Gravestones
- Thread starter TheRed1
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TheRed1
Console Conservationist
There is a Mary Magdalene sculpture in Rock Creek Cemetery in DC, (though I always thought it was a man.) I had to educate myself on the symbolism as it applies to funerary art but I think I get it. This one is by Gutzon Borglum, the sculptor behind Mount Rushmore. It adorns the grave of Charles Mather Ffoulke. The bronze patina has famously given the statue the appearance of crying - which fits right in with Mary Magdalene's story. The following is inscribed on a bronze tablet affixed to the monument:Another from Lakeview:
THE END OF BIRTH IS DEATH
THE END OF DEATH IS LIFE AND
WHEREFOR MOURNEST THOU
THE END OF DEATH IS LIFE AND
WHEREFOR MOURNEST THOU
TheRed1
Console Conservationist
I thought these gravestones were interesting. The Mellons' are surprisingly understated given their vast personal fortunes. They are quite elegant, though. The cemetery in which they are buried is adjacent to an absolutely beautiful Episcopal church built with funds they donated.
This guy was a famous local dog breeder noted for Irish Setters. Apparently Richard Nixon's King Timahoe was one of his.
Even in Virginia's horse country you don't see very many Highlander Baronets - fewer still with business advertisements on the back of their gravestones.
At the bottom, carved in stone:UBM United Business Machines, Inc. (with the Canon logo) / Founder and President / Washington's Oldest Canon Dealer / Established 1978
This guy was a famous local dog breeder noted for Irish Setters. Apparently Richard Nixon's King Timahoe was one of his.
Even in Virginia's horse country you don't see very many Highlander Baronets - fewer still with business advertisements on the back of their gravestones.
At the bottom, carved in stone:UBM United Business Machines, Inc. (with the Canon logo) / Founder and President / Washington's Oldest Canon Dealer / Established 1978
rsfmotoman
Super Member
Very nice photos everyone! I love going to cemeteries myself, there is so much history and so many stories to be found.
I have a few posts on my photo blog-
http://fennerphotography.com/category/cemetery/
I have a few posts on my photo blog-
http://fennerphotography.com/category/cemetery/
TheRed1
Console Conservationist
LittleNaples, the Joe Dimaggio stone with bats and balls left by visitors is very cool. Sometimes the momentos left by visitors to the deceased can be very touching - like the pebbles left atop gravestones in Jewish cemeteries. However, I don't know what to think about a lot of the stuff left at gravesides these days. There is one large cemetery somewhere in central Pennsylvania my wife and I drive by occasionally at night on our way to and from western NY which is littered with hundreds of solar-powered, light-up, plastic tchotchkes. The first time I saw it my jaw just dropped. That never, ever would cross my mind as something appropriate for cemetery but . . . I guess it's OK if the community approves. I really hope it doesn't catch on, though.
Visited the famed Confederate guerrilla leader, Col. John S. Mosby, recently and was mystified by some of the junk left at his graveside. Coins? Playing cards? A plastic toy 4X4 pickup truck??? I just don't get it. The plastic toy horse does sort of make sense, though.
One of my favorite graveside traditions is that of the lemons at Stonewall Jackson's grave. He supposedly had a great fondness for the fruit - though I believe he actually preferred peaches - and folks just started leaving them as some sort of tribute. At least they're bio-degradable!
Visited the famed Confederate guerrilla leader, Col. John S. Mosby, recently and was mystified by some of the junk left at his graveside. Coins? Playing cards? A plastic toy 4X4 pickup truck??? I just don't get it. The plastic toy horse does sort of make sense, though.
One of my favorite graveside traditions is that of the lemons at Stonewall Jackson's grave. He supposedly had a great fondness for the fruit - though I believe he actually preferred peaches - and folks just started leaving them as some sort of tribute. At least they're bio-degradable!
rsfmotoman
Super Member
Love your pics and stories TheRed1, thanks.
TheRed1
Console Conservationist
Thanks, Stacy. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to your photography blog - thank you for posting the link. I was very intrigued with your photo essay on Lake View Cemetery.
Last weekend I talked my wife into accompanying me on a field trip to a recent discovery of mine in Alexandria, Va. Collectively it is referred to as the Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex. It is comprised of 13 separate but adjacent cemeteries with just about every religious denomination represented. Many of the burials are quite old, too - dating back to the very early 19th century. One of the cemeteries, Alexandria National Cemetery is perhaps the earliest of its type, predating even Arlington.
