Author Archives: gravelyspeaking

Henry Carter aka Frank Leslie

Posted on March 5, 2013 by gravelyspeaking

Frank Leslie (March 29, 1821 – January 10, 1880) Henry Carter was born a glove maker’s son in Ipswich, England.  His father, Joseph, expected him to learn the family business and apprenticed him to the boy’s uncle.  Young Henry found … Continue reading →

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Art Nouveau Memorial to Henry Villard

Posted on March 2, 2013 by gravelyspeaking

HENRY VILLARD BORN HEINRICH HILGARD AT SPEIER RHENISH BAVARIA APRIL 10TH 1835 DIED AT THORWOOD DOBBS FERRY ON HUDSON NOVEMBER 12TH 1900 IN VIEW OF THIS SPOT JOURNALIST CIVIL WAR CORRESPONDENT SOMETIME SECRETARY OF THE AMERICAN SOCIAL SCIENCE ASSOCIATION EARLY … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 5 Comments

The Veiled Mourning Figure

Posted on February 26, 2013 by gravelyspeaking

ALEX G. TURNER BORN OCT. 8, 1813 DIED APRIL 27, 1889 Many Victorian cemetery monuments are imbued with a multitude of symbolism. In David Robinson’s book, Saving Graces, mourning figures from some of the most beautiful and famous cemeteries in … Continue reading →

Posted in Saving Graces | 1 Comment

Saint-Gaudens’ Angel

Posted on February 23, 2013 by gravelyspeaking

WRITE: BLESSED ARE THE DEAD WHICH DIE IN THE LORD FROM HENCEFORTH YEA SAITH THE SPIRIT FOR THEY REST FROM THEIR LABORS AND THEIR WORKS DO FOLLOW THEM GLORIA IN EXCELSIS DEO JOHN HUDSON HALL BORN OCTOBER XV, M-D-C-C-C-XXXVIII DIED … Continue reading →

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De Weldon’s Pieta

Posted on February 20, 2013 by gravelyspeaking

The Edith Allen Clark (1883-1965) polished black granite monument at the Metairie Cemetery at New Orleans, Louisiana, features a large circular bronze sculpture of the Virgin Mary and the dead body of Jesus Christ, known as a pieta, surrounded by … Continue reading →

Posted in Symbolism | Leave a comment

President James Buchanan

Posted on February 15, 2013 by gravelyspeaking

HERE REST THE REMAINS OF JAMES BUCHANAN FIFTEENTH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES BORN IN FRANKLIN COUNTY, PA. APRIL 23, 1791: DIED AT WHEATLAND. JUNE 1, 1868. James Buchanan served as president from 1857 to the eve of the Civil … Continue reading →

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Three Graces

Posted on February 13, 2013 by gravelyspeaking

In 1831, Mt. Auburn Cemetery opened in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It was the first garden cemetery to open in the country and represented a new attitude about burying the dead. These cemeteries were designed spaces, with pathways and avenues, and were … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Aspiration

Posted on February 10, 2013 by gravelyspeaking

William Arthur Rogers (1851-1946) The dramatic 10-foot bronze sculpture “Aspiration” was created in 1926 by Harriet Whitney Frishmuth (1880-1980) for the Rogers monument in the Forest Lawn Cemetery at Buffalo, New York.  Frishmuth was well known for her sculptures of … Continue reading →

Posted in Symbolism | 7 Comments

Fallen Doughboy

Posted on February 7, 2013 by gravelyspeaking

  JOSEPH QUADRI HE BRAVELY GAVE HIS LIFE FOR THE CAUSE OF HIS COUNTRY BORN DEC 28, 1896 DIED OCT 2, 1918 Private Joseph Quadri of Brooklyn was killed in World War I.  His body was transported to the United … Continue reading →

Posted in Symbolism | 3 Comments

Exedra, etc.

Posted on February 6, 2013 by gravelyspeaking

An exedra is a semi-circular structure, often with a bench with a high back. Sometimes there is an architectural feature in the center of the exedra, often with statuary or the family name.  In this example, the doric columns and … Continue reading →

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