POTTSTOWN PA – There’s good news and great news from Pottstown’s Edgewood Historic Cemetery.
The good news? Tickets for two of three scheduled “Walk to Remember” fund-raising tours at the cemetery, each accommodating 20 people, are already sold out due to high public interest. The great news? A limited number of tickets remain for its 1:45 p.m. tour. All three are being held Oct. 7 (2023; Saturday) at the cemetery, 989 E. High St.
Tickets are available for purchase online. They also can be obtained by calling or sending a text to cemetery research volunteer and tour organizer Kelly Fenstermacher at 610-506-7033, or send her an e-mail at kelly@historicedgewood.com.
During each living history tour, costumed re-enactors and interpreters will share “fascinating stories about some of Edgewood’s 3,000 prominent residents,” representatives said. They range from a famous woman social activist to Civil War generals. Refreshments will be served, donated by Sodexo at The Hill School.
Proceeds from the family friendly activity benefit cemetery maintenance operations.
“All Edgewood grounds mowing and maintenance depends upon the generosity of donors and events like this,” they added. The cost of caring for the 12-acre cemetery is about $20,000 annually.
Edgewood’s former caretaker abandoned the cemetery in 2012, and the borough does not provide funds for its maintenance or improvements. The grounds became overgrown, until volunteers united to find ways to collaborate, pay for, and restore the property. Donations for its restoration are being gratefully accepted online, or by mail to Edgewood Historic Cemetery, c/o 740 E. High St., Pottstown PA 19464.
Volunteers again needed to enhance grounds
To prepare for the tours, volunteers are encouraged to pitch in with tombstone cleaning (above) Saturday (Sept. 30) from 9-11 a.m. at the cemetery. Civic, church, and scouting groups are welcomed. Participants will learn the process that helps restore dirty headstones. Supplies will be provided, and those who attend are asked to wear old clothing.
Friends of the cemetery express their thanks to Home Depot, Lowes, and Tractor Supply of Pottstown for donating supplies.
Looking ahead at Edgewood activities
Also planned for the cemetery:
- Volunteers also plan to soon sell 3/4-sleeve-length T-shirts. They feature the Edgewood logo on the front and, on back, a bold image of “Eddie Edgewood,” the hawk who makes his home in the cemetery’s trees. The artwork was created by Jess Grater. Shirts will sell for $20 each (slightly more for 2XL and 3XL sizes). All proceeds benefit the mowing fund. Learn how to buy a shirt by calling Cathy Skitko at 610-705-1017, or send her an e-mail to cathy@hobartsrunpottstown.org.
- Back by popular demand, another art fair is being planned for the grounds next spring. Vendors interested in participating may contact Skitko or Fenstermacher to be placed on a list for contact when the date and details are finalized. Its return will represent the seventh such artisan crafts sale to be held on the open area of the cemetery along High Street.
Photos provided to Travels With The Post by Edgewood Historic Cemetery
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