I recall seeing some piles of stones bulldozed aside at the time, but back then I did not have the confidence to speak up. I feel bad that I have not done more, sooner. I also regret not getting more pictures than what I have. Sadly, this same process has continued all the way into the present and there are no signs that it will stop.
In a day and age when a Facebook petition can end a story telling stroll through a local cemetery, it is sad that this unethical, disgusting, bulldozing treatment of our ancestors final resting places on O'Donnell Street can go by with only a faint cry--with no definitive action and nothing has changed.
Several people have voiced their disdain for the treatment of this once majestic cemetery.
It is remarkable that even a paranormal activity group has begun to speak up online regarding the terrible condition and care of the cemetery. The slideshow is rather long. Minute 5:00 and 5:50 showcase some of the piles of rubble commonly seen.
If this doesn't work, try the link: http://youtu.be/wtzYkCzNauM
The Paranormal Research and Investigation Society who produced this film has some insightful comments one the YouTube page with this video, which includes the following:
"Maryland's Department of Corrections brought prison trustees out to help clean some of the cemetery. But this place is an utter disgrace. As new burials are accepted, odler sections are bulldozed haphazardly, and without reason."
There are several complaints about the cemetery on the Find A Grave message board.
There is a negative review on Yellow Pages.
There is a negative review on Google.
One of the best sites to reveal the community's feelings is actually a photographer's website.
A flickr search for pictures of this cemetery reveals several hundred results, many of which reveal the poor conditions.
This has been a problem for many years and many people have complained. Again I ask, why does a stroll around a cemetery get shut down while bulldozing our ancestors graves is overlooked?
If you agree please leave comments here, on the sites mentioned, write your own blog posts, go to the cemetery and save your ancestors headstones before they all get bulldozed up... do something!
I grew up less than a mile from Mt. Carmel. Drove by it for 20 years, fixated on that rusty sign, crumbling office building, and visible sinkholes dotting the entire landscape. Only recently did I learn that I have about twenty ancestors there. The LeBrun family is well-known in Baltimore history. Several generations of police officers, firefighters, 2 parks superintendents, 3 florists, and 2 outspoken politicians - and half of them are buried in this Godforsaken place. I haven't had the nerve to visit yet. I know what I'm in for.
ReplyDeleteI visited Mt Carmel for the first time in October, and yes, conditions are horrific. But they were cutting away when I was there. Fortunately for me my family is buried in the front where it is well maintained. I had to visit the cemetery next door to acquire info on where family was located. They were awesome and took their time helping me. Caretakers whom had directed me next door, were there when I arrived and directed me to the general area I needed. A teacher and history buff, I thoroughly enjoyed the old of it all.
ReplyDeleteThere has been so much talk about help over the years I am curious why the city has not bought it or a historical society aided in its rescue. Additionally, where are the concerned volunteers? This is an incredible opportunity for the city to pull together...it I did not live in Phoenix, I would so be there.
I understand how you feel. I am a Retired Air Force Veteran and search out Cemeteries while looking for Veterans. I came across Mount Auburn Cemetery in South Baltimore. This place was beyond DEPLORABLE.
DeleteIF you would like to meet out their and see what we can do let me know . The Cemetery won't be of much help. I can be reached on Facebook Keith DeWitt and my profile picture is myself in a military uniform
I am an amateur photographer and walked through this cemetery this morning. I too am saddened by the poor condition of the cemetery. I was so moved that I would like to act. I'm glad to see that there are a few others who have taken a similar interest in the cemetery.
ReplyDeleteI'm an architectural historian and have a keen interest in the preservation of historic properties. The poor condition of this cemetery is indeed heartwrenching. I'd like to do a little research into the history of the cemetery and learn more about the current ownership. I don't think it will be too difficult. A swift google search has uncovered the location of some records. If I access some professional databases and make a few contacts, I think something could be done.
I don't expect it to be easy. If possible, perhaps interested people can band together and work on cleaning up the cemetery. I think the ultimate goal would be to develop a stewardship plan. I think it would be important to first make an attempt to work with the current owners rather than against them. I can think of a number of resources that we could tap for volunteers: eagle scout troops, historical societies and local churches. For professional advice, the Laurel Hill Cemetery in Philadelphia would be a good resource. Financial support is always the hardest, but banks are required to provide public service grants to their community. Other potential sources would be special collections at churches, personal donations, and fundraisers.
The above are just some preliminary thoughts and sketches. If you are interested in discussing these ideas or would like to offer some of your own - which I encourage and welcome - please contact me at PreserveJon@gmail.com.
I realize it's not wise to post your email on a public forum, but I think it's appropriate given the circumstances and what I would like to accomplish.
