Cat Ridge Cemetery

Cat Ridge is not unique. All across New York State dedicated folks are doing something about the state of old burial grounds, the care of which has by default fallen into the hands of the public as churches disappeared and family plots became abandoned. Maintaining the grounds and keeping our old resting places neat and tidy is one thing; repairing fallen and broken headstones or historic underground receiving vaults is another. We know, we tried. Sometimes you just have to hire the professionals.

Thanks to the leadership of town historian Susan Thompson and our Landmark & Historic Preservation Commission, a professional team of headstone restorers, a restoration architect and contractors were assembled to assess the cemetery and bring it back to the level of care that will make our community proud.

Not all the work was done by professionals. Over 28 volunteers cleaned and uprighted headstones, hauled away debris, raked, shoveled and scrubbed. They worked tirelessly for a year. The receiving vault was professionally analyzed and a contractor was engaged. A special fund-raising effort by the Historical Society covered those costs. Beyond the Gravestone was engaged to repair broken headstones. Funds were secured to have them repaired. The work was almost done.....that is. It was completed until the next storm hit. In 2020 a major tree fell and damaged two headstones. We are hopeful that the Town will continue to budget and support the ongoing project of keeping our cemeteries protected.