Monthly Archives: April 2011

The Crusader

Posted on April 30, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

Only a master carver could sculpt this magnificent statue from stone as hard as this granite.  In fact, the celebrated Lorado Taft, one of the finest sculptors of his day, created this monument in 1931, for Victor Lawson (1850-1925).  Lawson … Continue reading →

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The Loyal Order of the Moose

Posted on April 27, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

The Loyal Order of Moose was founded in a doctor’s living room in Louisville, Kentucky, in the spring of 1888.  Dr. John Henry Wilson organized the order as a place for men to get together to socialize.  By the early … Continue reading →

Posted in Metal Markers | 2 Comments

There has to be more to the story

Posted on April 25, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

From time to time, you spot an epitaph that grabs your attention and you wish that you knew the rest of the story.  Nestled in the historic Old Tennent Presbyterian Church Cemetery, in Tennent, New Jersey lies the grave of … Continue reading →

Posted in Epitaphs | 2 Comments

The Lily

Posted on April 24, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

The lily, as a funerary symbol, has many meanings including purity, innocence, virginity, heavenly bliss, majestic beauty, and Christ’s ressurection.  Christians believe that the trumpet-shaped blossoms announce the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. As pictured in the stained-glass window above, the … Continue reading →

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The Crucifixion

Posted on April 22, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

The crucifixion is the most important symbol in Christianity, ususally found in Catholic cemeteries.

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Symbols of the Passion of Christ

Posted on April 21, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

Many, perhaps, most of the symbols found in our cemeteries are religious.  The motif above displays three nails encircled by a Crown of Thorns.  The Crown of Thorns depict the crown that Jesus Christ wore as He was mocked as … Continue reading →

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Fast Mail

Posted on April 18, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

GEORGE S. BANGS Died November 17, 1877 Aged 51 Years  8 months 27 days His crowning effort The Fast  Mail Some people want to be remembered for who they are, some for what they did.  This “treestump gravestone”, so called because it looks like … Continue reading →

Posted in Treestump gravestones, Uncategorized | 5 Comments

Lamb

Posted on April 17, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

  The lamb is the symbol of the Lord, the Good Shepherd.  It also represents innocence, likely the reason why this motif usually adorns the tombstones of infants and young children.  Most often the lamb is lying down, often asleep and sometimes with a … Continue reading →

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Eternal Silence

Posted on April 17, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

Lorado Taft was one of the premier sculptors of his day.  He was a widely published scholar on the topic and his work was highly sought after.  He was commissioned to produce many public works including the The Soldier’s Monument … Continue reading →

Posted in Symbolism, Uncategorized | 3 Comments

Lightning Strike

Posted on April 16, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

Louis J. Baker, August 3, 1894, August 29, 1917   Indiana has a large number of quarries throughout the state because some of the richest limestone deposits in the country are found in this region.  Indiana limestone has been used … Continue reading →

Posted in Famous graves | 1 Comment