My passion is family history. Hand in hand with that obsession, goes a compelling interest in cemeteries. I know not everyone understands this but Gloucester is blessed with some very interesting cemetery stories. Beechbrook Cemetery is such a story.
Beechbrook Cemetery is located on Essex Ave in West Gloucester. It was established in 1878 and is owned by the City. The minute I entered it the first time, I was awed by the peace. I was especially intrigued by the Fisherman’s Rest Last Port of Call memorial. I find it comforting in its arrangement as a ship at dock surrounded by gentle waves, as represented by the uniform headstones. John Hays Hammond Sr. established this section for indigent fishermen and sailors according to The Modern Cemetery Vol 21 as found on Google Books.
Joseph Garland in his book The Gloucester Guide stated it much better than I am able: “Row upon row of simple headstones answer to the roll of Gloucester’s men of the sea who lived to died ashore. Anchors from the fishing vessels are buried with them, their white shanks the sentinel corner posts where the graveled walks meet.”
Beechbrook Cemetery also has a section devoted to veterans, recently upgraded by Zachary Schultz as an Eagle Scout project.
The cemetery also contains special monuments and areas devoted to the Elks, veterans of the Spanish American War and the Moose.
It’s a beautiful peaceful place, well taken care of (thank you Gloucester!) and perhaps you’ll make a visit just to enjoy the peace.
Good Morning Gloucester 
So many wonderful and unique cemeteries. This is one of my favorite ones. Thanks for posting.
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Excellent post and what a final resting place indeed so much history every memorial day we would go to these close by for memorial day put flags and drum and bugle play taps! Thanks for sharing! 🙂 Dave & Kim 🙂
Commitment…
WWII veteran fulfills promise by playing Taps at friend’s grave
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