It’s the final resting place for many notable New Yorkers
On a walk through Woodlawn, you’ll definitely see names you recognize: Augustus D. Juilliard, Fiorello La Guardia, Angelica Van Buren, Herman Melville, Celia Cruz, Joseph Pulitzer, Nellie Bly, J.C. Penney, F.W. Woolworth and more. You’ll also walk by names that you might not immediately recognize but who made major contributions that you’ll certainly have heard about: To name a few, Louis Marx, creator of Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots; Margaret Rudkin, founder of Pepperidge Farm; and U.S. Navy Admiral David Farragut who said "Damn the torpedoes!"
Woodlawn is home to incredible suffrage history
If you’ve seen the musical Suffs, then you know about Alva Vanderbilt Belmont, the wealthy woman who helped to finance the suffrage movement. She opened the Marble House, a place where women could meet to talk about politics and the suffrage movement. She even bought the Suffs matching outfits and banners for protests. She also dedicated herself to creating a beautiful mausoleum as a final resting place for herself and her late husband Oliver Belmont. Inspired by their travels in France, she designed their mausoleum after the Chapel of Saint-Hubert in Amboise, carefully considering every detail.
Jazz icons have found a home there
Thousands of visitors each year descend upon Woodlawn’s Jazz Corner, a section of the cemetery where a variety of jazz artists are buried. Duke Ellington is at rest there, near to Miles Davis, Jackie McLean, Frankie Manning, Max Roach and Lionel Hampton. Many of these stars have unique monuments. Ellington chose a spot under a beautiful linden tree; then Hampton wanted to be buried as close to Ellington as possible. That simple request began the Jazz Corner. On Davis’ headstone, you’ll see an etching of his song "Solar;" McLean’s bears an image of him playing the saxophone; and an image of Manning performing the Lindy Hop decorates his tombstone. At the grave of bebop drummer Max Roach, visitors often leave drumsticks as a tribute.
You can see the world’s first marriage equality sculpture
Back in 2002, when same-sex marriage was still illegal in the U.S., an artist took on the bold move of designing their own burial plot. The world’s first marriage equality sculpture, this three-ton marble sculpture by Patricia Cronin depicts the artist and her wife entwined in an embrace on a bed. When same-sex marriage became legal, they were one of the first couples to get married at city hall. Eventually, Hunter said, there will be space for their cremains around Memorial to a Marriage.
Thirteen Titanic passengers are buried there
An Egyptian funeral barge makes up the final resting place for Isidor and Ida Strauss, a wealthy older couple who died on the Titanic. Though they were offered places in lifeboats, Isidor wanted to give up his place to a younger man. Ida refused to get in a lifeboat and leave Isidor behind. The last time they were seen is arm-in-arm on the deck of the ship listening to the music being played as the behemoth ship sank. Isidor’s remains were found, while Ida was lost at sea. The Strausses became the inspiration for the older couple seen lying in bed during the movie version of Titanic.
Conclusion
Woodlawn Cemetery is a treasure trove of secrets and stories, with a rich history that spans over 150 years. From notable New Yorkers to jazz icons, suffragists, and even Titanic passengers, this cemetery is a place where you can pay tribute to those who have made significant contributions to our world. Whether you’re interested in history, music, or art, Woodlawn Cemetery has something for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the significance of Woodlawn Cemetery?
A: Woodlawn Cemetery is the final resting place for over 315,000 New Yorkers, including notable figures such as Augustus D. Juilliard, Fiorello La Guardia, and Herman Melville.
Q: What is the Jazz Corner?
A: The Jazz Corner is a section of the cemetery where many jazz artists are buried, including Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, and Lionel Hampton.
Q: What is the world’s first marriage equality sculpture?
A: The world’s first marriage equality sculpture is a three-ton marble sculpture by Patricia Cronin, depicting the artist and her wife entwined in an embrace on a bed.
Q: How many Titanic passengers are buried at Woodlawn Cemetery?
A: Thirteen Titanic passengers are buried at Woodlawn Cemetery, including Isidor and Ida Strauss.
