Week 8: 19th Century – E. 20th Century Architecture, Culture, Religion

Cambridge is a city where history and progress intertwine, and this is profoundly evident in its burial sites. The Old Burial Ground and Mt. Auburn Cemetery stand as testaments to evolving cultural and religious ideals from the colonial era through the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This essay explores the contrasts between these two cemeteries by examining specific memorials within each and identifies how Mt. Auburn Cemetery reflects the shifting sentiments of its time. Additionally, it draws parallels with the Cambridge Public Library, a civic building from the same period that embodies similar values.

The Old Burial Ground: A Testament to Puritan Simplicity

Established in 1635, the Old Burial Ground is one of Cambridge's earliest cemeteries, encapsulating the Puritanical values of the time. The headstones are modest, often made of slate or sandstone, with minimalistic designs and inscriptions. A notable memorial is that of Reverend Jonathan Mitchell, a prominent 17th-century Puritan minister. His headstone features simple iconography—a skull and crossbones—symbolizing mortality and the transient nature of life.

The austerity of Mitchell's memorial reflects the Puritan belief in humility before God and the rejection of earthly extravagance. The focus is on the spiritual journey rather than the physical existence, mirroring a community that valued piety and simplicity.

Mt. Auburn Cemetery: A Reflection of Romanticism and Individualism

In stark contrast, Mt. Auburn Cemetery, founded in 1831, embodies the Rural Cemetery Movement, which introduced landscaped burial grounds as places of both mourning and reflection. This movement was influenced by Romanticism, emphasizing nature, individualism, and emotion.

A significant memorial within Mt. Auburn is the Mary Baker Eddy monument. Eddy, the founder of Christian Science, is commemorated with a grand marble memorial adorned with intricate carvings and surrounded by lush gardens. The monument celebrates her contributions and individual achievements, a departure from the collective anonymity favored in earlier times.

The elaborate design and personalized nature of Eddy's memorial illustrate the late 19th and early 20th-century shift towards celebrating individual legacy and the belief in personal significance beyond death. It reflects a society increasingly interested in art, nature, and the commemoration of personal accomplishments.

Cultural and Religious Ideals Reflected in Mt. Auburn Cemetery

Mt. Auburn Cemetery's design and memorials speak to the era's embrace of Romanticism and transcendentalist thought. The cemetery serves not only as a resting place but also as a public park, promoting contemplation and communion with nature. This reflects a changing view of death—from a feared end to a peaceful passage intertwined with the natural world.

The cemetery's emphasis on individuality and elaborate monuments signifies a move towards recognizing personal achievements and the uniqueness of each life. This aligns with the broader societal shifts of the period, including industrialization and the rise of the middle class, which afforded more people the means to memorialize their lives prominently.

Cambridge Public Library: A Civic Reflection of Contemporary Values

Parallel to the values expressed in Mt. Auburn Cemetery is the Cambridge Public Library, built in 1888. Designed in the Richardsonian Romanesque style, the library features grand arches, intricate stonework, and spacious reading rooms. It symbolizes the period's reverence for knowledge, education, and community enrichment.

Like Mt. Auburn, the library represents a shift towards creating spaces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing, emphasizing public access to culture and learning. The investment in such a civic building reflects the same societal values that led to the development of landscaped cemeteries—an appreciation for art, architecture, and the betterment of society through shared spaces.

Conclusion

The contrast between the Old Burial Ground and Mt. Auburn Cemetery highlights a significant evolution in cultural and religious ideals from the 17th to the early 20th century. While the Old Burial Ground embodies Puritan simplicity and collective humility, Mt. Auburn reflects a society embracing individuality, natural beauty, and the celebration of personal legacy. The Mary Baker Eddy memorial exemplifies this shift, showcasing the era's artistic expression and changing attitudes towards death and remembrance.

The Cambridge Public Library further mirrors these values, representing the community's commitment to knowledge, beauty, and public welfare. Together, these sites illustrate how Cambridge's architectural and cultural landscapes evolved to reflect the ideals of their times, offering us profound insights into the historical psyche of the city and its people.