Author Archives: gravelyspeaking

LUX AETERNA

Posted on May 13, 2014 by gravelyspeaking

LUX AETERNA 1819 – PHILIP HOWES SEARS – 1898 1835 – SARAH PRATT SEARS – 1911 WITH THEE IS THE FOUNTAIN OF LIFE IN THY LIGHT SHALL WE SEE LIGHT When we see a winged figure in a cemetery, we … Continue reading →

Posted in Angels, Symbolism | 1 Comment

Time Takes Flight

Posted on May 4, 2014 by gravelyspeaking

Thomas Earle White 1857 – 1916 There are several expressions in the American lexicon that express how fleeting our time on this Earth is, how this temporal life is short. The grand old soap opera, Days of Our Lives, has … Continue reading →

Posted in Symbolism | 7 Comments

The Chambered Nautilus

Posted on April 30, 2014 by gravelyspeaking

JULES MARCOU SALINS FRANCE 1824 – CAMBRIDGE MASS 1898 Tucked away in a shaded spot in the Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is the small tombstone of Jules Marcou, born in France on April 20, 1824, and died at … Continue reading →

Posted in Symbolism | 1 Comment

A variation on “Prepare for Death” epitaph

Posted on April 23, 2014 by gravelyspeaking

In memory of Mary Ann daughter of Johan and Deborah M… Who departed this life 11th April 1816: aged 22 years. My parents dear, who mourn and weep Behold the grave where I sleep: Prepare for death, for you must … Continue reading →

Posted in Epitaphs | Leave a comment

The Egyptian Revival

Posted on April 11, 2014 by gravelyspeaking

The Erhardt Family Monument in the Greenwood Cemetery at Phoenix, Arizona, is an example of the influence of the Egyptian revival found in American cemeteries in the 19th century and on into the 20th century. Egyptian ornamentation can be divided … Continue reading →

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Follow Me

Posted on April 6, 2014 by gravelyspeaking

PRICE BENNETT NATIVE OF WALES 1875 – 1910 FAREWELL MY FRIENDS I LOVED SO DEAR. I’VE GONE AND LEFT THIS VALE OF TEARS. MY END YOU KNOW, MY GRAVE YOU SEE PREPARE YOURSELVES TO FOLLOW ME.   1870 “BE YE … Continue reading →

Posted in Epitaphs | 5 Comments

Rose Blossom

Posted on March 27, 2014 by gravelyspeaking

The monument for the Beck family in the Greenwood Cemetery, at Phoenix, Arizona, has atop it a young female figure. Her head is bent forward, she is looking down in reflection and sorrow, while she is holding a rose bloom in … Continue reading →

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Optimism dashed

Posted on March 23, 2014 by gravelyspeaking

  HOME AT LAST DORIS MARIE SEWARD 1917 — 20             1999 SHE WAS AN OPTIMIST I.U. CLASS OF 1938  There is a tiny cemetery in the middle of the Indiana University campus next to the Beck Chapel.  Only a … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 5 Comments

Acorn

Posted on March 20, 2014 by gravelyspeaking

THOMAS K. ELVEY DEC. 26, 1843 AUG. 13, 1902 AT REST Sitting on top of this gray granite gravestone in the Greenwood Cemetery at Phoenix, Arizona, is a large acorn, turned upside down.  The acorn, seed of the mighty oak, … Continue reading →

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The Crown

Posted on March 12, 2014 by gravelyspeaking

The crown is a fairly common symbol found in American cemeteries.  Sometimes it can be found as an incised carving at the top of the gravestone—often in conjunction with other symbolism such as palm leaves.  Sometimes the crown is made … Continue reading →

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