The Hidden Burial Ground

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Mailing Address: PO Box 205, Womelsdorf PA 19567

[@robertvirtue8070]

Be a good project to clean up and restore for a boy scout working on his eagle scout rank

[@Wordsmyth8]

robert virtue great idea!

[@CLEMANSJK]

The rocks are usually left each time by people who visit to show that they are visited and not forgotten.

[@connie9]

That is the Stroh Cemetary. According to Find a Grave there are 15 Strohs buried there. Actually it appears there are a lot more than that if you include marriages. Should be 152 graves there. 75% of the graves have been photographed. First burial was in 1810. Last burial in 2014. This cemetary has been used since 1810 up until modern times. It was started as the Stroh family cemetary before the church in the valley was started. Friends & neighbors were given plots at little or no charge. The cemetary is now almost full. Field stones were used as some grave markers which are mostly gone now.

[@lorraine9242]

Thanks for the information, Connie.

[@davidwelch4841]

Thanks for discovering and showing this important part of Pennsylvania history.

[@DollyTheLlama]

I love finding old hidden cemeteries. It's sad to see them unkempt and nearly forgotten about. But at the same time, they look so peaceful and natural. Like nature reclaiming us, taking us into her bosom. Having said that, even just removing fallen branches and clearing brush away from markers would do a lot to enhance that natural beauty.

[@danmathers141]

Those flags look recent so these are not totally forgotten. When a person has been gone a hundred years there aren't many who are alive that remember them.

[@jodiemeglio]

That's a cool find! I love researching surnames changed over the years. Straw was sometimes spelled Stroh (like the beer). Gipple/Gibble/Kipple/Hipple are typically from the same family as well. Some of those graves are likely my distant relatives. There are Hoovers, Straws, and Gipples from the Fishing Creek Valley in my family tree many generations back.

[@martyjones9374]

Loved this cemetary just the way it was. There is something endearing the way nature has wrapped her arms around those resting there. The sun shining through the trees amongst the shade was beautiful. Just so peaceful. Loved the cross with a good friend on it as well. Such a great honor. I too love cemeteries. Older ones especially. Thanks Cliff. 🌿

[@104jones]

You know someone is a Gettysburg fan when they call it a "copse of trees"

[@billclaussen5255]

Emanuel and Elmira Fox. "Taphophile" loves cemeteries!!!

[@mmmm-gr7xr]

I think someone visits the Straw graves and has placed the chair to be with them for a while. Nice place to sit and meditate.

[@1967BlackRose]

My daughter and I love to explore and appreciate old grave areas

[@18Bees]

Thanks for showing me parts of the country and it’s history I’ve never been to. Cheers.

[@Wordsmyth8]

18 Bees where are you from?

[@18Bees]

Wordsmyth8 hi. I’m in portland Oregon.

[@patricialenaburg6553]

Thank you for reading more of the tombstones than you normally read. I love walking around cemeteries, and like reading the tombstones. My sister, and I call each other ghouls, since we like it so much. I just wish they could take better care of some of them. Have a good one.

[@imanutnur7]

I always get an urge to grab a weed eater every time I see a person going into a overgrown cemetery

[@sallyjones2736]

I am related to Straws from Pennsylvania. Also leaving a rock means you visited their grave...I think that is how it goes. There are different things you leave on military graves according to if you visited, if you knew them in the military, if you where with them when they were injured or died.

[@adamtereska8734]

Old cemeteries like this are incredible. I love seeing the old headstones, although it saddens me to see them toppled. Makes me want to go in there with a weed wacker and some quick crate to stand up the headstones again.

[@dawndietz4654]

I love old cemeteries too. I go try to visit a different one at least once a month. This one was perfect. Loved the breeze blowing through the trees and the soft lighting. Very peaceful. A Good Friend, the best compliment there is❤️

[@EagleJim62]

I enjoy the cemetary videos. It gives us names associated with this countries history.

