Since February, I have become a regular visitor to Laurel Hill Cemetery in the East Falls section of Philadelphia. I had never been there before, which is amazing given my lifelong fascination with historic cemeteries.
Laurel Hill is indeed historic, so much so that it was the first cemetery to be designated as a U.S. national historic landmark. Among the famed “residents” are an early Pennsylvania governor and Declaration of Independence signer (Thomas McKean), a Civil War hero (General George Meade, who led the Union victory at Gettysburg) and a beloved Philadelphia sportscaster (Harry Kalas). That’s just to name three. There are industrialists, opera singers, doctors, artists, a victim of the Titanic and thousands more people, all resting in a scenic park cemetery above the Schuylkill River.
I am working on becoming a volunteer tourguide at Laurel Hill. More on that project in future entries.
What you are seeing in this photo is a section of the William Warner tomb, which is more than likely the most photographed monument in all of Laurel Hill. This sculpture was created by Alexander Milne Calder, who is most famous for his work on Philadelphia’s City Hall, including the iconic statue of William Penn that graces the top of that municipal complex, which was once the tallest building in the world.
I remember seeing this. Unfortunatley it was one of the pics on the chip that were ruined.
Tim, that is a shame about your pictures (though it does give you a reason to come back!). I can see myself posting a number of Laurel Hill photos on this blog.
I love Laurel Hill. So much history and when you get to talk to the folks who devote their lives to the cemetery you get amazing stories of the people buried there.
Jenn, thanks for your comment. I love Laurel Hill as well. I’m in training to become a volunteer tour guide there. The stories of the “residents” at Laurel Hill are indeed amazing.