Center Cemetery

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New England cemeteries have a mysterious beauty all their own. Stately. Regimented. Often hilly and romantic. Steeped in history, much of it long forgotten. They entice us with personal stories from long ago, somehow connected to who we are - and then rebuff us with their telling silence. Beautiful in every season, they provide not only contemplative landscapes for leisurely strolls, but tidbit information for the curious of times gone by. Names and dates, chiseled in the fashion of the engraver's art. Manicured lawns, shady trees, perennial flowers and miniature flags, refusing to forget.
---Center Cemetery is the oldest graveyard in East Hartford, well recognized not only for the historical significance of its occupants, but for the beauty of its stones. While the twelve acre estate no longer has grave plots for sale, it is owned by the town, and therefore open to the public.
---Its earliest grave markers were wooden posts dating back to 1610. Unfortunately, none of them survived to modern times. Thomas Trill, a soldier of the Narragansett Wars, and first to be buried in this yard, probably had such a wooden post. There is no stone marker with his name on it.
---Center Cemetery provided a resting place for free people and slaves alike, and slaves who were liberated from their bondage. Rich folk and commoners, tradesmen and farmers, politicians, and children whose lives ended too quickly. Whole families, who lived in a harsher world than we can scarcely imagine today.
---A Civil War monument can also be found there, memorializing those who died for the ideal of freedom.
---The upkeep and renown of this landmark is largely due to a group of volunteers known as the Friends of Center Cemetery. Through their efforts at maintaining this cemetery, raising funds, and sponsoring events to capture public attention, Center Cemetery retains its historic value.
---One of their most notable achievements involved the restoration of the Pitkin burial vault. In the early history of East Hartford, Pitkin was a famous name, their family producing:

• a governor of Connecticut
• a state legislator
• a physician
• a tavern at the ferry landing
• the first Sunday school teacher in town
• the nation's first powder mill (during the Revolutionary War)
• and the first American machine-made watches

---When it was found that the Pitkin vault was in desperate need of repair, the Friends of Center Cemetery came to the rescue.
---The vault was thought to be empty, but upon opening it some sixteen coffins were found. This led to much research being done. Along with the repairs, a stone plaque was placed before the entrance, with the names of the deceased engraved on it. The dedication ceremony attracted present day members of the Pitkin family, even some from England, to partake in the event.
---The Friends of the Center Cemetery make it possible for you to stroll into the past. They provide a booklet with which you can take a self-guided tour and read about interesting personages as you view their stones. They even provide tour guides upon request.
---In October of 2002, the Friends held a Lantern Tour of the cemetery. This was during the evening, with a dozen or so costumed characters waiting in the graveyard, impersonating noteworthy residents from the past. Such as Governor Pitkin, Lucy Flint, and a tavern keeper. Each spoke to the visitors about their lives, giving a realistic, if not somewhat chilling, glimpse into the past. All this within the eerie landscape of an autumn cemetery, created an experience to be remembered.
---The event was so successful, that another is scheduled for October 4th, 2003, at 7 p.m., with refreshments alongside the Civil War memorial. Proceeds go to the maintenance of Center Cemetery.
---Although the Friends presently have over 100 volunteers, they are always looking for new recruits who are interested in history, preservation, or community service.
---You can reach the Friends of Center Cemetery at: 860-568-6178.

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Photos from Center Cemetery (Click photos to enlarge.)

		Character from Lantern Tour - Governor Pitkins wife.
		View of Pitkin vault.
		Finished plaque destined to be placed before Pitkin vault.
		Group photo of Pitkin family at plaque dedication.
		Stained glass portrait of Governor Pitkin.

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