[@christycarter8170]

"Tombstone tourist (otherwise known as a "cemetery enthusiast", "cemetery tourist", "grave hunter", "graver", or "taphophile") describes an individual who has a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries, epitaphs, gravestone rubbing, photography, art, and history of (famous) deaths." Wikipedia

[@teresahill1982]

I love old cemeteries. I have started up a group to clean up an old historic cemetery a little bigger than this one. I hate to see them neglected. Thank you for sharing.

[@aevalk8369]

In a way much of cemetery is returning to the earth as life grows all around it. The souls of the people have long moved on, their work finished. When we go what is really left of us are the results of standing for all that is truly good and just, standing against all that is truly bad and unjust, and the wisdom we pass on to those who will continue.

[@nicholasstarcher3460]

Their work finished, maybe. The souls have long since moved on, not at all. Souls of the departed visit places that were important to them in life long after death.

[@maryisabell8760]

@@nicholasstarcher3460 : Where is that in the bible ?

[@lindamccaughey6669]

Wow Cliff that was superb. I’m one who wouldn’t have minded watching 3 hours in there. Just love the cemeteries. I often wonder what their lives were like. Such a pretty place it’s a shame it is t cleaned up a but. Just loved that. Thank you for taking me along and please stay safe

[@coldblue9mm]

I do genealogy and my worst joke to my granddaughter? I say, "See that cemetery?" She says "Yes". I say "People are dying to get in there". You can boo now.....lol

[@ethanb498]

When I was younger my dad and I were driving along a cemetery. He says son you know how many people are in that cemetery, I said no, how many? He said " all of them " lol.

[@Wingone18]

Boo Mister Goat but still a good one :)

[@Wingone18]

@@ethanb498 lol

[@tonyu5985]

Is that why they put fences up around cemeteries?

[@Wingone18]

@@tonyu5985 Not all cemeteries have them. Of the 7 behind my house only the Russian cemetery is fenced in. I guess it depends on the cemetery. There is one grave all alone in the woods outside of any of them down the road. I asked the Caretakers about it but they didn't even know it was there. All the stone says is, At Rest. Very sad! Famous cemeteries like Sleepy Hollow in Concord Massachusetts, my personal favorite, has a fence they lock at sunset to keep tourists out because of all the great people buried there. Like Henry David Thoreau, like I mentioned above but also, Nathaniel Hawthorn, Louisa May Alcott and all but one of the Little Women and their parents. Amos Bronson Alcott being my personal teaching role model, Ralph Waldo Emerson whose stone is a Giant boulder, Daniel Chester French who sculpted the Lincoln Memorial and many, many more. Anyone want to go on a road trip? :) Many great cemeteries in Pa., Massachusetts and all over!

[@michaelely2267]

Cool old graveyard. Just needs to be cleaned up. Thanks for sharing

[@susanorr7535]

Awesome old cemetery, yes being a true friend is really all that matters, loyalty and having your back forever.

[@raynonabohrer5624]

I love old cemeteries

[@dariamitchell9293]

Thank you for sharing this peaceful cemetery. Thank you for reading and discussing everything you experienced. Love all your nature videos, especially your cemetery videos!

[@christycarter8170]

Your cemetery videos are some of my favorites.

[@R.C.1161]

That copse of trees is listed on the Dauphin county parcel locator as owned by Common Wealth of PA, Dept. of Conservation. Purchased in 1999, classified undeveloped and listed as residential. That chair in the cemetery is way creepier than abandoned camping gear!

[@bassheadsofvanwert1007]

I love the old cemetery videos cliff. There are awesome to see how long they have been there especially when they are hidden like this one.

[@imahick5723]

What a lovely place to rest in peace. Do you know what the town was that they lived in??

[@timhimes3649]

I enjoy when you walk through old cemetery’s . The history that these places have.

