The cemetery in its current location certainly dates from the time of founding of the ghetto, which is demonstrated by the fact that there exist 300 year-old monuments here. There are also perhaps even older monuments among them, though, whose inscriptions are indecipherable. Many of the monuments are real works of art.
During the earliest periods of settlement of Jews, the cemetery was probably below Hradčany: remains have been found during the construction of a highway. In 1912 a fundamental restoration of the cemetery and also of the ancient monuments was carried out. At the same time a hut for watchmen was built, which ensured the survival of the cemetery for all time. That the hut was built was due in large part to the sons of Mr. Beck of Chicago.
Concerning the restoration of the cemetery and the construction of the hut, we read in the record book of the Volyně Jewish Community the following:
Bearing in mind the mistake of our (...?) , with which we are reproached from many sides, we
have tried to repair it as far as is possible. It was first necessary to repair and raise
deteriorated and partially fallen monuments and to stand them up and straighten them. In this
matter we also sought to gain a footpath between the graves, that visitors might not be
forced to step upon the graves, which would offend our sensibilities.
"In order that an uncaring hand not damage the repairs carried out, it was necessary to build
a hut for a watchman.
"Wherefore the resources of our little community did not suffice for these costs, we took
recourse to those who showed interest in the proper condition of the local cemetery, that is
the relatives in Volyne of those interred and resting there. The bereaved truly responded to
us with the greatest willingness, for which we hereby express our gratitude to them. In
particular the gentlemen born in Volyne and now resident in America, that is Mr. Filíp Beck
and his sons in Chicago. It is due greatly to them that our efforts bore fruit. Let their
names be recorded for all time. We turn to God Almighty begging: 'Reward all those well-doers
in the measure in which they contributed to us.'
"The cemetery was repaired and the hut constructed in 1912 under the supervision of these
gentlemen: Vílem Lewitoch, David Fantl, Vílem Lederer, Ludvík Weil. The work was due in great
part to Mořic Šimko, Rabbi of Volyně, who not only saw to the acquisition of the necessary
money, but also took interest in the construction of the hut in an exemplary manner and
established the record book, which is the work of his own hands.