned that the Main Street Blues night for Thursday, Sept. 30, will
be extended one hour to 11 p.m. The night is the grand finale for the
Hidden Treasures promotional event of the year by Holly Springs Main
Street. • heard a request from Powell Chapel
Masonic Lodge to hold a political rally at Sam Coopwood Park before the
election in November. • discussed setting up interviews with the board for candidates for director of Public Works.
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