Pittsburgh Cemeteries

Tag: Classical Architecture

  • Henry Monument, Chartiers Cemetery

    KONICA MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERA

    A typical family-plot arrangement of large monument and small headstones, but Father Pitt was struck by the harmonious design of the monument, which echoes the volutes of its Ionic columns in larger volutes on top. Three of the headstones also have matching volutes. Even the steps have carved volutes.

    Unfortunately, those matching headstones became impossible to get, so more recent Henrys have had to make do with standard granite blocks. That is one of the sacrifices we make for the convenience of mass-production monuments.

    John Henry died in 1902, and that is probably about the date of the monument.

  • Harris Monument, Calvary Cemetery

    A particularly tasteful statue of the Blessed Virgin was, when Father Pitt visited, pressed into service holding a twig wreath and a bouquet of artificial daisies. This unusual monument presides over a family plot of matching headstones. The earliest burial is “Our Geneva” (1883-1903), but from the style old Pa Pitt would guess that the monument is more likely to date from the death of her mother (1921) or father (1927).

  • Wilhelmina S. Nickel Mausoleum, Smithfield East End Cemetery

    KONICA MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERA

    A tasteful standard-model classical mausoleum, seen on an atmospherically misty morning. According to cemetery records, Wilhelmina S. Nickel was buried a few days after she died in 1928, so the mausoleum was probably put up for her while she was still alive.

  • Snyder Mausoleum, Allegheny Cemetery

    At first glance this mausoleum gives one the impression that it is nothing more than a big box of dead Snyders. But the tasteful details and fine proportions reward a longer look. It is plain with the plainness of elegance, not with the plainness of efficiency. Next to it stands the Porter angel.

  • Hamilton Monument, Homewood Cemetery

    The typical family plot in the Homewood Cemetery has one large family monument and individual headstones for each family member. Here is one of those plots where the family monument is rather grander than usual, making it a more suitable neighbor for the Fricks and Heinzes and so forth who rest nearby.