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Dunmore Cemetery History Receiving Vault Shown

     The Dunmore Cemetery was in use as early as 1838 when Dunmore resident, Levi DePew donated one quarter acre of his land on Blakely Road to be used as public burial grounds.  The first is believed to be of Gabriel Dunning.  At first people were allowed to make interments wherever they chose and as the land was not fenced in, soon the original quarter acre and adjacent land was being used without warrant.

     Later, when the Pennsylvania Coal Company purchased the DePew property, Company Superintendent John B. Smith suggested donating an additional five acres for public burial on the condition that it be enclosed by a fence and kept in good order.  On December 5, 1864, the Cemetery Association of Dunmore was formed and a committee was selected to plan the layout, establish boundaries, and pursue a charter.  It was determined that the trustees would represent everyone by selecting two members form the Presbyterian Church, two from the Methodist Church, and two from neither church.

     Subscriptions were collected in the form of lot payments to raise funds for fencing and clean up but did not meet the estimated costs.  So, on July 7, 1869 a public sale of lots was held in order to complete the planned work.  Additional land was purchased and donated through the 1880's and 1890's totaling over 35.79 acres.  A fence from Krugerman's enclosed the property and the landscaped was completed with avenues, drives, and paths laid out in rural cemetery fashion by Scranton resident David Coughlan.

Lodge 1886 . . . Presently Dunmore Cemetery Office

     In 1886 the lodge was built at the main entrance to the cemetery and in 1900 the receiving vault was constructed.  The Association has also donated certain plots of ground to the Grand Army of the Republic and the Home of the Friendless.  By 1903, total number of interments was 4,222.  Today, there are over 25,000 burials and the cemetery covers an area of 68 acres.

Receiving Vault 1900 . . . Presently Dunmore Receiving Vault

     The Permanent Fund was established in 1893, with the provision that $500 be annually set aside and added to the fund to be used solely for the general repair and preservation of the cemetery.

"The situation and natural beauty of the grounds render them peculiarly adapted for the purposes of a cemetery, and the liberal outlay of funds of the Association has enhanced the beauty and attractiveness of the place, and made it one of the most attractive spots for the burial of the dead to be found in this part of the State."

~~1903 By-Laws and History of the Dunmore Cemetery Association

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Dunmore Cemetery
Cemetery Association Of Dunmore

400 Church Street, P.O. Box 15
Dunmore, PA 18512

Phone: (570) 343-8536 | Fax: (570) 343-3799
Email:  dunmorecemetery@verizon.net