Are you intrigued by cemeteries and their unique headstones and burial sites? Throughout my travels, I’ve come across a multitude of unusual findings. Most of them are educational and interesting, but every once in a while something spooky presents itself.
I never thought of cemeteries as a place of entertainment until more and more of my friends started mentioning their love of these historical locations. To my friends, these places of burial gave their families a place to learn about local history, customs, and art. They make a game out of finding the oldest stone or counting the number of locals who served in the military.
My Voluntourism Itineraries are now available for purchase! They help make your travel easier all while traveling with intention. Click on the Volunteering dropdown to see the selection.
It may be the location that gets a person’s imagination reeling, but regardless, here are two pictures of times when I felt a little chill up the spine.
New finds in 2022
One headstone that really intrigued me this year was this giant book. It was dedicated to ‘Mamie’ from her loving grandchildren in 1950. To go with something so unique over 70 years ago is pretty significant. It makes me think that literature was pretty important to this lady and reading to her grandchildren was a treasured experience. It may have been the Bible or nursery rhymes. Regardless, the ritual meant a lot to those who partook in the activity.
This stone is located across from a little country church in Perry County on Flint Ridge Rd.
I came across this acorn headstone years ago but didn’t take a picture. It’s so intriguing because of the style and significance. What really piqued my curiosity is how and why a lady at this date would opt for the acorn. Very progressive!
Found in Fayette, Ohio
Headstones Around the World
Even seeing a description in another language gives the headstone a different feel. These headstones have a Greek inscription.
Voluntourism at Cemeteries
Voluntourism has a place when it comes to cemeteries as well. Picking up litter, setting an American flag in place, or pulling weeds are all easy things to do while visiting a cemetery. To honor those who have passed, you can offer your time cleaning and resetting a headstone through organized events. It’s very important to use the correct products and tools when cleaning a headstone, so doing this task under a professional is always a good idea.
I will be putting together a few group trips to revitalize headstones, so if you’re interested, send me an email and I’ll put you at the top of the list. Spirits Alive is a volunteer organization in Portland, Maine that is very active in preserving the dignity and history of those who have passed. You might want to subscribe to their email for updates on ongoing programs.
Headstones and Footstones
Did you know that it was customary to place both a headstone and a footstone at the ends of the burial site? Think of it like the headboard and the footboard on a bed. The sites were typically placed so the person is facing east. The Eastern Cemetery in Portland, Maine has many of these still intact. The two stones are identical, just larger and smaller in size.
Unusual Headstones
When I come across a very unusual headstone, I am oh so curious about why the stone carving was chosen. It would be great to have an added inscription as to the story behind the structure. Sometimes I’m able to find the reason online, but typically I must make up my own story. Some are somber whereas others have almost a jovial connotation. I’m thinking a giant acorn for my burial site. I’ll leave you wondering why.
Cemeteries with Famous People
Millions of people make a pilgrimage to burial sites of famous people. They lay items on the stone to pay tribute to the legacy the person left during their time here on earth.
Denton ‘Cy’ Young
I stopped by Denton ‘Cy’ Young’s headstone in Port Washington, Ohio. There are baseballs and baseball hats placed on the headstone.
Samuel Adams
Known for being one of the founders of our country, this simple stone and plaque mark his final resting place. Boston, Massachusetts
Captain Hook
Captain Hook sailed up and down the Ohio River for decades and was a known legend for commerce. His tomb shows the water level from the flood of 1898. He was sure the water level would never get that high again, so he had this tomb commissioned in this particular spot. Unfortunately, a few years after his burial, in 1913, the river did rise even higher, taking off the ship that had been perched on top of the tomb.
Cemeteries Reveal History
You do have to do some sleuthing, and it does help to have a local guide, but by walking around a cemetery, you can learn a lot about the local history. You can discover how death was viewed by the carvings on the headstone. The really old stones show skulls and bones depicting how death was feared. Over time, customs changed, and death is viewed in a more peaceful fashion. Rays of sunshine, flowers, hearts, and doves relate more to heaven.
Military participation can also be seen throughout a cemetery. Depending on the age, you’ll find headstones representing soldiers who fought in the Revolutionary War, Civil War, the World Wars, Vietnam, Korean War, and the War on Terrorism. Placing a small American flag by any of these headstones is an appropriate way to pay respect to those who gave their time and sometimes their life for our freedom.
Tips for Reading Headstones
Weather is not a friend to headstones. The elements corrode the engravings. Moss and dirt make their way into the etching and reading the inscription becomes even harder.
By taking a blank piece of paper and the edge of a pencil or crayon, you can very often get a good reading that comes through clearer than what your eyes are seeing. These paper rubbings are a good project for kids. I did this in Germany on a family marker and it was a great way to add to the family archive or resources.
Taking a picture of the stone with your phone’s camera can also reveal a much clearer image. By editing the picture and lightening the shadows, you can gain a lot of information from the older stones.
Cemeteries with Logs and Trees
I have recently become more knowledgeable about the various headstones that you’ll see carved to look like logs and tree trunks. Back in the early 1900s, an organization called Woodmen of the World decided no person should be buried without a proper headstone. Because many families could not afford such an extravagance, this company would provide the stone. Their trademark was to carve the stone in some sort of tree narrative. I’ve come to recognize these stones and it’s fun to compare their styles.
What Have You Found?
I’d love to learn about unusual headstones you’ve found from your travels, near and far. If you post your findings on Instagram or Facebook, include #bountifulblessingstravel in your comments so I can check it out.
To learn more about the places featured in these pictures, click on the following articles.
