The simple headstone of George Sands Esq., who died in 1816, is barely noticeable in the Sanford Cemetery, but it is one with an interesting story.
It denotes the grave of a slave owner, though few would think of Middletown as a place where slaves toiled.
It is well travelled, having been removed, along with its occupants bones, from the Old Arena Cemetery when the Pepacton Reservoir was built.
And it harbored a secret for nearly 200 years: What was the meaning of the pair of coffins carved in the base of the stone? And who was the carver?
Come to the Living History Cemetery Tour Saturday, June 21, to find out. Call 845-586-4736 to reserve a tour time. Tours start at 4, and run every 25 minutes, the last one begins at 7 p.m. Reservations required by June 18. Admission is $12, proceeds benefit the Historical Society of the Town of Middletown.
