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Public Works Department (0409)

The Public Works Department encompasses the Highway Division, the Parks, Recreation, and Cemeteries Division, the Environmental Protection Division, and the Facilities Division.

Board of Cemetery Trustees Records, 1856-2001 (0409.004)

These records consist of meeting minutes of the Board of Cemetery Trustees, and its sub-committees. Also included are the rules, regulations, and by-laws of Manchester's muncipal cemeteries.

Burial Records, 1841-1897 (0409.003)

This collection consists of four bound ledgers of burial records, which list the names of the interred and the location of the burial site. Some records list additional information, such as cause of death, the name of the undertaker, age at death, and other notes. Three ledgers document burials at Valley Cemetery from 1841-1869; one ledger documents burials at Pine Grove Cemetery from the 1870s to the 1890s.

Digital Item: Burial Records of Valley Cemetery, 1841-1849 (138MB FILE)

Cemetery Administrative Records, 1906-1973 (0409.006)

The collection consists entirely of paper documents which were created or received by the Cemetery Department during the course of official city business. It is organized into four record series, which are arranged in the original order they were in when received from the Cemetery Department: Correspondence, Bank Statements, Agreements, and Annual Reports. The collection offers a unique insight into the administrative duties of the Cemetery Department in the City of Manchester during a portion of the 20th Century, especially those of the Superintendent.

Cemetery Lot Deeds and Certificates, 1870-1941 (0409.005)

These records document when an individual purchased a lot of land in a city cemetery. The records show who purchased the lot, where the lot was located and in what cemetery, how large the lot was, conditions and limitations, the purchase price, and the date of transaction.

City Maps & Plans, 1888-1915 (0409.009)

This collection is comprised of 25 oversized maps and plans of Manchester from 1888-1915, which originated in the Public Works Department (or its predecessor).

Item Note: Plan of Improved Sewerage System for East Manchester, 1888 (Item ID: 0409.009_0001)
This plan was approved by the City Council on December 28, 1888. Winfred H. Bennet was the City Engineer and Ernest W. Bowditch was the Consulting Engineer. This item was restored, microfilmed, and digitized in 2016-2017 using funds from the NH Moose Plate Grant. For a high resolution digital image, please contact the archives.

Item Note: Plan of Improved Sewerage System for West Manchester, 1888 (Item ID: 0409.009_0002)
This plan was approved by the City Council on December 28, 1888. Winfred H. Bennet was the City Engineer and Ernest W. Bowditch was the Consulting Engineer. This item was restored, microfilmed, and digitized in 2016-2017 using funds from the NH Moose Plate Grant. For a high resolution digital image, please contact the archives.

Sewer License Ledgers, 1847-1953 (0409.011)

Three ledgers which record where and when buildings in the city were connected to the municipal sewer system, as well as the cost. Ledgers also include other information, such as the name of the licensee. Ledgers are quasi-alphabetical according to street name; each ledger contains an index.

Works Progress Administration Surveys, 1937-1939 (0409.001)

This collection consists of two surveys conducted by the WPA in Manchester. One survey focuses on traffic conditions, and one focuses on the condition of the city's streets and sidewalks, which includes detailed blueprints, pictures, and information regarding fire hydrants, police boxes, poles, street signs, post boxes, etc. The surveys also served as a way to provide work for Manchester citizens who were on relief.