As part of West Hartford’s America 250 commemoration, Town Historian Mary Donohue has created a guide to Fairview Cemetery, where many notable members of the community are buried.

By Ronni Newton

As West Hartford’s America 250 Task Force determined how best the town should celebrate the country’s milestone, they planned a series of educational and cultural programs focused on and celebrating the town’s unique contributions to the state as well as the nation.

When West Hartford Town Historian Mary Donohue was appointed in June 2025, the task force was already deep into its planning work. “I wanted to think of things that I could bring my own expertise to,” said Donohue, who previously worked for the Ancient Burying Ground Association in downtown Hartford.

“And I thought, I love the cemeteries here in West Hartford, and they’re kind of a neglected item when it comes to the history side of it,” she said. Fairview Cemetery – 71 acres of land adjacent to Fern Park, purchased from Charles M. Pond in the late 1800s – is a popular community landmark, but while it’s visited not only by mourners but also by those looking for a peaceful place to walk, Donohue soon became intrigued by the names on the memorials.

Donohue partnered with Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Association Executive Director Jeff Mainville as she began the process of learning more about Fairview Cemetery, and ultimately created “A Self-Guided Tour of Notables & Memorials” highlighting the overall history and 19 different points of interest.

“My first walk through this particular cemetery, I didn’t know all these names. I didn’t know we had aviation pioneers …,” she said. As Donohue began her research, she learned that among those buried at Fairview Cemetery are a former governor, U.S. Senator, Nobel Prize winner, artists, politicians, and show business stars.

“The show business part of it was surprising to me,” she said. “We’ve got Frank McHugh, who’s in every old movie that you’ve ever seen on Turner Classic Movies as a bit player, but he’s recognizable.” The character actor was married to stage actress Dorothy Spencer – whose family founded Spencer Turbine – and is buried in their family plot, which surrounds the looming Classical monument that’s one of Fairview Cemetery’s most notable architectural features.

Another piece of notable architecture – a hidden gem at Fairview Cemetery – is the chapel and receiving vault. “It is stunning inside,” Donohue said. Built of marble from a quarry in Canaan, CT, the Gothic Revival chapel has lancet windows, stained glass, and imposing bronze doors. While it’s not presently open to the public, Donohue said the interior features a gabled ceiling of stained Birch wood and a massive stone fireplace.

Donohue’s research included a review of West Hartford Burying Ground Committee minutes dating back to the 19th century as well as vintage newspaper articles and historic maps. The guide includes information about the purchase of the land, and the “lawn plan” park-like design of the cemetery by landscape architect Alex McClunie.

“Thank you for sharing your time and your passion,” Mayor Shari Cantor told Donohue. While the guide was already published online, there are now printed versions thanks to a $1,000 donation by West Hartford-based YHB Investment Advisors. Copies can be picked up at the Fairview Cemetery Office during business hours and at the Noah Webster House at 227 South Main Street.

Cantor, Donohue, Mainville, and Director of Public Works John Phillips recently met with YHB Investment Advisors CEO Anne Space and COO Matt Manning at Fairview Cemetery, to thank them for their contributions and celebrate the completion of the first phase of the project. Donohue also plans to create guides to West Hartford’s two other town-owned historic cemeteries – Old Center Cemetery and Old North Cemetery.

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