As families settled in Charlton roads and schools were built to accommodate the increase in population but they had other concerns as well. Many families, Low, Cavert, Brown, Hayes, Marvin, to name a few, wanted a cemetery in the southern portion of the town and formed a committee to locate a suitable and affordable site. The first parcel of 2 acres, situated on a knoll and surrounded with pine trees, was purchased April 1, 1848 from Thaddeus Hayes for one hundred dollars.

Work began immediately to prepare the site which included building a bridge across a small creek which runs parallel to the road. Lots sold quickly for $5.00 and soon it became obvious more land was required. Four additional acquisitions were made, the last in 1914 bringing it to the current size.

April 1, 1818 a committee representing the board of trustees of the Freehold Presbyterian Church met with the board of trustees in search of a lot in an incorporated cemetery to relocate the stones from the Freehold cemetery. They were appropriated a lot in the south east portion, the stones dating from 1787, were moved and placed in three even rows.

Effie Morehouse, a young girl of 20 years, died April 23, 1895. She left a will in which she requested her brother, Frank, to build a vault for her burial. He purchased two lots for the vault, a final resting place for Effie, has become one of Charlton's many landmarks.

The wooden bridge was a concern to all and many discussions took place in regards to replacing it. Finally during 1904 the trustees agreed to build a stone bridge to last many years and require little maintenance. Alexander Crane, an architect, drew plans for an arched, stone bridge as the replacement. George F. Smith took charge of construction and gathering material. A stone cutter, William Barrett, was hired to cut the stone, April 3, 1905 the arched bridge was completed. Since some of the materials and labor were donated the total cost was $128.32. During 1999 an engineer was asked to inspect it and found, although narrow by today's standard, it is in perfect condition.

Cost of maintenance has always been a severe problem as it is today. Thanks to the Scouts who have volunteered several times and have spent many hours helping with whatever needed to be accomplished.

The Association meets twice each year to discuss concerns and make plans to maintain and enhance the site. Immediate plans to create an Urn Garden and repair many of the very old stones are now underway. The stately pines have served us well but have reached the time of replacement. Future plans include, replacing them with young pines in keeping with the name, Pine Grove.

Pine Grove Cemetery, located on Stage Road opposite Vines Rd, is closed from November 1st to May 1st each year.

Herbert L. Smith is the Superintendent.

photo and article by
Estella M. VanDerzee, July, 2001