I spent a lot of time researching the history of St. Michael’s cemetery as well as translating a topographical map into a lofted surface. It was founded in 1868 and funded by Asa Packer as a catholic burial ground in Bethlehem because there either wasn’t one already or it was in need of another. It has since been the resting place (burials ceased around the 1960’s) for countless men and women whose lives were fatefully tied to the arduous life of steel working in the mill, and represents over a dozen nationalities. In this sense, it is the only remaining congregation of all of the various walks of life which made up the steelworkers of the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. It’s a beautiful example of congregation since those laid to rest represent such a diverse smattering of cultures, ultimately united by the human condition and their life of work in Bethlehem, subsequently building America in the process. I did a lot of topographical research and translated the one I found to be most helpful.
