Fwd: Historically African-American Cemetery Needs Clean Up Help!
Rich Guffanti
I hope this message finds you well. My name is Gigi McGraw and I am a local historian, tour guide and a volunteer at Mount Lawn Cemetery. I met someone who works with your cleanup organization and they suggested that I reach out to you to ask for your help with an important community effort: the cleanup of Mount Lawn Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery located at 84th St. and Hook Rd. in Darby Township near Sharon Hill.
This one hundred year old historically African-American cemetery is the final resting place for individuals such as Cecil B. Moore, Tammi Terrell, Bessie Smith, Ruth Wright Hayre, and Hank Gathers to name a few. Unfortunately, over the years Mount Lawn has been vandalized, a trash dumping ground and in need of care. This sacred place holds the memories of many loved ones, and we believe it deserves the dignity and respect of being kept clean and beautiful. We are organizing Cemetery Cleanup Days and we would be grateful for your help.
We are looking for volunteers to assist with tasks such as:
Picking up trash and debris
Mowing and trimming grass
Cleaning headstones
Raking leaves and branches
I would love to talk with you about arranging a clean up. As a volunteer, I am by myself, but my hope is to increase the volunteer base and establish a Friends of Mount Lawn.
On November 11th 2025 (Veteran's Day) I am planning a centennial celebration to acknowledge Mount Lawn turning 100. I would love to set-up a cleaning a few days before the big event- especially since the trash dumping seems to be a daily occurance.
With your support, I am sure we can honor those who came before us and make the cemetery a peaceful and respectful place once again.
Warm regards,
Gigi McGraw
helpm...@gmail.com
(215) 588-5062
