Monthly Archives: September 2011

Book and Crown

Posted on September 29, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

In keeping with the book theme of the past couple of days on the blog, carved on the top of this gravestone is an elaborately carved crown resting on a closed book with the following epitaph: “YE SHALL RECEIVE A CROWN OF GLORY, … Continue reading →

Posted in Symbolism | Leave a comment

Open Book

Posted on September 28, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

The tombstone above is topped with an open book that has a mourning drape over the right corner of the column.  The open book is a fairly common symbol found on gravestones. The motif can represent the Book of Life with the … Continue reading →

Posted in Symbolism | 1 Comment

Closed book

Posted on September 27, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

The white marble tombstone above has a closed book carved on it resting on top of a draped square column.  In Victorian times, heavy black drapery was used during funerals.  The use of it here represents mourning.  The closed book is … Continue reading →

Posted in Symbolism | 1 Comment

Herbert Hoover

Posted on September 26, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

Herbert Clark Hoover, was the first president born west of the Mississippi and the first and only president born in Iowa.  Hoover was born August 10, 1874, to Quaker parents, Jessie and Hulda Minthorn Hoover, into a very modest two-room white … Continue reading →

Posted in Presidential graves | Leave a comment

Knights of St. John

Posted on September 24, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

The Knights of St. John, named for their patron saint, St. John the Baptist, is a fraternal organization for Catholic men founded May 6, 1886, in New York State.  The organization is the amalgamation of many organizations, such as, the Knights of St. George, the Knights … Continue reading →

Posted in Metal Markers | Leave a comment

Daughters of America

Posted on September 24, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

The metal marker above marks the grave of a member of the Daughters of America, a fraternal order founded in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, in 1891 as the auxillary organization of the Jr. Order of United American Mechanics.  The eagle and the stars … Continue reading →

Posted in Metal Markers | 48 Comments

The Humble Bee

Posted on September 21, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

The humble bee is a symbol of industry and orderliness.  The bee society is highly organized and stratified, with each member of the hive charged with a task that it does each day, all day long.  The bees leave the hive … Continue reading →

Posted in Symbolism | Leave a comment

Knights of the Maccabees

Posted on September 18, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

The metal marker above marks the grave of a member of The Knights of the Maccabees of the World (KOTM OTW).  The marker displays a circle within a circle, with a tent in the inner circle.  The term “tent” signified the … Continue reading →

Posted in Metal Markers | Leave a comment

The Phoenix

Posted on September 17, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

One of the most famous stories from Greek mythology is the story of the mighty phoenix that is totally consumed when its sets its nest a blaze and hurls itself on the fire.  A newborn phoenix arises from the ashes.  The similarities between … Continue reading →

Posted in Symbolism | Leave a comment

A Salute

Posted on September 10, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

Sweet be thy rest O Soldier brave, Let angels guard thy hallowed grave, And while the stars in Heaven flame, Let glory wreath they honored name.

Posted in Metal Markers, Uncategorized | Leave a comment