AAPPEN PRESSCLU B History:

Continued from Page 19 part of our history. In spite of the cemetery’s somewhat confusing past ownership, the city of Alpharetta has taken responsibility for maintaining the facilities. Today Rest Haven, sometimes called Alpharetta Cemetery, contains 6 ½ acres, of which the city owns four. A private company owned the cemetery but quit the cemetery business circa 1970s and transferred ownership to the city. It appears to have been a handshake agreement. Thanks to a substantial gift from a now-deceased resident, the city created a special budget account for maintenance of the cemetery. Plots are no longer available, but individuals who already own plots can be buried in Rest Haven. From time to time funerals do take place. The city established a special committee consisting of the City Clerk, Director of Public Works and the Director of Parks and Recreation, supported by the City Attorney and Finance Director to oversee maintenance of the public areas of Rest Haven. Individual plot owners are responsible for the maintenance of their plots.

For information on cemetery maintenance, contact Lauren Shapiro, Alpharetta City Clerk, at LShapiro@ alpharetta.ga.us. To become involved in voluntary efforts to support the cemetery contact Pat Miller at ptatummiller@ gmail.com.

Bob is director emeritus of the Milton Historical Society and a Member of the City of Alpharetta Historic Preservation Commission. You can email him at bobmey@bellsouth.net. Bob welcomes suggestions for future columns about local history.

Death Notices

David Arthur, 74, of Alpharetta, passed away on April 14, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Marc Caruso, 42, of Alpharetta, passed away on April 17, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Michael Dougherty, 67, of Roswell, passed away on April 14, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Judith Hill, 82, of Milton, passed away on April 17, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Daniel Lazzaroni, 34, of Roswell, passed away on April 16, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Anne McShane, 90, of Milton, passed away on April 15, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

BOB

Rest Haven Cemetery in downtown Alpharetta is closely linked to the history of Alpharetta. It is the final resting place of some of the city’s early pioneering families, yet it has an unusual story to tell.

Richard Merkel, 88, of Alpharetta, passed away on April 14, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Valeria Nagel, 87, of Johns Creek, passed away on April 16, 2023. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.