USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Cambridge > History of the cemetery of Mount Auburn. > Part 3
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HISTORY OF
and the facade to the Tremont Theatre,* in Bos- ton, the Unitarian Church in Plymouth, with some other classical structures, are monuments of his genius and the nice discernment which he possessed of fitness in art.
The public spirit of Mr. Brimmer has, on various occasions, been conspicuously manifested in provisions for the general good. When the tract of land, now known as Mount Auburn, was, many years since, offered at auction sale, it was purchased by Mr. Brimmer, and held by him for some years, not for his private use or gratification, but merely to preserve that beautiful woodland from destruction until some appropriate use should be found for it. When the plan of an ornamen- tal cemetery was first suggested, he liberally conveyed the estate for that purpose, at some personal sacrifice, and co-operated with activity in perfecting a place which is now the acknowl- edged pride of our metropolis.
To the Boston Athenaeum Mr. Brimmer has been, for many years, an efficient and active friend. The splendid collection of works on the fine arts, possessed by that institution, was, in a
* Afterwards burnt and differently rebuilt.
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great measure, formed under his advice and assistance. A few months before his death he sent out from Europe, as a donation to that library, a large number of costly and elegant works, selected by himself during his travels on the Continent, and previously wanting on the shelves of the institution.
In the society in which he moved, Mr. Brim- mer will long be recollected for the friendly spirit, and cheerful equanimity, which spoke in his coun- tenance and animated his conversation. An un- constrained and playful vivacity increased the interest of his discourse, which was at all times rational, cultivated and intellectual. An extensive observer of men and manners, he contributed to the entertainment of his friends from the funds of a polished mind, stored by travel and experience. And although free and independent in the ex- pression of his opinions, and uncompromising in his estimate of integrity and truth, yet the courteousness of his manner, and sincerity of his heart, drew around him many friends, who sought and enjoyed his society, as they now cherish his memory."
December 22d, 1838. The Trustees voted that it is inexpedient to make gratuitous appropriations
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of land for the erection of monuments to distin- guish individuals. Previously to this vote land had, in several instances, been granted for such purposes.
At the proprietor's meeting, Feb. 4th, 1839, it was voted to increase the number of Trustees to ten, and the name of Samuel T. Armstrong was added to those of the previous Board. This arrangement continued till 1841, when the num- ber of Trustees was again reduced to nine. In 1856 it was increased to twelve, which number still continues.
In 1842, Mr. George Bond died. He had been an active promoter of the enterprise from the ear- liest stage of its announcement, - even before Sweet Auburn was thought of as its location. He had also served the Corporation as Treasurer, without compensation, for eleven years. On this occasion it was voted by the Trustees, " That the President be requested to communicate to the family of the late George Bond, Esq., the assur- ance of the sincere sympathy of the Trustees in their recent bereavement, and to express their grateful acknowledgment, on behalf of the pro- prietors of the Cemetery, of the faithful and valu- able services of their friend and associate, as one
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of the Founders and Trustees of the Cemetery, and as Treasurer of the Corporation since its establishment." Mr. George W. Bond was soon after chosen to succeed his father in the office of Treasurer.
July 15th, 1843. The Trustees voted that all sums received from grants or bequests, for the purpose of keeping lots in repair, shall form one fund, to be called the " Fund for Repairs." This vote, after receiving various modifications, in sub- sequent years, has been gradually matured into what is called the " Repair Fund " in the printed code of By-Laws.
At the same meeting a Committee was ordered to employ an engineer to ascertain the practicabil- ity of bringing water from Fresh Pond to Mount Auburn. As the result of this inquiry, it was ascertained, by levels and surveys taken by Mr. Alexander Wadsworth, that the surface of Fresh Pond is several feet lower than the surface of the water in most of the ponds in Mount Auburn.
September 16th, 1843. A Committee of five - Messrs. Story, Bigelow, M. Brimmer, Crockett, and Curtis - were ordered to report on " the vari- ous improvements which it may be deemed expe- dient to make upon the grounds of the Cemetery."
