Dorchester Illustration 2592 Historic Grave Markers Restored
Historic Grave Markers Restored
The darkened angel in this photograph is now gleaming white as she reaches toward the Neponset River near the Southeast corner of Cedar Grove Cemetery {CGC}. Moss, mold and lichen grow on older headstones causing deterioration and rendering inscriptions illegible, but a biological cleaner, water and a soft brush remove this growth while, with time, rain and sunshine whiten the stones. The left headstone in the photograph had been completely cleaned while the center monument was in process and the headstone on the right was still covered with growth. Most stones in this lot have now been cleaned.
“My Husband” is carved in the top triangle of the monument, and the following written below: “Walter R. Meins/died April 13, 1876/Aged 57 years. Jane Cooper/His beloved wife/1828-1902. Alice Cooper/ Devoted sister/1830-1904.” Also buried in the Meins lot are Attorney George E. Curry and Clara Neal Curry who resided at 51 Port Norfolk Street and Hannah Emery Neal, Charles E. Neal and James Neal of 49 Port Norfolk Street. James Neal was a manager at the Putnam Nail Factory on Ericsson Street in Port Norfolk.
Overlooking the Neponset River, CGC is a garden cemetery with winding paths, towering trees, hills, rock outcroppings, a reflection pool, waterfalls, greenhouses and picturesque chapel and office buildings. It is the only cemetery in the United States with a trolley running through it, according to Ripley’s Believe It or Not. Celebrated Dorchester architect Luther Briggs designed CGC in the late nineteenth century; he also designed the layout of one of the first planned suburb communities known as Port Norfolk and was the architect for many impressive homes in Port Norfolk and on Carruth’s Hill, Pope’s Hill and Ashmont Hill.