ST. JOSEPH CEMETERY (OLD)
3819 West Eighth Street
Cincinnati OH. 45205
513.921.3050
Established: 1843
Acres: 128
Official Website
Bella Morte Rating: 4 Tombstones
St. Joseph Old? St. Joseph New? You may be asking yourself if these are two parts of the same cemetery or if, perhaps, they are separate entities. The second speculation is correct. Established in 1843, the original cemetery was part of Cincinnati Bishop John Purcell's dream to have a cemetery large enough to house the remains of his ever-increasing flock. At the time, however, one part of that flock (those of German origin) felt strongly they should have a portion of the then 19-acre property solely for their own use. Permission was granted and the cemetery was divided between Germans and a largely Irish population. This plan worked well enough for 10 years... but by 1853 the Irish Catholics decided they needed a cemetery they could claim as their own. Accordingly, they moved to a portion of land off what is now known as Foley Road. Their new cemetery, approximately two miles removed, was also named St. Joseph (apparently the Germans and Irish both had a stubborn connection to this particular saint...or perhaps they were all just plain...stubborn!). In order to distinguish the two St. Joseph's, the original cemetery was dubbed St. Joseph Old and the "upstart," St. Joseph New. Adding to the confusion, for a time the "old" cemetery was called St. Joseph's German Cemetery or German St. Joseph's!
Be that as it may, today the two graveyards operate wholly independent of each other with the designations of "old" and "new" keeping things (slightly) less confusing.
Now, back to a few more comments on St. Joseph (Old) history. When the original property was consecrated, West Eighth Avenue terminated at the cemetery gates. This was all well and good for 32 years...but then, in the name of progress, plans were drawn up to extend West Eighth to Nebraska Avenue. The decision meant, of course, the road would go right through the cemetery grounds...and, unless something was done...over the bodies of those who quite literally laid in the way of progress! Thus, the bodies were exhumed and moved into the newly-established borders where they remain today. Over the years, the cemetery continued to buy more property until it reached its present size of 128 acres. It was also during the later years that the sense of German individuality began to fade. As more and more German immigrants began to think of themselves as Americans, the desire for separate eternal space diminished. Today, people of all nationalities choose St. Joseph (Old) for interment.
Enough of history, now. What about the cemetery itself? It is resplendent with Catholic statuary. If you happen to love angels, St. Joseph (Old) is definitely going to satisfy. It seems a winged being or two is around every corner...many of them exquisitely detailed and awe-inspiring. Our gallery features a few examples to whet your appetite.
If, on the other hand, your taste runs toward other Catholic iconography, you will also find plenty to admire here. Crosses, crucifixes, saints, the Virgin Mary and countless pious souls ascending to their reward abound. Those who enjoy simple, older stones, need not despair, for there is plenty to pour over at St. Joseph (Old). In the section of the cemetery that dates back the furthest, flat standing stones that reach well over six feet heavenward crowd together under the shade of enormous, mature trees. Many of these stones are inscribed in German.
One section of the cemetery contains the remains of countless nuns who belonged to the Little Sisters of the Poor and St. Francis. Their plot is marked by a large stone cross inscribed with the name of their Order. Elsewhere (Section 32) a host of men who served as pastor to St. Catherine's Parish lie inside the cool earth.
St. Joseph (Old) is truly a lovely burying ground and one well worth your time. Plan to spend at least several hours here...but only after you've thoroughly explored nearby Spring Grove! And, when you're finished, why not pop over to nearby St. Joseph (New) , Vine Street Hill, Walnut Hills and St. Mary's to enjoy what they have to offer. Hmmm...sounds like you'll need a day or two, doesn't it?
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3819 West Eighth Street
Cincinnati OH. 45205
513.921.3050
Established: 1843
Acres: 128
Official Website
Bella Morte Rating: 4 Tombstones
St. Joseph Old? St. Joseph New? You may be asking yourself if these are two parts of the same cemetery or if, perhaps, they are separate entities. The second speculation is correct. Established in 1843, the original cemetery was part of Cincinnati Bishop John Purcell's dream to have a cemetery large enough to house the remains of his ever-increasing flock. At the time, however, one part of that flock (those of German origin) felt strongly they should have a portion of the then 19-acre property solely for their own use. Permission was granted and the cemetery was divided between Germans and a largely Irish population. This plan worked well enough for 10 years... but by 1853 the Irish Catholics decided they needed a cemetery they could claim as their own. Accordingly, they moved to a portion of land off what is now known as Foley Road. Their new cemetery, approximately two miles removed, was also named St. Joseph (apparently the Germans and Irish both had a stubborn connection to this particular saint...or perhaps they were all just plain...stubborn!). In order to distinguish the two St. Joseph's, the original cemetery was dubbed St. Joseph Old and the "upstart," St. Joseph New. Adding to the confusion, for a time the "old" cemetery was called St. Joseph's German Cemetery or German St. Joseph's!
Be that as it may, today the two graveyards operate wholly independent of each other with the designations of "old" and "new" keeping things (slightly) less confusing.
Now, back to a few more comments on St. Joseph (Old) history. When the original property was consecrated, West Eighth Avenue terminated at the cemetery gates. This was all well and good for 32 years...but then, in the name of progress, plans were drawn up to extend West Eighth to Nebraska Avenue. The decision meant, of course, the road would go right through the cemetery grounds...and, unless something was done...over the bodies of those who quite literally laid in the way of progress! Thus, the bodies were exhumed and moved into the newly-established borders where they remain today. Over the years, the cemetery continued to buy more property until it reached its present size of 128 acres. It was also during the later years that the sense of German individuality began to fade. As more and more German immigrants began to think of themselves as Americans, the desire for separate eternal space diminished. Today, people of all nationalities choose St. Joseph (Old) for interment.
Enough of history, now. What about the cemetery itself? It is resplendent with Catholic statuary. If you happen to love angels, St. Joseph (Old) is definitely going to satisfy. It seems a winged being or two is around every corner...many of them exquisitely detailed and awe-inspiring. Our gallery features a few examples to whet your appetite.
If, on the other hand, your taste runs toward other Catholic iconography, you will also find plenty to admire here. Crosses, crucifixes, saints, the Virgin Mary and countless pious souls ascending to their reward abound. Those who enjoy simple, older stones, need not despair, for there is plenty to pour over at St. Joseph (Old). In the section of the cemetery that dates back the furthest, flat standing stones that reach well over six feet heavenward crowd together under the shade of enormous, mature trees. Many of these stones are inscribed in German.
One section of the cemetery contains the remains of countless nuns who belonged to the Little Sisters of the Poor and St. Francis. Their plot is marked by a large stone cross inscribed with the name of their Order. Elsewhere (Section 32) a host of men who served as pastor to St. Catherine's Parish lie inside the cool earth.
St. Joseph (Old) is truly a lovely burying ground and one well worth your time. Plan to spend at least several hours here...but only after you've thoroughly explored nearby Spring Grove! And, when you're finished, why not pop over to nearby St. Joseph (New) , Vine Street Hill, Walnut Hills and St. Mary's to enjoy what they have to offer. Hmmm...sounds like you'll need a day or two, doesn't it?
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