Hip To Be Square

As you enter Oakwood Cemetery through the Comstock Avenue gate, stay on the road to the right, and you'll soon notice this striking, angular mausoleum situated up a gentle slope, nestled near the tree line.

This art deco structure serves as the final resting place for Alexander Timothy Brown (1854-1929), his wife, Mary Lillian Seamans Brown (1863-1932), their youngest son Julian Stephen Brown (1887-1929), and eldest son Charles Seamans Brown (1885-1953) along with his wife, Iola Warrior Brown (1889-1968).

Alexander Timothy Brown

Mary Lillian Seamans Brown

Charles Seamans Brown

Julian Stephen Brown

Regrettably, my efforts to find a photograph of Iola Warrior Brown have been unsuccessful so far. As of now, she is known only by name.

The Brown mausoleum has always intrigued me, standing tall, bold, and boxy, with its upper level featuring twelve slender panes of stained glass. It contrasts sharply with the nearby monuments, which are more curvy and softly contoured.

Over the years, I've observed the Brown mausoleum as it became entangled with foliage and vines, only to be cleaned up later. I've seen the doors with glass in the windows, and then without, due to those who damage beautiful things.

I began photographing the doors a long time ago, observing as they aged and developed a constantly evolving patina. They appear small compared to the massive stone that surrounds them.

The windows are narrow and positioned just a few inches above my eye level. The bars that divide the panes always prevent any of my camera lenses from fitting in to capture what's hidden in the darkness. So, I've always remained outside, focusing on the doors.

Although I'm a camera purist, I recently decided to change my approach. I set aside my Nikon and fancy lenses to use the Galaxy cellphone, hoping to discover what lay in the shadows.

Even with my hand and the phone, I couldn't reach inside the windows. However, by holding the phone upright against the exterior and using a flash, I finally managed to capture a glimpse I desired.

Inside were six crypts, five belonging to the Browns, and an oval medallion on the back wall. However, is it a wall or perhaps some kind of doorway due to the vertical split in the center? Could the medallion serve as a seal? And what does the figure on the medallion depict? Is he a soldier? A blacksmith?

All the men buried here were involved in industry. Could this plaque be a symbol of that?

Unfortunately, the floor is covered with stone fragments that have fallen from above. It's clear that no one has entered for a long time, and it's likely not safe to enter now.

I wasn't able to capture much more from the outside, even using a flash. However, I did manage to glimpse a shadow of something mysterious hanging in the center of the tower. How could I possibly get a photo? Entering would never be an option.

Then a selfie stick came to mind.

Returning a couple of weeks later, I brought the stick, cellphone, and a roll of clear packing tape, hoping for positive results.

After placing the phone into the brackets and securing it with a generous amount of packing tape, I slipped the phone sideways through one of the window openings, rotated the lens upward, and pressed the trigger. Flash.

What I discovered was something beautiful and extraordinary. Hidden from all eyes in the upper tower area was a large ball, suspended in the center, with colors from all twelve windows gloriously reflecting on it.

What materials was it constructed from? How much might it weigh? The color seems blue, yet it might be silver. Did it serve a purpose other than decoration?

There are still numerous questions that require answers.

This story is far from complete. Alexander, Charles, and Julian each have intriguing tales in their own right.

Occasionally, when things come to light, they only spark a deeper curiosity, which I hope to explore in the future.

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Christine Shephard is a photographer, writer, and avid taphophile. She makes her home in Central New York.

Images captured by Christine Shephard Photographic Design and the written content cannot be utilized in any other format or publication without explicit permission.

Images of the Brown Family provided by Find A Grave.