Hope Cemetery in Barre, Vermont: The Work of Master Stone Carvers

Hope Cemetery in Barre, Vermont

The Work of Master Stone Carvers

by Patricia Cummings

All photos taken by James Cummings

While visiting Barre, Vermont to attend the Central Vermont Quilt Show in 2010, Jim and I decided to visit Hope Cemetery, the most unique gravesite you will ever see. At every turn, there is a work of art, carved in stone, to capture one's attention. In this file, we will share with you some of our favorite photos of these stones.

manuscript

Many of the stones in one section of the cemetery featured gravesite occupants' names on scroll-like manuscripts. This one features a large Lily on the left hand side.

A is for Arnholm

This Letter "A" looks very artistic due to its curvilinear lines

car

This image of a car speaks for itself!

tall Celtic Cross

Tall Celtic Cross, no doubt the work of an "Italian master"

a carving of a whole man

Mr. Corti appears to be deep in thought in this exquisite carving.

In the first image, the Halvasa couple lies side by side, for eternity, and the inscription says, "See me as a seam upon thine heart - for Love is stronger than Death."

Right behind that is another statue that is reminiscent of the "Pieta," (the Virgin Mary holding a dying Christ). In this case, the man is dressed in work clothes - a tribute to the working man?

Sgt. Brown

This stone is testimony to Sgt. Robert Campbell Brown's affiliations in life. He was a member of the Masons (see the compass on the top left), a Christian (cross present), and a member of the Odd Fellows (three interlocking rings). He was born on December 8, 1899 and died on September 25, 1918. We wonder if he died as a result of WWI. The meta (brass?) placards indicate that he served in that war.

fish in hand

This stone for someone named "Pegor" shows a fish being held in two hands. The fish is often used as a symbol of Christianity. Perhaps, in this case, it could mean that the person is now held in the hands of God. This is a very artistic stone with its curvilinear lines. The stone itself reminds one of the shape of a puzzle piece.

Cello

Open book with French inscription

This open book has a beautifully inscribed message to the deceased, and it is written in French.

Update 7/24/2011: Matt Ebbs, a student of French, provides a translation of the text of this stone, as follows. Thanks, Matthew!

Just like a ray of sunshine,

You illuminated our lives

With your magnificent smile,

Your huge generosity,

Your enormous dynamism,

And your marvelous thirst for life.

Though your husband, your children and all those who love you,

Retain the need for your warmth,

To continue their paths,

Your gentle memory warms their hearts

Just like a soft ray of sunshine.

Lumps in our throats,

Breaths stifled,

And eyes shining with sadness,

We think always of you...

And we want to say THANK YOU Madeleine,

For having given us the chance to love you,

And to be loved by you.

Neoclassical style

One of a number of stones made in a "Neoclassical" style with formal columns.

Some of the stone carvers of these stones descended from medieval, Italian artisans. Others migrated to Vermont from "Scotland, England, Sweden, Finland, France, Spain and Germany," according to this site: http://www.barregranite.org/industry.html