For April Cleaning, Art Fair, Cemetery Seeks Volunteers

POTTSTOWN PA – Edgewood Historic Cemetery (at top) continues to seek volunteers for a clean-up and simultaneous art fair to raise funds for maintenance of the cemetery at 989 E. High St. It’s scheduled for April 29 (2023; Saturday) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the grounds.

Organizers in recent weeks have been recruiting quality artists in all crafts, from potters and painters to weavers and woodworkers. Table spaces are available for $40 each (vendors must provide their own table and chair), or $30 per space if the artisan donates an item to the day’s accompanying raffle. Reserve a space by sending an e-mail to kelly@historicedgewood.com, or call 610-506-7033.

For the clean-up, individuals willing to bring their own weed-wacker or push mower are welcomed. Other tools will be provided at the cemetery for workers to help beautify its gravesites. The Hobart’s Run community and local eateries will provide a light lunch for vendors and hard-working volunteers.

If necessary, a May 6 (Saturday) rain date also is scheduled.

Consider adopting a grave

Edgewood’s caretaker abandoned town, and the cemetery’s care, in 2012. As a result, all mowing and other maintenance has been left to volunteers. Because the cemetery lacks financial support many deteriorating or toppled stones remain unrepaired, and the grounds cannot be properly maintained. Old burial methods, and a very active and destructive groundhog population, have contributed to the decline.

Hobart’s Run is encouraging businesses and civic organizations to support an Adopt-a-Gravestone headstone restoration project led by Kelly Fenstermacher. Donate to the effort online, or send a check to Edgewood Historic Cemetery, c/o 740 E. High Street, Pottstown PA 19464. Friends of the Cemetery also welcome collaborative fundraising events organized by civic groups to assist in the work.

Photos provided by Edgewood Historic Cemetery

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