Monthly Archives: November 2011

Woodmen of the World and the Tree-Stump Gravestone

Posted on November 28, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

Joseph Cullen Root, a prolific founder, founded four fraternal organizations during his lifetime, one of them being the Modern Woodmen of America (MWA).  MWA was founded on on January 5, 1883.  Root was inspired by a Sunday sermon in Lyons, Iowa. During … Continue reading →

Posted in Treestump gravestones | 12 Comments

Tree-Stump Squirrel

Posted on November 25, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

The Eberle Martin tree-stump tombstone in Mitchell, Indiana, is an unique example of this type of marker because of its bas-relief profile of the deceased at the top. Many of the tree-stump tombstones are carved to appear as if the … Continue reading →

Posted in Symbolism, Treestump gravestones | 5 Comments

Tree-Stump Tombstones

Posted on November 25, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

 The rustic movement of the mid-nineteenth century was characterized by designs that were made to look like they were from the country. Elegant and slim curved lines in furniture gave way to bulkier and heavier forms made from pieces that … Continue reading →

Posted in Treestump gravestones | 4 Comments

Saving Graces, Angel Version

Posted on November 20, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

In my very first post, I wrote about the book, Saving Graces, published by W. W. Norton & Company in 1995. In the book, David Robinson has taken pictures of mourning figures from some of the most beautiful and famous … Continue reading →

Posted in Saving Graces | Leave a comment

Grape clusters and leaves

Posted on November 16, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

The gravestone above is surrounded by a metal trellis decorated with tinted grape clusters and leaves.  In Christianity the Eucharist, which is part of a religious ceremony also called Holy Communion, is a time when Christ’s followers are to do as … Continue reading →

Posted in Symbolism | 2 Comments

Gone Fishin

Posted on November 14, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

It is estimated that there are 38 million commercial fishermen worldwide and millions more who are recreational.  The sentiment, “Gone Fishin” is most likely an accurate vision of Heaven for many of them.

Posted in Epitaphs | Leave a comment

The Squirrel

Posted on November 12, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

The squirrel is not a commonly seen symbol in the cemetery, even though, the live ones are regular inhabitants.  This intricately carved limestone marker has three squirrels, one on top of the main stone, perched on its haunches, the other … Continue reading →

Posted in Symbolism | 2 Comments

The Hoosier Poet

Posted on November 10, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

On top of the highest hill in Indianapolis, in the Crown Hill Cemetery, towers the classical monument dedicated to honor, James Whitcomb Riley, known at the “Hoosier Poet” and the “Children’s Poet.”  Riley (October 7, 1849 – July 22, 1916) … Continue reading →

Posted in Famous graves | 1 Comment

The Horseshoe

Posted on November 7, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

To the ordinary superstitious person, a horseshoe with the ends pointing up, is viewed as good luck.  These can ususally be found tacked up above a doorway and kept as a talisman.  The claim is that the luck stays in … Continue reading →

Posted in Symbolism | 2 Comments

National Society of the Daughters of the American Colonists

Posted on November 3, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

This metal marker is a replica of the emblem of the National Society of the American Colonists–a shield with an oak tree in full foliage in the center, surrounded by an open wreath of oak leaves and acorns.  This society … Continue reading →

Posted in Metal Markers | 2 Comments