History

History & Timeline

Harmony Grove Cemetery: An Historical Overview
‍
In 1837, Colonel Francis F. Peabody proposed the creation of a rural cemetery for the City of Salem. At the time, existing burial sites in the city were becoming overcrowded. A new movement toward rural cemeteries was gaining momentum, inspired by the founding of Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge in 1831. This movement reflected romantic ideals about nature, art, and death, influenced by cemetery designs in England and France.

As shown in the timeline below, economic conditions initially delayed progress toward establishing a cemetery association. However, by 1839, enough funds had been raised to purchase 35 acres of land, formerly owned by various citizens of Salem and the neighboring Town of Danvers. After evaluating multiple locations, a committee chose this site for its varied landscape, which included a rocky cliff, wooded knolls, open plains, and shaded groves. As early as 1824, locals had referred to this area as Harmony Grove for its natural beauty and serene atmosphere.

In February 1840, the “Proprietors of Harmony Grove Cemetery” were officially incorporated. At that time, the boundaries between Salem and Danvers were adjusted to place the entire cemetery within Salem city limits.

The layout of Harmony Grove, with its winding paths and natural contours, was designed by Alexander Wadsworth, who also worked on the design of Mount Auburn Cemetery. Before the cemetery’s consecration in June 1840, a rustic stone gateway and a Gothic-style superintendent’s cottage were constructed.

‍Growth and Development
‍In 1863, the cemetery’s Trustees established Soldiers' Lot to honor Salem residents who had died in the Civil War. A monument erected at its center reads:
‍
“To the Memory of the Soldiers and Sailors of Salem who gave their lives in Defense of the Union 1861–1865.”

‍Throughout the 1870s, several improvements were made to the cemetery’s gates and fencing. A particularly notable development was the construction of three greenhouses over a seven-year period. These made it possible for the cemetery to grow its own flowers and shrubs, reducing reliance on outside suppliers and enhancing the grounds' beauty. In the early 1880s, road and pathway signs were installed. In 1888, iron fences and chains—once believed to be durable—were removed from all lots due to deterioration. The following year, Lot #1606 on Halidon was donated by the cemetery to the Salem Firemen’s Relief Association. By the 1890s, the cemetery saw further upgrades, including the installation of underground drainage systems and the grading of new burial areas. With support from the Salem Mayor and the Trustees, the U.S. War Department donated three Dahlgren cannons with Marsilly carriages for display in the Soldiers' Lot. These cannons had been key naval weapons during the Civil War. Around the same time, the cemetery’s greenhouses were renovated. In 1900, the cemetery adopted a Perpetual Care policy for all future lot sales, ensuring ongoing maintenance.

‍The Blake Memorial Chapel
‍In 1901, the cemetery received notice of the will of Nancy Cordwell Blake, who had passed away on January 10. Her will directed that a chapel be built in memory of her son, George Harrison Blake. She requested that it be named The Blake Memorial Chapel and that a portrait of George be permanently displayed inside. Completed in 1904, the Blake Memorial Chapel included a chapel space, administrative offices, and a receiving tomb. For more details about the chapel’s architecture and stained-glass windows, please visit the Chapel History section on this website.

‍Cremation and Modernization
‍In 1917, two crematories were added to Harmony Grove. Though modernized several times over the years—most recently in 2023—they remain fully operational, and cremation services are still offered today.

‍Legacy
‍Over time, various properties, houses, and land were acquired, sold, or relocated to accommodate the cemetery’s needs. Thanks to the vision and dedication of its early founders, Harmony Grove Cemetery now spans nearly 57 acres of beautifully maintained and historically significant grounds.