Hazel Wood Cemetery History
After the purchase of the original tract of land from the Edgar family, Hazel Wood Cemetery was organized on September 30, 1859, with its first recorded interment on January 18, 1860 (although there are several headstones with older dates). Hazel Wood Cemetery is an enduring monument to 150 years of local history in Union and Middlesex counties.
As you stroll or drive through the winding pathways of Hazel Wood you’ll see excellent examples of notable interment architecture. The cemetery contains single graves, family lot sections, mausoleums, and a section reserved for military veterans. In fact, in November 1862, the center section of Hazel Wood – at the cemetery’s highest point – was granted to the city of Rahway for the burial of Civil War soldiers.
Diverse historic monuments honoring the lives of those buried at Hazel Wood can be found throughout the grounds. Recently Hazel Wood erected two columbarium structures for those wishing a special and distinctive resting place for cremated remains.
As you stroll or drive through the winding pathways of Hazel Wood you’ll see excellent examples of notable interment architecture. The cemetery contains single graves, family lot sections, mausoleums, and a section reserved for military veterans. In fact, in November 1862, the center section of Hazel Wood – at the cemetery’s highest point – was granted to the city of Rahway for the burial of Civil War soldiers.
Diverse historic monuments honoring the lives of those buried at Hazel Wood can be found throughout the grounds. Recently Hazel Wood erected two columbarium structures for those wishing a special and distinctive resting place for cremated remains.
Vanderhoven Memorial Chapel
In 1876, the Vanderhovens – a prominent local family – began their long association with Hazel Wood. Upon her death in 1946, Clara Vanderhoven bequeathed a large sum to the cemetery for the construction of a granite chapel “to be used, without distinction as to creed… for persons buried in said Cemetery…”
Wildlife
As you wander Hazel Wood, you may see deer, foxes, hawks and egrets along with indigenous birds and other wildlife. There is a wide variety of trees and flora at Hazel Wood that are living witness to the history of these hallowed grounds.