3/31/15
On
today’s tour, we visited the Mt Hope Cemetery. Built long before the university
even existed, it has become integrated into the campus. It was built on the
highest ground around to stop the graves from flooding. Now, it simply exists
on the outskirts of the main campus, displaying names, both familiar and
unfamiliar, of people past.
The first
part of the cemetery we visited was a building right against the entrance. This
place houses many of the above ground graves. Inside, all of the walls were
lined with large stone panels, displaying the names of those who lay behind. Some
of the panels had multiple names displayed, some of those hadn’t died yet. This
practice shows the value some place on being buried next to their spouses or
family.
Outside,
gravestones stretch out, all varying in size, seemingly placed arbitrarily. However,
as we walked around, groupings seemed to emerge. The first group we walked
through were the Jewish graves. Here, stones were placed on the headstones of
graves, marking the visits of loved ones. We then walked through a few military
areas of various wars. Each grave in this area had the person’s military
involvement of the stone. Then, we were met with a large grassy area. This was
left as a potter’s field, for the deceased who were left unidentified.
More familiar names were seen on
the edge of the cemetery, facing Memorial Stadium. Those who were involved with
the school were placed in there to represent their commitment to the university,
even in death.
Some people’s
graves stick out more than others. Those who were richer had far more elaborate
graves. Many people had obelisks that rise high into the sky and some have markers
to claim a certain plot for their family.
Overall,
the cemetery is a direct representation of those who live and lived in the
surrounding area.
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