SPRING HILL CEMETERY
166 S. Hawley Court
Milwaukee, WI 53214
414.352.4777
Established: 1865
Acres: 11.5
No Official Website
Bella Morte Rating: 1 Tombstone
Had we not espied this little burying ground while exploring Calvary Cemetery (directly across the bustling lanes of I-94) we would not have even known of its existence. As it turns out, that would not have necessarily been a bad thing. Although Spring Hill is pleasant enough, it is very standard fare and has nothing much to recommend one bother following the rather circuitous route required to get from Calvary (which is definitely worth a visit) to it.
The most interesting monuments on the grounds are the two private mausoleums which are located beneath a stand of trees directly inside the entrance. These belong, individually, to the Peck and Soref families. Of the two, the first is far and away the most visually engaging. With its angular grey granite walls, massive doors and large round window, it is reminiscent of a medieval fortress. The structure is at once imposing and comforting as it seems to defend those within from any harm that might attempt to infiltrate its mighty walls. The Soref mausoleum is far more traditional in form. It features two curved and angled walls which extend from either side of the doorway in a shape that suggests an embrace. Indeed, there is even a marble bench that welcomes visitors to pause, rest and reflect for a bit in the shade of the sheltering trees.
Although Spring Hill is well-maintained, it is also not exactly remarkable in any meaningful way. There are several wholly-uninspired community mausoleums that back up to I-94. These are plain, one-story, generic buildings…nothing to write home about. Other than that, there is little beyond straight lanes lined, on either side, with graves.
We highly recommend you skip this one unless you have a very specific reason for visiting. Your time will be better spent across the way at Calvary.
NOTE: Although visitors to Spring Hill will notice a beautiful Menorah just outside the gates, the cemetery is non-denominational and welcomes those of other faiths (or no faith) to its grounds.
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