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This appointment gave rise to an elaborate report from the Committee, through their Chairman, Judge Story, which was presented and accepted at the following meeting, Sept. 29th. It is worthy to be inserted entire, as it marks a period in which it was found that a judicious expenditure of the surplus current income of the Corporation, in per- manent improvement, had the effect to increase the number, and thereby promote the interest, of the proprietors.
REPORT.
" The Committee to whom was referred the re- port of a Committee on the subject of introducing fresh water into the grounds of Mount Auburn, with directions to take into consideration the various improvements which it may be deemed expedient to make there, have had the same under their consideration, and respectfully report. That by the act of incorporation of the Proprietors of the Cemetery of Mount Auburn, the moneys which shall arise from the sale of the lots, and belong to the Corporation, are required to be forever devoted and applied to the preservation, improvement, embellishment, and enlargement of the said Cemetry and the incidental expenses
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thereof: - that hitherto these purposes have been faithfully adhered to, the grounds have been laid out, and paths and avenues have been es- tablished, a house with suitable appendages built, a temporary gateway erected, and a suitable temporary fence inclosing the grounds. During the present year a permanent granite gateway has been substituted for the former wooden one. After deducting all the expenses hitherto incurred, including the expense of the granite gateway, there will remain at the end of the present year in the treasury, according to the statement made to the Committee by the treasurer, the sum of about twenty-six thousand dollars applicable to the general objects contemplated in the act of in- corporation.
It is well known, that among these objects there are some which have always from the be- ginning of the Cemetery been deemed of primary importance, and to which the funds of the Cor- poration were designed to be applied as soon as any adequate surplus should exist. Indeed these objects were held out to the original subscribers as the main inducements for their patronage and encouragement of the enterprise, and without them little or no success could have been hoped
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for. The Committee, therefore, deem it their sacred duty to recommend that these objects should be put in a train to secure their entire accomplishment as early as the funds of the Cor- poration shall enable the Trustees to do so. The Committee beg leave to state that the objects to which they have alluded, are, 1. The erection of a permanent stone or iron fence upon the front grounds of the Cemetery, and a hedge fence on the remaining three sides thereof, for their due protection and security. 2. The draining of the low grounds, and the introduction of pure water which should run into the grounds and through the ponds within the same, into Charles River. 3. The erection of a suitable granite chapel where the religious services for the dead may be suitably performed, and which also in the interior sides may become the repository of marble busts and statues and other sepulchral monuments, which may from time to time be placed there by liberal benefactors and friends in memory of the dead, and which would not bear the exposure of the open air in our climate. 4. The erection of a granite tower or observatory on the summit of Mount Auburn, from which the entire grounds of the Cemetery, and the whole range of the
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adjacent country may be distinctly seen, - these objects, in the opinion of the Committee, may all be attained within a few years by devoting the present funds of the Corporation to them, and such additional funds as from past experience the Committee are justified in believing, will unquestionably come into the treasury within the same period of years. Which of these objects have a priority, or whether all of them should be simultaneously undertaken and a proportion of the present funds applied pro rata to each, is a matter for the ultimate decision of the Trustees ; and it is not improbable that for some of these objects, private subscriptions may be obtained from munificent individuals in aid of such funds as the Trustees may devote to the purpose.
The Committee ask leave to suggest some con- siderations for the deliberation of the Trustees, which have occurred to them, and which may confirm some of the statements already suggested.
1. As to a permanent fence. It is believed by the Committee that a permanent iron fence, with a suitable granite foundation, can be erected of a suitable height, on the whole length of the Cemetery fronting on the Cambridge and Water- town public highway, for an expense not exceed-
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ing $17,000. The other three sides of the Ceme- tery the Committee propose should be inclosed by a hedge of buckthorn or some other shrub thickly planted within and near the present wooden fence.
This would, in a few years, with suitable care, constitute a substantial and beautiful inclosure, and might be done at an expense not exceeding $1000.
