Category Archives: Uncategorized

Six Feet Under

Posted on January 23, 2012 by gravelyspeaking

Garden cemeteries were laid out and designed so they could be a respite from the cities that surrounded them. Not only were the cemeteries intended to be burial places for the dead but a park that families could go to … Continue reading →

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End of the Trail

Posted on January 22, 2012 by gravelyspeaking

Among the many unique and beautiful monuments in the Oakland Cemetery, in Atlanta, Georgia, is Ben Perry Jr’s gravestone. His marker is a rounded-top tablet with a bas-relief replica of the sculpture, The End of the Trail, a powerful tribute mourning the … Continue reading →

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Niobe

Posted on January 21, 2012 by gravelyspeaking

The monument of James Richard Gray (September 30, 1859-June 25, 1917, THE HEART OF OAK THE STRONG ARMS THE BUSY HANDS ARE DUST) and May Inman Gray (March 6, 1862-January 6, 1940, “MY TASK ACCOMPLISHED AND THE LONG DAY DONE) … Continue reading →

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Amateur Radio

Posted on December 20, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

Indiana limestone is abundant in the state.  Some of the most flawless limestone can be found in a rich trough between Bedford and Bloomington referred to as Salem limestone.  The Pentagon, the soaring National Cathedral and the solemn Lincoln Memorial … Continue reading →

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Empty Chair–Tree-Stump Tombstone

Posted on December 2, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

Here the tree-stump tombstone is carved into the form of an empty chair.  The chair back and the arms of the chair (one is missing) are formed out of tree branches with the stump forming the base of the chair.  On … Continue reading →

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A Grave in Waiting

Posted on October 15, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

Nearly 32 years ago, my father died.  We weren’t prepared for it; in fact, we weren’t even sure where he wanted to be buried.  Dad was irreverent about death, “I don’t care what you do with my body, I’ll be … Continue reading →

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Types of Cemeteries

Posted on October 5, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

 …O paint the gloomy horrors of the tomb; Th’ appointed place of rendezvous, where all These travellers meet.–Thy succours I implore, Eternal King! whose potent arm sustains The keys of Hell and Death.–The Grave, dread thing! —By Robert Blair, “The Grave” … Continue reading →

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A Salute

Posted on September 10, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

Sweet be thy rest O Soldier brave, Let angels guard thy hallowed grave, And while the stars in Heaven flame, Let glory wreath they honored name.

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Tumulus

Posted on July 25, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

The tumulus is a mound form of burial that dates back to prehistoric peoples 4,ooo to 5,ooo years B.C.  Examples can be found throughout Europe, Asia, and North America.  There are many examples in the United States from Maine to Georgia … Continue reading →

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Cloaked sentinel

Posted on June 24, 2011 by gravelyspeaking

There were two cemeteries, The Mormon Pioneer Cemetery and Forest Lawn Cemetery, close to Florence Elementary School where I attended kindergarten through fifth grade.  Since the Pioneer Cemetery was on the way home, if I took the long way, I never spent … Continue reading →

Posted in Symbolism, Uncategorized | 2 Comments