Jon, I believe it would be to your advantage to call me - I have considerable historical information in the cemetery you could use -- Bill Ferkler - graywolf195@bellsouth.net
DeleteI contacted the Maryland Office of Cemetery Oversight years ago, but was told to file a formal complaint form. On the form it said I would be obligated to show up at any hearings if I proceeded to file the complaint. That and other requirements discouraged me at the time and I dropped the ball. I live far outside of Maryland. If you are willing to put work into this worthy cause and live in Maryland then you might find their website and contact information useful: http://www.dllr.state.md.us/license/cem/
ReplyDeleteI know this is old but it june,23,18 and it's still sad can you direct me on who to call please they can not find my baby grave. It's been 16 years he have been there.. I just need help he was a newborn back in 02 of June. And I cant shake it....
DeleteI have had the same thing told to me when I called and complained about the Mt Auburn Cemetery but a year later and it still looks a damn landfill.
DeleteI was at Mt Auburn again today searching for Veterans. The grounds still look like a Landfill.
DeleteI live in Texas so I can't really help but I hope someone can get this old cemetery cleaned up. Scout groups are always a good resource. From the look of it, it would be much to big a project for an eagle scout project, but maybe several scouts can take on a section. Or if a large group of volunteers can clean it up, maybe some scouts can build benches, and do landscaping as projects. I have a great great uncle who is buried there. I wonder what state his grave is in! He was in charge of dynamiting during the Great Baltimore Fire. He became sick after the fire and several benefits were held for him. He died shortly after from a brain tumor that everyone believed was caused by all the explosions he set off during and after the fire. He was only 25 when he died. I hate to think he is one of the torn up graves or God forbid, under the freeway! Hope something can be done to bring this cemetery back to a respectable state.
ReplyDeleteI am thinking of driving from Florida to track my ancestors. Does anyone know anything about section U. Will I be able to find anything? I called and did not get a return call.
ReplyDeleteI have many maternal ancestors buried there and have visited many times. Back in the late 90s there was a report on local TV about the condition of the cemetery which was followed by a volunteer effort to clean it up. Unfortunately that effort seems to have slowed and ceased.
ReplyDeleteI am shock by the condition of Mount Carmel Cemetery . My Great Great father is buried there I am unable to reach his grave or other family members that are buried also . Two of his wife's are also buried along with some of his children .Mr. Cyrus Copper, for many years superintendent of Mount Carmel Cemetery. his wife, Mrs. Kate E. Copper The following was in her will." my said husband's decease, I direct that a brick and slab grave be provided for his body and a granite tomb, all at a cost not exceeding five hundred dollars, and that two hundred dollars be placed in the Savings Bank of Baltimore, the interest of one hundred dollars thereof to be paid to the treasurer of Mt. Carmel Cemetery Company for the annual care of said Cyrus Copper's lot and the interest of the other one hundred dollars to be paid to the aforesaid treasurer to keep in repair the fence and monument of said deceased, Cyrus Copper. both of them died on 12/22/1910. As of 5/22/2015 there isn't any sign of said fence or of any care of the grave site, since you can't get to his grave.
ReplyDeleteI am shock by the condition of Mount Carmel Cemetery . My Great Great father is buried there I am unable to reach his grave or other family members that are buried also . Two of his wife's are also buried along with some of his children .Mr. Cyrus Copper, for many years superintendent of Mount Carmel Cemetery. his wife, Mrs. Kate E. Copper The following was in her will." my said husband's decease, I direct that a brick and slab grave be provided for his body and a granite tomb, all at a cost not exceeding five hundred dollars, and that two hundred dollars be placed in the Savings Bank of Baltimore, the interest of one hundred dollars thereof to be paid to the treasurer of Mt. Carmel Cemetery Company for the annual care of said Cyrus Copper's lot and the interest of the other one hundred dollars to be paid to the aforesaid treasurer to keep in repair the fence and monument of said deceased, Cyrus Copper. both of them died on 12/22/1910. As of 5/22/2015 there isn't any sign of said fence or of any care of the grave site, since you can't get to his grave.
ReplyDeleteI have been trying for 2 years to get the location of my grandparents and great uncles buried in Mt Carmel. We visited when we were very young with my parents - they are gone so can not help me. My brother and I spent a morning and half the afternoon looking for their location -tried calling the number at the entrance - had to leave messages- no return calls. I live in Florida -visit twice a year- internet is no help. Who is the owner of record and who has the records.
ReplyDeletePlease contact me on Facebook.
DeleteI am an Airforce Veteran and spend alot of time going through Cemeteries but j the Baltimore. If I can be of any help drop me a message. My picture has me in my Uniform. Keith DeWitt, Glen Burnie Maryland.
