Tucked in one of the Village's nicest blocks, at 72-76 West 11th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues, is the tiny Second Cemetery of the Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue, Shearith Israel, in the City of New York (1805 - 1829). This is one of 3 cemeteries belonging to the synagogue. The original cemetery here was larger. However, in 1830, (after the commisioners' plan of 1811 establishing a street grid) 11th Street was cut though, reducing the size to this small triangle. Disturbed graves were moved to the Third Cemetery on West 21st Street. Burials in Manhattan were outlawed in 1852, explaining why cemeteries here are so few and far between. This grim little plot has just a few simple, worn headstones. I shot this from several angles - click here for more photos. In the words of writer James Zug: "The cemetery has a sad appearance, especially in a downpour, this forgotten place, no one to come to tend to the graves, and no one alive who knows any of the people resting there." I couldn't have said it better ...
Monday, November 27, 2006
Hidden Cemetery
Tucked in one of the Village's nicest blocks, at 72-76 West 11th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues, is the tiny Second Cemetery of the Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue, Shearith Israel, in the City of New York (1805 - 1829). This is one of 3 cemeteries belonging to the synagogue. The original cemetery here was larger. However, in 1830, (after the commisioners' plan of 1811 establishing a street grid) 11th Street was cut though, reducing the size to this small triangle. Disturbed graves were moved to the Third Cemetery on West 21st Street. Burials in Manhattan were outlawed in 1852, explaining why cemeteries here are so few and far between. This grim little plot has just a few simple, worn headstones. I shot this from several angles - click here for more photos. In the words of writer James Zug: "The cemetery has a sad appearance, especially in a downpour, this forgotten place, no one to come to tend to the graves, and no one alive who knows any of the people resting there." I couldn't have said it better ...
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6 comments:
ok, i like this one more.
very great angle, give me very specail impression.
and the comments sounds a little bit blue, anyway,I just think so many people lived in this world, for us to remember is the spirit, not many names.
Beautiful place as i see here,maybe forgotten place, but it exists peacefully.
jing
www.shanghaidailyphoto.com
I stood on top of the wall at one end where two railings came together, hanging out using one arm to hold on and the other to fire the camera. I'm thinking the first supplementary photo (see red link) gives a better idea?
Brian
I like the top one in the link the best...a better view.
Jing, I've read a lot of posts you've made today and you just crack me up!!! You are so funny girl!
You must be in a good mood today....the 64 octogon thing and some others I can't remember right now. You've made me laugh out loud a few times! How do you say "thank you" in Chinese?
I particularly like the photo of the gate. Your posts always have interesting information; thank you!
Jing really nailed it....your photo absolutely captures the peace within this small space, but because you did not crop the right-hand side I can almost hear the city noisily intruding.
Exceptional!
Does anyone know if there are visiting hours or if there is an avaliable key to go inside and pray there or volunteer to tend to the grounds somewhat?
If anyone does then please email me mommyot@hotmail.com. Thank you.
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