Category Archives: Uncategorized

IDA L. BROWN WIFE OF J. D. BROWN BORN DEC. 10, 1858 DIED APR. 11, 1888 BLEST WITH A TEMPER WHOSE UNCLODED RAY, MADE TOMORROW AS PLEASANT AS TODAY The Riverside Cemetery, on a hillside just outside the city of … Continue reading →

For me, the most poignant and tender gravestones are those for children.  The loss of a child is devastating, a loss that even time cannot heal.  And, many cemeteries have special sections specifically for child or infant burials—sometimes labeled “Babyland” or … Continue reading →

There has always been a debate between dog and cat lovers about which furry little friend makes the best companion. I have many friends who have cats galore and swear by them, while others like myself, have dogs and always … Continue reading →

The zinc marker in the City Cemetery in Warsaw, Missouri, manufactured by the White Monument Company in the same city, has a trap door, unique to the design, that reveals an obituary for two—Martha Elmy Shrum and her daughter, Jennie … Continue reading →

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 Europe show sculpted beautiful, young, and voluptuous women often wearing revealing clothing mourning the … Continue reading →

IN memory of Benjamin Buckman A revolutionary Soldier; Who was born in Hadley, Mass. April the 16th 1759; Died Oct. the 1st 1842. About 2,400 soldiers, commanded by General George Washington, gathered at the water’s edge of the Delaware River … Continue reading →

Much has been written and documented about the zinc markers produced by the Monumental Bronze Company of Bridgeport, Connecticut.  Though the company billed their markers as “white bronze” they were actually cast zinc.  The markers are distinguishable by their bluish-gray … Continue reading →

Many cemeteries are like outdoor sculpture gardens, with statues of angels, allegorical figures, weeping women, and saints at nearly every turn.  And in some cemeteries even some of the most renowned sculptors of the 19th and early 20th Century can … Continue reading →

A common and oft heard remark from Christians is that when they die, they will go to Heaven and meet with St. Peter at the “Pearly Gates” when they enter the Kingdom.  This is such a popular scenario that there … Continue reading →

Three mausoleums in the Springdale Cemetery in Peoria, Illinois, employ the use of the visual illusion of trompe l’œil.  For instance, from the street the J. LEE NEWTON Jr. Mausoleum looks like it has an elaborate filigree bronze door—detailed and … Continue reading →