Masterfully Macabre
5-14-09

I'm on a client call when I overhear, "Harry Kalas was just buried here." That got my attention. "Excuse me, I couldn't help but hear, my name is David DiRenzo and who are you?" "Gwen Kaminski, the Director of Development and Programs for The Laurel Hill Cemetery." I expected someone who is basically the curator of a graveyard to look more like Vincent Price. Gwen goes on to tell me in a private ceremony the late, great Harry Kalas was laid to rest a few weekends ago.

The Laurel Hill Cemetery. A fascinating place and a national historic landmark is the resting place for famous names such as Wanamaker, Elkins, Strawbridge, Clothier, Elkins, Widener, Rittenhouse, over 60 civil war generals and six Titanic passengers along with many other notable citizens. Founded in 1836 as the nation's first secular, non denominational cemetery, anyone who could get a 'plot' at the famed Laurel Hill Cemetery made arrangements. I remember as a kid growing up here at some point you inevitably pass the landmark 78 acre graveyard which overlooks The Schuylkill River just off Kelly Drive. Laurel Hill always looked so spooky, creepy and uninviting.

Gwen Kaminski tells me looks notwithstanding, the cemetery is a most inviting place. Thousands come out each year for tours, residents picnic in the cemetery, take the dog for a walk and just hang out. Laurel Hill has even been the backdrop of many movie scenes. Most recently Jamie Foxx was trolling around the graveyard shooting 'Law Abiding Citizen.' 'Transformers 2', 'Happy Tears' and 'Rocky 6' all have scenes which include Laurel Hill. On a drive around the cemetery with Kaminski I couldn't help but marvel at the architecture, the beautiful design and layout of this immense cemetery. If you are looking for inexpensive and unique places to take the family this spring, summer or fall Laurel Hill Cemetery is worth the short drive down the extension.

Besides the incredible, breathtaking architecture of the mausoleums, graves and landscaping the history is amazing. The victor in the Battle of Gettysburg General Meade is buried alongside his wife Marguerite. Thomas McKean a signer of the Declaration of Independence, Sarah Josepha Hale, Editor of Godey's Lady's Book and Founder of Thanksgiving are laid to rest at Laurel Hill. The most recent resident is Harry Kalas, his grave lovingly adorned with Phillies floral arrangements and markers. The Cemetery is a National Historic Landmark and operates on donations due largely to the fact that save for some endowments, the cemetery has to give perpetual care to graves of many historical figures who's families have long past. The hilly landscape means every change of season markers are uprooted, topple over while mausoleums decay. All of this calls for almost constant repair and upkeep. Those families of the deceased are responsible for their loved ones. Those historical figures who's families have long died off are where the Laurel Hill groundskeepers spend their time and attention preserving this museum of famous national, regional, local public and historic individuals. It was always with curiosity I noticed Laurel Hill growing up. From a safe distance I wondered what the place was like. Oddly enough I found it to be amazing, beautiful and a treasure in our own backyard.

There's several activities coming up that sound like fun. For a creepy good time visit on Saturday October 10th beginning at 6pm you and your family can be part of a paranormal exploration of Laurel Hill Cemetery. On October 17th have dinner 'with the dead' and on the 25th of October it's 'Fall Family Day.' Obviously October is Laurel Hill's big month to shine. One look and walk through Laurel Hill and you'll feel as though Halloween was developed after a visit to the famous graveyard. It's mystical, almost spellbinding as you read the various tombstones from centuries long past. Laurel Hill is open everyday except major holidays. To find out more call 215-228-8200 or log on to www.thelaurelhillcemetery.org. Laurel Hill Cemetery, a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there. I plan on visiting sometime soon. See 'ya around town.