Explore Victorian-era monuments at Bonaventure Cemetery
This is the time of year when we reflect on what we are thankful for as we plan for the new year ahead. We here at the Bonaventure Historical Society are thankful for the opportunity to tell folks about the history of Bonaventure Cemetery.
Way back in 1846, Peter Wiltberger bought the property and incorporated a portion of it as the Evergreen Cemetery Company of Bonaventure Plantation. The following year, 1847, Evergreen Cemetery became the third public cemetery established in Savannah, after Colonial Park and Laurel Grove. The city of Savannah acquired Evergreen Cemetery and renamed it Bonaventure Cemetery in 1907.
Bonaventure Cemetery is often referred to as a prime example of a Victorian Era cemetery. What does that actually mean, besides that Queen Victoria (1837-1901) was alive at the time?
During this time in both England and the United States populations and therefore, deaths began to increase. The traditional church graveyards were becoming full and new, more rural and spacious cemeteries were established further away from population centers. The spacious and garden like settings reflected the changing attitudes towards death. These cemeteries provided families a peaceful, welcoming place to visit and honor their dead. And honor they did, with elaborate viewings, funerals and mourning practices.
The monuments or markers often had ornate and artistic symbols carved to represent the decedents life and regular visits became the norm, with flowers delivered on special occasions and the expectation family lots were to be kept in good condition.
There are many examples of these monuments throughout Bonaventure. The ones here are listed with the lot reference number, the letter is the section, followed by the lot number.
An early example is that of the Arnold lot. When Charles Arnold (E-45) died in 1856, his wife, Mary Ellen had an ornate marker, with both head and foot slabs made for him. Her marker by comparison is plain.
One of our most famous residents, Gracie Watson (E-99) has a broken tree stump, which represents a life cut short, as was Gracie’s. The ivy stands for eternal life and the flower buds represent innocence. Her monument was created by John Walz, arguably Savannah’s most well-known mortuary sculptor at the time.
It was not unusual for people during this time to run a string from the coffin and attach it to a bell to alert passersby that the interned was not in fact dead but merely sleeping. An example of this can be seen in the Mills lot (F-16) there is a bell on the left side of the monument.
All things Egyptian were popular during this time, as well, with the common use of the obelisk as a representation of eternal life in cemeteries. The use of Egyptian symbols is referred to as Egyptian revival style.
One of the best examples at Bonaventure Cemetery isn’t an obelisk but rather a pyramid. John Mongin, (H-99) died in 1833 and his mausoleum was moved to its present location around 1900.
We welcome you to explore the many Victorian Era monuments next time you visit Bonaventure Cemetery and feel free to share your pictures, comments and questions with us on our Facebook page, Bonaventure Historical Society, Inc. or our Instagram page, BonaventureHistoricalSociety.
Leslie Alwiel is a member of the Board of Director for the Bonaventure Historical Society and a long-time time taphophile. For more on Bonaventure Cemetery, Bonaventure Historical Society and its membership, go online to Bonaventurehistorical.org.