Mount Auburn Cemetery & Longfellow’s House

My dad and I traveled to Cambridge, Massachusetts in 2011 because his sister died unexpectedly. I lived in Portland, Oregon, and he lived in NW Indiana, an hour from Chicago.

Henry Wordsworth Longfellow’s house

Massachusetts, Part 15

According to her will, Aunt Barbara wants to be buried in Mt. Auburn Cemetery, here in Cambridge. It “only” dates back to 1830, and many famous people are buried there, including Oliver Wendell Holmes. We’re thinking of visiting it. I’m more interested in the aesthetics of tombstones; my dad is more interested in whether the dead people are famous.

Mausoleums at Mount Auburn Cemetery

Many of the 17th and 18th century tombstones down the street have charming images of skulls flanked by wings — probably representing the Angel of Death. Some have a face instead of a skull. I’ll have to look at some of Edward Gorey’s pictures to be sure, but I think he drew similar tombstones.

17th century tombstone

In the hotel, the lounge where we get our free continental breakfast and free afternoon/evening appetizers (which often serve as our…