The Union Center - Graveyard and Schoolhouse, Mantua, New Jersey

10/07/2025

October 6, 2025 - From the second-floor window of the Historic Mantua Academy. This is downtown Mantua at its best. The atmosphere this evening was reminiscent of days gone by, when this area was bustling with local residents walking to and fro along the streets to visit family and friends, and to shop along old Union Street, when businesses were numerous. How wonderful it would be to have this vibe return. If I had my say, revitalizing Mantua Boulevard (old Union Street) from this intersection to the Bridgeton Pike would be a priority.

05/31/2025

You missed a historic moment in Mantua Township this morning. Here are some highlights. I will be including my address in the upcoming MTHC Summer Bulletin. Stay tuned.

05/27/2025

Join us.

Event Announcement - Join us during the unveil of the Historic Union Graveyard sign and monument on May 31 at 10am. See the attached brochure for more details.

05/25/2025

Joseph H. Johnson was born on September 25, 1840, to Joseph and Mary Johnson of Carpenter’s Landing (now Mantua). Joseph enlisted into the American Civil War Union Army on September 17, 1861, serving with Company H, 7th Regiment, New Jersey Infantry.

Second Lieutenant Joseph H. Johnson was killed on May 5, 1862, at the Battle of Williamsburg in Virginia. Joseph was one of 3,843 casualties of that dreadful day.

Joseph is buried in the Union Graveyard, located at Carpenter’s Landing (now Mantua, NJ).

It is estimated that over 698,000 soldiers died due to battle wounds and disease during the Civil War. Approximately 16,000 Civil War soldiers are buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Other soldiers are interred in additional national cemeteries, on the battlefields, in military hospital grounds, and in local cemeteries and graveyards.

Most only think of the mass of white marble headstones standing at our national cemeteries. This focus can take away from our recognition of the individual soldier, those who were brought home to be buried in the circle of their family. In Mantua Township, we have several soldiers whose bodies were returned home and were final buried in our quiet (some hidden) hometown cemeteries and graveyards.

No matter how many years have passed, we should remember ALL who have died in the name of peace and freedom.

09/29/2024

FYI - Mark your calendar and plan to attend this free event.

Event Announcement: Wenonah Historical Society and Wenonah Cemetery Association with the American Legion Post 192, Wenonah Arts Collective, and Mantua Township Historical Commission
present: the 9th Annual Wenonah Cemetery Walk - October 12, 2024, from 3:00-5:00 pm (rain date October 13, 2024)

This event spans two locations; the Wenonah Cemetery and the Union Center in Mantua. The focus is on War Stories: Tales of service, heroism, and survival, as we honor and remember our local veteran's.

NEW THIS YEAR - The Mantua Township Historical Commission will have their museum at 145 Mantua Boulevard, Mantua, NJ open to the public from 3:00-6:00pm. There will be a Civil War actor at the Union Graveyard to meet with visitors.

We hope to see you!

09/23/2024

Here is the Mantua Township Historical Commission Fall 2024 Quarterly Bulletin. Enjoy!

08/04/2024

This article appeared in the Woodbury Daily Times on Wednesday, June 29, 1927.

"A few nights ago, the grass in the old cemetery on Norris Street was cut down and left to dry out to be burned. On Tuesday evening it was decided to burn it and the chemical apparatus of Company No. 1 was taken there in case of being needed. Every prevention had been taken, but the fire was getting beyond control of the men, who were there, and the other apparatus had to be taken out and used to extinguish the blaze, which was commencing to cause alarm as it was not only spreading over the whole yard but was apparently going higher and higher. People were also attracted by the columns of smoke going up, too. However, it was put out without doing damage to any neighboring property. "

I understand that this particular cutting and burning was in preparation of the nearing 4th of July holiday. The property was not always in the best of shape. Unfortunately, this comes with the passage of time, families no longer remembering, and the lack of funds and interest in maintaining it.

Today, the Union Graveyard is cared for on a regular basis. The need for cutting down the grass and burning it is no more.

01/20/2024

January 20, 2024: A beautiful, snow covered, bright, sunny day in Mantua, NJ. Be sure to read the captions for each picture.

10/10/2023

The Union Graveyard has been in existence for almost 220 years. It has seen much change and has survived many bouts of neglect, and still today, fights to keep its place as tangible history of this area. Fortunately, it has been cared for and maintained regularly for the last 8 or so years.

Over the past few months, we have been taking more time to recover the original brick and stone foundations of misplaced head and foot stones.

There is a wonderful satisfaction in seeing the scattered stones restored and returned to the correct location of the resident it identifies. A particular project that stands out was the research, probing and digging that led us to finding the true location of Amanda Louisa Morgan and her son Wilbert. Amanda was born on May 7, 1847, the daughter of William B. Chew. She married John Dilks Morgan on July 30, 1863, in Carpenter’s Landing (now Mantua). Amanda was 16 years and 2 months old at that time. On September 2, 1863, Amanda gave birth to Wilbert. Amanda died in Carpenter’s Landing on December 18, 1863, at the age of 16 years and 7 months. Wilbert died in Carpenter’s Landing on March 7, 1864, at the age of 6 months. They are buried together here.

Thank you to Herb Hood and Debbie Gellenthin for their support, hard work, and research in this important mission. The following pictures show some of the recent work.

07/08/2023

Update: July 8, 2023: The property remains in good shape. The new flowerbeds have added beautiful color to the scheme of things. The careful preservation and restoration of the graveyard continues. Feel free to visit the grounds. There are two picnic tables under the big cherry tree that are perfect for an outdoor lunch. Contact the Mantua Township Historical Commission for more information.