Chrysler Mausoleum

Walter Percy Chrysler
April 2, 1875 – August 18, 1940

Members of the Walter Chrysler family repose in this garden-variety classical revival mausoleum. One would expect something a bit jauntier. Why? Well, for one, one of the most recognizable buildings on the planet bears his name: the Art Deco masterpiece, The Chrysler Building.

Walter Chrysler grew up in Ellis, Kansas. At an early age he displayed a talent for mechanical things and he took a number of jobs as a mechanic for railway companies. He advanced through the ranks as a foreman, superintendent and master mechanic, eventually becoming the works manager at the American Locomotive Company in Pittsburgh. A short time after assuming the position and director at the company asked him if he might be interested in automobile manufacturing. In short order Chrysler became the production manager for Buick in Flint, Michigan. Just as he had done in railroading, he rose rapidly and in 1925 formed his own firm, the Chrysler Corporation. Then came the crowning event of his career; he financed the construction of the Chrysler Building. Before being surpassed by the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building was the tallest building in the world. It still remains the tallest steel-supported brick building in the world. The Chrysler Building and the accumulation of other successes in his life led to being Time magazine’s Man of the Year in 1929.
Text and photo © Douglas Keister Visit Doug’s Author Page

[address cemetery=”Sleepy Hollow Cemetery” street=”540 N. Broadway” city=”Sleepy Hollow” state=”New York” zip=”10591″]