Author Archives: gravelyspeaking

Eclectic design in cast iron

Posted on December 13, 2012 by gravelyspeaking

Cast iron became much less expensive in the second half of the 19th Century coupled with the ease of making more intricate patterns and designs.  Simple wrought iron adorning many of the homes, commercial buildings, and apartment buildings in New … Continue reading →

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Cast-iron Gothic

Posted on December 11, 2012 by gravelyspeaking

The cast-iron Karstendiek Family Tomb in the Lafayette Cemetery Number 1 at New Orleans is a Gothic Revival style jewel box.  Built in the 1860s it features pointed-arched tracery on the doors and pinnacles on the roof.

Posted in Mausoleums, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

The Griffin

Posted on December 8, 2012 by gravelyspeaking

On the Pelton Tomb in the Greenwood Cemetery at New Orleans, Louisiana, the top of the crypt displays urns flanked by two griffins.  The griffin is a mythological beast that has the combined head and wings of the King of the … Continue reading →

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Cast-iron tomb

Posted on December 5, 2012 by gravelyspeaking

Cast-iron is an oft-used material for fencing in cemeteries but it is also used as a building material for tombs.  The Pelton Family tomb in the Greenwood Cemetery at New Orleans is one of two identical cast-iron tombs in the … Continue reading →

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The Pineapple

Posted on November 30, 2012 by gravelyspeaking

The pineapple won its name because the outside of the fruit looked like a pinecone and the fleshy interior was reminiscent of an apple—hence the name—pine+apple. Since the early days of Spanish exploration of the Caribbean, the pineapple was recognized as a … Continue reading →

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The Lyre

Posted on November 29, 2012 by gravelyspeaking

Often symbolism is highly stylized in the metalwork surrounding tombs and crypts. The gate to the Albert Crima Family crypt in the Saint Louis Cemetery, Number One at New Orleans, Louisiana, for example, has a stylized lyre. The lyre is … Continue reading →

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The Arrow

Posted on November 28, 2012 by gravelyspeaking

Surrounding the Appolinaire Perrault Family Crypt in the Saint Louis Cemetery Number One at New Orleans, Louisiana, is a gate with two arrows crossing. The arrow represents martyrdom and mortality.

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Angel in prayer

Posted on November 26, 2012 by gravelyspeaking

An elaborate fence with marble fence posts and cast iron railings surround the William A. Brady Sr. gravestone within the Saint Patrick Cemetery Number Two at New Orleans.  The cast iron gate is another fine example of the symbolism to … Continue reading →

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Odd Fellows

Posted on November 25, 2012 by gravelyspeaking

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows is a fraternal organization that formed in England in the 1700s as a service organization. The American association was founded in Baltimore, Maryland, on April 26, 1819. According to the I.O.O.F. Website, “Thomas Wildey … Continue reading →

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The Flame

Posted on November 24, 2012 by gravelyspeaking

The Taylor Dufilho Family Crypt in the Lafayette Cemetery Number 1 at New Orleans, Louisiana, is topped with a flame rising out of a garland-festooned urn.  Here the ironwork surrounding the crypt is repeating the symbol of the flame in the … Continue reading →

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