[@Wingone18]

The rocks, stones and crystals are Cairn stones left by family and friends when they come to visit. The pile of cairn stones from around the world where Henry David Thoreau's cabin stood on Walden Pond is now a pile so high it's larger than most people I know! I love cemeteries too and to visit for those who have no family left to visit them or clear the grounds around them. Many cemetery associations need our help in locating stones, fixing stones and identifying those with battle plaques to make sure those and the flags are placed by the right tombstones. Ex: Those who gave their lives in the Civil War shouldn't have WW1 or WW2 plaques etc. There are 7 graveyards in a row behind my house. I had to tell the caretakers about 2 of them being forgotten and overgrown at the top of the hill in the woods.

[@albertmiller3082]

Great video!! These are classic. Extraordinary atmosphere. Thanks.

[@chrisiiams4303]

Thank you for sharing l love PA’s history

[@dennisbrauer3322]

Love the old cemeteries and reading the stones

[@fredlee8300]

Thanks for sharing. I know that smell you mentioned. It's how some country houses smell. It just denotes a place where love is in a country context.

[@marthakierstead3415]

Love these old cemetery videos

[@giniwalters8401]

Great find Cliff!!! I enjoy looking through cemeteries also!!! Thank you for sharing this video, I enjoyed watching it!!!

[@cathyherron2157]

Excellent video on cemeteries wondering about who those people were and how they. Lived their lives

[@annecaunce]

I took a long walk around our local graveyard yesterday. The parish church it belongs to is over 800 years old, but a it's believed there was a church on the site for away least a couple of hundred years before that. So there are a lot of graves, probably more than anyone will ever know. I myself have a baby sister buried there in an unmarked area because my mum and dad couldn't afford a headstone. It struck me how few recent burials there are and I suppose that's due to the fact that the majority of people these days choose to be cremated and scattered. My parents ashes are scattered of the Yorkshire coast and that means there is no visible record of their final resting place or dates of death. Headstones don't last forever, so it's great that you are documenting so many, because who knows how many will be left 100 from now.

[@johnr8439]

I love your cemetery video's, you've got me exploring cemeteries up where I live in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Not as old, however many from the early 1800's. Thank you Cliff!

[@dianaallen892]

Very cool find :) anyone who loves history would get a kick out of a find like this :)

[@OutdoorAdventureswithShawn]

needs a good clean up day or two -- would be a nice thing for the ones who passed away and their families, thanks for showing us .

[@edithdavis2848]

I love your cemetery trips, you make them interesting, and it shows parts of our history, in the style and material used. Wonder if you looked up the Straw name if the last decendent would be recent, that looked like a family plot.

[@JosephBenRobert]

Great video I too enjoy old cemeteries!

[@JosephBenRobert]

Taphopilia one who likes old cemeteries!

[@RunawayGranny]

i like it too... thanks for the adventure today.❤

[@shirleygiordano7627]

Someone needs to respect those resting, and fix that graveyard! I knew an Ann Fox. Sweetest old lady. I miss her. She was one of the first female photographers that took pictures from the air. She passed in the 80s.

[@sharrontaylor4744]

Nice find , just some history to ponder- what the area may have looked like at one time 🤗

[@ruthcrist5983]

I am one of those creepy people that love to check out cemeteries! Love this cemetery very unexpected find to bad not maintained.

[@angiewanders7272]

There's so much history in cemeteries. It's sad to see cemeteries over grown and not maintained.

[@darkstar18201]

Great Job on this! Come back to Eckley Miners Village in Luzerne county if you wanna see older than these it’s a Cemetary located behind the museum! Anyway you always do a great job and take the time to explain everything. Thank you 🙂

[@SueGirling68]

Hi Cliff, the name at 15:35 is Emmanuel not imanna - pronounced ee-man-you-ell. It's a very peaceful place and I like the idea of the chair, it really is a shame it's not more cared for though. The meaning of rocks placed on a grave is "I remember you" or to say you visited and paid your respects. Thank you for sharing, much love. xx💖

[@suzanjournagan1112]

A good place to rest awhile.

