Cummings Tomb

Western Cemetery Reconstruction Project Fall 2003

A-13 Cummings Tomb This is the worst of the facades. The roots had gotten behind it and forced the piece away from the brick. The burial records indicate that there were 28 burials. According to the introduction in William Jordan's book on the burial records of Western cemetery, this tomb had been opened on June 6, 1986 by city workers making repairs to the door. At that time it was reported that the tomb was completely empty! See below
Before October 4, 2003	After October 21, 2003
October 21 11:30am In preparation for the top piece assembly, measures were taken to ensure the tomb face would not be able to rock forward again. Metal rods were put in place to secure the columns to the tomb brick work. After the top is put on , cement will be poured behind it to anchor it in place.


October 20, 2003 11:30am I arrived in time to see the roots that have been causing all the trouble, being ripped out. The entire front stone work had been removed and the brick work that formed the arch was exposed.
The roots being torn away from the top of the tomb.	The original metal door is exposed after the brick work has been removed.
The granite blocks lay on the ground in the order they were removed	The arch showing.
October 20, 2003 3:30 pm The stones on either side of the door are replaced.


October 4, 2003 Before work had begun
October 13, 2003	October 13, 2003
October 4, 2003	October 13, 2003 Dirt collects behind the facade.
Empty! During the time the workers had the tomb apart, it was obvious that the tomb was empty. What was amazing was the preservation of the tomb walls after 150 years of tree roots growing around it, the masonry was in perfect shape. But there remains the question. Where the remains moved to the Evergreen cemetery?