Society Tombs in
Metairie Cemetery
New Orleans
Both of these society tombs are Classical Revival in style . The Minerva
Society tomb, built in 1879, leans towards Renaissance Revival influences
with its stucco masonry and red terra-cotta ornaments in the pediment and
frieze. The Minerva society disbanded and the mausoleum was sold to the
Vittorio Emmanuelle Society which unfortunately was also liquidated. A statue
of the goddess Minerva sculpted by the New Orleans stone carver Domingueaux
reigns majestically over the now abandoned crypts. The marble Contessa
Entellina Association tomb built in 1886 is the largest society tomb in
Metairie Cemetery. A faded inscription carved into the marble on the right
side of the mausoleum reads: "This monument stands as a tribute to the
men and women of Contessa Entellina who came to this country as pioneers to
start a new life. By their industry, integrity and honor, they earned the
respect and admiration of the community."