The person who led me to this "discovery" was the late John Mason of Analostan Island (1766-1849), a son of one of the Founding Fathers, George Mason. He is supposedly buried somewhere in this sprawling complex but I never did find him. I did stumble onto some pretty interesting stones which I am amazed I had not heard of before. This is my favorite:
The stories behind this stone are incredible. Most of what has been written about the "Female Stranger" is fiction. I had to dig very deep into the Google results to find any primary sources (period newspaper accounts) and even those contain conflicting information. I don't know who to believe so I won't pass on any of the dubious versions of this story. You can do your own research and decide who you want to believe. It has apparently even been profiled in the History Channel's Haunted History series; although I imagine their account was duly sensationalized for cable television consumption.
In a concession to this being a photography forum, I will note that the fine, granular surface of this stone makes it an especially troublesome photography subject. I have a similar problem with some types of foliage. It just never seems to look quite right when it is in sharp focus. Perhaps large areas with lots of fine detail aren't particularly aesthetically pleasing - or else they just overwhelm a digital camera's ability to record correctly. I have noted this problem in some other photographers digital work and it seems even more pronounced in cameras which take very sharp pictures. I don't remember having this problem with film. Suggestions? Comments?
Below are a few other interesting shots from the Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex. There is a curious phrase on Mrs. Tretcher's stone in the first image: ". . . thrice cross'd the line with her husband . . . " What does that mean? Certainly she didn't accompany her husband on his voyage with Capt. James Cook. Note it was only the third and final voyage - the one Cook did not actually complete himself - that Mr. Tretcher made.
Mrs. Victory Barnes, born in 1765 - the same year HMS Victory was launched. Coincidence?
Note the George Washington Masonic Memorial in the distance:
Thanks for the reminder, Thomas.
And assorted others:
Last weekend I talked my wife into accompanying me on a field trip to a recent discovery of mine in Alexandria, Va. Collectively it is referred to as the Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex. It is comprised of 13 separate but adjacent cemeteries with just about every religious denomination represented. Many of the burials are quite old, too - dating back to the very early 19th century. One of the cemeteries, Alexandria National Cemetery is perhaps the earliest of its type, predating even Arlington.
The person who led me to this "discovery" was the late John Mason of Analostan Island (1766-1849), a son of one of the Founding Fathers, George Mason. He is supposedly buried somewhere in this sprawling complex but I never did find him. I did stumble onto some pretty interesting stones which I am amazed I had not heard of before. This is my favorite:
The stories behind this stone are incredible. Most of what has been written about the "Female Stranger" is fiction. I had to dig very deep into the Google results to find any primary sources (period newspaper accounts) and even those contain conflicting information. I don't know who to believe so I won't pass on any of the dubious versions of this story. You can do your own research and decide who you want to believe. It has apparently even been profiled in the History Channel's Haunted History series; although I imagine their account was duly sensationalized for cable television consumption.
In a concession to this being a photography forum, I will note that the fine, granular surface of this stone makes it an especially troublesome photography subject. I have a similar problem with some types of foliage. It just never seems to look quite right when it is in sharp focus. Perhaps large areas with lots of fine detail aren't particularly aesthetically pleasing - or else they just overwhelm a digital camera's ability to record correctly. I have noted this problem in some other photographers digital work and it seems even more pronounced in cameras which take very sharp pictures. I don't remember having this problem with film. Suggestions? Comments?
Below are a few other interesting shots from the Wilkes Street Cemetery Complex. There is a curious phrase on Mrs. Tretcher's stone in the first image: ". . . thrice cross'd the line with her husband . . . " What does that mean? Certainly she didn't accompany her husband on his voyage with Capt. James Cook. Note it was only the third and final voyage - the one Cook did not actually complete himself - that Mr. Tretcher made.
Mrs. Victory Barnes, born in 1765 - the same year HMS Victory was launched. Coincidence?
Note the George Washington Masonic Memorial in the distance:
And you, my friends, look down & view
the hollow gaping tomb;
This gloomy prison waits for you,
When e'er the summons come.
the hollow gaping tomb;
This gloomy prison waits for you,
When e'er the summons come.
Thanks for the reminder, Thomas.
And assorted others:
Karl vd Berg
Super Member
I thought these gravestones were interesting. The Mellons' are surprisingly understated given their vast personal fortunes. They are quite elegant, though. The cemetery in which they are buried is adjacent to an absolutely beautiful Episcopal church built with funds they donated.
Even in Virginia's horse country you don't see very many Highlander Baronets - fewer still with business advertisements on the back of their gravestones.
They are very nice and this picture in particular...
I remember I took some gravestones pictures many years ago on slide films. I might have a look at them if I still have some...
Karl vd Berg
Super Member
Found a couple of shots taken in New Zealand 15 years ago during the night.
The figure at left is me. Triggered a small flash during a few minutes exposure around midnight, iirc.
These were normal Fuji Sensia 100, digitized in an old Nikon 4000 series scanner.
Camera was Minolta 9 with zoom 17-35mm f/3.5 G
The figure at left is me. Triggered a small flash during a few minutes exposure around midnight, iirc.
