Reed Mausoleum - Topeka, Kansas - Victorian Style Architecture on Waymarking.com

PLOT 2

W. H. Reed originally owned the The Reed Mausoleum and it is dated 1890. Reed purchased the plot on September 29, 1890 for the sum of $210.00. The first interment was December 26,1895. The mausoleum is in Section 62 on Plot 2, which is 23 feet wide and 24 feet deep. The mausoleum façade measures 25’ wide by 13’, 10’ high.

Built of limestone, this structure is second along the row of ten mausolea. The date 1890 is carved above the lintel over the gateway. Reed is carved on a centered, dressed-faced stone in the tympanum of the pediment. This structure is positioned six feet behind curbed driveway. The south side of the structure is engaged to the fieldstone retaining wall but the north side is not. The architectural style is Romanesque Revival.

Elements of the façade are symmetrically disposed about a central vertical axis and appear in three segments. These are set on a raised plinth that breaks at the gateway for the threshold. Flanking side sections are of rusticated, quarry-faced ashlar. These descend at an angle to the sides of the plot and terminate in short segments that splay toward the curbed drive. They are capped by large rectangular stones. Single, rectangular stones to the height of the pediment form pilasters that contain a planar compostion arch, spandrel and pediment in the central portion of the façade. The arch, of rusticated, quarry-faced voissuers, spans the gateway to the vault. Rusticated, quarry-faced ashlar form the spandrels, and the area over the arch is of random-range ashlar that is roughly dressed. The tympanum is formed with dressed-faced, coursed ashlar, and ornamented at its crest by a rosette. Raking cornices cap the pediment, fills the area above the pediment cornice. The parapet is capped by a stone cornice.

A stone threshold, jambs, and lintel frame an iron double gate. Hinge straps on the gate leafs are plain. An arrangement of panel and ornament adorn both leafs. The left hand leaf has a lower relief panel depicting an angel in flight shepherding a lying male figure on a barge with a sail. Above that panel is a floral wreath with the words “At Rest”. An oak leaf decorates each corner of all panels. The gate leafs are ventilated by vertical slots and a ring pull is located on the right hand leaf.

The vault inside the gate has a front loading arrangement for seven caskets, each with an access panel of stone. The walls and arched ceiling are of red brick and the floor is ceramic tile.

- National Register Application