Classic hearse show supports historic Laurel Hill Cemetery
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A skeleton embellishes the hood ornament of a Cadillac hearse at the ninth annual Hearse and Professional Vehicle Show at Laurel Hill Cemetery. (Brad Larrison for NewsWorks)
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The ninth annual Hearse and Professional Vehicle Show returned to Laurel Hill Cemetery Saturday showcasing classic hearses, limousines and ambulances. (Brad Larrison for NewsWorks)
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A skeleton sits behind the wheel of a 1977 Cadillac Superior hearse. (Brad Larrison for NewsWorks)
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The ninth annual Hearse and Professional Vehicle Show returned to Laurel Hill Cemetery Saturday showcasing classic hearses, limousines and ambulances. (Brad Larrison for NewsWorks)
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A model of a human spinal cord is used to prop the hood of a 1947 Pontiac Superior hearse. (Brad Larrison For NewsWorks)
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A zombie decorates the engine of a 1977 Cadillac Superior hearse. (Brad Larrison for NewsWorks)
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A Cadillac hearse converted into a ''Zombie Response Vehicle,'' draws a crowd at the ninth annual Hearse and Professional Vehicle Show Saturday at Laurel Hill Cemetery. (Brad Larrison for NewsWorks)
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A zombie-themed decal adorns the window of a Cadillac hearse. (Brad Larrison for NewsWorks)
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The ninth annual Hearse and Professional Vehicle Show returned to Laurel Hill Cemetery Saturday showcasing classic hearses, limousines and ambulances. (Brad Larrison for NewsWorks)
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The interior of a 1984 Cadillac Sovereign is displayed at the ninth annual Hearse and Professional Vehicle Show. (Brad Larrison for NewsWorks)
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Visitors inspect he interior of a 1963 S & S Cadillac Park Row combination car that doubled as an ambulance and a hearse. (Brad Larrison for NewsWorks)
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Visitors inspect he interior of a 1963 S & S Cadillac Park Row combination car that doubled as an ambulance and a hearse. (Brad Larrison for NewsWorks)
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Visitors check out a 1963 S & S Cadillac Park Row combination car that doubled as an ambulance and a hearse. (Brad Larrison for NewsWorks)
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The ninth annual Hearse and Professional Vehicle Show returned to Laurel Hill Cemetery Saturday showcasing classic hearses, limousines and ambulances. (Brad Larrison for NewsWorks)
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A grim reaper painting is seen on the cover of a modified Cadillac hearse with the rear section of the roof removed and converted into a truck bed. (Brad Larrison for NewsWorks)
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The ninth annual Hearse and Professional Vehicle Show returned to Laurel Hill Cemetery Saturday showcasing classic hearses, limousines and ambulances. (Brad Larrison for NewsWorks)
The ninth annual Hearse and Professional Vehicle Show returned to Laurel Hill Cemetery in East Falls Saturday, featuring more than 30 classic hearses, ambulances and limousines.
Vehicles dating from the 1940s to the 1990s lined the paths of Laurel Hill Cemetery, showing off custom paint jobs and decorations inspired by horror films.
“It’s a promotional charity event for Laurel Hill, and we just try to bring as many professional cars together as we can,” said co-organizer Neil Klein of Allentown.
Klein pointed to a 1963 Sayers and Scovill Cadillac Park Row combination car owned by Mike Barruzza of Bristol, Pennsylvania. “It was an ambulance by day, but then he has panels that you can put on and make it a hearse,” he said.
“Today there’s [hearses from] Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey and Delaware,” said co-organizer Shawn Koenig of the Mohnton Professional Car Club. Koenig bought his first hearse 15 years ago. “Currently I own three hearses, the combination, flower car, and an ambulance,” said Koenig.
Throughout the afternoon, a steady stream of enthusiasts and curious visitors made their way to the cemetery to check out the hearses and chat with their owners. Later on, punk bands “The Undead” and “Night Gallery” were scheduled to perform at the entrance of the cemetery.
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