Not Your Grand-Pappy's Granite: Unearthing the Quirky Cool of "Zinkies" (aka White Bronze Monuments)

Step aside, stoic granite! When wandering through older cemeteries, especially here in Ontario, you might stumble upon some truly unique and surprisingly elegant markers that look a little… different. They’re often a greenish-grey, sometimes with a subtle metallic sheen, and intricately detailed. These, my friends, are the glorious and slightly mysterious "Zinkies," officially known as White Bronze Monuments. And trust me, they've got a story to tell, especially the ones crafted right in St. Thomas!

​What's a Zinky, Anyway?

​First off, let's clear up the name. "Zinky" is the affectionate, informal term for these monuments, due to their primary material: zinc. But they were marketed as "White Bronze" to give them a more dignified and appealing air, playing on the prestige of bronze. Think of it as a clever bit of Victorian-era marketing!

​These monuments weren't carved from stone. Instead, they were cast in sections of pure zinc, which were then bolted together over an interior frame. This allowed for an incredible level of detail that would be impossible or prohibitively expensive to achieve in stone. We're talking incredibly intricate carvings, realistic drapery, detailed figures, and even personalized elements like tools of a trade or beloved pets.

​The St. Thomas Connection: A Local Legacy

​Here in Ontario, many of the white bronze monuments you see owe their existence to the St. Thomas White Bronze Monument Company. Located in St. Thomas, Ontario, this company was a branch of the larger Monumental Bronze Company based in Bridgeport, Connecticut, USA. From the late 19th century into the early 20th century, they were busy producing these distinctive markers, serving communities across the province.

​Imagine the bustling factory floor in St. Thomas, where skilled artisans carefully assembled these pieces. The process involved creating molds, pouring molten zinc, and then meticulously fitting the sections together. Each monument was a testament to industrial innovation and artistic craftsmanship.

​Why Were Zinkies So Popular (and Why Aren't They Anymore)?

​The "Pros" of White Bronze:

• ​Detail, Detail, Detail! As mentioned, the casting process allowed for unparalleled intricacy. You could get incredibly lifelike details, personalized symbols, and elaborate designs. Want a grieving angel with every feather visible? A zinky could deliver!

• ​Durability (Mostly!): Zinc is a remarkably durable metal. It doesn't corrode or rust in the same way iron does, and it's resistant to moss, lichen, and other biological growth that can plague stone. That's why many zinkies are still in such fantastic condition today, their details surprisingly crisp.

• ​Cost-Effective (Initially): For a time, white bronze monuments were often more affordable than their granite or marble counterparts, especially when considering the level of detail offered.

• ​Novelty and Status: They were new, they were different, and they offered a unique way to memorialize loved ones.

​So, What Happened? The "Cons" and Their Demise:

• ​Perceived "Cheapness": Despite the marketing, some people eventually began to view zinc as a less noble material than traditional stone. The green patina that developed over time, while natural and protective, might have also contributed to this perception for some.

• ​Fragility (in Certain Ways): While durable against the elements, zinc can be brittle if struck or if the ground shifts significantly. You might occasionally find a zinky with a cracked panel or a detached ornament, especially if it's been exposed to vandalism or extreme weather.

• ​Repair Challenges: Repairing a damaged zinc monument is far more specialized and difficult than repairing stone.

• ​The Rise of Modern Stone Cutting: As stone-cutting technology advanced, it became easier and more cost-effective to create intricate designs in granite and marble. This eroded one of white bronze's key advantages.

• ​The "Unconventional" Factor: Cemeteries themselves began to standardize, often preferring the uniform appearance of stone monuments. Some even passed rules against white bronze.

• ​Fires and Consolidation: The original Monumental Bronze Company in the US faced challenges, including fires. Over time, the industry consolidated, and the appeal of the "new" material waned.

• ​Lead Concerns (Minor, but present): Some early formulations of "white bronze" did include small amounts of lead for pliability, which became a concern over time, though it was not the primary reason for their disappearance.

​A Lasting Legacy

​Today, these "zinkies" are cherished by cemetery enthusiasts and historians alike. They offer a fascinating glimpse into Victorian and Edwardian memorial customs, showcasing a period of industrial innovation and artistic expression. The fact that so many are still standing, often with their intricate details beautifully preserved, is a testament to their unique durability.

​So, the next time you're wandering through an old cemetery in Ontario, keep an eye out for these distinctive, greenish-grey beauties. And if you spot one, take a moment to appreciate the ingenuity of the St. Thomas White Bronze Monument Company and the lasting, quirky charm of the humble zinky. They may be out of production, but their story lives on, cast in white bronze for eternity.

​Here's an example of what one of these intriguing monuments looks like: