AKA:
Number of Burials (approximate): 350
Dates of Activity: 1905 - present
Documentation/Publication:
CCGS, The Cemeteries of Gallagher, Pine Creek, and Wayne Townships (2005)
Directions/GPS:
From the intersection of Jay and Church Streets in Lock Haven, head East on Church Street (it is one way). After one block, turn left on Hannah Street and then after another block, right onto East Main Street (end of one-way). Cross over the Constitution bridge into Dunnstown, and continue on Route 150. Travel approximately nine miles on Route 150 until you arrive in the Borough of Avis. Just after arriving in town, turn left on West Highland Street, right on Prospect Avenue. Travel one block. Turn left on Ross Street. Travel 0.4 mile to the cemetery, on a hill on your left. (At 0.2 mile on Ross Street, the road turns to gravel.)
N41 11.307 W77 19.650
Landowner / Caretaker:
Joseph C. Sohmer
214 West Church Street
Lock Haven, PA 17745
(570) 748-2644
Condition/Needs:
Good / some filling sunken graves, brush cleared back, etc.
History:
When the railroad boom hit the little village of Oak Grove, in Pine Creek Township, at the outset of the 20th century, the planners of the new town of Avis envisioned the need for a large cemetery. The Rich family of Woolrich were involved in this effort. Twenty-five acres were set aside by the Oak Grove Land Company in order to meet the needs of the growing community, and the land was called Bellevue Cemetery. The cemetery was opened in 1905, with a Mr. Shoemakerlaying it out in February of that year. Originally, an eight grave plot sold for $18 to $25. Today, a plot is $250. The cemetery also includes a Soldiers' Circle.
While the railroad shops did come to Avis, the explosion in growth never materialized as expected. Consequently, very little of the cemetery is currently in use, and much of it is given over to woods. Joe Sohmer has inherited the caretakership of this cemetery. A small paupers' section apparently exists in the wooded area bordering the cemetery.