Literally only a few yeards away from the bustling traffic or Route 287, a small quiet cemetery known as the "Little Lost Cemetery" sits shaded and protected by large trees. There lay to rest fourteen children who's lives were cut short. Children who never had a chance to live, go to school, be hip, play sports nor meet the love of thier life. The rumor is known that they were from an orphanage that has been here during the turn of the twentieth century which no longer stands.

 

 

I used to visit this forgotten cemetery that's nestled away behind Parsippany's District No. 6 Firehouse when I was a kid in the late 1970's. The grounds were neglected and overgroun with vines and weeds that hid the tiny headstones from view. They were left sitting there in dispare.

Today the Little Lost Cemetery is well maintained by the few dedicated volunteers that take pride in what little they give back to make this a small park like setting. Set with a welcoming sign, flowers, split-rail fencing, Angels and figurines to give the area a warm welcoming feeling.

 

 

Just as you walk through the split-rail fence opening, a loving Angel hugging a Rabbit stands comforting the children. A plague amid the middle of the plots lists all the names of the children. Ironically, the smallest headstone has no name, no date nor epitaph. An Angel cupping a Bird stands by it for comfort. We will ever know the name of this little Girl or Boy who once lived.

 

View approaching the Little Lost Cemetery

 

 

 

 

 

The one and only Headstone without a Name, Epitaph or Date
No one knows who lies here, if they are a Boy or a Girl

 

 

No one knows why they're there If their skin was dark or fair If their eyes were blue or brown If gentle hands laid them down Give a Child a Daisy They can't hold a Teddy Bear Give a Child a Daisy Bless them with a Prayer Their years on Earth were Scant and Few They left a World they barely Knew Tiny cold grey slabs of Stone Shouldn't serve as Children's Homes No Ribbons for Girl's long Hair No Bat and Ball for a Boys to Share Forgotten by the span of Time Give a Child a Daisy They can't hold a Teddy Bear Give a Child a Daisy Bless them with a Prayer

This poem written by Anna Penna was framed and mounted on a garden fixture

 

 

In Loving Memory of Rocco and Anne Penna, Who gave their Time, Talents and Love to maintaining and Cherishing... "The Little Lost Cemetery" Among many of their other endeavers. They will be missed by all who had the pleasures of knowing them. With Love From their Family and many Friends

 

This note was typed and nicely mounted on the same garden fixture as the "They Can't Hold a Teddy Bear" poem

 

 

Two life size Boy and Girl figurines sit on a bench reading to each other in the Summer shade.