Monument Analysis - Ross Bay Cemetery

Data Set

            While walking among the graves in Ross Bay Cemetery, we were all struck by the unique and non-traditional grave markers. In a sea of crosses and classic tombstones, it is a feat to make your grave marker stand out, and these people certainly managed to. It is difficult to define the parameters of this particular data set, given that their consistency is in their individuality; it is the markers which have no other equal within the cemetery.

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Cluster 1: Monuments 7, 8, 9,  & 10

Cluster 2: Monuments 2, 3, 4, & 5

Cluster 3: Monuments 1& 11

Research Questions

1. Are there/is there a certain area(s) where the unique grave markers tend to congregate or do they follow a pattern? If so, do the markers within a congregation show similarities?

            Although our data set consists of non-traditional grave markers, there was consistency shown in the location of them. Of the eleven grave markers selected for the data set, all but one of them fit into one of three fairly distinct clusters throughout the cemetery. The tree stump (Norman Kirk), sundial (Graham Pettapiece), anchor (Elizabeth Schultz) and eagle (Frederick Layton and Barnard Erickson) are located in the Southwest region of the site (cluster 1). The Saint Clare statue, baby chair (D.B. Campbell), Pooley Angel and fireman’s hat (Fred Medley) are located in the Northeast corner (cluster 2). The Bossi angel and the Deans family monument are located on the Northern perimeter (cluster 3). The Behnsen monument is located on the Southern perimeter and is not situated near any other markers from the data set.

           

            Contrary to what one might expect, nearly all these grave markers have fairly early dates in both birth and death. It seems to be a common assumption that less traditional graves would be a more modern practice, however the earliest date of death is 1893 (Bossi) and a majority are before 1945. In cluster 3 both monuments are family plots, and have a human figure marking their graves. In cluster 2, we see two single graves of untimely deaths: the baby and the fireman, and two group plots. These two clusters contain all the large group and family plots within our data set (excluding Behnsen monument), and are located near the main entrance and walkway into the cemetery. This most likely suggests that these were fairly valuable plots during the opening/construction of the cemetery in 1873 and were purchased by the wealthy families of Victoria (Old Cemeteries Society Of Victoria, 2010). Cluster 1 and the single Behnsen monument are located on the Northern edge of the cemetery near the water and as one could infer from our previous data, the plots are for single person burials with the exception of the eagle (two people) and Behnsen monument. These sites are further away from the main entrance, however are along the water’s edge, which oddly enough is the area of the cemetery with the majority of unoccupied space. One would think this terrain would be quite desired, however the increased weathering and soil erosion problems in this section may explain the single person plots, as they would be less expensive.

            This data shows that even in our attempts to stand out from the crowd, we as humans inevitably find ways to tie ourselves to one another. The unique grave markers within Ross Bay Cemetery are incredibly inspiring, and remind people that although we will all go one day, we will still be remembered.

2. Were these graves primarily for one person or multiple people? If they were designed for one person initially, how have the new additions affected the space?

            We did not find a significant difference in the number of graves with more than one person, six out of the eleven monuments surveyed marked the graves of more than one person. Only one of those eight graves is a pair of people, which was the eagle (relationship between the pair is unspecified). The names on the eagle monument both suggest to be male and have separate surnames; although the dates of birth are twenty-nine years apart, their deaths are only three years from one-another and the name plaques are significantly different in appearance. The difference is due to the three (or possibly more) extra years of weathering and eroding on the bronze plaques, as one now bears the tell-tale turquoise tinge of oxidation, giving the monument a somewhat disjointed look.

The four largest monuments ( Saint-Clare, Bossi Angel, Pooley Angel and Deans monument), which have human form statues all represent a group of multiple people. The size and stature of these monuments appear to be purposefully indicative of the scope of lives they accommodate. It is evident from the Pooley Angel with the range of materials and incsribed fonts, that the monument was originally built for Charles and the bodies (or perhaps only epitaphs) of his family were laid to rest after the monument was erected; all the available space to inscribe names at the base appears to be consumed (Adams, 1983).  The Behnsen monument seems to have been built at once, as each name has their own side and is evenly spaced on the marker. The epitaph style is also consistent across the monument, even though the dates of death are inconsistent. These observations indicate the monument was either erected after all the deaths occurred, or the remaining family members had their names inscribed before their deaths; and that it possibly only marks or contains ashes of the deceased.

            From the fieldwork and research, it became evident just how personal and symbolic these monuments are for the deceased and/or their families. Whether they waited to be buried together or were upholding tradition, these grave markers-though quirky and out of the ordinary-still represent family and love.

References

Old Cemeteries Society Of Victoria. (2010). Ross Bay Cemetery. Retrieved from http://www.oldcem.bc.ca/cem_rb.htm

Adams, J. (1983). Historic Guide To Ross Bay Cemetery. Victoria, BC: Sono Nis Press.