Gravestone project
The original stones of the 33 veterans have succumbed to the elements
over the past century and are in need of replacement. Only a few pieces of
the originals remain. We have undertaken the project to replace all 33 stones
so that these veterans may rest, assured that they will not be forgotten.
Although this project has been a dream for well over 20 years, it has finally
come to fruition only in the past 18 months.
Over that period, we have done extensive research to verify each and
every veteran through military and pension records, census records, obituaries,
marriage and death certificates and whatever other records were necessary
to document each veteran. Over this course, we have not only documented each
man, we also learned who they were, how and where they lived, what they
did for a living, where they were born and died and how they spent the post-war.
All are Civil War veterans with the exception of 2, one whom served port-war
and one War of 1812 veteran.
Although the Veterans Administration provides the stone at not cost,
there is the cost of installing each stone. The total cost was $8250 or $250
per stone which included, setting the foundation and the stone. All this
money has been raised to date by donations and sponsorships of the veterans
by many individuals and groups. We would like to thank all those that contributed
monies to this noble cause.
To date, the stones are on order and are awaiting delivery and installation.
Once they are installed, we will set a date for the grand dedication of these
stones. We are planning a large ceremony with hundreds of reenactors and
people from all the groups and individuals involved along with political
and business leaders and the media. Our goal is to provide awareness to the
community of this monument and to help procure even more funding for the
complete restoration of the monument itself. The base of the monument was
repaired and stabilized a few years ago, but the obelisk is in dire shape
of restoration. Only through contributions can this be achieved.
If you would like to donate to this restoration project fund, please
contact:
Tony Matijasick
21 Kernel Lane
Levittown PA 19055
215-499-2649
or:
Bud Atkinson
1016 Gorman St.
Philadelphia PA 19116
215-673-1688
All donations will be accepted. Please make any check out to The Frankford
Soldiers’ Monument Fund.
List of Donors to the Gravestone
Fund
28th PA Vol. Infantry
26th PA Vol. Infantry
69th PA Vol. Infantry
71st PA Vol. Infantry
98th PA Vol. Infantry
81st PA Vol. Infantry
SUVCW Anna M. Ross Camp #1
SUVCW Bradbury Camp #149
SUVCW Baker-Fisher Camp
SUVCW Camp #19
The Meade Society
Masonic Lodge #72
American C.W. Charitable Trust
National Auxilliary ASUVCW
Mark and Barbara Day
Paul and Eileen Campos
John Heiser
Amanda Johnson
Camilla Schleicher
Charles Johnson
Adealide Martin
Andy Redmond
Kelli Taylor