09/19/2025
AAHS October 2025
Newsletter
The Apollo Area Historical Society and Apollo Area Lions Club play key roles in preserving and maintaining the Old Apollo Cemetery (established in 1868) in Kiskiminetas Township.
For over 50 years, the Apollo Area Lions Club has maintained the Od Apollo Cemetery, handling mowing and upkeep at a cost of $6,000 per year. Their long-term preservation plan includes resetting fallen markers, cleaning and restoring gravesites, verifying records, and honoring veterans with military markers and flags.
Last year, the Apollo Area Historical Society partnered with the Apollo Area Lions Club to restore the General Samuel M. Jackson Mausoleum located in the Old Apollo Cemetery. The restoration involved BHE GT & S Company, an interstate natural gas pipeline business, which engaged employees to remove debris removal, trim small trees, and create access to the mausoleum from its original entrance on Kiski Avenue Extension. The Historical Society received a $4,000 grant from BHE GT & S to support Phase I of the project.
The Mausoleum Restoration Project Phase I involved resetting granite stones that had been displaced, repairing cracks in the concrete structure, removing graffiti, addressing erosion, and power washing surfaces. Additional tasks included installing a new steel gate, placing industrial protective Plexiglas, constructing a 400-foot gravel pathway with proper drainage, and adding an ADA-compliant ramp with a natural grade. Five limestone steps were also integrated into the hillside to provide access to the Mausoleum.
Phase II of the Mausoleum Restoration Project continues work on stabilizing and securing the 60-foot natural stone Civil War Wall along the pathway to the Mausoleum, within the Circle of Honor Memorial that contains eight Grand Army Republic veteran graves.
Restored in 2013 by the Historical Society, which remains responsible for its upkeep, the Circle of Honor features a substantial granite base supporting a Dahlgren Naval Gun directed skyward. This monument commemorates those who served in the conflict historically referred to as the "War of Rebellion."
Phase II of the Civil War Wall project will add a concrete cap to protect the natural stone wall, install a wooden split rail fence along the 400-foot path, purchase historical and directional markers, trim eight nearby trees, and enhance landscaping at the Mausoleum and Circle of Honor Memorial.
The Historic Apollo Cemetery presents significant educational opportunities. The preservation of its landmarks positions the site as a valuable resource for students, historians, and the public interested in historical studies. Educational programs and guided tours may illuminate the lives of individuals interred there, with particular emphasis on the Civil War period and figures such as General Samuel M. Jackson.
To date, the Historical Society has secured over $25,000 in funding for the Mausoleum Restoration Project.
Preserving and enhancing the Cemetery not only honors the legacy of those who came before us but also enriches the community by providing a serene and meaningful place for reflection, education, and celebration of local heritage. As we continue to uncover and share the narratives of our ancestors, we strengthen our collective identity and ensure that the lessons of the past are not forgotten.
PHOTO CAPTIONS
On September 18, 2025, Rebecca and Robert Kane, representing the Apollo Area Historical Society, attended the Armstrong County Board of Commissioners meeting to acknowledge receipt of a $5,000 grant to support the General Samuel M. Jackson Mausoleum Restoration Project. The County Commissioners pictured (L-R) Anthony Shea, John Strate, and Patrick Fabian.
The Armstrong County Commissioners toured the Old Apollo Cemetery in May for an on-site visit to the Jackson Mausoleum. Pictured (L-R) Commissioner Patrick Fabian, John Strate, and Anthony Shea.
The General Samuel M. Jackson Mausoleum view of the restoration location in the Old Apollo Cemetery.
