Mausoleums

There are currently 85 of these structures peppered throughout America’s first municipally owned Victorian cemetery. Some of these mausoleums stand isolated amongst fields of gravestones and family monuments while others are clustered together in areas like “mausoleum glen” in section I and “mausoleum row” in section MM.

Throughout history mausoleums have been the resting places of pharaohs, kings, and emperors. When “rural park” cemeteries began springing up outside American cities in the 1830s, those individuals and families of sufficient means realized they could commit their remains to a lavish mausoleum and be remembered for all time. For the next century American cemeteries experienced a Golden Age of mausoleums ending in the mid-1930s with the Great Depression. It was not until the 1950s and 60s that mausoleums began to appear again in our cemeteries, usually in the form of large community mausoleums. Mount Hope’s mausoleums are the permanent resting places of some of the most prominent citizens throughout Rochester’s history. Philanthropists, entrepreneurs, inventors, and leaders who have all had an impact on the heritage of Rochester have chosen interment in mausoleums to ensure their lasting legacies.

The mausoleums in Mount Hope are a true representation of the evolution in architectural types and styles that are a defining characteristic of Victorian cemeteries. Most of the various types of mausoleums can be found in Mount Hope including hillside vaults, mausoleums built into the side of a hill; vestibule mausoleums, which are small free-standing house- or temple-like structures with a door in the front and crypts on the side or back walls; lawn crypts, which are free-standing vaults where caskets are slid in through the front and are one to three crypts in height; and sarcophagus mausoleums that are low to the ground and have a flat roof that is lifted to place the caskets inside. Architectural styles amongst these mausoleums abound, including Egyptian, Gothic Revival, Romanesque Revival, Classical Revival, Renaissance Revival, Transitional/Modern Classical, Art Deco and Contemporary.

The first mausoleum in the cemetery was built circa 1846 and is a hillside vault crafted in the Egyptian style; it is the family tomb of General Jacob Gould, Rochester’s second mayor. His is only one of three in that motif. The last to be built and the third Egyptian style mausoleum, a four-sided pyramid built of rainbow granite, was completed in the Spring of 2019 for Clifford Davie and his family. It is a prominent feature in the South section of Mount Hope.

Gould’s mausoleum is nestled into the hillside next to the Old Chapel at the North entrance to Mount Hope. His is one of six hillside mausoleums in the cemetery with four others located in the same area. Vestibule mausoleums of various architectural styles also dot the landscape in this area, making a notable impression on visitors and, no doubt, leaving them to wonder what treasures lay beyond the hills of the North entrance. Indeed, there are a wealth of treasures to be explored deeper into the cemetery, especially in the form of mausoleums.

What follows is a list of all mausoleums in Mount Hope Cemetery in order of date built and including architectural descriptions. Please note that in many cases cemetery records do not indicate the exact year the mausoleum was built. In these instances, the year the lot was purchased and/or the date of first interment were used to approximate the year built.

Gould c.1846 Hillside Section C, Lot 40
This Egyptian style mausoleum is built into the side of a hill. Above the entrance is a carved-stone wing-and-orb motif and on top of the roof sits an obelisk. Both are Egyptian symbols for their sun god, Re, and were adopted by Christians to symbolize God, Lord over all, and creator of all things.

Rau c.1860 Hillside Section C, Lot 72
Although it is built into a hillside, this mausoleum presents an impressive facade with a grand portico supported by two black-marble columns set against the bold granite edifice with a large roof finial. The squat columns give the structure a Romanesque attitude.

Porter c.1861 Vestibule Section S, Lot 58
Rough-cut stone constitutes most of the construction material for this mausoleum. The exception is the stone frame for the bronze-gated entrance. Here, smooth blocks of granite form pilasters with decorative capitals, above which there is a low arch.

Morgan c.1863 Hillside Section F, Lot 65
This elaborate Gothic Revival mausoleum is built into the hillside along Ravine Avenue. One of the largest and most ornate mausoleums in Mount Hope Cemetery, it incorporates Gothic towers, a Gothic-pierced parapet, arched niches, and broad curved stone walls to hold back the hillside. It is constructed of Connecticut Freestone and Medina sandstone, which is living up to its name by gradually eroding to sand, making the mausoleum the spookiest in the cemetery.

