If One is an historian, Mount Pleasant Cemetery is indeed a treasure house to explore. A picture of societal changes in Toronto over the past 150 years is truly written in stone within these gates. the gentle hilly terrain, the majestic old trees and the historic expertly crafted family monuments all contribute to the peaceful atmosphere which makes Mount Pleasant one the most beautiful cemeteries in North America. The memories of those who have gone before us seem to live on in this sanctuary of remembrance. let us embark on a journey into the living cemetery.
Our exploration must begin with the oldest section of mount pleasant, which is found closest to Yonge Street. Touring these sections, one can see that Toronto has a well established society in place before the turn of the century. Note that the graves were located in sizable family lots, adorned by generally large impressive monuments. Theses monuments served complete family units, sometimes up to twenty different family members. These stones generate an imposing image of solidity and permanence, much as an old country estate does. Wen exploring these old sections, one must remember that the granite industry in Canada was in it infant stage. Although stone quarries were operating, they mainly produced paving blocks. Very few stones saws existed and polishing was extremely difficult. The production in Canada of round polished columns common to this section was impossible. Indeed most of these large polished granite monuments boasting beautiful spires or columns adorned with urns, were imported from Scotland and Northern Ireland. They were delivered from the boat to the cemetery by hand and erected using black and tackle, since cranes were as yet non-existent. Even most of the granite for the impressive Eaton mausoleum (particularly the columns and expertly carved Corinthian capitals) was imported from Scotland. In general, monument bases were constructed of limestone quarried in Kingston or the Niagara Peninsula. Marble used in this section originated from New England, especially from New Hampshire. Of interest is the fact that a number of zinc monuments were produced locally and can be discovered in Mount Pleasant.
The marble, limestone, and unpolished granite monuments of the time were shaped and carved completely by hand in Toronto and they are a credit to the craftsmen of the British isles. it was at this time that highly skilled stone masons arrived in Toronto, and opened up granite sheds bearing Scottish names such as McIntosh, Creber, and McIntyre. The fine work, which these craftsmen produced, leaves the impression that people of this period were individuals; very seldom are any two monuments the same. the memorial style was very Victorian and heavy solid bases, but there were also some Renaissance and Gothic Styles. With the exclusion of a few sculpted angels, there are no sculptures of saints, as in the Catholic cemeteries. Not to be missed area number of Renaissance styled ladies of sorrow carved in marble imported from Italy. These sculptures can be found encased in beautiful gazebo style monuments constructed of imported granite columns, and their effect is quite beautiful. Unquestionably, monuments were designed with much individuality but the consistent use of symbolism as ornamentation was also prevalent. Also recognizable in the older section are the monuments of many successful merchants as Messrs, Michie and Fulton.
We also observe many military memorials. This profession was very respected at the time and therefore high social status was designated.One particularly stunning monument honours officers killed in the Northwest Rebellion at Batoche, Saskatchewan in 1885. The carving on the monument is exquisite as you leave this oldest section of Mount Pleasant, bear in mind the consistency of Anglo-Saxon surnames, with only a smattering of North European and French surnames to be found. Such was society at the time.
In the central sections between Yonge Street and Mount Pleasant road, the time periods leads up to the First World War is largely represented. Imports are still wide spread, but much more rough granite is now imported from Barre, Vermont. Unpolished monuments cut by local craftsmen are common. because of this, much lead lettering is utilized to create a contrast between inscription and the unpolished stone. The memorial styles are still predominantly Victorian with a slightly higher ratio of Gothic styles appearing. Section N is notable for its abundance of two-grave lots (much smaller than in previous years), characterized by scroll type marble monuments.
However in the section west of Mount Pleasant Road you will discover a big change, because in the late 1920's and early 1930's the monument imports from Scotland come to an end. The quarries in Scotland were becoming exhausted just as the granite industry in Canada was becoming more mechanized. It became uneconomical to shape monuments by hand and consequently many of the large granite sheds in Toronto closed and retained smaller operations for lettering, carving, and sculpture work. Note the more standardized look of these monuments - eight or ten inched in thickness and horizontal, rather than vertical, dimensions. During this period, Italian craftsmen began arriving in Toronto to pursue their craft. Likewise, German sculptors like Schnoen and hahn also began making their presence felt. A good example of the German sculpter Hahn's work is found in the Cutten monument (Plot O, Lot 18) evidenced by the two female nudes seated on a bench in classical style. At this point, the Victorian norm is declining as more Renaissance and Gothic Styles emerged. The painful effects of the 1930's upon Toronto Society are also recognizable in the small inexpensive monuments with rock sides made out of soft Georgia Granite. Ornamentation and inscription is simple and to a minimum. Family lot sin these sections are clearly smaller indicating that society was becoming more mobile. Although Anglo-Saxon surnames still prevail, the recent immigration of the time is documented by more Dutch, German, and Scandinavian surnames.
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