Indian Hill Cemetery

Indian Hill Cemetery is entering the 21st century!  The board, of which I was a member for over 10 years, is developing a website. (Finally!)

I went to the Pictorial History of Middletown and was horrified to discover it wasn't covered in the 1990 publication. What was the author thinking?

Today as I write, I sit in my living room with one eye out the window overlooking the park-like cemetery. Daily, there are regulars who walk for exercises or take their dogs out for a constitutional. Wesleyan students flock to the top of the center hill every spring and do things I prefer not to know about.

Indian Hill Cemetery, which opened in 1850 and is the final resting place for most of Middletown's prominent citizens, is a magnet for those who know how peaceful it is and appreciate its spectacular views. In the old days (pre-1990), it was the best seat in the house for the Fourth of July fireworks.

I was always surprised to learn that many people thought the cemetery was full and out of commission for folks to buy new plots.  Not so! The board just added a new section that will hold almost 1,000 new graves, and there are still about 100 or so plots available in the older sections.

I actually love the new section and have picked out my preferred site. Someday after all my debts are paid, I'll buy a double plot. I would love to be able to install my marker now so I can visit it while I am still alive. I'd love to put up an obelisk like "the big boys" of Middletown history, but that isn't looking likely.

You can buy a full plot for complete burials or a smaller one for cremated remains. An ash garden, which will allow you to have your remains scattered and place a small plaque with names and dates, is in the works. I suspect burials and grave plots are going out of fashion because of the expense and the "creepiness" associated with burial.  But, as a historian, I think being able to have a tangible spot to connect with people of the past is so important.

The history of Indian Hill deserves a thorough column in Patch, and I will make that happen soon. For now however, let me know if you have any great photos of the cemetery or from the cemetery -- historic or not historic -- that can be included on the website.

Tell me what you would like to have available on the site and I will pass along your comments.