These were normal Fuji Sensia 100, digitized in an old Nikon 4000 series scanner.
Camera was Minolta 9 with zoom 17-35mm f/3.5 G
TheRed1
Console Conservationist
Those are extraordinary images. What accounts for the golden hue of the stones? Did you use a gel on your flash or is that their actual color? Your own ghostly self portrait seems normal enough, (at least from a color perspective.)Found a couple of shots taken in New Zealand 15 years ago during the night. The figure at left is me. Triggered a small flash during a few minutes exposure around midnight, iirc.
These were normal Fuji Sensia 100, digitized in an old Nikon 4000 series scanner. Camera was Minolta 9 with zoom 17-35mm f/3.5 G
I would like very much to try night photography in a graveyard but I suspect the lights would attract unwanted attention 'round these parts. I am a huge fan of O. Winston Link and his elaborately flash-lit railroad scenes - most of which were shot here in Virginia. One of my coffee table books on cemeteries, The Chesapeake Book of the Dead, has some flash-lit night scenes of local graveyards by the photographer Stark Jett V. I suppose one would want to have permission from the caretaker of the cemetery beforehand.
Here's one I tried on a gloomy day using a neutral density filter and handheld flash: War of 1812 vet and U.S. Marshal, Gen. Alexander Hunter, whose nearby Abingdon plantation was frequently visited by his good friend Andrew Jackson as well as presidents Tyler and Polk. If you're ever flying into DC through National (pardon me, Reagan National) airport, you can still see the ruins tucked in between parking garages A and B/C.
BillyBatts
ALOHA!
Haunting photographs. Thanks for sharing.
Amazing. I once stopped at a very old cemetery and looked around quite a bit. Wow. It's truly amazing. Always sad to see some very young deaths. But back in the day, without modern medicine death could come even from Strep Throat.
Amazing. I once stopped at a very old cemetery and looked around quite a bit. Wow. It's truly amazing. Always sad to see some very young deaths. But back in the day, without modern medicine death could come even from Strep Throat.
Karl vd Berg
Super Member
Hi TheRed1,
The golden hue of the stones is because the Fuji Sensia 100 being for daylight, for sunny or cloudy outdoor work and set for around 6,000 Kelvin color temperature (neutral hue), captured the incandescent street pole light which has a color temperature of about 2,700–3,300 K (very warm hue) reflecting on them (the stones).
My gostly self portrait came normal temperature because it's a direct flash in my face and I was behind that cross. But my intention was my whole body taken and not only the upper part (lol!).
I set the aperture for something like f/11 to be shure everything would be in focus. That mini flash was not powerful enough...
But it was winter and freezing outside, so nobody around. Only the graves...
If you want you can play with filters for the temperature colors. I like it!
Here a good explanation of color temperature with graphics and animation. :thmbsp:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Color_temperature
..
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TheRed1
Console Conservationist
That's really cool, Bourbon. Did you know SRV in life?
I chanced upon the Super Freak himself while touring Buffalo's beautiful Forest Lawn Cemetery last summer. As you can see, there was the usual detritus found at the gravesites of notable popular culture personalities. I'm not a fan but I am vaguely familiar with his recordings and reputation. I don't think he would have been the kind of guy I would generally hang out with. That Rickenbacker bass on his stone is pretty cool, though.
If I were to share a graveside beer, it might have to be with Christian Heurich - who, as a brewer, would undoubtedly appreciate the gesture. A tour of his grand mansion, the Brewmaster's Castle, near DuPont Circle is a must if you're even in DC. His basement party room is really something to see:
http://thelocation.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/heurich_bierstube_-bruce-m-white-2011.jpg
(The image above is from the director of the Brewmaster's Castle's blog - The Location. Check out her latest entry about DC Brau's recreation of Christian Heurich's long lost product - à la Sam Adams .)
The Heurich vault in Rock Creek Cemetery:
Unfortunately, the door is locked but I peeked through the window and Christian appears to be home. I am curious as to the meaning of the German quote on the far wall:
A literal translation seems to be: "In deep pain, no world wisdom for the heart." But what exactly does that mean? I find it interesting that it contains both parts of one of my favorite German words - weltschmerz - which has an expansive meaning but translates literally to "world sadness".
I chanced upon the Super Freak himself while touring Buffalo's beautiful Forest Lawn Cemetery last summer. As you can see, there was the usual detritus found at the gravesites of notable popular culture personalities. I'm not a fan but I am vaguely familiar with his recordings and reputation. I don't think he would have been the kind of guy I would generally hang out with. That Rickenbacker bass on his stone is pretty cool, though.
