It is a cool, brisk November morning as I walk through the Allegheny Cemetery here in Pittsburgh. The memories of loved ones are shared throughout each memorial, as there are numerous bouquets of flowers scattered on headstones across the landscape of the cemetery. The variance in these architectures leaves me in awe. The elaborate memorials, like a silhouette of figure inscribed on a tombstone and tombs that are the size of houses, are fascinating. You can tell that the love for the people of the past still resonates these grounds. As I make my way around these winding paths through the tombstones, I come upon a hill. On this hill, there seem to be some whispers among the graves that I cannot quite make out. As I walk on this hill to get closer to these unrecognizable voices, I hear a voice shout out to me.
“Hey!” A voice cries out to me, “Watch where you’re stepping!”
I stopped in my tracks. I look around to the surrounding area, I realize there is not a single person around, just tombstones and trees. As I look down, I realize I am standing on a plaque to a grave, flat on the ground that reads “Josh Gibson 1911-1947, Legendary Baseball Player”. Puzzled, I manage blurt out a quivering response.
“Who are you?” I inquire confusingly to this bodiless voice.
“Who do you think?” It says, “I’m Josh Gibson. I am the famous baseball player who hit over 800 homeruns in his career and who has been enrolled in the baseball hall of fame! Now, you better get off my grave!”
I adhere to his demand and quickly step off the plaque.
“I’m sorry Mr. Gibson” I say expressing my regret, “I didn’t see your grave and I definitely wasn’t trying to disrespect you.”
“It’s alright, I’m just happy I have a gravestone at all. I didn’t even receive one until the 1970’s!” He says while laughing, “But, I got to ask, how are you and why are you here visiting this cemetery?”
“My name is Dylan and, honestly, I was curious about this space. I have read some works about cemeteries and how they were used as civic space and how their implementation was controversial. More specifically, people like William Mudford thought it disrespected the dead and that these spaces would be used for “amusement” to take your mind off of the fact that we are ‘standing amidst heaps of mouldering human dust’. Others felt it would remove ‘preternatural fear and superstition’. I wanted to experience it myself and see how I felt, I guess” (qtd. In Lacquer 276).
“I see” he says back to me, “Well, I can show you around these grounds, I have gathered so much information from the others resting here.”
“I would really appreciate that Mr. Gibson!” I exclaim taking him up on his offer.
So, as I walk down the hill and up the surrounding roads Mr. Gibson leads me to some other graves.
“Here is the grave of my good friend James S. Negley” he says, “Although he died before I was born, we’ve talked to each other a good amount since we’ve both passed”
“I have never heard of him” I respond, “Who was he and what did he do?”
“Well, Jim lived an eventful life. In fact, he was a war general during the Civil War and a state politician afterwards” Mr. Gibson answers.
“That’s actually really interesting!” I say, “Who else are you friends with here?”
Mr. Gibson then leads me to another grave. This grave, however, was much more grandiose than the other two. This memorial is like an actual tomb, as it is like a small house. It has the inscription “J.B. Ford” at the top of the entrance.
“I’m guessing you are friends with him too?” I ask.
“Yes, here lies James B. Ford” he responds, “He founded PPG Industries, the company that has that giant Glass Building downtown, from what I understand, and even founded Ford City, Pennsylvania. He too was very accomplished. I guess he really wanted to leave from the size of his tomb.”
“Wow, that’s interesting too!” I reply chuckling, “You seem to know a lot about the people that occupy the cemetery, but isn’t Stephen Foster, the famous composer, buried here too? I know he has a building named after him on the University of Pittsburgh’s campus.”
“He is and I know him well” He answers laughing, “I’d like to take you to his grave but because of the size of this place, as its over 100 acres, it would certainly be a hike to see every person.”
“I understand” I say back.
We keep walking down this wooded trail on one of the numerous hills in the cemetery and leads down to a secluded pond.
“Here is one of the two reflection ponds found in the cemetery” he begins, “I come down here to think about all the people I cared about in my life. Some are buried here but many are not. Also, there is just a wide variety of people here whether it be African-Americans, Whites, Asian-Americans, or any minority. They all can be found here, and I think that plays into the beauty of this cemetery. This place belongs to everyone, and everybody should come and experience it and take in its splendor.”
“I can tell you love this place Mr. Gibson” I mention, “and I respect how much it means to you. Can you talk to me about the history of this cemetery, how did it start?”
“Oh, where do I begin” he laughs, “From what I have heard from others is that Allegheny cemetery was founded in 1834 for the purpose of meeting the needs of a growing city. The founders chose the 100-acre farm of a gentleman named Col. Bayard to be the site. This was large enough to meet the needs of the area for many, many years. There are numerous lots where graves are located, one of which is the Grand Army of the Republic lot. Having the graves organized like this helps new visitors see sites they want to see.” (Miller et al.)
As he finishes up his soliloquy, we near the exit, which features this great gate and rather large tower above. This structure seems to be a landmark for those that might be lost throughout the cemetery. When compared to the different gravestones and tombs, it really adds to the variance found within the cemetery to make it a civic space.
“Well, I cannot thank you enough for giving me a personal tour of this place, Mr. Gibson” I state, “You truly made this an unforgettable experience, and I will cherish the insights you shared with me for a long time.”
“You are more than welcome Dylan” he says, “You were a great visitor for the most part. The way you can best thank me is by sharing this experience with others and get others to come see me.”
“Alright, I will” I reply earnestly.
As I am approaching the gates, I hear Mr. Gibson call out one last time. I turn to hear him.
“Hey Dylan! Next time, just call me Josh!” He shouts from somewhere among the tombstones.
I smile and walk out of the cemetery, eager to share Josh’s stories.
Works Cited
Miller, Reuben, et al. The Allegheny Cemetery, Pittsburgh, PA: Its Origins And Early History. Photo Engraving Company, 1910.
Laqueur, Thomas W. The Work of the Dead: A Cultural History of Mortal Remains, Princeton University Press, 2015. ProQuest Ebook Central, http://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/pitt-ebooks/detail.action?docID=4001376.