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Old cemeteries can be somewhat similar to abandoned places; I find these quiet and secluded areas dotted with moldy stones and musty tombs great to explore and photograph. Curious symbols such as anchors, tree trunks, acorns, and hand gestures have deep spiritual and sometimes cryptic meanings. Ornate crypts hearken back to Egypt's Valley of the Kings; in fact, many Egyptian-styled crypts can be found from the 1920s when the world turned their heads to the discoveries being made in Africa. Beautiful statues carved from the skilled hands of stone workers are relics of the past, as simple plaques become more popular due to constraints in cemetery space, budget, and maintenance. I hoped to capture a few of these unique places while traveling around, and I think they fit perfectly into ephemera on this site.
This particular cemetery is private - used, although very rarely. Sliding past thick brush and a tall fence leads us to a dead-end road, with a small family crypt on one side. A larger crypt can be seen up ahead through the fall foliage - it is the final resting place of a 19th century railroad tycoon and his family.
Constructed in 1885-1886, the mausoleum entrance was modeled after a church in France. The grounds surrounding the tomb were designed by Frederick Law Olmsted (most famous for his work in Central Park, and some abandoned places such as Buffalo State Hospital and the Tome School). In such a secluded spot, this small cemetery seemed perfect for some night photography...
The seclusion also opens up the opportunity for the crypt to be vandalized; even as far back as 1930, break-ins have been attempted at this tomb by thieves looking for the mother-load that was most likely stored inside. A motion sensor alarm on the thick steel doors keeps most visitors away these days.
In 1967, the hinges of the ornate front gate gave way and crushed a woman as she visited the tomb. I am unable to ascertain if she survived from the little documentation I've found. It has been replaced by simple yet solid metal doors.
One can reach the roof of the mausoleum by climbing up the hill side, offering a view of the sea. These acorn ornaments are deceptively large - I would guess around 18 feet high. The acorn symbolizes a greater life after death - "great oaks grow from little acorns." The ornaments most likely served as ventilation shafts and/or skylights before they were cemented in. The original grating on the roof and in the front doors can be seen in this historic photograph:
It was really a unique and intriguing spot to gaze at the stars and the sea... as long as someone doesn't set off the motion sensor!
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Even with a point&shoot; Canon, a 30sec. exposure is magic at night :)
It would have been neat to see inside this location, like Crypt of Barons.
Beautiful captures here, Motts (as always).
It's heartbreaking to see the vandalism on such sacred places. Why some people seem to get their jollies from desecrating places is a mystery to me. (I've seen some mausoleums with bullet holes in the doors and one looked as if someone tried to drive into it. Some people just have no sense of decency.)
I was wondering, since this particular cemetery is close to the sea, did you notice any damage caused by nature over the years?
Thanks for sharing these with us.
Rebellion not Art.
If they wanted to make art they could paint a canvas.
But vandalizing a holy place will only take you as far as hell can go.
I spent a good part of my day at a cemetary, nothing like this one.
I wish my friend could have been buried in a place like this.
Your amazing Motts, Ive always looked up to you.
Take me with you :)
I can't see how some have so little respect for the dead.
Still a very peaceful place and a well written article.
As always, thanks for sharing with us Motts.
Thanks!
Absolutely love your site, Motts, and I do love cemeteries, if you'd like to see some cemetery photos from various places, here's my site address:
http://magiclanternsho...rch/label/Cemeteries
The inside though was dissappointing. Just plain white marble.
No ornamentation nor carvings. No statues nor stained glass. In retrospect, I guess this is actually very practical --- after all, how often does one open the family crypt to the public?
Perhaps lawyers or judges with little/or no competition. Maye patent holders...who knows - maybe just folks who saved wisely (???)
I live in Ohio and I've seen the incredible wealth of the Carnegie's and Rockefeller's...their mansions still stand today on our Euclid Avenue; their massive monuments still tower in Lake View Cemetary.
Money can buy them status grave sites....their contributions will buy them a living tribute to the cause of man...but only God can judge them their souls.
I always get upset when seeing beautiful places like this destroyed by vandals (I hope our little group never comes across any in the act because we might have to physically stop them!) and that modifications (like the concreting of the "acorns") have to be done to protect the building.
In regards to the accident, the woman died a couple of hours after the gate fell on her. She was not a family member, just a visitor who wanted to visit this mausoleum. I have her name if you would like it.
As always, magnificent pictures Motts!!!