[@plainolded5030]

Cliff, I've watched many of your videos and if the person and demeanor you convey is who you are, (and I suspect it is), then I am certain that you are "A Good Friend" to at least one someone. I believe it was Will Rogers who said, 'if when a man dies and can call but one man his friend he should consider himself lucky". The wooden cross spoke to my heart too. In a way, it said it all.

[@carolmchargue7746]

I love seeing the old cementaries. There's a lot of history. Thanks for taking us there.

[@dbicht]

Enjoyed all your videos. I am from Schuylkill County and am amazed at all that can be found in PA. I too am fond of roaming old cemetaries.

[@irenemoreno7310]

You said some hate these videos I think they're interesting and I enjoy them I learn from them too thank you for your video's

[@randywilt5965]

Nice video Cliff. When i was younger I loved to walk old cemeteries and check out all the old graves.

[@chrisiiams4303]

It’s so sad to see the over grown weeds and broken trees. It would be great if the county or someone would clean it up

[@user-David-Alan]

That was cool. Thank you.

[@nickmad887]

Thank you Cliff.

[@connie9]

Flashlight helps read the gravestones. Someone put the flags there so it is not totally forgotten. It is taphophiles. I like cemeteries as well. Lots of history in cemeteries.

[@sherronbell4961]

Incredible video and cemetery,love cemeteries.

[@leonaheraty3760]

Excellent video. I love history. Keep up the wonderful explorations. Happy Halloween! 🎃

[@Caddl123]

That old gravestone at 21:40 was from Geeorg Stroh.. And the next one too so there are many Stroh-s laying in that cemetery. The Veteran of Civil War have another Name I read first german Here layes Christian Stuckey (?) that sounds not that german but maybe a false interpretation from the maker of the stone (?). He died in 1828 was then 82 years and 11 months old. He died at 25.November 1828.

[@joseleswopes1400]

Two hands holding represents Husband and Wife 🥰

[@sharonbartlett2225]

Thank you, thank you for sharing this video. One of my favorite things to do is walk through old cemeteries. This one was really interesting. By the way, I am descended from some Fox's in Pennsylvania. I will have to do some research to see if the ones in this cemetery were related to me. Again, thank you very much.

[@debbieblaylock9997]

I love old cemetery this was a awesome find

[@dorettelyons6366]

I love the peace & feeling of solitude in old cemeteries, and the play on the imagination - wondering about how the people lived, why some died so young, and what the true meaning is behind some of the inscriptions

[@cookielady7662]

Loved the video. Thanks for sharing this beautiful old cemetery. At least one of the headstones in German was also surname Stroh. I'm an amateur genealogist and believe it's likely the surname Straw is an Anglicized version of Stroh, although there is an English surname Straw as well. But because of the Stroh headstones in this place and the fact that families were often buried together over many years, it could very well be the case here. Thanks again for this video.~ Betty

[@jayforkner2692]

Genealogy takes some brain power. I was looking thru the survey for this cemetery. Noticed that Simon Henry Stroh parents and siblings had the Straw surname. He married Alice Feaser Stroh in 1905. I have heard of the man changing is name when they get married. Maybe he saw the opportunity to go back to the original spelling of surname.

[@cookielady7662]

@@jayforkner2692 good detective work!

[@wilhelminawaller6508]

They say you die twice, once when you die, and the other when no one mentions your name again. Thanks for saying their names.

[@MillerMeteor74]

I have a cemetery symbolism guide, and it says the two shaking hands usually symbolize matrimony. It says to look at the sleeves. One should look feminine and one masculine. If they appear to be identical then the meaning is as you said. At 15:52, that name was Emanuel. At 18:09, that symbol on the stone was for Daughters of the American Revolution. Women can join if they can prove they have a direct ancestor in the Revolutionary War. My grandmother was in it, and I can join the Sons of the American Revolution for the same ancestor.

