Endangered Properties List

Mount Moriah Cemetery was added to the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia 2005 Endangered Properties List.

"Each year the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia publishes an Endangered Properties List to bring attention to significant historic resources threatened by demolition or neglect. These properties are nominated by you -- the public, neighborhood advocates, preservation professionals, community organizations and Alliance members." Endangered Properties List

2005 Endangered Properties List

Mt. Moriah Cemetery

Philadelphia and Delaware Counties

SIGNIFICANCE

Mt. Moriah Cemetery occupies 380 acres along Cobb’s Creek cov- ering land in both southwest Philadelphia and in Yeadon Borough. It was established in 1855 and features a Romanesque brown- stone gatehouse designed by Philadelphia architect Stephen D. Button. The cemetery is a National Historic Landmark and is list- ed on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places. It is the resting place of over 5,000 veterans from the Civil War, World Wars I and II and the Korean conflict.

THREAT

Mt. Moriah Cemetery has been neglected for many years and was listed on the Endangered Properties List of Preservation Pennsylvania in 2004. Since that time nothing has happened to improve conditions. Historic gravestones are broken and falling over, and the grounds are uncared for. Ownership of the cemetery is unclear, making it difficult for the surrounding community to determine how to get the property improved.

RECOMMENDATION

Since the cemetery is listed on the Philadelphia Register, the Philadelphia Historical Commission should contact representatives of Yeadon Borough to conduct a joint investigation to determine ownership of the property. Once done, the owners should be contact- ed and informed that the Philadelphia ordinance allows the Commission to take actions when a property is being demolished through neglect. A joint plan should be developed with the owners, the sur- rounding community, and public agencies in both jurisdictions for preservation of the cemetery.