Historic Cemeteries

Cemeteries are a window into what came before and how that has shaped our present and future landscape. Take this place for example. Every time I walk or drive by it, I wonder what stories the walls of this structure could tell.

Let’s take a closer look.

In the Digital Archives this place is designated as the Andrew Tarr house. According to the Maine Historic Preservation Commission, this pure Greek Revival House was built between 1838-1840. The original parcel of land was trimmed down to 40 acres by 1912.

This house is also significant because the first Masonic Lodge on Mount Desert Island met here after they outgrew their space over Freeman’s Store. Andrew had a store, the Masonic Lodge Meeting Hall space and his residence at this location.

Why was my curiosity peaked at this time? I walked in an old Historic Cemetery off the Fernald Point Road, known as the Gilley Cemetery. On its perimeter, there were two graves set off by themselves. One had a stake with the Masonic Lodge symbol and a Flag. The writing was almost unreadable but I could make out the name Andrew Tarr. I knew this name was somehow connected to Fernald Point so when I returned home I pulled out my copy of Traditions and Records/Southwest Harbor and Somesville Mount Desert, Maine by Mrs. Seth S. Thornton.

My search has just begun and each step is further peaking my curiosity. You, too, can join the fun by picking a person or place to research on the Digital Archives. Just take a walk in an old cemetery and select a name to learn more about. - Anne Welles, SWHHS board

Top photos of Tarr house by Anne Welles; black and white Tarr house photo from Southwest Harbor Public Library Digital Archives (1955 Ballard photograph); Andrew Tarr gravestone in Gilley Burying Ground, photo by Julie Fernald.

Local Cemeteries

Clark Family Burying Ground

Doliver Grave (Peter in the Woods)

Dolliver Family Burial Ground

Evergreen Cemetery

Gilley Burying Ground

King Cemetery

Lurvey Burial Ground at Smuggler’s Den Campground

Moore Family Burial Ground

Newman Cemetery

Old Burying Ground

Union Cemetery

For more information on local cemeteries, we recommend Cemeteries of Cranberry Isles and the towns of Mount Desert Island: A record of names and dates on gravestones in cemeteries of Bar Harbor, Cranberry Isles, Mount Desert, Southwest Harbor, and Tremont by Thomas F. Vining, available through local libraries and historical societies.

Evergreen Cemetery

Clark Family Burying Ground