Garden of Memories

This cache is located inside the cemetery behind the Crawford Methodist Church. Please be respectful of the area and the people who are buried here. Here is a brief history of the church and cemetery:

In 1899, the Crawford Community Church was established. The congregation met above Eliza Ong’s general store. They knew they needed to have their own space, so under the direction of Rev. Henry Harpst a new building was proposed. He formed a Board of Trustees that included William Foster, W.L. Savage and F.D. Zimmerman. The board solicited donations and began fundraising. Eliza Ong donated the land for the new church and cemetery. Lumber was free from the Brock and Harpst Sawmill. Zaum and Zaum completed the construction for $2000 and the church was dedicated in the summer of 1900.

Located behind the church is the Garden of Memories Cemetery. Memorial Day has always been a time of celebration and remembrance for the cemetery. On Memorial Day 1914, the Crawford Cemetery Auxiliary served chicken and homemade noodles to 700 people. Then in the 1930’s began the tradition of decorating the graves for the day. This tradition still continues to this day. Every Memorial Day, the cemetery is decorated and the American Legion Post holds a flag raising ceremony. The festivities also include a community dinner.

Please observe the rules and hours of the cemetery so this cache can remain. Feel free to check out the indivdual sections of the cemetery. A map is provided at the entrance.

Happy Hunting!

Congrats to OrangeJeepofPa for the FTF!!