Pittsburgh Cemeteries

Tag: Sunstein (A. J.)

  • A. J. Sunstein Mausoleum, West View Cemetery

    A. J. Sunstein Mausoleum

    Considering that the Exodus is the central event in Israel’s sacred history, Egyptian Revival has always struck old Pa Pitt as an odd choice of styles for a Jewish cemetery. But with this particular mausoleum he can see the appeal. “You think you’re a god-king, Pharaoh? Well, how would you like to be a door handle for the rest of eternity? What do you think of that, Mr. Bricks-Without-Straw?”

    Bronze door handle with Pharaoh heads

  • A. J. Sunstein Mausoleum, West View Cemetery

    Another Egyptian mausoleum that hits all the expected marks, except that it is too small (or cheap) for lotus columns. This one, however, adds the delightful detail of pharaoh’s-head door pulls, which more than makes up for the missing columns.

    Little smiley characters like the one at upper left occasionally appear on mausoleum doors in Pittsburgh cemeteries. It’s a cheerful little mystery.