If I were to share a graveside beer, it might have to be with Christian Heurich - who, as a brewer, would undoubtedly appreciate the gesture. A tour of his grand mansion, the Brewmaster's Castle, near DuPont Circle is a must if you're even in DC. His basement party room is really something to see:
http://thelocation.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/heurich_bierstube_-bruce-m-white-2011.jpg
(The image above is from the director of the Brewmaster's Castle's blog - The Location. Check out her latest entry about DC Brau's recreation of Christian Heurich's long lost product - à la Sam Adams .)
The Heurich vault in Rock Creek Cemetery:
Unfortunately, the door is locked but I peeked through the window and Christian appears to be home. I am curious as to the meaning of the German quote on the far wall:
"In Tiefem
Schmerz Kein
Weltweishein
Furs Herz"
Schmerz Kein
Weltweishein
Furs Herz"
A literal translation seems to be: "In deep pain, no world wisdom for the heart." But what exactly does that mean? I find it interesting that it contains both parts of one of my favorite German words - weltschmerz - which has an expansive meaning but translates literally to "world sadness".
Wigwam Jones
Caesar non supra grammati
TheRed1
Console Conservationist
Wiggy, it amazes me the degree to which those signs are often ignored. The amount of chatter when the trams unload their cargo of tourists at the Tomb of the Unknowns and other popular sites at Arlington is often appalling. My wife and I were just there this past Sunday. I would have thought that the crowds would have been more subdued in the dead of winter but it wasn't very different from the height of tourist season.
We were also dismayed by the speeds traveled by some of the vehicles allowed on the grounds. Sadly, the worst offender was one of the Cemetery's own which, ironically, had the words 'SAFETY OFFICIAL' on the side.
My wife download the ANC Explorer app on her phone to see how that would work: Not very well in our experience. I had jotted down a list of mostly obscure individuals - footnotes to history - that I was interested in tracking down. Fortunately I included the section and grave numbers which are all you really need. It can take a little while to figure out the numbering sequence within some of the more oddly shaped sections but it was still faster than my wife's smart phone.
I was primarily interested in finding Lieut. Thomas E. Selfridge who I believe has the dubious distinction of being the first powered aircraft fatality. The crash occurred almost within sight of his grave at Fort Myers which is adjacent to the cemetery. Orville Wright was at the controls when the propeller split, cutting a wire brace and throwing the Flyer into a dive. His obelisk is in section 3, on a beautiful hilltop overlooking Washington and the Pentagon. It is a tall and distinctive monument and was easy to spot.
Nearby I found Rear Admiral William A. Moffett, the "Air Admiral" who was killed along with 72 other crew and passengers when the airship USS Akron went down off the coast of NJ in a thunderstorm. He was a very important supporter of Billy Mitchell's concept for a US air force.
Walking around Arlington you just can't help but stumble across fascinating bits of American history. Here is but a small sampling of random encounters from this past Sunday afternoon:
And, fittingly, Pierre L'Enfant overlooking the city he designed from Robert E. Lee's front yard.
We were also dismayed by the speeds traveled by some of the vehicles allowed on the grounds. Sadly, the worst offender was one of the Cemetery's own which, ironically, had the words 'SAFETY OFFICIAL' on the side.
My wife download the ANC Explorer app on her phone to see how that would work: Not very well in our experience. I had jotted down a list of mostly obscure individuals - footnotes to history - that I was interested in tracking down. Fortunately I included the section and grave numbers which are all you really need. It can take a little while to figure out the numbering sequence within some of the more oddly shaped sections but it was still faster than my wife's smart phone.
I was primarily interested in finding Lieut. Thomas E. Selfridge who I believe has the dubious distinction of being the first powered aircraft fatality. The crash occurred almost within sight of his grave at Fort Myers which is adjacent to the cemetery. Orville Wright was at the controls when the propeller split, cutting a wire brace and throwing the Flyer into a dive. His obelisk is in section 3, on a beautiful hilltop overlooking Washington and the Pentagon. It is a tall and distinctive monument and was easy to spot.
Nearby I found Rear Admiral William A. Moffett, the "Air Admiral" who was killed along with 72 other crew and passengers when the airship USS Akron went down off the coast of NJ in a thunderstorm. He was a very important supporter of Billy Mitchell's concept for a US air force.
Walking around Arlington you just can't help but stumble across fascinating bits of American history. Here is but a small sampling of random encounters from this past Sunday afternoon:
And, fittingly, Pierre L'Enfant overlooking the city he designed from Robert E. Lee's front yard.
Wigwam Jones
Caesar non supra grammati
Memorial Day 2009 by Wigwam Jones, on Flickr
Memorial Day 2010 by Wigwam Jones, on Flickr
Royal Oak Memorial Day Parade 2008 by Wigwam Jones, on Flickr
Veterans Day, November 11, 2007 by Wigwam Jones, on Flickr