West Burying Ground, Lynnfield, Massachusetts
Amazingly I was not able to find very much information on "West Burying Ground," which is also apparently known as Main Street Cemetery. Other than a quick mention of a ceremony being held there on Memorial day, my internet searches didn't even produce a mention of what wars the veterans interred here may have fought in. I would speculate the battles could span from Revolutionary War, to War of 1812, and the Civil War with the 1813 date. But scanning through the details of the graves I'm finding many of the people laid to rest were born too close or late to likely have served in the Revolutionary War.
There are two burial sites in close proximity in Lynnfield, both of which date relatively far back in the area's short history of British/non-native settlers. I will spend time discussing Lynnfield's "Old Burying Ground," which is logically (wait for it,) older in another post for another day.
The willow tree on graves is stated to be part of the Greek Revival period, and most likely symbolized sadness to those who would have selected it. However an informative web page suggests that it may also symbolize happiness and immortality.
I have mixed feelings about the moss, as I realize it probably is not great for the headstones, however it is quite picturesque, especially here with the different colors and contrasts. And yes, that's the shadow of my arms taking a picture in the lower right. Just part of my artistic touch.
How cool is this boulder headstone at the base of this evergreen?
Pillars and Foundations was started a couple years ago as an exploration of my surrounding communities, the people, and different faiths. I visited around 50 churches over the course of the first year this blog was active, and wrote about each experience. My view of "Pillars & Foundations" was that the title was always about a community's bedrock, its history, and its current state. These beautiful monuments to the past are certainly fundamental to the character of town centers and neighborhoods across New England. Our current moment in history has provided me an opportunity to focus on these sites, be socially distant, and try to enjoy the moments as best as I can. Stay safe everyone!
Text and photographs by George Parks
Sources are embedded in links
Follow Pillars & Foundations on Twitter
Follow Pillars & Foundations on Pinterest
