F. W. Chesson						   File: ZINC.HTM
144 Fiske Street,					    New: 7-9-96
Waterbury, CT  06710					    Rev: 2-2000

			SEARCH FOR THE GREAT WHITE BRONZE

				 Zinc Headstones
				       for
			       Yankees in Eternity	

     They were neither white nor bronze, but a bluish-grey, nearly pure
zinc alloy. And in a myriad of styles and sizes, they enjoyed a wide 
popularity between the end of the Civil War and World War One. Most are 
still around, and in remarkably good condition, though weight problems of 
the larger ones have caused over-stressed bases and resultant listing, as 
mentioned below.

     The Monument Bronze Co. of Bridgeport, Conn., cast zinc alloy markers 
from about 1870 to 1915. It later made automotive and radio parts until 1939.
The company also established a Detroit subsidiary in 1881 and later plants in 
Philadelphia, New Orleans, and St. Thomas, Ontario. Branches longest in the
monument production were Westren Bronze in Des Moines and American Bronze in 
Chicago.

			Size and Types of Monuments:

     Woodbury, Connecticut's North Cemetery presents a combined example of
the largest and smallest of the Monument Bronze Company's output so far noted.
It also has the latest death date, 1934, so far noted on a "Zinkie."

			   The Dawson-Dakin Monument 
     A square, slightly tapering monument base, of over six feet, is topped 
with a life-size standing female figure. Her right arm is raised, with her 
index finger pointing upwards. Her left arm is at her side, holding an opened 
book, perhaps the Bible.  

     The following inscriptions are noted, the upper-case names being near 
the base of each side, as follows:
				East Side...

DAWSON.		Henry Dawson.  6-22-1822 + 8-31-1906.
		Sarah H. Wife of Henry Dawson.  3-8-1826 + 3-10-1887.

				North Side...

WARD		John T. Ward. 1823-1912.
		Mary B. Ward. 1825-1897.		

				West Side...
1888				
		Thomas S. Ward.     1799-1882.
		Catherine M. Ward.  1802-1892
	"Monument Bronze Co., Bridgeport, CT" at foot of base.

				South Side

(no base name)	William Dakin.  11-15-1852 * 1-23-1916.
		Katie N. Dawson, Wife of William Dakin, 
		6-7-1849 + 5-6-1934 (note late date)

     As if to heighten the monument's aspect, around its west side are tiny 
(appx 12-8-6") individual grave markers, bearing the following initials: 
     H.D., K.N.D., W.D., S.A.D., T.W. and J.T.W., plus two with Age Years;
	C.M. Ward, Age 89 Years.	 Mary B. Ward, Age 72 Years.

     The structure is listing to the south, its metal base both settling and 
collapsing, fracture cracks in evidence.  Restoration would probably require 
internal bracing or filling the hollow base with concrete, both expensive 
undertakings.

     Also at North Woodbury is the following Victorian example, consisting of
a horizontal, rectangular structure, resembling a "peaked-tomb," of the Minor
Family, early Woodbury inhabitants.

		Benjamin M. Minor.  D 4-16-1845, AE 78.
		Mehetable, wife of B.H.M.  D April 9, 1842, AE 83.
		Gilbert S. Minor.   D 9-21-1868, AE 86.
		Sabrina Sedgewick, wife of G.S.M. D 11-30-1835, AE 35.
				also....
		Frederick M. Minor.  3-7-1820 + 2-14-1892
		 "Fifer of Co. I, 2nd C.V.H.A."
		Amelia C. Franklin, wife of F.M.M.  3-5-1821 + 3-1-1901


			         Southbury, Conn. 
				Pine Hill Cemetery 

STOWE.		William D. Stowe. Co. E, 150 NY Vols.  D. 6-29-1883.
	 A very interesting "stone," about 4 inches thick, set upon a 2-3"
	 high base. The inscription face has crossed flags, the reverse side
	 a standing soldier with musket in high relief.  At each corner of
	 the rounded top is a flag staff bracket.

				Watertown, Conn.
			       Evergreen Cemetery  

ATWOOD:  	 William C. Atwood  1825-1913
		 Betsey French, wife of W.C.A. 1832 + 1903
	 This Monument is triangular-shaped, like Victorian-Era coffin.  
	 The 1 and 3 of 1913 were added later, fastened with screws.

     Most monuments, however, were of the tapering pillar (obelisk) type, 
topped with various urn-like finials, ranging in height from four to over
fifteen feet.