POTTSTOWN PA – Work on improvements at historic Edgewood Cemetery in Pottstown continue despite colder weather and shortened daylight hours, its volunteers and coordinators report.
The cemetery, 989 E. High St., was “put to bed” during mid-October by a group of about 50 volunteers. They raked and bagged leaves, mulched the flowerbeds, and planted nearly 750 bulbs along the Keim Street border. More recently, the reset of several headstones was either under way or completed, thanks to generous anonymous donations.
Up next: a community event is scheduled for Friday (Nov. 14, 2025) beginning at 5 p.m. at The Alley on High, 228 E. High St. The outdoor venue is family-friendly, and its fire pits add to the fall festivity. They Alley’s owners have pledged to donate a percentage of all beverage sales that evening to the Edgewood maintenance fund.
The event will feature live music and food offerings from the popular Cousins Lobster Truck. Also scheduled are raffles for items featuring “Edgewood Eddie,” the handsome hawk who lives among the cemetery’s trees. Other prizes are available too.
Historic Tombstones Reset
Four headstones are in the process of being reset by Pottstown Burial Vault, as a result of contributions from many individuals. Some express interest in Pottstown-area history; others want to show respect to those buried at Edgewood.
Kelly Fenstermacher, historian for the cemetery, says that one stone was reset for Edward Kirk Meigs, 1850-1867. He was the 17-year-old son of Matthew Meigs, founder of The Hill School, and his wife, Mary. The funds to accomplish this work were provided anonymously by a friend of both The Hill and Edgewood Cemetery.
The stone of Catherine Shewell Price, who lived from 1831 to 1886, was also reset thanks to a donation. Stones from family members of the Potts and Davies families will be reset as well, following work on the bases and other structural issues.
Additionally, a severely damaged and sunken stone will be replaced. Fenstermacher and other cemetery volunteers hope a descendant might be able to identify who is buried in that specific plot.
Friends of Edgewood, including members of the Hobart’s Run staff, work year-round to raise money toward grass mowing expenses and headstone restoration at the 12-acre cemetery. The cemetery was abandoned by its official caretaker in 2012. It is now the resting place of more than 4,800 souls. They include veterans dating back to the Civil War, as well as Pottstown historical figures.
Donations can be mailed to Edgewood Historic Cemetery, c/o 740 E. High St., Pottstown PA 19464, or through the organization’s online donation site. Organizations that would like to conduct a fundraiser for the mowing or tombstone-resetting funds are encouraged to do so. Contact the Cemetery friends group by e-mail at PottstownEdgewoodCemetery@gmail.com, or call 484-459-5412.
Ahead: A May 16 ‘Walk To Remember’
The fifth “Walk to Remember” living history tour will be held Saturday, May 16 (2026).
These well-attended fund-raising events feature costumed re-enactors and interpreters, who shed light on fascinating and storied residents. The May tour will have a “circus twist;” it will spotlight notable Depression era connections between Edgewood Cemetery and the Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus.
One story will share a glimpse into the life of a professional animal trainer buried at Edgewood, among other fascinating personalities.
Individuals who would like to assist may send an e-mail to Fenstermacher at kelly@historicedgewood.com. Ticket information will be publicized as soon as details become final.
Photos provided to Travels With The Post by Edgewood Historic Cemetery
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