[@tmpatklk]

Interesting video. Thanks for sharing, Cliff. The place is Stroh's Cemetery. Find a Grave website has memorials for 152 people. The name Stroh is German for Straw. I'm guessing all of the Straws and Strohs in the graveyard may have common German ancestors far back in time.

[@charliepc56]

I could spend a happy day in that old cemetery.. I love old cemeteries.. To get the most from them, one should visit them alone, but you are never alone in a cemetery..

[@debbiediggin4roots809]

leaving stones is a letting you know someone has visited, a Jewish custom..for pious persons stones were left to keep the spirits from rising

[@annecaunce]

I thought the same. Last year, I visited the Jewish cemetery in the heart of Krakow and a lot of the graves were covered in little stones. Very poignant.

[@ruthgoebel723]

What a quiet, peaceful place. Too bad it is left rather unkempt.

[@allygee5468]

Interesting place and peaceful

[@lainydepp]

Did a double take reading your hat. Thought it said old fart 😂 sorry lol. Awesome content as always though ❤

[@Redgonetogray]

It said Daughters of the American Revolution on the badge. The quartz may symbolic of the Devine light.

[@lindsaymacpherson8782]

Sad to see it run down a bit with war graves hope it gets noticed from this Great video Thankyou

[@joseleswopes1400]

Awesome 😎

[@dannmarceau]

Your 1741 looks to be of the family Stroh also.

[@dougholtz]

Daughter of the American Revolution member with the stones, per the little circled plaque.

[@ronniecardy]

Very good video. Shame no one is taking care of the Cemetery. Get some goats let them eat the grass

[@lindawicke1114]

Looking thru a cemetery is interesting

[@karenpacker8862]

Pretty interesting....engraved gravestones are pretty cool. Too bad it wasn't maintained better.

[@neitajames6029]

It has to have name. People interested in history often visit cemeteries look at old headstones. I do it I'm not weird. Just be careful, poison oak and ivy. Not mention snakes. Tree roots will cause headstone like the older ones to topple over, storms. Now days u have get the flat one.one where my grandparents are they said only flat ones..good video. Better to do something you enjoy with respect and not bothering nobody like ones show up to a funeral just eat hadn't seen the deceased in years.🙂👋. Neita.j.

[@rogercarroll2551]

Smell of a shaded woodland grove.

[@mrjon75]

Thur ain't no ghosts at that hour but thurs wood turtles if you look fer em.

[@jgwood10]

I wonder why family members haven’t cleaned it up or at least who owns it. Some are really old headstones. Maybe families are deceased.

[@coldblue9mm]

Jane Woodhouse I think you answered your own question. lol

[@jgwood10]

Mister Goat I was just thinking out loud lol.

[@rogercarroll2551]

Daughters of the American Revolution seal

[@karencaddle7288]

A small maglite will help you read the older headstones easier.

[@Reneelwaring]

There is an old cemetery in Centre County on a mountain that the tombstones were all placed in a circle. They were athiest who believed if the second coming occurred they would rise out of their graves holding hands in the defiance of God.

[@debbiediggin4roots809]

David Shartzer b.Nov 30 1813 & d.1886 June 1 brother of Fred & son of Jos (Joseph) Wife is Sarah (nee File) Shartzer born 1833 July 10 died 1909 Nov 7

[@mikesweeney7190]

Again Mr C Thanks..Beautiful cemetery. Just wondering if the names are related to Straubs beer. .Very good I might say...

[@howardtendler9213]

Don’t know what quartz means, but when someone visits a grave, by leaving a sone, it shows someone visited the grave

[@robertliles5994]

That was the last Straw.

[@markpaycer6908]

Taphophile is a person who likes cemetaries.

[@AutumnBelle1027]

Small stones placed on headstone indicates the place was visited and giving respect to the deceased. And if you have a passion for cemeteries you could be a cemetery enthusiast or tombstone tourist.😉