Puritan Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery & Crematory

History of Puritan Lawn

Puritan Lawn Memorial Park once a private estate is situated on the shores of scenic Lake Suntaug 15 miles north of Boston in historic Peabody, Massachusetts. Puritan Lawn is the oldest memorial park on the East Coast. In contrast to traditional cemeteries at Puritan Lawn no gravestones,monuments or ornate tombs interrupt the natural beauty of the landscape. Instead, elegant bronze memorials, flush with the ground memorialize each persons grave. Puritan Lawn Memorial Park in its entirety, comprises 140 acres with broad avenues that wind their way alongside the water and through groves of pine and white birch. Quiet sitting areas and immaculately groomed lawns invite your visit. Puritan Lawn’s heritage extends to the early part of 17th century New England. Originally owned by John Humphrey, who came to the Massachusetts Colony in 1643 and served as one of the Justices of the Quarterly Court, the property passed through the hands of several prominent residents of the Commonwealth. In 1864, Henry Saltonstall acquired the property and erected the mansion house that still stands on the shore of Lake Suntaug. Mr. Saltonstall, treasurer of the Pacific Mills in Lawrence, Mass used the estate as his summer residence. The estate ultimately came into the possession of Mr. John Pierce, vice president of American Radiator Company in Chicago. In 1934 the Pierce estate was purchased by Puritan Lawn Memorial Park to develop the beautiful property that today continues to resemble an estate or a park rather than a upright monument cemetery. The estate's grounds are maintained today with the same degree of meticulous care as was lavished on the property in its heyday as a private home. The park is home to fox, woodchucks, beaver, deer, owls, and even bald eagles that are attracted to the area's natural habitat. Walkers and joggers too frequently take advantage of the Parks lack of traffic and its scenic beauty. Puritan Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery & Crematory is recognized as a leader in educating families on the importance of prearranging their burial needs. Our staff members are available seven days a week to show you how to avoid or lessen problems that every family must ultimately face and answer your questions regarding advance planning and an investment in burial property.