2. As to draining the grounds and obtain- ing a supply of pure water, the various ponds may be made to communicate with each other, and the stagnant water be drawn off from the same by suitable ditches, so as ultimately to pass through the low ground into Charles River. The ponds can then be excavated, and the mate- rial obtained therefrom be applied to fertilize the ground on the borders of the Cemetery, and good gravel bottoms be substituted in the ponds, or if deemed necessary, or expedient, the ponds can be partially filled up or narrowed in their area. The Committee estimate the expense of accomplishing this part of the plan at not exceeding $3000.
In respect to the conveying of pure water into the grounds, the Committee are aware of some difficulty. The most probable source of supply is from Fresh Pond, by means of an apparatus
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to raise the water above the level of the pond in the Cemetery, and then to conduct it through the intermediate lands into the Cemetery and thence to Charles River. To accomplish this object some legislative action will probably be necessary, as well as the consent of the proprie- tors through whose land the water must pass. A survey of the Pond and of those lands has been already made, and an estimate of the probable expense will be found in the report of the former Committee, which has been recommitted to this Committee, and to which reference is to be had for a more full undertaking of the project and other incidental matters.
3. The erection of a chapel. The Committee deem this a very desirable object. The chapel ought, in their opinion, to be built in a chaste style and taste, and of the most durable mate- rials, and upon a plan which will admit of great additions and enlargements at a future period without injury to the symmetry and pro- portions of the original building, when the relig- ious services and the erection of monuments therein shall require such additions and enlarge- ments. If the chapel should now be erected of a suitable height of ashlar granite, it may be lighted
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by a dome, or lantern, or skylight on the top, and the four sides be reserved for busts, and statues, and monuments. The accommodations for the religious services may be by a moveable pulpit and moveable seats to be placed in such positions as the occasion may require. The chapel, when built, may, if it is thought best to constitute the nave or part of the nave of a future church which shall become with its future transepts a Latin or Greek cross. As has been already suggested, private subscriptions may probably be obtained to aid in the acccomplishment of this object. Proba- bly the whole expense of such a chapel for the present purposes of a Cemetery would not exceed $5000.
4. The erection of a tower or observatory. It is believed by the Committee that this may be accomplished at a very moderate expense, and yet be built of the most permanent materials ; and it will be a great convenience, and an orna- ment to the grounds. A round tower of ashlar granite may be built fifty feet high, and of a proper diameter suitable for an easy ascent and descent, at an expense not exceeding $7000.
The Committee are also of opinion, that it is unnecessary to reserve out of the present funds
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of the Corporation a sum exceeding $3000, to meet any incidental expenditures of the Cemetery, before new funds will accrue; and it is but a just compliance with the known intention of the proprietors to appropriate the residue to one or more or all the objects already indicated.
The Committee beg leave to add, that in making the appropriations of the funds of the Corporation for the purposes aforesaid, they have not lost sight of their duty to reserve out of the fund which may arise from the sales of the lots, a sum sufficient to ensure in perpetuity the improvement, preservation, and ornament of the Cemetery, and the payment of the incidental expenses thereof. They are aware that the number of lots which will remain on hand, will be every year diminishing, and therefore that it will be necessary to make suitable provision to meet the time when they can no longer expect to realize any new funds. That time, however, must be distant, and the lots now on hand are more than sufficient to meet all the future ex- penditures which may be required for any of the purposes to which they have been referred.
All which is respectfully submitted by the Committee.
JOSEPH STORY, Chairman."
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The foregoing report being accepted, the Trus- tees voted to proceed at once to the erection " of an iron fence on the whole front of the Cemetery, of similar construction and character with the portion of fence now erected, (viz., the curved part next the gate) varying in such particulars as the Com- mittee may see fit, provided the same can be done at an expense not exceeding $15,000, and to be completed in three years from the time of the con- tract."
THE IRON FENCE.
The curved iron fence which forms a part of the design of the gateway extending from the lodges to the obelisks, and also the whole straight fence which encloses the north and east sides, are essen- tially Egyptian in their character. The constitu- ent parts are selected from among the emblems and trophies, which are sculptured on various structures extant on the banks of the Nile. The pales of the curved fence are ten feet high, and two inches in diameter. Those of the residue of the front fence are somewhat lighter, being about nine feet high, and one inch and seven eighths in diameter. The whole is supported on short posts of granite once
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in ten feet, the tops of which rise a foot and a half above the ground, while the bases extend four feet under ground, and are three feet in their trans- verse diameter at bottom. They have thus a strong foothold independent of the earth about them, and would continue to stand if this earth were removed.
