Category Archives: Symbolism

Exotic Revival Architecture

Posted on September 8, 2019 by gravelyspeaking

William Allen Rawson Born November 2, 1810 – Craftsbury, Orleans County, Vermont Died September 11, 1879 – Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa . Julia A. Root Rawson Born January 21, 1818 – Montague, Franklin County, Massachusetts Died July 31, 1865 … Continue reading →

Posted in Symbolism, Tombs | Leave a comment

Tools of the Trade

Posted on September 2, 2019 by gravelyspeaking

William Pope McArthur Born April 2, 1814, Ste. Genevieve, Missouri Died December 23, 1850, Panama The tall white marble gravestone in the Congressional Cemetery in Washington, D.C. is a cenotaph—empty tomb.  According to the June 15th, 1854, Evening Star, there … Continue reading →

Posted in Symbolism | Leave a comment

The Shepherd’s Crook

Posted on August 21, 2019 by gravelyspeaking

In Memory of My beloved husband EDWARD G. HANDY Born Nov. 11th, 1821 Died June 28th, 1871 A kind and thoughtful Husband …. …..Beloved sleep ISOBEL Y. P. HANDY 1823 – 1902 The rounded-top white marble gravestone of Edward and … Continue reading →

Posted in Symbolism | Leave a comment

The Post Grand Sire

Posted on August 18, 2019 by gravelyspeaking

The cartouche on the face of the plinth is badly worn and eroded but is discernible: Frederick D. Stuart Post Grand Sire I.O.O.F. Born in Poughkeepsie N. Y. July 11, 1811 Died in Washington, D.C. January 25, 1878 Frederick D. … Continue reading →

Posted in Symbolism | Leave a comment

The Helmet

Posted on August 14, 2019 by gravelyspeaking

ALEXANDER MACOMB MAJOR GENERAL COMMANDING-IN-CHIEF UNITED STATES ARMY DIED AT WASHINGTON THE SEAT OF GOVERNMENT 25 JUNE 1841 IT WERE BUT A SMALL TRIBUTE TO HIS MEMORY TO SAY THAT IN YOUTH AND MANHOOD, HE SERVED HIS COUNTRY IN THE … Continue reading →

Posted in Symbolism | Leave a comment

The Mighty Cannon

Posted on August 7, 2019 by gravelyspeaking

The Mighty Cannon Near the entrance of the Rosehill Cemetery in the Northside of Chicago is a monument dedicated to Battery A of the Chicago Light Artillery unit.  According to a newspaper account from the time of the dedication, the … Continue reading →

Posted in Symbolism | Leave a comment

His Empty Cradle

Posted on July 28, 2019 by gravelyspeaking

  JOSEPH DENNIS WING JUNE 20, 1909 MARCH 5, 1912 A little time on earth he spent Till God for him his angel sent. For me, the most poignant and tender gravestones are those for children because in the sweep … Continue reading →

Posted in Children's Graves, Symbolism | Leave a comment

Flatware and Bronze Doors

Posted on July 8, 2019 by gravelyspeaking

The doors to mausoleums are often imbued with symbolism.  In fact, the door itself represents a portal.  Portals come in many forms—a door, a window, even your eyes and your mouth are considered portals.  Many superstitions about death concern portals, … Continue reading →

Posted in Saving Graces, Symbolism | Leave a comment

…that immortal sea…

Posted on July 4, 2019 by gravelyspeaking

Anna Dorinda Blaksley Barnes Bliss 1851-1935 Anna Bliss was a generous benefactor to many charities including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Museum of Natural History in New York and the Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, California.  Mrs. Bliss was … Continue reading →

Posted in Famous graves, Symbolism | Leave a comment

Stained Glass Pieta

Posted on June 29, 2019 by gravelyspeaking

Many mausoleums have a window in the rear part of the tomb—often made of stained glass. Many of these windows are hand painted works of art, most often depicting religious symbolism or religious figures. This stained glass and hand-painted window … Continue reading →

Posted in Symbolism | Leave a comment