| Restoring the Middletown Cemetery |
| Thursday, June 5, 2008 11:20:25 AM - Middletown Ohio |
By: Vivian
Moon
RESTORING
A COMMUNITY TREASURE:
THE MIDDLETOWN CEMETERY
THE HISTORY
Gravesites in the old Middletown were
originally located near the Great Miami River, where the town was first
platted in 1800. After years of flooding it was decided that a new
cemetery was needed on higher ground.
“The old Middletown
Cemetery originally contained four acres, in the south-east quarter of
Section No. 28. This ground was laid off by James HEATON, who surveyed
it, thirteen lots being set aside for a potter’s field. The original
trustees were Israel GIBSON, John M. BARRETT, and Robert CAMPBELL. This
was the 30th of May 1827.
The Middletown Cemetery Association was
organized May 25, 1878. On the 4th of August, 1863, two acres were
added, and again, October 11, 1869, five acres were purchased.”
From the 1882, A History and
Biographical Cyclopedia of Butler County, Ohio
In 1947 the
Middletown Cemetery became the responsibility of the City of
Middletown, due to financial difficulties of the Middletown Cemetery
Association.
 SAVE THE
VAULT
The stone vault is now in critical
condition. The stone work must be repaired before winter. The
total cost to completely restore the vault is $70,000 which would
include the following repairs.
1. Repair stonework to secure building
before winter.
2. New roof and
cupola.
3. New steel doors.
4. New interior
bead board ceiling and electric line.
5. New stone patio
and landscaping around vault.
Once the vault is
restored it will be used as an
informational and educational center
for the cemetery. This project is part of an on going
effort to restore and preserve this historic cemetery for
future generation.
Over the past four years we have
repaired the fences, added new signage, flag pole and lighting at the
entry and vault. New landscaping has been added to beautify the
cemetery and for the enjoyment of the families that visit.
A new web site was created listing all
7,000 individuals buried at the cemetery with their
location.
This information is now been posted at
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~ohmidcem/
WHO IS INVOLVED?
The Middletown Cemetery Committee is
made up of a group of volunteers who have long been concerned about the
condition and future of the Middletown Cemetery. The committee is
committed to restoring not only the cemetery but a sense of pride
within the community for the resting place of so many of the veterans
and founding families of Middletown.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Your generous tax deductible
contribution will help us save this historic cemetery.
Make checks payable to City of
Middletown - Middletown Cemetery
Mail your check to:
Middletown Cemetery
P.O. Box 421386
Middletown, Ohio
45042
THANK YOU FOR YOUR
SUPPORT
The Middletown Cemetery
Committee
Vivian Moon, Chairperson 727-1942
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