Pocono News Section

Charles Baber Cemetery Vandalized

Charles Baber Cemetery Vandalized - Monday, June 2, 2008 at 10:36PM EST

Reported by: Joe Holden
Monday, Jun 2, 2008 @ 10:36pm EST

POTTSVILLE, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY- 41 tombstones were toppled at Charles Baber Cemetery sometime this weekend. Some of the grave markers were broken in half.

"I'm concerned for the people that did it. I'm concerned about what puts that sort of thing into their minds," Rev. Jim Rinehart said.

The cemetery is considered a living history of the Pottsville community. It could cost upwards of $10,000 to fix what has been broken.

"It's an insult to the city of Pottsville, the people and the community," Carol Fields, co-chair of the cemetery committee told WBRE News.

Our news crews spent two hours inside the gated historic place. Many come to walk and get away. "This is appalling. This is disrespectful to the dead," Allan Bittle said.

Bittle used to work the grounds. He remembers a time before when the cemetery was the target of vandals. "I remember a bunch of kids did this 15 years ago and I watched them put 'em back up, too. They got caught. I hope these ones do too."

This time the oldest part of the hallowed ground was hit.

Most of the tombstones are from the 1800s. Insurance only covers up to $5,000 for an entire claim. Those who love the peaceful resting place are interested in hearing from anyone who may have seen or heard something.

The Pottsville Police Department can be reached at (570) 622-1234.

If you would like to help the Charles Baber Cemetery, you can contact Trinity Episcopal Church at
(570) 622-8720. The church's address is 200 S 2nd St., Pottsville, PA 17901.