There are times in life when we gather for the common good, we come together and reflect on the objective at hand. Politics, religion gender or beliefs are simply not a factor. Sometimes it is a pleasant occasion that creates this unique harmonic experience, but in most cases, it is sadness. Grief is a common denominator many times, sadness prevails today as it has since the beginning of mankind.
It was a time of sadness that did in fact gather our ancestors together back in the year 1890 for the common good. The occasion was the proposed creation of a beautiful memorial on North State Street at the entrance to Blossom Hill Cemetery.
As our ancestors continued to arrive in Concord the population grew quickly year after year. The Old North Cemetery reached capacity and there was a need to either expand the Old North Cemetery or find another parcel of land to create a new cemetery. A committee was established to search for a resolution as the last graves at the Old North Cemetery were occupied. At first the committee searched near the Old North in hope of just expanding the existing cemetery, there was talk of acquiring land near Bradley Street and then again near lower Penacook Street. Our ancestors soon realized the mortality rates were increasing and the need for a very long-term solution was in order.
In time land was found on North State Street, a parcel that offered enough acreage for expansion year after year. The second common cemetery within the city was founded in 1860 and reverently named Blossom Hill Cemetery. The cemetery was designed by John Briggs, a man with an eye for detail and experienced as a surveyor as well as a landscape architect. John Briggs carefully laid out the roads as the forest was cleared, with a keen eye for the location of the lots alongside the newly established unpaved lanes. The outcome was applauded by all and the landscape was truly a fine place to rest eternally. John Briggs passed away while still a young man at the age of forty-one. He found his final resting place at Blossom Hill, this place he so painstakingly created for the deceased as well as the families that were left to mourn.
The cemetery lots were sold, some lots a little more elaborate provided more land for vaults, large families and mausoleums. Some of the original lots are bordered by granite borders, granite steps and very ornate plantings. Regardless of the lot or the established monuments, the Blossom Hill Cemetery offers peace in time of need. Death is a great equalizer, regardless of your position in the community, your career or wealth. Regardless of your race, color or creed, once we pass, we are once again simply the same.
The Blossom Hill Cemetery was established at a time of need, certainly because the Old North Cemetery was witnessing the last of the lots, but war was a factor too. Concord was saddened as the deceased Civil War soldiers and sailors were returning home. The train would arrive at the Concord Train Depot with yet another flag draped coffin. Many soldiers killed on the field of glory were simply buried where they fell for the final time, the grave marked by comrades to identify the deceased, but sadness prevailed. In time the families searched for closure and searched for their loved ones that had perished in battle. Once found the families would exhume the bodies and have them brought home, home to the Blossom Hill Cemetery where they would find eternal rest with their families nearby. Soldier upon soldier returned in this manner, the soldiers that returned unharmed from the war became our honored veterans, the people of Concord felt both the deceased and veterans should be recognized for the service they provided to our country.
Thirty years after the Blossom Hill Cemetery was established our ancestors continued to discuss the deceased veterans from Concord. As more veterans passed away the people made every effort to find a way to honor them. The seeds of thought were planted, the people gathered for the common good in unison. Yes, the Concord Soldiers Monument would be built to honor those that served their country.
It was the year 1890 when our ancestors contacted known architect A. P. Cutting from Worcester, Mass. Cutting was solicited to design the Concord Soldiers Monument, a contract was signed and plans were worked and reworked until a final plan with fine details was completed. The Concord Soldiers Monument would honor those soldiers from Concord that protected and served us, it would be a fitting tribute and fulfill the objective in a very grand way.
The final design called for a large monument to be erected at the entrance to Blossom Hill Cemetery, a location that would be seen by all that passed. Though a statue of sorts would be wonderful, A. P. Cutting actually designed a granite building, a place that would contain space, a beautiful destination to pray. The construction was to be of fine granite, 52 feet long and 18½ feet thick. In the center there was an opening for a large doorway and at each side a passage for pedestrians. The monument was to be intricately carved and inscribed by each and every Concord soldier deceased. The interior of the Concord Soldiers Monument at Blossom Hill Cemetery was to feature an interior stairway leading to a relic chamber ten feet high, 8½ feet wide and 26 feet long. The interior chamber was to be lighted by windows at each end. The exterior front and beneath the arch were to feature a large tablet with each soldier’s name as well as other inscriptions. The final cost in 1890 was estimated to be $20,000.
Sadly, this grand Concord Soldiers Monument at Blossom Hill Cemetery was never constructed. Perhaps it was the cost, perhaps it was another factor. With this plan in hand the people procrastinated and another war was soon enough to arrive. More soldiers returned home deceased. World War I, World War II and Vietnam claimed many more lives. I was touched by the thoughts of our ancestors, contemplating what might have been.