Fitch c.1865 Hillside Section R, Lot 63
Only the facade of this mausoleum displays architectural features because the structure is built into a hillside, and what is visible of the side walls is simple stone-block construction. But the facade is Gothic Revival with a high-peaked entrance arch. Corner pilasters punctuate the cornice with decorative finials. And the cornice itself has a crowned center portion with traditional Gothic scalloped molding beneath.

Pratt c.1867 Hillside Section L, Lot 66
This unusual mausoleum, which is built into a hillside, has a facade that is basically described by its basket-handle arched entrance. The shallow curve of the entry is repeated in the roof shape. Heavy, broad blocks of granite are stacked to form the bulky structure. Even the few decorative elements, finial shapes at the corners and top of the structure, are particularly hefty.

Pitkin c.1868 Hillside Section L, Lot 61
Deeply set ashlar distinguishes this large mausoleum set into a hillside in the cemetery. At the facade corners, pilasters are formed from these deeply set stones. Simple, smooth, round columns flank the entrance, which has been sealed because of vandalism. A carved wreath-and-drapery motif decorates the gable.

Beckley c.1885 Vestibule Section L, Lot 116
The Beckley mausoleum’s adherence to classical forms, its quartet of Doric columns supporting a portico surmounted by pediment, offers yet another quintessential example of the Greek Revival architectural style. The decorative festoons, or garland swags, flanking the family name, echo a design element often used by both the ancient Greeks and Romans.

Byam c.1887 Vestibule Section L, Lot 33
Two simple round columns flank the entrance and support the stone lintel of this rustic stone mausoleum.

Callister 1888 Vestibule Section L, Lot 99
Four smooth round stone columns support the porch entablature of this rustic stone mausoleum.

Ely 1891 Vestibule Section D, Lot 19
This graceful mausoleum was designed to look like a miniature version of a Greek temple. Four round columns with Ionic capitals uphold the entablature. With their curvilinear details, Ionic capitals recall leaf and plant forms. The columns in the Greek Ionic order are taller and thinner that those of the more masculine Doric order.

Giddings 1895 Vestibule Section A, Lot 125
This is the only mausoleum in Mount Hope Cemetery to be largely constructed of brick. It is dark, charcoal brick to contrast with the lighter gray granite of the cornice and roof. The entrance has been sealed with concrete, because of possible vandalism of the entry door and the fact that the interior burial vaults are filled.

Bevier 1896 Vestibule Section L, Lot 119
Squat Romanesque pilasters support the entablature of this mausoleum with a stone cross atop the gabled roof. Intricately carved stone capitals, frieze, and cornice add interesting symbolic decoration.

Cook c.1896 Vestibule Section L, Lot 115
This elaborate stone mausoleum is designed in Romanesque style with an arched entrance and a large colonnaded cupola, the dome of which is capped with a stone sphere.

Dunn c.1898 Vestibule Range 5, Lot 7
Smooth round columns support the lintel on this otherwise rusticated mausoleum.

Ritter c.1898 Vestibule Range 5, Lot 36
Smooth, round, short columns with combination-style capitals and the stone finial give a Romanesque feeling to this otherwise rustic granite mausoleum. A decorative bronze gate guards the entrance.

Robinson 1898 Vestibule Range 5, Lot 7
Simple, smooth, round Doric columns support the “Robinson” architrave and with the prominent decorative roof finial, together, define this mausoleum of rusticated stone.

Spencer-Ripley c.1900 Vestibule Section L, Lot117
Heavy blocks of rusticated stone surround this mausoleum, which then presents refined round, fluted columns with Ionic capitals to flank the entrance. Vandalism has forced the sealing of the entrance, which may have presented other classical features.

Stern, Charles 1900 Vestibule Section MM, Lot 102
This simple, squarish granite mausoleum has a shallow, bracketed hood over the entrance doors, which are bronze. The minimal decoration places this mausoleum in the Modern style period.

Long 1901 Lawn Crypt Section O, Lot 527
Even the facade of this mausoleum is composed of roughly cut granite, giving the structure a very rustic look. The bronze door has vertical bars instead of the usual filigree grill designs.

Otis c.1901 Vestibule Range 5, Lot 1
This mausoleum, constructed mostly of rusticated stone, gains interest by having the entrance framed with smooth stone and the addition of a decorative finial on the roof.

