Adjacent to Wunder’s Cemetery, separated by a fence, is a combination of what is known as Jewish Graceland Cemetery and the Hebrew Benevolent Society Cemetery, founded in 1851.
Originally 4 different cemeteries, there are no fences or markers between any of the sections. Currently the far north side and the far south side (gates 1 & 4) of the area have the same owner and are considered to be Jewish Graceland. The center section (gates 2 & 3) are owned and maintained by the Hebrew Benevolent Society.
The north and south plots comprising Jewish Graceland are overgrown and seemingly neglected. When a new owner took over several years ago, plans for restoration were made, and some work did happen to the areas, though since then it’s returned to it’s former state. Unfortunately, due to vandalism over the years, many of the headstones here are broken and others are too worn to read.
These are photos of the north section of Jewish Graceland. All of these were taken from the edge of the area. I didn’t want to enter and walk around because the ground is so covered with weeds and plant life that it was nearly impossible to see what you were walking on, and I didn’t want to end up stepping on top of various headstones that were hidden underneath. I’m planning to take a trip back later this fall when most of the leaves are gone and it will hopefully be easier to navigate.
Next post will contain the south section of Jewish Graceland, and then later a post or two of Hebrew Benevolent.
If you liked this post, be sure to read Jewish Graceland Cemetery, Part 2 (South Side), Hebrew Benevolent Cemetery – Part 1, and Hebrew Benevolent Cemetery – Part 2.
Sources/more information: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5
Photos taken with a Canon T3i | Canon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6
