Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-05-26
MANY ART WORKS
IN D. c. CEMETERIES
Memorial Day to Mark Pill
grimage to Shrines of
Nations Famous.

Memorial day will bring again visitors
to the cemeteries of the city, where in
many cases special services will be held
and the graves will be decorated. The
final resting places of many of the Ma
tons most famous dead are to be found
within the cemeteries Of Washington or
in places nearby, and most OF these.
particularly those in Arlington, are we'll
known to residents of the city as well as
TO visitors from out OF town
Practically unknown to those within
the shadows of these acres of God"
are innumerable graves of persons whose
the country or the community and
whose deeds are now forgotten with the
passing of time. Many fine memorials,
ranking with the best works of art in
the country, are to be found marking
the final resting places Of some OF
those who have gone beyond.
The most famous and best known of
these is doubtless the memorial erected
by the late Henry Adams to his wife
in Rock Greek Cemetery. This monu-
ment, considered one Of the finest works
of art of the world-famous artist Saint
Gaudens, has attracted considerable
interest since it was placed there many
years ago. For some unknown reason
the statue. which represents a mystic
rious yelled female figure in bronze, de-
picted in a mood Of deepest meditation,
with a serene and peaceful expression,
has became known throughout the city
and country as Saint Gaudens' Grief"
No record can be found where either
the artist or Mr.. Adams ever bestowed
the name upon the memorial. In fact,
il is said that Saint-GaudenS, when
asked what he should call it, answered
that no name had been given to 1t, but
that if he should call it anything it
would probably be The Peace of God"
It is certain that this beautiful figure in
bronze. keeping silent guard in seclud-
ed spot surrounded by trees and rhooo-
dendronS over the last mortal remains
of Henry Adams and his wife, reflects
more a mood of great peace than one OF
disturbing grief.
Ffoulke Statue Notable.
Not so we'll known, but executed with
surprising skill by the famous sculptor
GutZon Borglum, Is memorial to
Charles Mather Floulke, also in Rock
standing beside an open tomb, merely
bears the inscription "Rabboni," the
greeting OF Mary Magdalene to the
Savior when she recognized Him after
the resurrection. 1t is difficult to de-
scribe the superb feeling of hope and
JOY which the artist has portrayed on
the face of the woman.
Rock Creek Cemetery Is said to be
the oldest in the District. A monu-
ment erected at the entrance is dedi-
Gated to THE glory of God and in
memory of John Bradford, our great
benefactor, who gave to the church this
Rlebe of 100 acres, AID. 1719."
Many of Washington's prominent
families have buried their dead in Rock
Creek Cemetery. but in the old part,
near the church. are found the graves
of many whose names have long since
become unknown to those now living.
An interesting memorial found in this
section Is a simple cross bearing the
inscription that it was erected to an
cestors of the donor, who had been
buried in that ground for over $50
years. The date shows that the cross
was placed there over 80 years ago.
One of the most beautiful cemeteries
in Washington is Oak Hill, in George
town, donated for the purpose by w.
w. Corcoran over a half century ago.
and Grecian temple design, rests upon
hilltop overlooking the beautiful trees,
plants and fine bushes in which the
cemetery abounds. No automobiles
are permitted within the precincts of
this silent city" and innumerable
birds, attracted to the place as pro-
tected sanctuary, MARBLE joyfully
throughout the rosebushes, defiant of
death and the existence of sorrow.
RepIete With Memorials.
Oak Hill Cemetery is replete with
interesting names and beautiful memo
rails. The most extensively known is
that of John Howard Payne, famous
throughout the English-speaking world
for his composition Of Home Sweet
Home" 1t is not generally known that
this song was the most popular melody
in an operetta, THE Maid of Milan"
composed by Payne while he was in
New York City. where for some time he
acted on the stage as well as wrote for
it. 1t is said that the song, Home
Sweet Home" brought its publishers
100000.
Payne died many years after in
Tunis. where he had later been sent as
United States consul. He was buried
in the little cemetery of st. George,
overlooking the hills of Carthage, and
80 years later his body was brought
back to the United States and buried
in Oak Hill Cemetery. The memo
rial, bearing bust Of the author, COM
poser and statesman, stands over the
grave near the chapel Close by Is
the original gravestone brought with
the body from TuniS.
On the side of a hill stands marble
shaft upon the top of which has been
sculptured a furled sail with ropes
hanging This is a memorial to ia
nous old sailor, Admiral Theodorus