A simplified Doric temple, on its way from the correct classicism of the nineteenth century to the more austere simplicity of the twentieth. As with many other mausoleums, this one has lost its bronze door, and the gap has been filled with concrete.
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Steel Mausoleum, Homewood Cemetery
A classically austere cube with some decorative trim, fine bronze doors, and a subtle shallow arch over the family name. The stained glass in the back is attractive.
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McKeown Mausoleum, Calvary Cemetery
A Romanesque cube with an unusual apse in the back. The decorations in relief are particularly fine. The effect would have been better with bronze doors, but bronze doors tend to go missing, and their place has been taken by concrete.
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Louis A. Behr Mausoleum, West View Cemetery
Art Deco details make a composition that is at once simple and rich. Note how the bronze doors echo the vertical lines of the stone.
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Michael F. Maloney Mausoleum, Calvary Cemetery
Domed mausoleums are relatively rare in Pittsburgh. Here is one that Thomas Jefferson might have approved of—but the cross, which would not have been found in a Protestant mausoleum in this style, lets us know that Mr. Maloney was a good Catholic. If that was not enough of a clue, we have the artificial flowers.
Addendum: It seems this mausoleum was designed by the famous ecclesiastical architect John T. Comès.1
- Source: The Construction Record, December 9, 1911: “Architect J. T. Comes, 1005 Fifth avenue, is taking bids on erecting a one-story limestone mausoleum in Calvary cemetery for M. F. Maloney, to cost $15,000.” ↩︎
