There are two distinct periods of Egyptian architecture in our cemeteries. The first, which has left few remains, came in the early and middle nineteenth century; the second, whose remains are abundant, was mostly in the early twentieth century. Here is a rare example of the earlier period, a mausoleum dating from about 1850. It is very different from the Hollywood-set Egyptian of the later period. Like most of the earliest mausoleums in the Allegheny Cemetery, it is dug into a hillside. The tapering pilasters and flanking obelisks mark the Egyptian character. Names and death dates of various Brewer family members are engraved on the bases of the obelisks.
One response to “Charles Brewer Mausoleum, Allegheny Cemetery”
Might you enjoy an interesting footnote about this one? 🙂 An August 1891 account (https://www.newspapers.com/image/?spot=4612371) in the Pittsburgh Dispatch newspaper explains that Charles Brewer dictated in his will that once a certain number of his family members were interred here, the key to the mausoleum be placed to lock the doors one final time – and then thrown into the Allegheny River, the vault never to be opened again. Additionally, in his lifetime, Mr. Brewer was an ardent abolitionist, and his house served as a stop on the Underground Railroad in Pittsburgh. Thought you might enjoy! Regards, Lisa Speranza, Allegheny Cemetery Historical Association Volunteer