The trellis bars which support the pales are mor- tised into the stone posts and confined by a cement of melted sulphur. During the last year it was found that the ends of the iron bars were much corroded by the action of the acid formed from the sulphur and atmospheric oxygen. To arrest this destructive process, the mortise holes have been filled with Portland cement, by which it is ex- pected to neutralize the excess of acid, and protect the iron and remaining sulphureous cement from further contact with the atmosphere. The fence was painted in 1845 and 1851, and not again till 1859.
The contract for building the front fence, about 2470 feet in length, was made, in 1844, with Messrs. Adams & Whittredge, and Cummings & Co. for the iron work, and O. T. Rogers for the stone posts, for the aggregate sum of $12,400, of which the iron cost $9800, and the stone posts,
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$2600. A few lengths of return fence on the south side were not included in this contract.
A contract was made, January 5, 1849, with Messrs. Bryant & Blaisdell, to erect a palisade or wooden fence on the eastern, southern, and western sides of the Cemetery, for $1.48 per foot. In con- sequence of an application from William P. Win- chester, Esq., who offered to contribute $500 to- ward the expense, the wooden fence was stopped on the east side, or Coolidge Avenue, and an iron fence contracted for in its place. The contract was made Oct. 18th, 1849, with Messrs. C. W. Cummings and G. W. Smith, to build this iron fence for $10,300, the length being 1,624 feet.
The wooden palisade was carried round the south and west sides. In the following winter several rods of the pales which had been set in a bog at the south-west corner, fell down. They were after- wards replaced at a considerable expense by reset- ting them on sleepers sunk and secured in the mud.
1845. This year the country experienced an unusual loss in the death of Judge Story. Among the objects of attention which filled up the measure of his indefatigable life, Mount Auburn had always held a place. He was chairman of the first large meeting called by the Horticultural Society, and
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was afterwards President of the corporation of pro- prietors for eleven years. He made frequent visits to the grounds of the Cemetery, and took great de- light in witnessing and promoting their improve- ment. When not absent from the State, he was punctual in his attendance on the meetings of the Trustees, which were often arranged to meet his convenience.
At a meeting of the Trustees, Sept. 12th, 1845, the following resolutions were offered by Dr. Bige- low, and unanimously adopted :-
" The Trustees of Mount Auburn Cemetery, deeply affected by the event which has taken from them their presiding head, and from society one of its most beloved and distinguished ornaments, are anxious that some suitable memorial should be placed in remembrance of his worth, upon a spot which was loved and frequented by him in life, and to the improvement of which he devoted much of his time and ardent interest.
Therefore voted, that the Trustees offer to the friends and fellow citizens of the deceased a place in the new Chapel now in the progress of erection at Mount Auburn, for the erection of a marble statue of Joseph Story, when such a work worthy of the character of the original shall have been completed through the contributions of the public."
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It was also voted that a Committee of three be appointed to take order as to the statue of Judge Story. Messrs. Bigelow, M. Brimmer, and C. P. Curtis were appointed to constitute said Committee. A further account will be found under the head of "Statues," page 68.
At a meeting of the Trustees, January 31st, 1848, the following vote was passed: - " Whereas the Trustees of the subscribers to the statue of the late Dr. Bowditch have paid the customary price for the land on which the statue now stands, therefore, voted, that all the land included within the exterior side of the fence around said statue be, and the same is hereby appropriated and dedi- cated forever to the use and purpose of sustaining and protecting the said statue."
