History from the Grave
By Canton Citizen
Over 100 guests toured the Canton Corner Cemetery with interpreters from the Canton Historical Society. (George Comeau photo)
In 1708, the new settlers of Dorchester Village, located south of the Blue Hill in present-day Canton, wanted to build a meetinghouse that was closer to the center of population. They settled a large flat field overlooking the Blue Hill on the Pakeen Plain in the Ponkapoag Plantation. The settlers constructed their second meetinghouse on a three-acre lot that was used for a “burying place and training field.” The cemetery was used as a common burial area, with no specifically designated lots for burials. As people died, they were buried in the next available space.
When the cemetery expanded in 1840, the townspeople adopted the practice of separated grave lots in a garden-like environment. Today, the Canton Corner Cemetery is believed to be the oldest public cemetery still in use in America.
On September 29, the Canton Historical Society presented guided tours to guests as part of a community fundraiser for the society.
Jim Roache presented the history of the Revere family graveside at their plots.
See this week’s Citizen for more first photos from the cemetery tours. Click here to order your subscription today.
Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=127261
Posted by Canton Citizen
on Oct 18 2024. Filed under Featured story.
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