Just who is buried in the Isadora Duncan crypt in the San Fernando cemetery?
On Palm Sunday, I found myself near the Panteon (Cemetery) San Fernando, which is near Alameda Park, so I walked in. This cemetery is old and contains the remains of some of México’s most important people, like President Benito Juarez’ whose mausoleum was inaugurated by Porfirio Díaz in 1880: The remains of Ignacio Zaragoza are here too.
But one name that grabbed my attention was that of Isadora Duncan. I thought it strange that an American name, the tomb marker says Duncan was born in San Francisco, was on one of the crypts so I took pictures.
As you can see from the link, that Isadora’s history is interesting. In fact most of the information about Isadora is also sitting near the crypt but in Spanish. But the odd thing about Isadora is that all the information is that she died in a freak accident in Nice France and is buried in the Père Lachaise Cemetery, Paris France and not in Mexico City at all – strange.
So just who is buried in this crypt and why use Isadora Duncan’s name. In doing some research I did find in The Mex Files, that seems to think, guess, that buried in this crypt, … “is that it’s a bishop or mother superior buried anonymously during the Cristero War under the name of the well known atheist and all-round rabble-rousing dancer.”
Note: Today, March 31, 2009, I found this on LonelyPlanet.com – “I’ve been afforded the extraordinary opportunity to spend some hours studying the original burial records at the church/cemetery, and, from what I’ve learned, the space behind the part of the wall marked “Isadora Duncan” is empty (or, at best, contains a “John Doe“). Like several other spots in the wall, the one with her name was purchased by an admirer, following her death . . . as a tribute.”
Without you having to go to the comments section I have posted a reply I received from The Mex Files author and he writes:
Thanks for the “shout out” Jesus. I looked up the old Lonely Planet posting, and — while it doesn’t show the name of the poster who wrote “I’ve been afforded the extraordinary opportunity …”, I know who it is. The writing style, and the claims are unmistakably that of a notorious poster who often claimed to have done extensive research that just wasn’t true, and who had a habit of contradicting, and/or “one-upping” other people’s research.
I don’t know if my supposition (that there is a cleric or nun buried in the tomb) is correct by any means — and have always said it’s a guess, but the idea that the tomb was “purchased by an admirer, following her death . . . as a tribute” makes no sense. There were no recorded burials in San Fernando after 1885, and no tomb sales either. The only sure thing is that Isadora Duncan, who died when her scarf got tangled in the wheel of a moving Amlicar and broke her neck, was buried in Pere Lechaise and never was in Mexico during her live (or afterwards).
I bet that was fun and interesting. When you said that you were surprised to see an American name, Duncan, you assumed she was American. Actually, Duncan is a Scottish name, so she could have been from anywhere, but with some type of connection Scotland somewhere along the line.
American because the marker sitting next to the tomb says, Born in San Francisco. Hell, so I guess the question still is: Who is in that crypt???
I just read the link about her, you’re right, what an interesting person and life.
Thanks for the “shout out” Jesus. I looked up the old Lonely Planet posting, and — while it doesn’t show the name of the poster who wrote “I’ve been afforded the extraordinary opportunity …”, I know who it is. The writing style, and the claims are unmistakably that of a notorious poster who often claimed to have done extensive research that just wasn’t true, and who had a habit of contradicting, and/or “one-upping” other people’s research.
I don’t know if my supposition (that there is a cleric or nun buried in the tomb) is correct by any means — and have always said it’s a guess, but the idea that the tomb was “purchased by an admirer, following her death . . . as a tribute” makes no sense. There were no recorded burials in San Fernando after 1885, and no tomb sales either. The only sure thing is that Isadora Duncan, who died when her scarf got tangled in the wheel of a moving Amlicar and broke her neck, was buried in Pere Lechaise and never was in Mexico during her live (or afterwards).
Does anyone know what happened to Jesse? Long time no posts!
I heard he;s losing/lost his “lease” Possibly homeless trying to get back to the first world
what an interesting story – I love fascinating snippets like this about cities – where exactly is that cemetery near the Alameda?? I would love to go and check it out firtshand…
Catherine: The cemetery is across the street from the Alameda, Metro Hidalgo. Across the street is the church to St. Judas, by the way if you have not been on the 28th of any month to this church you should. On the same street of St. Judas continue walking to the first major intersection, Guerro. There on the corner is a small park with vendors on the street. Behind that park is church and beside the church is the cemetery.
Hey readers check out Catherine’s blog, Small Fish in the Big Taco: http://smallfishinthebigtaco.blogspot.com/ FUN :-)
Thanks very much for the reply – I will look forward to checking it out – I also wanted to let you know that by pure coincidence I did a post on Santa Ribera a few months ago before I knew you lived there, and was totally captivated by your apartment – I even took a photo and posted it saying what a wonderful place to live whoever is lucky to be there!! So sorry to hear via David Lida´s blog that she is selling the building!! Where will you be moving to??