This statue had been erected under difficulties from the proceeds of a subscription raised soon after the death of Dr. Bowditch, in 1838. The Committee having charge of the work had con- tracted with Mr. Ball Hughes for a bronze statue to be delivered within a certain time. Mr. Hughes completed the model, but failed to produce the bronze casting. The Committee, after waiting a number of years and repeatedly extending the time of the contract, at length broke off their
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negotiation with Mr. Hughes, and declared the contract void. Mr. Hughes, however, persevered. and with the assistance of a benevolent friend, at length completed an imperfect casting, which the subscribers thought proper to accept. Of its present condition, an opinion may be formed from the following vote of the Trustees, May 10th, 1853 :- " Voted, that a Committee of one be appointed to cause the statue of Dr. Bowditch to be repaired by stopping the holes and painting the whole of a bronze color." It is to be hoped that this memorial to the memory of a distinguished philosopher and citizen, of which the design is better than the execution, may be restored, as it can only be, by a new casting to be sought from those who venerate his memory.
The drainage of the wet and sunken parts of the land has from time to time occupied the attention of the Trustees. A tract of wet land called Wyeth's Meadow, situated on the north side of the Watertown road, is now drained by a culvert which passes. under the road into the grounds of Mount Auburn. The water, which was formerly above the surface, now flows through a large stone drain along the easterly side of the lawn, cross- ing Central Avenue, and thence coinciding with
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Culvert Avenue along the northerly side of Indian Ridge, till it crosses it at a point opposite the bridge which has been built over Auburn Lake. The cut which has here been made through Indian Ridge is intended to constitute a subterranean passage, both sides of which will be occupied with columbaria, or, as they are here called, catacombs, to be built for sale by the Corporation.
Another stone drain, built in 1843, leads from Forest Pond into Auburn Lake. It passes under the bend of Willow Avenue, and discharges its water in a stream or fall for two thirds of the year under a marble shell into the last mentioned lake.
THE CHAPEL.
From the time of the foundation of Mount Au- burn, a design was entertained and often expressed, to erect, as soon as the funds of the Corporation should permit it, a chapel or temple which might serve as a place for funeral solemnities when de- sired, and as a depository for appropriate monu- mental works of art. In pursuance of this design, after various preliminary discussions, the Trustees at their meeting, October 15th, 1844, voted to proceed to the erection of such an edifice. It was
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voted that it be made " of fine hammered Quincy granite, and that the Building Committee consist of Jacob Bigelow, Charles P. Curtis, and James Read, with power to sign the contracts on behalf of this Corporation, for erecting the chapel at an ex- pense not exceeding twenty-five thousand dollars." As the funds were not at that time adequate to the expense of a structure like that contemplated, it was voted to solicit a subscription from among the proprietors, with a view to supply the deficient amount. Judge Story, Dr. Bigelow, and Martin Brimmer, Esq., were appointed a Committee for this purpose. This Committee made application to various public spirited individuals, and obtained from them a contribution amounting to nearly $7000. Among these, Samuel Appleton and Dr. G. C. Shattuck gave $1000 each, and liberal do- nations were received from various other persons.
In selecting a design for the Chapel, the Trus- tees applied to a number of the principal architects of the city, and received from them half a dozen different plans. These were affixed to the wall of a room, having the names of the authors concealed. Another supernumerary plan by Dr. Bigelow, was inserted among the rest. The Trustees, as yet ig- norant of the names, proceeded to designate their
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preference by marking. All the Trustees, except one, gave their marks for the supernumerary plan, and the only dissentient, Mr. M. Brimmer, after- wards changed his vote, making the decision unani- mous.
The Building Committee issued their specifica- tions, and received proposals from various granite workers in Boston and Quincy. The lowest pro- posal was that of Messrs. O. T. Rogers and Rich- ards & Munn, who offered to furnish and put up the stone work of the building, conformably to the
specification, for $19,623. The Committee ac- cepted this proposal, relying on the established character of the contractors, and the fact that Mr. Rogers had served them satisfactorily in the erec- tion of the stone gateway. Subsequently, however, the contractors, finding, probably, that they had under-estimated the expense, endeavored to protect themselves from loss, by underletting certain por- tions of the work to less responsible parties. The consequence was, that many imperfect, defective, and blemished stones were inserted in the work, so that when the walls were erected, and before the roof was made, the Committee refused to pay any further instalments, or to accept the building, if finished in its then existing state. The contractors,
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