The historical cemetery sign says Established 1833. Interesting to note the sign appears in Google Maps Street View in May 2019, but not in previous years July 2011, October 2008, or October 2007.
A line in the article History and Headstones: Celebrating Memorial Day by Nancy McCammon-Hansen May 22, 2012 in the History Center Notes & Queries blog states: If you go further into Waynedale, down Old Trail Road, you will come to Prairie Grove Cemetery, established in June 1874. Burials at this site, donated by Joseph and Catherine Mason, actually occurred as early as 1834. The chapel on the ground was built by the United Brethren Church in the 1850s and was served by circuit riders until 1901.
Prairie Grove Chapel & Cemetery Receives Historic Preservation Award:
Mary Penrose Wayne Daughters of the American Revolution Chapter will present the Historic Preservation Award to Prairie Grove Chapel and Cemetery Association on Wednesday, October 25th. . .
Mary Penrose Wayne DAR Chapter made this week's Waynedale Newspaper. Please come and support Mary Penrose Wayne Chapter's Historic Preservation Committee. The program will be Historic, Educational, and Patriotic. We have several community leaders coming to speak, there will be a Military Salute, and the SAR will be leading with their Honor Guard.
Join us in recognizing the remarkable work of the Prairie Grove Cemetery Association and their lead volunteer, Glenn Ellenberger.
After a devastating arson fire in 2008, the Prairie Grove Chapel was at a crossroads between rehabilitation and demolition. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of volunteers led by Glenn Ellenberger, the Association chose to restore and rehabilitate the Chapel.
It has been a years-long process, but their hard work has paid off. The Chapel has been restored to a better-than-before condition. The Association applied for local historic designation of the Chapel and cemetery to commemorate this achievement.
We are thrilled to announce that the Prairie Grove Chapel & Cemetery Local Historic District was approved by the Fort Wayne Historic Preservation Commission and the Fort Wayne City Council in 2019.
This is a testament to the power of community and the importance of preserving our history. Congratulations to the Prairie Grove Cemetery Association and Glenn Ellenberger for their dedication to preserving our heritage! Thanks, Glenn
A "prairie grove" is an island of trees within a sea of prairie; a term and scene that was once much more common in the region.
Celebrating Historic Preservation Month!
