The State Street Cemetery, located at 2125 State Street, Hamden CT was orginally moved to the present location in 1855. The oldest burial dates back to 1784. It has been known over the years as East Farms Cemetery at Potter Town and The South Side Cemetery. The cemetery has fallen into neglect as a result of a defunct Cemetery Association, known as The State Street Cemetery Association, Incorporated. The purpose of this website is to draw attention to the cemetery in the hopes of creating perpetual care for the cemetery by reestablishing the association. And by doing so honoring those who are laid to rest here.

The original burying ground of the State Street locality was a few rods north of the present one, and when the new plot was opened, apparently only the markers made the short journey; for when the cellar was dug for the wooden schoolhouse, many ancient bones were discovered there.

The oldest grave is that of Timothy Potter (whose son so admired Andrew Jackson). He "departed this life October 24th 1799, in the 69th year of his age." The verse on his stone is:

"Come my companion, behold and see the clouds that doth cover me, and on my right hand often view the clouds reserved to cover you."

This adjuration was faithfully compiled with, for in 1838 his wife was buried at his right.

The unique feature of this burying ground is the fact that it is shared by Protestants and Catholics, a permanent testimonial to the religious tolerance of the community. It is a small area, enclosed by a low stone wall, and contains comparatively few graves. The one entrance drive through an iron gate, runs straight down the center, bordered by large maples. Most of the stones are conventional granite slabs, with an occasional one of slate, and most of the dates are of the early 1800s. There are a few modern monuments, and several lots are enclosed by low fences.

Many Atwater's and Potter's are buried here. The epitaph of Phoebe Potter creates the picture of a gracious personality and is a reminder that many women played an incalculably important part in the life of the town, even though their scope was limited to domestic affairs.

"Mrs. Phoebe Potter died May 10th 1809, age 69, consort of Philemon Potter. She was a kind companion, an affectionate mother, an obliging neighbor. She lived beloved and died lamented."

- Hartley, R. M. (1943). The hisory of Hamden Connecicit 1786-1936. New Haven, CT: Quinnipiack Press.