Definition Homewood Cemetery is a large, historic rural cemetery located in the Homewood and Point Breeze neighborhoods of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. It serves as a burial ground, a significant example of 19th-century landscape design, and a public green space.
Overview Founded in 1878 and officially opened for burials in 1879, Homewood Cemetery was established by a group of prominent Pittsburgh citizens during the height of the rural cemetery movement. Spanning approximately 200 acres (81 hectares), the cemetery was designed to be a park-like environment, featuring rolling topography, mature trees, meticulously landscaped gardens, and winding drives. It integrates elements of natural scenery with architecturally diverse funerary monuments, mausoleums, and chapels. Beyond its primary function as a burial site, Homewood Cemetery is recognized for its historical significance, serving as a repository for Pittsburgh's past, a public arboretum, and a tranquil natural retreat within the urban landscape.
Etymology/Origin The cemetery derives its name from the Homewood neighborhood of Pittsburgh, where a portion of its grounds is situated. This neighborhood itself was named after the Homewood estate, a large property developed by Judge William Wilkins in the early 19th century. The cemetery was incorporated on July 24, 1878, by a group of industrialists and philanthropists, including William A. Herron and Thomas Mellon. Their intent was to create a modern, aesthetically pleasing burial ground that reflected the era's appreciation for picturesque landscapes and provided an alternative to the more crowded churchyards within the burgeoning city. The initial landscape design was influenced by the principles of leading landscape architects of the period, aiming to create a serene and contemplative environment.
Characteristics
- Landscape Design: Characterized by its picturesque rural cemetery style, Homewood features diverse topography, including hills, valleys, and level areas. It boasts an extensive collection of mature trees, making it a recognized arboretum. Winding pathways and drives are integrated to complement the natural contours of the land, providing a park-like experience. Early landscape plans were influenced by designers like George Kessler.
- Architecture: The cemetery showcases a wide array of funerary architecture spanning over a century. This includes elaborate private mausoleums in styles such as Gothic Revival, Neoclassical, Egyptian Revival, and Art Deco, as well as a variety of headstones and monuments. Notable structures include the Romanesque Revival-style Chapel and Office building, designed by Frank E. Rutan and completed in 1894, and several ornate entrance gates.
- Notable Interments: Homewood Cemetery is the final resting place for many historically significant individuals associated with Pittsburgh. These include prominent industrialists like Henry Clay Frick, Andrew Mellon, and H.J. Heinz; political figures such as Pennsylvania Governor David L. Lawrence; and numerous other influential philanthropists, artists, and citizens who contributed to the development and culture of Pittsburgh.
- Size and Environment: Covering approximately 200 acres, the cemetery provides significant green space and serves as a habitat for various urban wildlife. Its design encourages walking and contemplation, functioning as a passive recreational area for the community.
Related Topics
- Rural Cemetery Movement: A 19th-century trend that transformed burial grounds into landscaped parks, influencing urban planning and the public's relationship with death and memorialization.
- Landscape Architecture: The art and practice of designing outdoor spaces, evident in Homewood Cemetery's deliberate layout and integration with natural elements.
- Pittsburgh History: The cemetery offers a tangible connection to the industrial, social, and cultural history of Pittsburgh through the stories of those interred within its grounds.
- Victorian Funerary Art and Architecture: The artistic and architectural styles prevalent in memorialization during the late 19th and early 20th centuries are well-represented throughout Homewood Cemetery.
- Allegheny Cemetery: Another historically significant rural cemetery in Pittsburgh, often compared to Homewood for its similar founding principles and architectural grandeur.