By 1808Delaware
The names carved into Harlem Township’s cemetery monuments tell stories extending across generations, from the nation’s founding to the families who helped shape the Delaware County community.
In 2026, the township undertakes a significant restoration project designed to protect that history while keeping its cemeteries dignified and safe. Residents may notice increased activity at Harlem, Hunt and Fancher cemeteries as preservation work moves forward. The project will focus on Revolutionary War graves, endangered monuments and the township’s oldest cemetery.
Honoring Revolutionary War families
As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, Harlem Township will prioritize the graves of Revolutionary War veterans and their spouses. At Hunt Cemetery, restoration work is planned for the grave of A. Blain.
- The Harlem Cemetery list includes A. Adams, D. Adams, I. Bennet, J. Budd Sr. and J. Hatch.
- At Fancher Cemetery, the township plans to restore the graves of B. Cook, W. Fancher, J. Garlinghouse, Z. Hills, T. Parks and R. Thompson.
The work will help preserve the physical reminders of local residents whose lives were connected to the nation’s earliest years.
Stabilizing vulnerable monuments
The township will also address larger monuments that have been damaged by weather, age and shifting ground. Crews will repair failing foundations and reset stones that have fallen or begun to lean. In addition to protecting the monuments from further damage, the work will reduce potential safety hazards within the cemeteries.
- At Harlem Cemetery, the stabilization list includes monuments for J. Wheeler, H. Wickham and S. and R. Adams.
- Work at Hunt Cemetery will include monuments for B. Montgomery, W. and A. Smith, and M. McClorg.
- At Fancher Cemetery, crews will address monuments for C. and S. Needels, C. Cornell, M. and R. Decker, and the Bevelhymer obelisk.
Renewing Harlem Cemetery
Harlem Cemetery, the township’s oldest burial ground, will receive the most extensive attention during the 2026 project. Stones in the most urgent need of care will be leveled, raised and repaired. The township also plans a comprehensive cleaning of every stone in the cemetery during the season. The cleaning is intended to restore the character of the monuments while making inscriptions and details more visible. Together with the structural repairs, it will help ensure the cemetery continues to reflect the history entrusted to its grounds.
Community input welcomed
Harlem Township is inviting residents to ask questions, share family history connected to the cemeteries or offer feedback about the restoration work.
Questions and information may be directed to Dan Towslee at dtowslee@gmail.com
