Monthly Archives: July 2013

The Tale of the Caboose and a Loose Wheel

Posted on July 30, 2013 by gravelyspeaking

This intricately carved gray marble caboose, track, and wheel displaying the letters: B of RRT can be found in the Union Cemetery at Uhrichsville, Ohio.  The tale told by the cemetery maintenance crew about the marker is that the man buried under the railroad … Continue reading →

Posted in Symbolism | 16 Comments

Changing Iconography

Posted on July 24, 2013 by gravelyspeaking

The winged death’s head was a grim reminder that life was short, not that one need’s that reminder as they stroll through a cemetery. Slowly the imagery began to change.  Though it is not as stark as the skull, it … Continue reading →

Posted in Symbolism | 1 Comment

The Mighty Lion

Posted on July 20, 2013 by gravelyspeaking

  COLUMBUS R. CUMMINGS 1834-1897 SARAH C. MARK CUMMINGS 1841-1909 The tombstone of Columbus Cummings, Chicago millionaire rail road magnate, and his wife, Sarah, in the Graceland Cemetery at Chicago features a draped sarcophagus.  The grand unpolished gray granite monument … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Grape Clusters

Posted on July 12, 2013 by gravelyspeaking

The cast-iron gravestone in the Oakland Cemetery at Sandusky, Ohio, is decorated with  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 … Continue reading →

Posted in Symbolism | Leave a comment

Taft’s Gravestone Revisted

Posted on July 7, 2013 by gravelyspeaking

The elegant 14 and a half foot tall Stony Creek granite monument designed by James Earl Frazer marks the graves of United States President William Howard Taft and his wife and First Lady, Helen Herron Taft.  Gold lettering states their names … Continue reading →

Posted in Presidential graves | 1 Comment

The Oil Lamp

Posted on July 4, 2013 by gravelyspeaking

An oil lamp is carved into the top of Peter Leslie’s white-marble tablet gravestone. A flickering flame can be seen coming from the lamp, providing light. The Bible verse, II Samuel: Chapter 22, verse 29, says, “For thou art my lamp, … Continue reading →

Posted in Symbolism | Leave a comment

The Black Angel and Co-eds

Posted on July 1, 2013 by gravelyspeaking

EDDIE DOLEZAL   Like a bud just opening, Commenced my life to be, But death came without mercy, without pity The Lord had sent for me. I was not granted time to bid adieu. Do not weep for me, my … Continue reading →

Posted in Angels | 4 Comments