History

In 1996, The Long Ridge Union Cemetery celebrated the 200th Anniversary of it's earliest grave. This grave is thought to be that of Ezra Newman, who died in 1796.

The Long Ridge Union Cemetery was later formally established on January 17, 1856. The Articles of Association state that "The undersigned residents of the Town of Stamford, Fairfield County, Connecticut hereby associate themselves together for the purpose of producing and establishing a Burying Ground at Long Ridge in said Stamford". VaultThere followed a list of 21 subscribers plus the cost of land each purchased and the expenses of financing. It was noted that the list was received for record February 10, 1857 & Bounded in Book 33, Page 350 by Edwin Scofield, Town Clerk.

A public notice proclaimed that "The members of the Burying Ground Association of Long Ridge are requested to meet at the School House Friday Evening, Oct. 17th 1856 for the purpose of taking measures to have walks in the Burying Ground properly made and a blind Ditch made in front of said ground together with such other business as may come properly before the Meeting"

The Cemetery Associations's Board of Directors meets twice each year. Plot owners are essentially stock holders and are eligible to attend the annual meeting when a full financial report among others is given.

Long Ridge Union Cemetery Grounds

The Cemetery stands on the East side of Erskine Road. A quotation on the stone of John Todd indicates that he gave the then small graveyard to be used as a burial place for his friends as well as for himself and family.

Over the years, there have been several extensions to the cemetery, specifically, those of 1855, 1872, 1902, and finally 1951, when the last 10 acres were turned over the to the association by Mrs. Edward DeForest, widow of a former Director.

Today, the cemetery, a non-sectarian resting place, serves the needs of people from miles around. From the early days to the present, maintenance has been a prime concern of the Directors. The Directors are concerned with maintaining roads, trimming trees, and controlling planting so that roots, vegetation, and branches do not became invasive.

An annual memorial service was originally inaugurated on Children's Sunday, the second Sunday in June 1876. The Reverend Mr. Shepherd of the village Universalist Church was inspired to establish this service after observing this custom at Easter time while traveling in France. Long Ridge Union Cemetery MarkerThis annual service was continued until June 1965, when the Directors decided to discontinue the tradition. In 1978, it was decided to resume the service which until recently took place on the 3rd Sunday in September of each year. For a variety of reasons, the service is now scheduled for the first week of October.

The Long Ridge Union Cemetery is open to people of all faiths and ethnic backgrounds. The Association plans for the future, while overseeing the present. The Board of Directors is diverse and is made up of plot owners with varied experience in the community who volunteer their time and expertise. They closely monitor funding, operations, and local and state regulations as well as future trends and needs.