Week 4 Weekly Reflection

This is a picture I found that I took a while ago. This was taken at a small cemetery near Louisville. It was overgrown, and yes, that would be a coffin coming out of the ground. This is what I imagine other cemeteries of that time period to resemble, including those in Cincinnati, overgrown, dirty, and not at all pleasant to be in. This was not a place to go and “enjoy.” This was a burial dump. I believe Spring Grove was built in order to prevent this. 

Cincinnati was not a very “clean” area in the early 19^th century. Railroads were built and swine roamed the streets. The population had exploded. I imagine a very crowded, dirty city with not much natural beauty.

And then Spring Grove was built. It allowed the citizens a place to go and enjoy beauty, reflect, and remember their loved ones. Spring Grove allowed an escape from the everyday hustle and bustle. 

It also allowed a place to learn. Spring Grove was built in a time in which Google and Wikipedia were the ideas of Science Fiction. Only the wealthy were formally educated, and literacy was a dream for most. The cemetery was a place to learn by immersion. Botany, history, architecture, and art are just a few of the subjects that may be learned through immersion in the cemetery. Spring Grove was not just a place for the wealthy. Anyone could go and educate themselves, ensuring they were truly “a better person when they left.”

The plans and designs for Spring Grove reflected the sentiments and values of that time in many ways. B

Beauty was something to be admired. Knowledge was desired. Space and greenery was a commodity.

Although not many people could afford luxury at this time, it one of those desires that everyone has. And in its simplistic beauty, Spring Grove offered it.