Summary
The park on Nesquehoning Street sits atop a historic Black burial ground tied to the First Colored Lutheran Church. Descendants of those buried there are demanding the "Ketchen-Boyer Memorial Park" name be reversed, and even Clarine Boyer's granddaughter opposes it. Council agreed to meet with the families before Saturday's dedication proceeds.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 2
- Last 30 days
- 2
Discussed at 2 meetings in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 28, 2026.
Impact analysis
A $50,000 state grant was tied to the project under its original name, raising questions raised in testimony about grant conditions.
Any compromise would honor both the families of those interred and the wider community.
Descendant families say the renaming strips recognition from those actually buried at the site.
Mentions & discussions (3)
City Council - Oct 28, 2026
A family split erupted over the dedication of the memorial cemetery park named for Clarine Boyer and Frances Ketchen. Granddaughter Rhea Boyer Liberto wants the name moved to the Easton Area Neighborhood Center, while other family members and committee members urged council to move forward. Mayor Panto said the November 7 date conflicts with city staffing and suggested spring, but later indicated he'd try for November 7 or 14.
City Council - Oct 14, 2026
The park on Nesquehoning Street sits atop a historic Black burial ground tied to the First Colored Lutheran Church. Descendants of those buried there are demanding the "Ketchen-Boyer Memorial Park" name be reversed, and even Clarine Boyer's granddaughter opposes it. Council agreed to meet with the families before Saturday's dedication proceeds.
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