Cemetery tour uncovers history

MILFORD — What can be more fitting than a cemetery tour in October, less than a week from Halloween? Guided by regional historian Peter Osborne, a gathering of local people and visitors were treated to an in-depth tour of Milford’s original town graveyard, Laurel Hill Cemetery, on Oct. 25. Located in a quiet spot on the grounds of Grey Towers National Historic Site, Laurel Hill Cemetery was established in 1821 and contains 112 monuments, although Osborne estimates it is likely that three times as many people are buried in the graveyard. Most of the burials took place between 1821 and 1899. Many of Milford’s early residents, including the ancestors of former Governor Gifford Pinchot are buried at the site. As Milford grew in population, Osborne explained, Milford Cemetery was established and future generations of the Pinchot family, including James and Mary Pinchot, their son Gifford and his wife Cornelia were buried there. Plans have been in in place for some time to rehabilitate and care for the monuments and headstones at Laurel Hill, but it is a costly process. Osborne explained that acid rain and the tannic acid released by some of the trees on the property have helped time deteriorate the marble headstones. Volunteers are needed to help keep up Laurel Hill. To volunteer or for more information, call Grey Towers at 570-296-9630 or e-mail greytowers@fs.fed.us