Historic Bonaventure Cemetery: Photographs from the Collection of the Georgia Historical Society

Images of America: Georgia

by Amie Marie Wilson, Mandi Dale Johnson

All cemeteries are history made tangible. Each neatly laid out plot, each lichen-dotted headstone, each lovingly crafted monument, is a representation of a personal history. While each cemetery has its own collection of stories to tell, Bonaventure Cemetery has more stories than most. For more than 150 years, citizens of Savannah have buried their loved ones at Bonaventure Cemetery. Among its grounds, monuments bearing the names of such famous people as Johnny Mercer lie alongside markers bearing names of those known only to their family. Bonaventure's stately beauty seems the perfect setting for a cemetery. Historic Bonaventure Cemetery illustrates the development of Bonaventure as a Victorian-style cemetery and the
transformation from a private estate to a public cemetery. Historic Bonaventure Cemetery, the first book solely about Bonaventure, includes images of Bonaventure and Greenwich--the two plantations that became Bonaventure--and provides information about the people and the monuments there.

Genres: Nonfiction, Photography, History, Gothic, Death

128 pages, Paperback

First published November 7, 1998

Reviews

[Monet The Book Sniffing Unicorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book after visiting the cemetery myself. It was interesting reading about all of the graves I had seen, as well as learning some of the history behind the cemetery.

It would have been a 5 star read had they included some updated,color photos of the grave yard. It’s such a beautiful place to visit, but that beauty is lost in the aged book. It also would have been nice to get a bit more background on graves they chose, as well as adding some of the many popular graves left out.

[MKF · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bonaventure is one of the cemeteries I dream of visiting. The history of the plantations that once stood on the grounds and how the grounds became a cemetery was fascinating. I loved the photos and learning about the people and sculptors that are a part of Bonaventure.

[Debi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was really hoping for more details on the beginnings and the famous history of the occupants. Very general and not much more than what the internet already provides. Plus, the pictures only go up to 1998; which is a very long time ago at this point (2021).

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book- so, so. The place, spectacular!

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book offers a great history of the cemetery.

[Loren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another in the series of books which collect historic photographs of America, Historic Bonaventure Cemetery was published first but came to me second, as a Christmas present. Like Images of America: New Orleans Cemeteries, this book contains hundreds of black-and-white photographs, all concentrated on the lovely moss-draped graveyard in Savannah, Georgia.

Bonaventure began life as a plantation three miles east of downtown Savannah. During the American Revolution, the original owners backed the wrong side and were exiled when their lands were seized for treason. One of the sons bought the land back in 1785 and was eventually elected governor of Georgia. His wife and four infant children were buried on the plantation, where their graves survive today. In June 1868, the plantation was landscaped by a cemetery company in the style of the picturesque northern garden cemeteries—accent, here, on garden.

The book’s illustrations are primarily drawn from the collection of the Georgia Historical Society, augmented with the authors’ modern photos. Some of my favorite images are the picture postcards so common from the Victorian era. Unfortunately, the writing on the backs of the cards is not reproduced; I missed being able to read, “Visited this cemetery, thought of you, wish you were here, etc.” In the spirit of souvenirs are the stereopticon cards (here represented by a single photo) of corseted young women seated along the roadside, awaiting their carriage home, or the picnickers seated before the tombstone over which they’ve flung a blanket—so not to be troubled in the graveyard by the ominous reminder of mortality?

In fact, for a book about a cemetery, Historic Bonaventure Cemetery stints on the photos of monuments. There are some beauts: the angel cradling the scallop shell birdbath in her arms, the exquisite floral wreath executed in marble by an Italian craftsman, the life-sized sculpture of Little Gracie with her nautical dress and button boots. I would have preferred if the book had showcased more of these artworks and fewer vistas of moss-swathed trees. Still, I find I cannot be disappointed when faced with so much melancholy loveliness. If anything, Historic Bonaventure Cemetery makes me yearn to see the place for myself.

[Graceann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bonaventure Cemetery is a beautiful place, and this book is a lovely tribute to it. The resting place of Johnny Mercer and Conrad Aiken has gone through many changes over the years, but still remains a mecca for history buffs, photographers and nature lovers worldwide.

[Tabitha Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read for anyone who plans to visit Savannah or the famous Bonaventure Cemetery.