Monthly Archives: September 2013

Knights of Pythias, Part 2

Posted on September 27, 2013 by gravelyspeaking

In the center triangle of the metal marker above are featured many of the symbols that are significant to the Knights of Pythias.  The profile of a knight’s helmet, with a falcon (a symbol of vigilance) sits atop a shield surrounded by crossed battle … Continue reading →

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The Knights of Pythias in Clay

Posted on September 25, 2013 by gravelyspeaking

The Knights of Pythias, a society based on the Greek story of friendship from 400 B. C. between Damon and Pythias, became the very first fraternal organization to receive a charter under an Act of the United States Congress.  The … Continue reading →

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Ancient Classical Designs

Posted on September 22, 2013 by gravelyspeaking

Many ancient classical designs are replicated in modern graveyards.  The sarcophagus of Alexander Moseley (died in 1899) in the Mount Auburn Cemetery at Cambridge, Massachusetts, is modeled after the Roman tomb of Lucius Cornelius Scipio Barbatus, which was erected around 150 BC.  … Continue reading →

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The tree-stump chair

Posted on September 21, 2013 by gravelyspeaking

The variety found in the rustic movement tombstones is diverse.  In these three examples of the tree-stump chair, elegant and slim curved lines have given way to the bulkier and heavier forms made from pieces that came directly from the trees … Continue reading →

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Treestump anvil

Posted on September 19, 2013 by gravelyspeaking

George Washington Carson Oct. 4, 1854 – May 14, 1932  Flora E. Hunter Carson July 27, 1855 – April 15, 1906  Tree stump tombstones, generally carved from limestone, were a part of the rustic movement of the mid-nineteenth century which … Continue reading →

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Eagles

Posted on September 17, 2013 by gravelyspeaking

The Fraternal Order of Eagles metal grave markers come in many shapes and forms, including the one above found at the Fairview Cemetery at Galion, Ohio.  The marker contains the letters F O E representing the words Fraternal Order of Eagles … Continue reading →

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Woman’s Relief Corps

Posted on September 15, 2013 by gravelyspeaking

SARAH ELIZABETH WIFE OF E. P. DRAKE DIED JUNE 4, 1894, AGED 38 Yrs. The Western White Bronze Monument Company of Des Moines produced zinc monuments.  The Woodland Cemetery in Des Moines, Iowa, has many of their monuments in all … Continue reading →

Posted in Symbolism, Zinc Markers | 1 Comment

The Mausoleum that the Hot Dog Built

Posted on September 11, 2013 by gravelyspeaking

Charles Feltman (November 8, 1841-September 20, 1910) The Charles Feltman Mausoleum in the Green-Wood Cemetery at Brooklyn is a neo-classical temple honoring the man many consider to be the creator of the American hot dog.  Feltman, a German immigrant, started … Continue reading →

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The Sphinx

Posted on September 8, 2013 by gravelyspeaking

BENEATH THIS STONE ARE INTERRED THE REMAINS MATT’W LAWLER Esq. OF PHILADELPHIA BORN JANUARY 1ST 1755 DIED JULY 14TH 1831   MRS ANN LAWLER HIS CONSORT BORN JUNE 5TH 1761 DIED MARCH 25TH 1835 THIS MONUMENT WAS ERECTED TO THEIR … Continue reading →

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The Virtue of Hope

Posted on September 5, 2013 by gravelyspeaking

The representation of the Virtue of Hope is a fairly common symbol found in American cemeteries.  It can be found on zinc monuments as a bas-relief and as a full statue carved in marble or granite on stone markers.  Hope … Continue reading →

Posted in Symbolism, Zinc Markers | 3 Comments