Unknown to most people, contained within the sprawling Fairview Cemetery, is a small section with the oldest Jewish Burials in Lehigh Valley, called Mount Sinai. Fairview, along Lehigh St, is Allentown's most famous and now neglected cemetery. Among the notables buried there, is no less than Harry Trexler, whose largeness keeps bailing Allentown out, even 70 years after his death. Using diplomacy, not my forte, I have been trying to urge more upkeep for Mt. Sinai. Today, a letter to the editor laments the condition of the whole cemetery; perhaps this approach will be more successful. I urge everybody to take a stroll through history, the views of Allentown are among some of the best you can find.
UPDATE: I have reason to believe the Morning Call may shed some light on this problem. Perhaps, considering the enormity of the cemetery, certain area's may have to be" adopted" by interested parties for care. It seems that as old cemeteries fill up, and the descendants move away or die off, the perpetual care becomes problematic. This is certainly an historic, significant site for Allentown, hopefully the Community can respond.
I'm with you on this one, Michael, and look forward to visiting the cemetery this weekend....
ReplyDeleteThe only entrance to the cemetery is on Lehigh St, diagonally across from the rear of Zandy Steak Shop. As you enter the cemetery Harry Trexler's grave will be on your left, that plot is maintained by a special arrangement with the Trust. As you progress through the roads you will notice although the grass is cut, the stones have not been weed wacked and our being obscured. Unfortunately the whole cemetery is riddled with large groundhog holes and going between graves can be dangerous. Besides Trexler, the Youngs are buried there, along with many prominent people from Allentown's past.
ReplyDeleteInteresting to know.
ReplyDelete