Reed c.1902 Vestibule Section L, Lot 83
A strange combination of classical detail and rustic stone constitute this mausoleum, which has had its entrance sealed after vandalism. Smooth round columns with classically decorative capitals play against the rusticity. A final unusual feature is the Greek-inspired dentiled cornice above the architrave.

Stein 1902 Vestibule Section MM, Lots 98-100
This is the largest mausoleum in Mount Hope Cemetery. It sleeps 20. The large structure epitomizes the Greek Revival style in the Doric order. Four massive fluted columns rest directly on the portico floor. Mutules (rectangular projections) decorate the frieze, and guttae (droplike cylinders) appear on the architrave under the mutules. The temple-style gabled roof is topped with a classical finial. The bronze doors have heavy bronze door knockers, although it is unlikely that someone will answer if they are used.

Stowell 1902 Vestibule Section A, Lot 104
This fine, Romanesque style mausoleum has an arched entrance as well as arched windows, which announce the Roman influence. The double bronze doors are particularly interesting. Each door has a semicircular window, which form a full circle with a cross pattern when the doors are closed.

Wurtz-Dufner 1903 Vestibule Range 4, Lot 198
A basket-handle arch over the entrance and supporting pilasters with decorative capitals define this rustic stone mausoleum. Two bowl-shaped urns on column pedestals add interest to the structure’s front lawn.

Cutler 1904 Vestibule Section MM, Lot 91
This simple, flat-roofed, square stone box houses the remains of a prominent Rochester architect. The double bronze doors with decorative grillwork add a subtle touch of classical design.

Strong 1904 Vestibule Section MM, Lot 85&86
Masculine Doric columns support the entrance lintel with the name “Strong” carved in relief. The walls of this granite mausoleum are constructed of rusticated stone with deeply chamfered joints.

Curtice, Edgar 1905 Vestibule Section MM, Lot 96
The walls of this stone mausoleum have an oblique slope making the base wider than the top. This splayed effect, along with the outward curve of the cornice, is traced to ancient Egyptian style. With its large entrance arch, the structure also presents Romanesque influence. Finally, the intricate designs carved into the stone arch and the four column capitals give a Byzantine flavor to this unusual mausoleum.

Hubble 1905 Vestibule Section MM, Lot 92
The porch entablature of this large Greek Revival temple-style mausoleum is upheld by four graceful Ionic columns. Stone pilasters are positioned at the corners of the facade and on either side of the entrance doors.

Curtice, Simeon 1906 Vestibule Section AA, Lot 32&33
This Romanesque style mausoleum has two fluted columns with Ionic capitals supporting the stone lintel. The arched entrance is flanked by fluted pilasters with Ionic capitals. The semicircular window above the solid-bronze entry doors is protected by decorative bronze filigree.

Whitbeck 1907 Vestibule Section I, Lot 136
Almost grotesquely heavy, square, roughly cut, squat columns present a bulky facade on this mausoleum. The entrance, which may have once had a bronze door, has been sealed.

Elston 1908 Vestibule Section MM, Lot 108
A classically handsome mausoleum in Greek Revival temple style with four elegant, fluted, Tuscan-order columns supporting the shallow portico entablature.

Stecher 1908 Vestibule Section MM, Lot 104
A hood with a dentiled cornice surmounts the entrance of this otherwise Modern style mausoleum. The double bronze doors display a particularly intricate scrolling filigree design.

Watts 1909 Vestibule Range 4, Lot 223
This mausoleum announces its construction date as the year 1909 carved in relief on the roof slab. Below the date is the occupant’s surname with two decorative rosettes also carved in relief. The Romanesque style mausoleum has an arched entrance with matching arched bronze doors.

Weldon 1911 Vestibule Range 2, Lot 122
An unusual feature of this rustic stone mausoleum are the sidelights flanking the double bronze doors. Otherwise, the structure presents deeply chamfered, rusticated stone blocks on all four walls.

Calwell 1913 Vestibule Section AA, Lot 26
Smooth Greek Doric style columns flank the entrance and help to support the lintel of this mausoleum built of roughly cut stone.

Crittenden, T.F. 1913 Vestibule Range 5, Lot 52
Two squat square columns flank the entrance of this mausoleum and support the rough-cut stone entablature. The whole building is constructed of rusticated ashlar. A colorful stained-glass window has an elaborate floral motif.

