Cedar Hill Cemetery featuring the Grave of Antonio Gentile

Originally constructed as “Green Hill Cemetery,” this 32 acre expanse of hilly terrain and ancient cedar trees has many stories to reveal. In 1916, to help distinguish themselves from others, the Planters Nut & Chocolate Company ran a contest to create a trademark that would set them apart from the rest. Antonio Gentile (Tony), a fourteen-year old schoolboy and resident of Suffolk, Virginia drew the iconic Mr. Peanut® making it one of the most widely recognized advertising logos in the United States. An advertising agency artist later added Mr. Peanut’s® top hat, cane and monocle to give him a more sophisticated look. Antonio Gentile earned $5 for his winning, but most importantly became forever known as the boy who created Mr. Peanut®.