It’s time to scare up some good old-fashioned family fun once again! Save the dates for an October Auburn tradition, and make plans to see our town’s history like you’ve never seen it before during the Pine Hill Cemetery Lantern Tour.
The Details
Tour Auburn’s oldest cemetery illuminated by candles only. Learn about Auburn’s history from those who have been laid to rest at 201 Armstrong St. As you walk along the path of Pine Hill, you will encounter more than a few of our city’s more colorful characters. For example, you may come across “Uncle Billy,” who insisted on being buried in his own bed!
The Pine Hill Cemetery Lantern Tour is a beloved biennial event sponsored by the Auburn Heritage Association. This year’s event will take place at Pine Hill Cemetery on the following two nights only:
🕯 Thursday, October 14th, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
🕯 Friday, October 15th, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Park at East Samford School to walk or trolley. Tickets will be $10 at the gate for adults and $5 for students and kids.
Pine Hill History
There would not be a Pine Hill Cemetery Lantern Tour had it not been for the six acres of land given by the town’s founder, Judge John Harper. The cemetery dates back to 1837. Ironically, the first person to be buried there a year later was Thomas Harper, Judge Harper’s son.
Unfortunately, there are no records of the cemetery until the 1950s when the first survey was officially taken. At that time, there were more than 1,000 marked graves. Of those, only one black grave was identified.
There are several unmarked graves in certain areas of the cemetery. For instance, several unnamed Civil War soldiers found their final resting place in Pine Hill, as did slaves. However, across the board, the cemetery represents an interesting cross section of the city.
Judge Harper, along with his son, is buried there. Five Auburn University presidents and their wives also found resting peace in Pine Hill. There are war heroes and youthful citizens gone too early.
Summary
After you discover all the entertaining stories buried in Pine Hill, it will be nice to head back to your Shelton Mill townhome mere minutes away! Not a resident yet? It’s not too late! Contact us to find out more about our community!
Keep reading our blogs to scare up more good fun!