Holmes 1913 Vestibule Range 5, Lot 2
This early 20th-century mausoleum has a picturesque quality achieved by the use of rusticated stone in the foundation and walls. The rustication is combined with smooth stone in the pilasters that frame the entrance and form the corners of the structure. The double bronze doors have large rectangular windows protected by decorative bronze mullions.

Miller 1913 Vestibule Range 5, Lot 1
Columns and urns flank the entrance to this classical-inspired mausoleum. The double bronze doors incorporate bronze wreaths, a symbol denoting memory, and inverted torches, symbolizing the extinguishment of life.

Bausch, Edward 1915 Vestibule Section MM, Lot 196
Square pilasters at the mausoleum corners and two round fluted columns in Greek Doric style support the stone porch entablature of this miniature Greek Revival temple. The double bronze doors display a traditional Greek motif.

Johnston, T.S. 1916 Vestibule Section I, Lot 141
Four Tuscan-order, fluted columns support the portico of this handsome Greek Revival style mausoleum. The six projecting rectangles on the frieze, called mutules, are typical Greek Revival decorative elements.

Lomb 1916 Vestibule Section MM, Lot 199
This Greek Revival, temple-style mausoleum has several elements from the Doric order: Doric columns are usually fluted, have no base, and possess particularly simple capitals. This masculine order also often incorporates mutules, the rectangular projections on the frieze, of which there are eight on the facade here. Just beneath the mutules are other distinguishing Doric order ornaments, guttae. These are the small droplike cylinders in the architrave, appearing here in clusters of six guttae. Architect: Frederick Roy Lear.

Crittenden, P.V. c.1917 Vestibule Range 5, Lot 64
Rustic style describes this mausoleum with heavy square stone columns on either side of the entrance supporting the porch entablature. A Roman-arched entrance is fitted with bronze double doors. The stained-glass window on the rear of the structure shows two young sheperd boys with a lamb.

Billings 1918 Vestibule Range 2, Lot 20
Walls of roughly cut stone cover this mausoleum. Only the entrance displays refined square pilasters with intricately carved stone capitals. Double bronze doors incorporate classical grills.

Crittenden, C.S. 1918 Vestibule Range 5, Lot 58
Two massive rusticated square columns support the entablature of this rough-cut stone mausoleum. The rear stained-glass window depicts a classically arched scene with a shallow urn sprouting a tall leafy floral bouquet on the windowsill. Rolling hills in the distance complete the colorful stained-glass design.

Rice 1918 Vestibule Range 7, Lot 3
This rough-cut stone mausoleum has a particularly unusual feature, and that is the shed-roofed porch supported by simple round columns.

Carter 1920 Vestibule Section I, Lot 132
Two fluted Greek Doric style columns support the Greek Revival entablature of this elegant mausoleum. Bronze double doors with handsome grillwork and rosette decorations enhance the stone structure.

Townson 1920 Vestibule Section I, Lot 134
Doric-order round columns and square pilasters dominate the facade of this substantial mausoleum. The portico is raised three stone steps above the ground, and double bronze doors have classical fenestrations.

Turner 1920 Vestibule Section AA, Lot 25
A stylized suggestion of pilasters with scroll capitals appear on either side of the double bronze doors. Otherwise, this rustic mausoleum is constructed of massive rough-cut granite blocks.

Watson 1920 Vestibule Section MM, Lot 198
The principal design feature of this Modern style mausoleum is the Romanesque doorway. Double bronze doors have rounded tops to conform to the stone Roman arch with a decorative, scroll-shaped keystone.

Lindsay 1921 Vestibule Section K, Lot 39
To soften the severity of this Modern style mausoleum, the designer added a classical bracketed gable over the entrance.

Johnston, L.W. 1922 Vestibule Section I, Lot 140
Fluted Doric-order columns flank the bronze entrance doors of this contemporary mausoleum version of a Greek temple. The columns are slightly bowed to convey the compression created by supporting a heavy stone entablature.

Barrett 1923 Vestibule Section AA, Lot 41
Heavy, square, rusticated-stone columns support the porch entablature of this mausoleum of roughly cut stone.

Whitmore 1923 Vestibule Range 4, Lot 187
This handsomely proportioned Greek Revival mausoleum with two Tuscan columns in the recessed entrance also presents a wreath, which represents memory, in the roof gable.

