Glen Rock History Preserved: Boy Scouts Brave the Heat to Restore Historic 1804 Hopper Cemetery
photos courtesy of the Glen Rock Historical & Preservation Society
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
GLEN ROCK, NJ — Summer heatwaves aren’t stopping local youth from making a profound impact on Bergen County’s historic landmarks. In a remarkable display of community service, Scout Kenneth Lee and his fellow Boy Scouts braved rising temperatures to clean up the historic Hopper Family Burying Ground and install a brand-new marker along the Glen Rock Heritage Trail.
Their volunteer efforts are a vital step forward in keeping Glen Rock beautiful while uncovering and preserving the deep-rooted history of the borough.
Uncovering the Secrets of the Hopper Family Burying Ground
Tucked away in modern Glen Rock, the Hopper Family Burying Ground holds centuries of local history. Originally situated between two expansive branches of the historic Hopper family farms, this private cemetery served as the final resting place for generations of interconnected local families.
According to records from the Glen Rock Historical & Preservation Society, the earliest known burial at the site dates all the way back to 1804.
31 Headstones and a Unique Mystery
Today, there are 31 visible gravestones remaining in the burying ground. The site features a fascinating architectural quirk: Elizabeth Alyea’s headstone is the only marker that stands vertically. The other 30 stones lay entirely flat in the ground.
While the cemetery bears the Hopper name, it reflects a diverse tapestry of early North Jersey settlers. Visible surnames etched into the stones include:
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Demarest & Van Emburgh
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Spear, Courter, & Goetschius
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Ackerman, Westervelt, & Lydecker
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Williams, Voorhis, & Van Wagner
Because the plot was originally a private family cemetery, some historical records were lost as generations moved away. Consequently, the Glen Rock Historical & Preservation Society notes that the exact number of individuals interred on the grounds remains a mystery.
Expanding the Glen Rock Heritage Trail
In tandem with the meticulous cleanup of the gravestones, Kenneth Lee and his scout troop successfully mounted a new informational sign for the Glen Rock Heritage Trail. This trail system allows residents and visitors to take self-guided tours through town, linking modern neighborhoods to the foundational stories of the people who settled them over two centuries ago.
Thanks to the dedication of these local scouts, an invaluable piece of Bergen County history has been rescued from overgrowth and brought back into the spotlight for generations to come.
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