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Exploring Historic Cemeteries: Zinc Monuments a.k.a. White Bronze

April A to Z Challenge 2020: It’s that time of year! Every April, bloggers around the world make posts for each letter of the alphabet. It’s a lot of fun and a great way to make friends online. Here’s my post for today:

[The following is an adapted excerpt from my travel guide to haunted places, a book called Paranormal Texas.  I hope you enjoy it! Also, full disclosure: that’s an Amazon affiliate link. If you buy stuff after clicking it, I make a few pennies at no additional cost to you.]

Zinc a.k.a. White Bronze monument (photo (c) Tui Snider)
Zinc a.k.a. White Bronze monument (photo (c) Tui Snider)

What are “White Bronze” monuments?

From 1874 to 1914, the Monumental Bronze Company of Bridgeport Connecticut offered custom-made monuments made from a zinc alloy. Called “white bronze” to make them sound fancier, not only were these metal monuments less expensive than carved marble or limestone, but they were also much more durable.

Zinc a.k.a. White Bronze monument (photo (c) Tui Snider)
Zinc a.k.a. White Bronze monument (photo (c) Tui Snider)

They are so durable!

In fact, the inscriptions on these monuments are clearly legible even today. People could order these monuments through a catalogue, and customize them accordingly.

Zinc a.k.a. White Bronze monument (photo (c) Tui Snider)
Zinc a.k.a. White Bronze monument (photo (c) Tui Snider)

Distinctive color and easy to ID

After you’ve seen a few examples in person, you’ll be able to easily recognize white bronze monuments by their distinctive bluish gray color. If you’re not sure though, simply give one a tap with a stick or your hand.

Zinc a.k.a. White Bronze monument (photo (c) Tui Snider)
Zinc a.k.a. White Bronze monument (photo (c) Tui Snider)

Used by bootleggers?

Since these are hollow constructions, you will hear a metallic ringing sound. During the Prohibition Era, it’s claimed that boot- leggers sometimes pried panels off of these since monuments to hide booze inside. (I have not been able to confirm whether or not this is true, but the idea intrigues me!)

Zinc a.k.a. White Bronze monument (photo (c) Tui Snider)
Zinc a.k.a. White Bronze monument (photo (c) Tui Snider)

WWI put them out of business

During World War One, zinc was needed for guns and munitions, so the Monumental Bronze Company shifted its focus to aid the war effort. In 1939, they went out of business completely. I think that’s rather sad! Zinc monuments are some of my favorites. Are there any such “white bronze” monuments in burial grounds near you?

READ MY BOOK: If you enjoy historic cemeteries and want to learn more, check out my book: Understanding Cemetery Symbols. It’s available on Amazon in paperback and ebook form.

Learn more at my Historic Cemetery Podcast & YouTube Channel:

Do you have questions about headstone symbols? Drop by my YouTube channel and let me take you one some virtual cemetery tours! You can also tune in to my 30-minute historic cemetery podcast on the first Tuesday of each month: Tombstone Tuesday with Tui Snider.

READ MY BOOK: If you enjoy historic cemeteries and want to learn more, check out my book: Understanding Cemetery Symbols. It’s available on Amazon in paperback and ebook form.

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Tui Snider
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3 Comments

  1. Living in New England, we have some different common symbols on the older stones, such as death’s heads and weeping willows, but I’ve enjoyed your theme and learned some new tidbits. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a zinc monument, for example!
    Black and White (Words and Pictures)

  2. I’ve so enjoyed reading your A to Z posts Tui, and I’ve learned a lot. I’ve bookmarked your site so I can come back for reference.
    Congratulations on completing the A to Z Challenge.

  3. Congratulations on completing the A to Z Challenge!

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