Stern, Morley 1924 Vestibule Section MM, Lot 202
The simple block construction of this mausoleum was typical of the 1920s. Large cut-stone rectangles form the walls, and the entrance features double bronze doors. Two stone steps lead up to the stone-framed entrance, and decorative stone brackets support the architrave.

Lichtenstein 1925 Lawn Crypt Range 3, Lot 2 & 3
In this small mausoleum, there is the suggestion of pilasters flanking the rather formidable bronze door, which resembles medieval battle gear or perhaps the wall of a blast furnace.

Davenport 1926 Vestibule Section AA, Lot 40
This Rustic style mausoleum with a shallow gabled roof has the bare suggestion of pilasters flanking the bronze double doors, which display decorative grillwork.

Michaels 1926 Vestibule Section AA, Lot 42
With its flat roof and square shape, this mausoleum is basically designed in the Modern style. The arched entrance and the circular ornamentation just below the cornice, however, give the structure a Romanesque style appearance. This classical feeling was probably enhanced at one time with classical urns flanking the entrance.

Schorer 1927 Vestibule Section AA, Lot 47
This Post Modern style mausoleum has an oversized keystone to define the peak of the gabled stone roof. Simple round columns provide support to the portico roof, and bronze doors with barred windows complete the straightforward design.

Kaelber 1927 Vestibule Range 2, Lot 94
The basic form of this mausoleum is a cube constructed of rectangular cut stones. Decorative features include a stone cornice, bas relief stone wreaths on the architrave, and a bronze door reached by a large stone walk and two stone steps. The minimal detailing was typical of 1920s mausoleum design.

Stuber 1928 Vestibule Section MM, Lot 197
Notwithstanding the Greek Revival fluted Doric columns, this mausoleum is predominantly executed in Modern style. It is elegantly proportioned by the added height, which avoids the square look of many Modern mausoleums.

Acheson-Whittle 1930 Vestibule Section I, Lot 150
The mausoleum has a distinguished curved portico supported by classical columns. Decorative stone scroll brackets support the entrance opening, and there are square pilasters at the corners of the stone structure.

Erbe c.1930 Vestibule Range 5, Lot 6
In the Modern style of the 1930s-1940s, flat rather than pitched roofs are employed and simple rectangular stone placements constitute the design, which purposely avoids the decoration of earlier classic mausoleum styles. Even the urns present a square format.

Knapp 1931 Vestibule Section MM, Lot 230&237
This Greek Revival mausoleum incorporates two fluted Doric order columns to help support the temple-style roof. Although Greek columns are usually slightly bowed to indicate the compression created by bearing a heavy load, this almost insignificant curving also makes the columns appear straighter. Here, however, the bowing is exaggerated for some unknown reason.

Deininger, L.C. 1933 Lawn Crypt Section AA, Lot 7
The compact smooth-stone mausoleum with highly stylized fluted pilasters on either side of the facade has a bronze gate in front of two stone-walled vaults. The building is distinguished with stone pedestals at the four corners, each one with a representation of an eternal flame above the cross-shaped base.

Woodbury 1933 Vestibule Section C, Lot 109
Giant slabs of rusticated stone form the walls of this mausoleum, while two Doric columns define the straightforward facade.

Allen 1934 Lawn Crypt Section AA, Lot 13
The walls of this small mausoleum are of rusticated stone, which is splayed at the base of the facade. A decorative bronze gate guards the sealed burial vaults beyond.

Holmes-Sawyer 1935 Vestibule Section AA, Lot 38
Four elegant fluted Ionic columns support the entablature of this fine Greek Revival mausoleum. Two classical, covered, stone urns stand to the sides of the porch.

Merritt 1935 Vestibule Section AA, Lot 35
Here is a Greek Revival temple-style mausoleum with four fluted columns of the Tuscan order supporting the shallow portico.

Pringle 1935 Vestibule Range 1, Lot 467
Rusticated ashlar in huge blocks make up this low-gabled mausoleum. An interesting decorative feature has been added to the stone framework of the entrance. A tree-of-life motif ascends the vertical panels. In the Garden of Eden, the fruit of the tree of life, if eaten, granted immortality.

