A recent expedition along the Conestoga River had Benton Webber and I exploring the feasibility of a Conestoga Greenway trail extension between South Duke Street and Engleside.
As we surveyed the route, we came across a very odd stone platform located in the back corner of Riverview Cemetery.
Webber’s first thought was it was a foundation of one of the ice houses that use to be found in this general area.
Upon closer inspection, we discovered that the structure was, in fact, circular in shape, which mostly voided the ice house theory. Here’s how Webber described. “It’s roughly level and protruding above ground by nearly two feet with a small and long retaining wall upslope of the circular section and parallel to the river.”
Being on the edge of Riverview Cemetery, I wondered if the structure was once a gazebo or pavilion for the cemetery that time has since erased. The Google map below marks the exact location of the foundation.
The long retaining wall uphill from the river is shown below. The circular platform is visible in the upper left-hand corner.
Here’s a brief video clip by Webber panning over the structure.
What do you think?
What do you think this stone foundation’s original purpose was? I would love to know your thoughts. Comment below.