Monthly Archives: May 2018

The Pitcher

Posted on May 29, 2018 by gravelyspeaking

Colma, California was established as a necropolis.  That is, the reason that Colma was created was to “house” the dead from San Francisco.  With the exception of the military cemetery at the Presidio, and a churchyard or two, all of … Continue reading →

Posted in Symbolism | Leave a comment

The Rooster

Posted on May 26, 2018 by gravelyspeaking

  The mosaic rooster on the columbarium in the St. Francis Cemetery in Phoenix, Arizona, and the rooster at the St. Bernard’s Cemetery, in Rockport, Indiana, represent awakening.  One can also imagine how the rooster crowing at the first rays … Continue reading →

Posted in Symbolism | Leave a comment

The Circle and the Hourglass

Posted on May 23, 2018 by gravelyspeaking

In memory of Mrs. Mary Baxter Widow of Gregory Baxter Who died Nov. 11, 1789 In the 88th, year Of her age. Mary Baxter’s dark gray slate tombstone in the Hancock Cemetery in Quincy, Massachusetts, portrays a woman, presumably Mary, … Continue reading →

Posted in Symbolism | Leave a comment

Buried Four Times!

Posted on May 13, 2018 by gravelyspeaking

High on a bluff overlooking the Missouri River, just south of what is present-day Sioux City, Iowa, stands the towering monument to Sergeant Charles Floyd, the only person to die during the Lewis and Clark Expedition. President Thomas Jefferson enlisted … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

The Empty Chair

Posted on May 8, 2018 by gravelyspeaking

The gray-marble tufted chair in the Oakland Cemetery in Petersburg, Illinois, has FATHER carved on the front of the upholstered seat cushion.  The highl- elaborate, Victorian-style stone chair gravestone is a memorial for Richard C. Trenary (December 16, 1829 – … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Praying Hands and the Rosary

Posted on May 5, 2018 by gravelyspeaking

The Rosary is a prayer to the Mother Mary with a tradition that dates back to St. Dominic in the 1200s.  This symbol, combined with praying hands, is Catholic and predominately found on the gravestones of Catholics.  The Rosary as … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment