Latona's Heavenly View
This magnificent monument was erected on the family plot of James Kitchenman 1825 - 1909. It's located in the Southside of Historic Laurel Hill Cemetery in Philadelphia. On top of this 30" tall granite pillar and pedestal sits a godly looking figure. Something out of Greek/Roman mythology. The statue closely resembles the Greek Goddess LËTÖ or the Roman equivalent of Latona. Latona was the goddess of motherhood and, with her children, a protectress of the young. The monument overlooks lush grounds, Egyptian style gave obelisks, hillside tombs, and mausoleums. In the background is the perfect view of the Schuylkill River. Laurel Hill cemetery was founded in 1836 by John Jay Smith, a librarian, and editor who was distressed at the way his deceased daughter was interred in a Philadelphia churchyard. It an amazing place filled with life, art, and architecture. Also, one of the few cemeteries in the United States to be honored with the designation of National Historic Landmark.
