Monthly Archives: August 2023

Idaho Falls, Idaho, is a small city of about 65,000 people in the southeastern part of the state.  Over 56% of the population is Mormon which is reflected in the symbolism found in the Rose Hill Cemetery.  Many of the … Continue reading →

In many cemeteries across the country are common burial spots owned by Elks Lodges for fraternity members who would like to be buried next to their Departed Brothers.  These burial plots are often marked by a statue of an elk.  … Continue reading →

REUBEN FLAGGDIED NOV. 9, 1869IN THE 71ST YEAR OF HIS AGEWAS ONE OF THE FOUR FIRST FAMILIESTHAT SETTLED IN WILL CO.A PIONEER IN THE ADVANCE GUARD OF THEWESTERN EMIGRATION 1830HAULED THE LUMBER TO BUILD THE FIRSTFRAME HOUSE ERECTED IN CHICAGO.OUR … Continue reading →

One of my favorite graveyard motifs is the willow, one of the most ubiquitous symbols found in American cemeteries. According to James Deetz and Edwin S. Dethlefsen, in their groundbreaking article, “Death’s Head, Cherub, Urn and Willow” the willow first made … Continue reading →

In the previous post, floriography was defined and highlighted as a way to understand the silent messages found on gravestones erected during the Victorian era. To understand the symbolism, however, one has to be able to identify the flower depicted … Continue reading →