The Rolling (Head) Stones
Hempt Ball in Mechanicsburg, PA, and other slow moving graveyard spheres
I never met Miss Grace E. Hempt in person.
She was born in 1887, 100 years before me, though we only missed each other on earth by nine years! Grace was a school teacher by trade. Around age 50, she set off on her second career as a home building contractor, partnering I assume with her family’s local construction business, Hempt Bros.
Between 1937 and 1956, Grace built 43 homes in Camp Hill, PA. For four years, my husband and I had the privilege of living in the home she built for herself.
We became the first owners who weren’t family, and I will always appreciate how sturdy, sensible, and classy her Cape Cod was. No wasted space, no weird angles. Stunning hardwood floors. Pink and black bathroom tiles. Gold curled door handles I never liked until I started noticing them around the neighborhood—a signature.
In early 2025, I wanted to learn more about Grace. We we were in the process of moving out, and a big part of us weren’t ready to leave. I never met Grace in person, but I feel I got to know her some through my research.
I signed up for a 7-day newspapers.com free trial. I viewed mid-century real estate ads on microfilm at the State Library. I paid $10 to explore archives at the Historical Society of Dauphin County. I visited Grace’s mystifying grave at St. John’s Cemetery.
St. John’s Cemetery
Located at 4605 E. Trindle Road in Mechanicsburg, St. John’s Cemetery was founded in 1793 and is owned by St. John’s Lutheran Church (about a mile away). The cemetery sits next to the historic Peace Church, built in 1798, which houses an 1807 Conrad Doll Organ and hosts summer concerts on the lawn.
Driveway access at E. Trindle Road or St. John’s Church Road
To my surprise I found Grace’s headstone, a shared family monument, right away. It’s striking, stately, and the biggest of its kind in St. John’s Cemetery.
The practice of topping headstones with heavy granite orbs started in the late 19th century, and many say the sphere represented eternity. To some, the new design had a more modern appeal and also signaled wealth. In the Hempts’ case, status and wealth may have been a driving factor for choosing this style, but the family also owned a couple quarries, so they had easy access to materials.
You can not move these giant boulders by hand. But over time, they begin to shift on their own, thanks to water freezing and thawing beneath the ball, uneven weight distribution, and/or otherworldly shenanigans.
The 5,200 pound Merchant Ball in Marion, OH, is perhaps the most famous example of this phenomenon. In his post Mysterious Moving Monuments, Matthew Gryczan cites additional cases throughout Ohio, Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, and South Dakota.
Now Pennsylvania joins the list.
Kindred Spirits
I feel a special connection to Grace.
She graduated from Shippensburg State College (now Shippensburg University) in 1908, just 30 some miles from where I graduated.
In 1937, Grace became an elected member of the Dauphin County Historical Society, which was announced in an article about Grace and other locals attending a talk on old family burial grounds. What are the odds?
In 1941, the Harrisburg Sunday Courier reported that Grace was in charge of entertainment for a church Halloween party. I too have been known to throw a mean masquerade.
The following year, Grace tricked some neighborhood kids into playing it safe.
When Miss Hempt began construction of four houses in Chestnut street this summer, the construction work provided the setting for many a game among the neighborhood boys. Miss Hempt called the boys together and suggested it might be a better game if they would “play police” around the construction work and “guard” the houses. The idea worked and the houses were built without the workmen worrying about children getting hurt.
Harrisburg Telegraph
September 8, 1942
When all four houses were nearly finished, Grace hosted a weiner roast to thank the kids for their service—I like to think I’d do the same!
And in the 1950s, Grace served on the Building Committee for Trinity Lutheran Church’s new sanctuary, located at 2000 Chestnut Street. Every day for four years, we got to enjoy Trinity’s church bells chime at noon and 6 p.m. on the dot.
Explore Camp Hill, Grace’s old neighborhood
If you find yourself in Grace’s old stomping/building grounds anytime soon, here are some recommendations.
Cedar’s Lebanese Cuisine
2153 Market Street
Everything is delicious! Especially the shish tawook, lubia bi zeit, and filo pastries. BYOB.
Cornerstone Coffeehouse
2133 Market Street
Fun seasonal espresso drinks, “healthy breakfast cookies,” good sammies, and local art.
The Watershed Pub
2129 Market Street
The first pub in Camp Hill since prohibition, opened in 2020. You can’t go wrong with the spicy chicken sandwich.
Chef de Crêpe
2017 Market Street
We like to split one savory and one sweet.
Roberto’s Pizza
2000 Market Street
Classic no frills sub and pizza joint. Cherry Coke on tap.
DaisyAge Vintage
2136 Market Street
Recreate Grace’s flair at this dreamy boutique.
One Good Woman
1801 Market Street, Suite 206
Trinkets, tea, and coffee beans galore.
Camp Hill Cemetery
St. John’s Cemetery is a 10 minute drive from downtown Camp Hill. But if you need a quick walk after a plate of crepes, Camp Hill Cemetery is just a few blocks away. Here you’ll find a lovely portrayal of the archetypal granite orb.
Located behind Camp Hill Presbyterian Church and Camp Hill Fire Department; narrow driveway access at 21st, 22nd, and 23rd Streets
You are encouraging me to research my own home! I know about the immediate past owners but not the original owners 100 years ago. I think it is fair to assume they have passed. Not sure if I will find their gravestones but who knows! Glad you found hers!
What an engrossing read! History, geography, design, travel tips, and personal insight. Well done!