Deininger, W. 1941 Vestibule Section AA, Lot 8
A flat roof, square shape, and rectangular building stones constitute this Modern style mausoleum. The absence of classical design features was popular in the first half of the 20th century. The single accommodation to decoration is the stained-glass window on the rear. It depicts a cross inside a circle of grapevines.

Mosley-Simpson 1941 Vestibule Section AA, Lot 16
The polished, smooth stone of the round columns and the entrance wall of the facade contrast with the rusticated stone surrounding this classically inspired mausoleum. A colorful stained-glass window on the rear depicts a stylized Celtic cross with a floral design in the central circle.

Bausch, William 1942 Vestibule Section L, Lot 118
Square fluted pilasters frame the entrance of this modernistic stone mausoleum. The bronze double doors with long bars complete the rectilinear theme.

Lavine 1945 Lawn Crypt Range 7, Lot 386
This particularly small mausoleum includes interesting floral carving in the stone face.

Harrington 1948 Vestibule Section AA, Lot 14
This mausoleum is principally Modern in style, although it has several decorative features, such as the fluted pilasters at the facade corners, the Tudor-shaped arch above the entrance, and the square urns on either side of the structure. The mausoleum is interesting also for the interior positioning of the vaults to allow side windows instead of one in the rear of the building.

Elser 1955 Vestibule Range 10, Lot 8
This small Modern style mausoleum has simple elegance achieved by basic rectangular stone shapes and minimal tasteful decoration on the face of the structure.

Getman 1958 Lawn Crypt Section AA, Lot 51
This is a small, simple, above-ground vault constructed of smooth stone on the facade and rusticated stone on the side walls and foundation.

Gleason 1959 Vestibule Range 10, Lot 5
This squarish, flat-topped Modern style mausoleum has stepped-back panels to the recessed and elaborately decorated bronze doors.

Bausch, Henry 1963 Vestibule Section MM, Lot 212
Starkly rectilinear in shape with smooth stone surfaces, this mausoleum fits the modernistic style of the 20th century but with a Romanesque entrance and decorative bronze doors. The arched opening incorporates a classical keystone.

Hylan 1966 Vestibule Range 10, Lot 5 ½
This Modern style mausoleum has a recessed entrance with double bronze doors flanked by interesting, stylized round columns with simple, fluted capitals. Engraved into the stone frieze are representations of the airplanes utilized in the occupant’s former air transport business.

Botsford-Orcutt 1984 Sarcophagus Section AA, Lt 11
This long, low, rectangular mausoleum is contemporary in style with two S-shaped stone buttresses flanking the straightforward facade.

Levine, William 2001 Vestibule Section BB, Lot 27
This contemporary mausoleum was built in 2001 in Post Modern style, which incorporates stylized versions of classical elements, such as the simplified columns and decorative keystone on the roof. An elephant is depicted in the patio floor, recognizing the owner’s fascination with that animal.

Hurlbut 2013 Vestibule Section MM, Lot 274
The Hurlbut mausoleum features a contemporary, streamlined architecture. Lacking the extravagant ornamental detail of some other mausolea, its minimalist design proves an ideal showcase for the rainbow granite employed in its construction. This striking stone is quarried from western Minnesota’s Morton Gneiss, considered to be the oldest bedrock in the United States at 3524 million years of age.

Gray 2018 Lawn Crypt Section O, Lot 248 (?)
While the Gray family’s modern lawn crypt reads as sleek and austere, its contemporary design is not without its historical references. The structure’s side walls surpass the crypt face and terminate in a stylized fashion, effecting two flanking pilasters. While the regular pediment of Greek origin is dispensed with here, the crypt’s top recalls the basilicas of early Christendom, with the central aisle, or nave, rising above the height of its two side aisles. The sun’s descent behind mountains provides a symbolically fitting decorative motif.

Davie 2019 Vestibule Section AA, Lot 24
This Egyptian Revival mausoleum is in the form of a pyramid to which an entrance portico has been added. Twin columns support the projecting architrave and portico roof. It is constructed of rainbow granite, the oldest stone in the U.S., quarried in southwestern Minnesota. The simple geometric elements and fine stone materials join to create a striking tomb with space for eight full burial crypts and numerous cremation urns. A Lexan window on the peak of the pyramid allows daylight to illuminate the crypt room through a stained glass window of the Davie family crest in the ceiling.