Scout to Refurbish Civil War Monument

The town’s Civil War monument is among the state’s oldest.

The memorial to the 55 Grafton men killed in the Civil War was built in 1867, just two years after the war ended.

Prospective Eagle Scout Paul Howarth worries that residents might not even know where it is located.

The monument, located in front of , has become overgrown and partially hidden by trees, Howarth told selectmen last night.

He hopes to refurbish the monument for his Eagle Scout project.

The timing, he said, seems fitting: The year 2015 will mark the 150th anniversary of the end of the Civil War.

Next year is the 150th anniversary of the Town House, which the monument overlooks, Historic District Commission member Paul Scarlett told Howarth. He suggested that the Scout work with the commission to help coordinate efforts.

Howarth’s project would include planting flowers, cleaning the monument, trimming nearby trees and placing holders for the flags placed on the monument for Memorial Day.

When the project is complete, he hopes to have a rededication ceremony.

In addition to being a Boy Scout, Howarth is also a Civil War re-enactor.

Selectmen saluted his idea and suggested he work closely with related boards, such as the Historical District Commission and the Historical Society, to ensure that the project moves smoothly.