In the serene grounds of Mount Auburn Cemetery, amidst the quiet whispers of history, lies a poignant story of two individuals whose lives were intertwined by fate and bound by a common resting place. This is a tale of Arthur K. McComb and Stewart Mitchell, whose journeys deserve recognition and remembrance.
The video we shared with you, taken at the cemetery while Robin Hazard Ray speaks about these men, reflects the invaluable contributions she has made to our quest. It's a testament to the profound impact of our journey, and we are grateful to both Robin Hazard Ray and Dr. Cynthia Meyersburg for their support and permission in sharing this story with the world. With Robin's help, we're one step closer to preserving the memories of these two remarkable individuals and ensuring their stories are not lost to time. Below you can learn more about Robin and her wonderful work, along with the books she has authored.
Our Mission:
Our mission is twofold. First, we aim to inscribe Arthur K. McComb's name on his gravestone at Mount Auburn Cemetery. He rests in eternal silence, his legacy fading into obscurity, but with your help, we can ensure that he receives the recognition he deserves.
Second, we are determined to preserve the work and memory of Stewart Mitchell. The Widener Library holds a book of his poems, a testament to his creative spirit, yet it lies in a state of neglect. We believe that his work, like Arthur's, deserves to be celebrated and remembered.
The heartwarming aspect of this story is the role that Stewart played in ensuring Arthur had a burial plot, prepaying for his resting place when he knew that Arthur was penniless and alone. Stewart's generosity and kindness should not be forgotten.
How You Can Help:
We invite you to join us on this quest to honor the memory of Arthur K. McComb and Stewart Mitchell. Your support can make a difference in preserving their legacies, ensuring that their memories are not lost to time. Your contributions will go towards inscribing Arthur's name and restoring Stewart's work.
Additionally, we are open to receiving any information you may have about Arthur and Stewart. We believe that together, we can piece together a more complete picture of their lives, perhaps even finding a photograph that can accompany their stories.
Donations:
Help us raise funds to get Arthur's name Inscribed on his grave and Preserve Stewart Mitchell's Memory through publishing and sharing his work. For donations, please visit our PayPal donation page.
Share Information:
If you have information or pictures related to Arthur K. McComb and Stewart Mitchell, please email us at: Kimia_Grigoriev@alumni(dot)harvard(dot)edu
In this tale of remembrance, compassion, and honoring forgotten legacies, we invite you to become part of our journey. Let's ensure that Arthur K. McComb and Stewart Mitchell receive the recognition they deserve, and that their stories are woven into the tapestry of history for all to remember.
Arthur K. McComb:
In 1968, Arthur found his final resting place at Mount Auburn Cemetery, but his name was never etched onto the gravestone. Buried without recognition due to his solitary disposition and limited resources, his remarkable life went unnoticed by many. Arthur was more than just a nameless grave; he was a Harvard alumnus, a professor, and a distinguished art historian. His expertise in the field of baroque art, complemented by his academic endeavors at Oxford and Berlin, left an indelible mark on the world of art history.
Stewart Mitchell:
Stewart Mitchell, born on November 25, 1892, in Cincinnati, Ohio, was a man of many talents. A graduate of Harvard University in 1916, he went on to teach English literature at the University of Wisconsin. Stewart's journey took an unexpected turn when he enlisted in the army, serving in France during World War I. Upon returning, he pursued a Ph.D. in Literature at Harvard in 1933. In addition to his academic achievements, Stewart was the founder of the Harvard Poetry Club, a testament to his passion for the arts and literature.
Stewart's life was filled with remarkable achievements. He served as an editor for the New England Quarterly and the Massachusetts Historical Society (MHS). His contributions to the field of history and literature earned him recognition and respect from his peers. Yet, Stewart's personal life was deeply marked by his enduring connection with his life partner Richard David Cowan, a connection that took a tragic turn when Richard passed away by suicide in 1939. This devastating loss led to a profound emotional struggle for Stewart, which ultimately led to his departure from MHS. In his moments of despair, Stewart shared with Spence Burton, his confessor, the poignant words, "There is no running away from a broken heart."
In the face of these challenges, Stewart Mitchell continued to leave an indelible impact on the world. His resilience, creativity, and generosity shone brightly through the darkest times. It is a testament to his strength of character that he persevered, contributing significantly to the fields of history and literature and enriching the lives of those he encountered.
Here are the pictures of the sole book Kimia managed to locate at Harvard's Widener Library related to Stewart's work. This book is titled "Poems" and comprises a collection of his poetic works. Unfortunately, no other material pertaining to Arthur was found during the search, except for a book housed in Harvard's collection in Italy.
Our Guide to Rediscovering History
Our journey to commemorate Arthur K McComb and Stewart Mitchell's stories and inscribe Arthur's name on his grave wouldn't be the same without Robin's invaluable contributions. During my weekend on-campus intensive course at Harvard, titled "Loss and Legacy" with Dr. Cynthia Meyersburg, I had the privilege of exploring Mount Auburn Cemetery with my class, guided by our exceptional tour guide, Robin Hazard Ray.
Robin Hazard Ray is not only an expert on the individuals buried in this historic cemetery but also an accomplished author. Her commitment to sharing the stories of those at Mount Auburn Cemetery is further demonstrated by her upcoming Pride walks on October 21 and 22, which you can find on the Watertown Public Library Calendar.
Additionally, Robin Hazard Ray is an author with an impressive body of work, including the book "The Strangers' Tomb," available on Amazon, and the soon-to-be-released sequel, "The Soldiers' Rest," already available on Kindle. You can find her author page on Facebook: Robin Hazard Ray Author.
It was through Robin's expertise and passion for unearthing the fascinating stories hidden within Mount Auburn Cemetery that we discovered the heartrending situation of Arthur K McComb's unmarked grave. This discovery moved us to take action to ensure Arthur's name is commemorated on his resting place, given his significant contributions to the world of art and history.
Robin's role as our tour guide and her dedication to these stories make her an essential part of this endeavor to honor the legacies of Arthur K McComb and Stewart Mitchell. We are grateful for her guidance and support in this mission.
Help Us:
Contact Us:
More Information About Stewart Mitchel & His family, Including Georgine Holmes who is buried alongside Stewart.
Sources:
UPDATE :
We're delighted to share that our donation goals have been met, thanks to the incredible generosity of many wonderful individuals. The cemetery has graciously agreed to add his name to his grave. The engraving process is scheduled for spring 2024, as the company responsible for the engraving works after the winter season to avoid challenges posed by poor weather and icy conditions on the ground and stones.
Mount Auburn Cemetery will reach out to me once the engraving is complete, and at that time, I'll promptly share updated photos and videos showcasing the final results. A heartfelt thank you once again for your unwavering help and support.