A place of sublime neglect

It’s hard to get to, poorly maintained (at least on the day I visited), and one of the most tenderly lovely cemeteries I’ve ever seen: New Jerusalem Cemetery (also known as Shaeffers Graveyard) is eternal home to some of the oldest names of Saucon Valley. The Leiths, the Albrights, the Boehms, the Webers, etc. with burials of people born as early as 1726 and up until the last few years.

Wild phlox, yellow cinquefoil, violets, and daisies of “pushing up” fame—all these wildflowers spring through the tall grass. Some people will be sensitive that I mention neglect, but personally, I prefer to deal in reality, especially when it’s so natural and real and beautiful. I couldn’t think of a more authentic, and indeed haunting, place to be laid to rest.

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DeSales theatre grad Marnie Schulenburg dead at 37