photos courtesy of Wyckoff Historical Society
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Wyckoff NJ, on June 2, the Wyckoff Historical Society (WHS) proudly sponsored a Bergen County Historical Society blue marker at the Union Cemetery. This blue marker program, the largest of its kind in New Jersey, provides a mini history lesson on significant historical locations, enriching our understanding of local heritage.
A Glimpse into the Past
The Union Cemetery, located on Franklin Avenue, dates back to the early 1700s. It was initially part of Johannes Van Blarcom’s property, designated as a burial site. The oldest readable stone dates to 1764 and is believed to mark the grave of a slave girl, as no surname is provided. Johannes Van Blarcom’s daughter, who passed away in 1725, is also rumored to be buried here. Over the years, various community groups, including the WHS, have taken on the task of maintaining the cemetery. In 2018, significant efforts were made to clear dead trees, underbrush, and poison ivy from the site.
Community Engagement and Tours
In October 2019, the WHS conducted a well-received tour of the Union Cemetery. During the tour, WHS members shared fascinating stories about those interred there. Master Carver Robert Carpenter was present to answer questions about the many headstones he unearthed and repaired for the WHS. Most of these headstones belong to early members of the Van Blarcom family, as the cemetery originally served as a family burial ground.
The Challenge of Preservation
Behind the Wyckoff Assembly of God Church on Franklin Avenue lies the Union Cemetery, a small gravesite that is the final resting place for many early settlers of the area. Despite its historical significance, much of the cemetery has been forgotten, overgrown with poison ivy and other weeds. Trees have grown and fallen over fences, hiding the graveyard behind walls of shrubbery.
The latest grave dates back to 1940, but the earliest are from the late 1700s, shortly after the American Revolution. Notable burials include John Van Blarcom, an officer in the Continental Army, his wife, and his brother. Ken Miller, a Revolutionary War re-enactor, highlights the significance of Van Blarcom’s service, especially given that many Bergen County landowners were loyal to the British crown.
Ongoing Restoration Efforts
The cemetery was originally known as the Van Blarcom Cemetery in the 18th and 19th centuries. It also houses descendants of early settlers who significantly impacted the county, including the Ackermans and Blauvelts. After the war, Van Blarcom helped found the Episcopal Methodist Church, which was associated with the Union Cemetery before moving to Franklin Turnpike in Waldwick.
In 2010 WHS President Richard Lynch, alongside members like Jim Abma, lead efforts to clean up the Union Cemetery. “We plan on doing something in the fall,” Lynch stated. The society aims to address the overgrowth of poison ivy by waiting for it to bloom, making it easier to spot and eliminate, thereby preventing its regrowth.
The first cleanup effort dates back to 1976, initiated by a group of Boy Scouts. Despite these efforts, the cemetery still faces disrepair. The society’s goal is to prevent future growth of destructive vegetation and to maintain the tombstones’ integrity. “The roots of many trees have lost their footing due to storms and animals, and several parts of the fence have been damaged by fallen trees,” Lynch explained.
Call for Volunteers and Support
The WHS is working on enlisting a tree company to assist with the cleanup. However, Lynch emphasized the need for volunteers and funding. “We always welcome donations, and we will need volunteers for the autumn,” he said. Interested individuals can contact WHS at https://wyckoffhistory.org/contact-us/ .
“This cemetery is a unique look back at Wyckoff’s past,” Lynch said. “We want to preserve it for future generations.”
By participating in these preservation efforts, the community can help safeguard an important piece of Wyckoff’s history. Your support and involvement can make a significant difference in maintaining the Union Cemetery’s legacy.
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