Category Archives: Uncategorized

The Knights of Pythias, a society based on the Greek story of friendship from 400 B. C. between Damon and Pythias, became the very first fraternal organization to receive a charter under an Act of the United States Congress. Pythians … Continue reading →

The symbol above marks the grave of a woman who belonged to the Order of Pythian Sisters.  The organization is the auxillary organization for the Knights of Pythias.  On October 22-23, 1888, the Order was founded at Warsaw, Indiana, by Pythian … Continue reading →

The word morel comes from the Latin word maurus meaning brown and refers to edible mushrooms from the genus Morchella.  Around the country, Morel mushrooms are called many names—molly moochers, dryland fish, sponge mushrooms, hickory chickens, merkels, and miracles—but whatever you … Continue reading →

Not far within the gates of the Oakland Cemetery in Atlanta is an eroded and faded ornamented-top marble tablet, the inscription lost to the elements.  But for the survey done of the cemetery in the 1930s by Franklin Miller Garrett, the name … Continue reading →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →