In the 1830's and 1840's New Bedford and Fairhaven were at the height of their prosperity. Fairhaven was a major shipping center with a booming economy and growing population. Much of this economy can be attributed to the profitable Whaling industry. It became evident that Fairhaven's old burial grounds would not be able to accommodate the town's future needs. The plan for the Fairhaven Branch Railroad would require the closure of part of the old burial ground at the south end of William Street in the town center. About this same time, there was a movement to create rural or garden style cemeteries as an expression of community pride, history and appreciation of nature. The idea was that the burial place was to be enjoyed by the living.
Riverside began in the winter of 1846-47, when Warren Delano II, a Fairhaven native, China trader, and the grandfather of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, purchased a parcel of land that had once been part of the Jonathan Nye farm. The cemetery was laid out and a corporation was formed in March of 1850, with Delano's father, Warren I, serving as first president. The cemetery was consecrated on Sunday, July 7, 1850. The first burial, that of Miss Mary E. Delano, took place in August. In 1881, the sexton's home was built at a cost of $1,800 and Delano added more land in 1889. The trustees have since acquired additional property and the cemetery now encompasses approximately 44 acres.
The ancient Naskatucket Cemetery, formally organized in 1888 and since merged with Riverside, is located nearby. Riverside is a charitable corporation. It was founded by Fairhaven residents, and is managed by lot owners, in continuance of a trust in honor of the deceased and for the benefit of the community. Riverside has maintained high standards for over one hundred and fifty years, through lean times and good times, with the support, care and giving, large and small, of its friends near and far. A crematorium has been built which has allowed Riverside to provide more services to the community.
Riverside began in the winter of 1846-47, when Warren Delano II, a Fairhaven native, China trader, and the grandfather of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, purchased a parcel of land that had once been part of the Jonathan Nye farm. The cemetery was laid out and a corporation was formed in March of 1850, with Delano's father, Warren I, serving as first president. The cemetery was consecrated on Sunday, July 7, 1850. The first burial, that of Miss Mary E. Delano, took place in August. In 1881, the sexton's home was built at a cost of $1,800 and Delano added more land in 1889. The trustees have since acquired additional property and the cemetery now encompasses approximately 44 acres.
The ancient Naskatucket Cemetery, formally organized in 1888 and since merged with Riverside, is located nearby. Riverside is a charitable corporation. It was founded by Fairhaven residents, and is managed by lot owners, in continuance of a trust in honor of the deceased and for the benefit of the community. Riverside has maintained high standards for over one hundred and fifty years, through lean times and good times, with the support, care and giving, large and small, of its friends near and far. A crematorium has been built which has allowed Riverside to provide more services to the community.
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