The Odd Fellows Cemetery, which lies on a hill near Tamaqua’s west end, just paid its grass mowing bill for 2024.

It was $26,000 for eight mows in the 38-acre cemetery, said Justin Bailey, president of the cemetery board.

And while there were just enough funds in the checking account to cover the costs, Bailey said the nonprofit cemetery could find that account in the red soon.

“The quick answer is we don’t have enough money coming in to support the expenses,” he explained, noting that mowing is just one part of the maintenance.

Bailey said the cemetery has assets that it could sell, but it is hoping to hold off on that. The bottom line, he said, is that the cemetery operates on mostly donated funds - and they have substantially decreased over the years.

It has about a year to recoup the $26,000 it spent for mowing.

“I talked to the cemetery board and I said, ‘Look, we really have to come up with some ways to bring in the bucks.’ Because if not, what’s going to happen next year is we’re going to have to start selling off our investments to pay our mowing bill,’” Bailey said.

They’re hoping that an upcoming 5K Run/Walk at the historic 1861 cemetery will help, and they’re also hoping that folks who have loved ones buried there consider making donation or contribute to their cemetery lots’ perpetual care. The cemetery, which has 11 acres left for development, also continues to sell plots.

The Odd Fellows 3 Links 5K Run/Walk will begin at 9 a.m. June 15 at the cemetery and will have three legs, based on the motto of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows: friendship, love and truth. Prizes will be awarded to winners, and a party featuring a disc jockey, light snacks and refreshments will follow. Registration is being taken at runsignup.com.

More information is on the Odd Fellows Cemetery (Tamaqua) and IOOF Harmony & Lady Harmony Lodge Tamaqua, PA Facebook pages.

The cemetery has held rummage sales, too, and frequently posts on Facebook to generate an interest.

“We’d post some information on a tombstone and somebody will reach out and say, ‘Hey, that’s my ancestors,’” Bailey said. “And they’ll put that lot in perpetual care.”

Decades ago, the cemetery offered perpetual care - but it wasn’t mandatory like it is today.

“Now it’s a state law that you have to collect perpetual care for lots,” he said. “Back then, you didn’t have to. You could either take care of it yourself or you could pay money to the cemetery each year and they would cut it for you.”

About 30% of the cemetery is not in perpetual care, Bailey noted.

“We’re asking people that if you know you have family buried there, call the cemetery or email us and just verify that they’re in perpetual care. If not, it would help” if they would provide those care costs, he said.

The cemetery has plots available for purchase. The office can be reached 570-668-4569.

“Financially, it’s rocky. We’re all right for this year but next year, we have to try to come up with $25,000 - and that’s a lot of money. We’re trying to do what we can but it is difficult,” Bailey said.

Donations may be made payable to Tamaqua Odd Fellows Cemetery, and sent to P.O. Box 227, Tamaqua, PA 18252.