From Scouting NY:The earliest grave dates to 1733; the last, 1868. All in all, there were approximately 42 burials here, of which only 15 headstones remain. Sadly, the graveyard fell into decay, to the point where by the 1920’s, the entire plot of land had become completely overgrown. Builders used the site as a garbage dump during the construction of the nearby apartment buildings, not realizing that headstones still remained. Many are now broken or illegible. Others have been moved.
The cemetery was restored after its rediscovery in the 1920’s, then forgotten again, left to become further overgrown. In the 1970’s, local residents uncovered it once more, and the cemetery has been looked after to varying degrees ever since. It received landmark status in 1997 – sorry, developers!
If it’s difficult for the Marble Cemetery in the middle of Manhattan to raise money for restoration, I can only imagine how hard it’s been for the Moore-Jackson cemetery. It’s unfortunate that the surrounding community hasn’t risen to the challenge – the graveyard could be such a beautiful park if the desire and respect was there.
7 comments:
There has been efforts to make cemetaries parks.
With vandalism common that would be a big mistake.
People's gaves are not the place for picnics and frisbee games. Soccer matches would make it a poor playing field.
Looks fine - compared to other cemetaries in eastern Queens this place looks ok.
It received landmark status in 1997 – sorry, developers!
no one was about to develope it, like a firehouse or school, other favorites for queens landmarks .
a waste of time and effort at landmarking when other places in danger and destoyed, like niedersteins or the power plant should have recieved attention.
There has been efforts to make cemetaries parks... People's gaves are not the place for picnics and frisbee games. Soccer matches would make it a poor playing field.
You're a fool. Really. The Parks Dept merely takes over the plot of land and keeps it tidy. It does not become wide open space for frolicking.
Examples:
http://www.johnmuir.nycparks.org/parks/Q480
Remsen Family Cemetery
http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_your_park/historical_signs/hs_historical_sign.php?id=9778
Calvary Veterans Park
http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/X311/West Farms Soldiers Cemetery
And, it used to be very common for people to picnic in cemeteries at the graveside of their loved ones. Nothing disrespectful about that.
Myth
You're a fool. Really.
Reality
THE PERILS OF THINKING IN QUEENS.
Myth
The Parks Dept merely takes over the plot of land and keeps it tidy.
Reality
HAHAHAHA OH WHAT CAN I SAY...
Myth
It does not become wide open space for frolicking.
Reality
PARKS ARE MAINTAINED IN QUEENS AND CEMETARIES ARE NOT DISTURBED.
AND I AM HIDING MY TOOTH BENEATH MY PILLOW. A QUARTER WILL BE THERE TOMORROW.
And, it used to be very common for people to picnic in cemeteries at the graveside of their loved ones. Nothing disrespectful about that.
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Yes, and those were the days that people used to ride horses, women did not vote, and, oh why bother with bullshit.
The Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn still holds events where people picnic and have a great time. However, that is a cemetery which was designed to have such activities which were popular in the 19th century. Today, it's still an enjoyable activity. However, these smaller and family cemeteries are not designed for those purposes. It is sand and disgusting, what has become of over 100 cemeteries in the 5 boroughs. Abandoned, destroyed, paved over, bodies ripped from the ground and dumped in the rivers. More conservation is needed. Although dead, these are still people and should be treated with more respect than we do with buildings.
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