It's beyond terrible. I understand closed cemeteries that's not the issue it plowing over tombstones and simple basic grooming of burial sites
ReplyDeleteI have yet to visit, but am planning on doing so, and soon. However, does anyone know where to find a map of the cemetery? I know the plot where my great grandfather is buried, but no idea where to find that w/in the mess of this cemetery!
ReplyDeleteThe phone number for the cemetery is 410-633-7015
Deletethere is information trailer in the cemetery up the street that has maps and more info. Good luck!
master list of names
ReplyDeletehttp://baltimoregenealogysociety.org/mtcarm/Mount_Carmel_A-Z_With_Cover.pdf
I have a newspaper article that lists the graves that were moved email me. lorriroughton@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteDo you have any information about the Ziegenhein vault
DeleteDo you have any information about the Ziegenhein vault?
Deletehello. I happen to have an image of that vault. Not sure if it is on find a grave or not but I can send it you the image I have if you provide your email
DeleteI was told in 2008 that the cemetery was working on restoring the graves one section at a time. My ancestor is in Section Q, unreachable, and it was low on the priority list. When I drive by the cemetery on I-95, I always look over and there are signs that some clearing has been done. I was also told that most families purchased lots that required that they themselves maintained them. As family members died off, so did the maintenance.
ReplyDeleteThe Baltimore County Genealogical Society has done extensive research on Mt Carmel and has published a series of books identifying burials, gravesites and maps. The books are for sale or can be viewed in person at their library. Contact the BCGS website for location of hours of operation.
ReplyDeleteMy family the Seabreases are buried there. Anyone with info on them please contact me. So saddened by this horible upkeep our ancestors dearly paid for. My email is green1040@comcast.net
ReplyDeleteMy son and wife went looking for ancestors and could not walk around because of the grown up weeds. I think this is sad and everyone should be out raged at the condition of this cemetery.
ReplyDeleteWow!! Unspeakable tragedy! I just found a cemetery DEED from 1907 that my ancestors purchased and I was just about to contact them for any information on those interred there. Then I discovered this disgusting story. Other than The Baltimore County Genealogical Society, is there any place / website I can search for records? Has an office at the cemetery been opened there? The number I have, 410-633-7015, isn't working or noone even bothers to answer it. Any help is greatly appreciated. Regards - Dennis
ReplyDeleteWho is responsible for the deplorable condition of Mt. Carmel Cemetery? I don’t understand how this could happen. I have relatives interned there. I know the general area of the graves but can’t find them because it is so overgrown! I wish familys could get together and clean it up. It appears that the management there could care less. I would be willing to spend my weekends with other to clean our ancestors final resting place.
ReplyDeleteI would be willing to help with the clean up of the cemetary. My husband, sister in law and brother in law walked through the cemetary one evening as we have poassed it many times. The conditions there were awful, it was sad and I could almost feel the unrest of those buried there.
ReplyDeleteI just started researching my family and discovered I have ancesters there and at Swartz. I found some on find a grave site but some that I know are there I can't find. I have a broken ankle and in a boot right now. I have been watching to get off my boot then I was going to go to them both looking. This sad. I also just joined the Baltimore County Genealogy society. It's 3 floors up and with the boot it was rough. I will be visiting there as well after I am off this boot. I would definitely be will to help after I can walk again if anyone organizes a clean up.
ReplyDeleteI have recently got interested in revisiting this cemetery. My great-grandparents from Germany were buried there in 1874. Years ago, how many escapes me, I dug up there gravestones in Area T, plot 199. I still have pictures of that occasion, but without dates on the pictures. From time to time over the years, I have returned to the cemetery, when I have been on that side of town and have had time to stop. I have not been able to find those stones or others that were present at that time.
ReplyDeleteI have been distressed by this but time has a way of pushing on, as well as distance. Recently, a very elderly relative has died and I, also am getting older. I am greatly concerned about this loss in my family history. Is there any way of digging up that grave site to see if those gravestones are still buried in the front part of the cemetery and if any remains would be still there? From records that I have, other family members are/were buried in this cemetery. I have pictures of these gravesites from the past as well as a diagram of the cemetery done on September27, 1991 by a William Ferkler traced from the original drawings. I had sent a copy of this to a "Larry" at Mt. Carmel Cemetery years ago, date unlisted. Is there anyone out there who could/would be interested in responding to my concerns? Please respond.
Now I know why I can't find my husband's great grandparents that are supposed to be buried there. I have their published obituaries that say that is where they are, but can't find anything else about this place until now.
ReplyDeleteHow tragic this is. I am use to Green Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn. It is beautiful and amazing, and well kept. This place sounds like a nightmare for all who have family buried there. Just horrible.
Is there a way to the location of burial pots at Mount Carmel? No one answers the phone.
ReplyDelete