Visiting the Cemetery

While on our trip back to King J’s hometown, we made a couple of visits to the cemetery where his beloved Grandma is buried.  She passed away about two weeks before his oldest daughter (Princess B) was born.  One of her middle names was given to her in memory of her Great-Grandmother.  Neither Princess E nor I had the opportunity to meet her.  We enjoy hearing his tales of her life.  Princess E seems to realize she missed the opportunity to meet this special lady.

I put together a small floral arrangement for her grave.  He thought she would like the peonies.  We drove by her old house, and ate his birthday dinner at the restaurant they frequented when he would come for a visit after he was grown and living in another state.

Cemeteries & Graveyards

I admit it.  I am fascinated by cemeteries and graveyards.  Each headstone represents a person who has left a mark on this world.  Some have remained in our collective memories, others have not. 




Both the photo above (from Cabot Plains Cemetery) and the the one below (from Old First Church Cemetery) depict the headstones of Revolutionary War soldiers. 







Where we live, such old cemeteries and graveyards are uncommon.  Prior to the industrial revolution, ours was largely and agrarian society.  Since land was in abundance, families often had their own private cemeteries within the family property.  We have hundreds of small, private cemeteries.  Many of the older graves (18th century and older) are long forgotten, as the markers have disintegrated or were never placed.  Wooden markers were quite common.  Visiting these old New England cemeteries is a great way to learn about the individual people who once lived in the area.

Providence River - Pawtucket, RI

One of our stops this weekend was the Swan Point Cemetery, which is located along the Providence River.  While much of the area seemed to be past its peak for fall foliage, the waterfront area was still quite beautiful. 

This mausoleum looked almost like a mansion tucked into the side of the hill overlooking the river.

The cemetery was an active one, with many current graves; but it also was home to many older graves as well.  The oldest we found was an 1820 burial, but I have no idea if that was really the oldest one there.  The one pictured below was of interest because the face of it had worn away, leaving a collection of water that served as a small reflection pool.  How appropriate to reflect upon life in a resting place.