Group continues to seek repairs for Old City Cemetery - KNOE 8 News; KNOE-TV; KNOE.com |

MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Friends of Monroe Old City Cemetery say they're disappointed in the city's effort to repair the historic site.

History enthusiast, Terry Ford, says "Let's maintain what we've got before we go and put more irons in the fire."

He says instead of building a new civic center, the city should invest in what it already has - a centuries old cemetery full of history.

Tombstones have broken by vandalism, lawn maintenance crews, and even funeral processions, and the original fencing was damaged in a car crash earlier this year. The Friends have asked for the city to make the repairs.

"They're saying the fence cannot be repaired, well, I disagree," says Ford. According to the group, the fence could be repaired by Kelly's Ironworks for less than it would cost for a new fence to be set up. The Friends say they've been trying for over three years to get city officials to come see the destruction in the cemetery, and a city councilman has finally accepted the invitation.

"When we look at the disrepair of the cemetery," says Ray Armstrong, "the fence is falling down, the tombstone are crumbling...We need to have pride in our community. We need to do better than this."

After taking a look at the cemetery, Councilman Ray Armstrong says it should be put it the hands of a group that's passionate and willing to go the extra mile, and Terry Ford says he has the solution.

"Our organization is willing to take it over," says Ford, "and I can promise you, you give us a couple of years in this cemetery and I will show you the capabilities that (the city) once had."

Ray Armstrong plans to talk to Monroe's Public Works Director about the issue, and then present solutions to the city council.

For more information about the Friends of the Monroe Old City Cemetery, e-mail oldcitycemetery@yahoo.com.