Final Reflection

Shelly Wombles
Marcha Hunley
27 August 2009



The Cemetery in Society: A Spring Grove Reflection
A cemetery is a place of honor, respect, and homage to those that have passed. It is a place for the living as much as for the dead. Cemeteries are lessons in history. We educate our children about duty and ritual. We celebrate marriages and lives gone. They are representative of the cyclical nature of life and the duality intrinsic to our world. We all live and die, our bodies mortal, the soul possible immortal. We are reminded of our connection with the earth that we are from it and eventually return to it again. We visit those at rest and at peace and take part of that with us. We walk among the deceased and become aware of life. In our praise of them we find dignity within. A cemetery offers closure. A cemetery serves to be a vessel for us to open our minds to something bigger than ourselves, yet something we are a part of. It is a village of human memories. The beautiful park setting of Spring Grove is intentionally and meticulously laid out. We commune with nature, escape from the city- the everyday life just as the first people to come here did. Marcha told us that Spring Grove arose out of cholera and industry. The founders wanted to be proud of their design and accomplishment, to set a high standard for grave yards, and to uphold a strong sense of civility. Through all of these efforts, we have all of that and more. A place of such beauty and importance transcends a cemetery into a park, an idea into a higher purpose, a piece of land into a community where everyone has connection. In a world of chaos we can go to find quite strength in our legacies, our society, our families, ourselves. We sit with our losses, actual and figurative.
The future is undetermined, will we build upwards; have skyscrapers with small boxes of ash to commemorate our dead? Regardless of location, we need ritual to make sense of our finality. We need a sanctuary to hold our loved ones, to hold our prayers and thoughts, and to hold us to a greater sense of what we are, to what we will become.
I have found an extensive amount of respect for what I have come to associate with Spring Grove and cemeteries alike. Cincinnati is better because of it; we have a beautiful place of distinction that we should feel proud of. Through image after image of icons, I appreciate a wider view of what holds precedence in others’ lives. Every site is unique and deserving from the small unmarked deteriorating grave to the massive embellished mausoleum. Not a person on this planet has disconnection from death, and so the amount to which a cemetery accepts and encompasses everyone is a true lesson in understanding and acceptance. With a shift in my perspective, the discussions we have had will carry with me and hopefully can provide awareness of the big picture when I am sleep walking and forget to appreciate this life.

A Fine & Private Place- Critique

Shelly Wombles
Marcha Hunley
27 August 2009
Critique: A Fine & Private Place
The novel touches on many themes that exist in the real world, and in the world of the supernatural. Beagle explores the realm of a man secluded from society keeping company with ghosts and animals in a cemetery outside of New York City. Despite the implications of a sci-fi escapade, it is a charming tale of a man seeking his own truth. The book unravels its underlying theme through metaphors.
Our main character, Mr.Rebeck, has lived in a mausoleum for nearly twenty years when we first meet him. He was once an admired and respected druggist, doing his best to care for his clients and keep his pharmacy successful. Many a company has had to strive to compete with big business and succumb to losing their fight to stay afloat. The loss of his livelihood and idea of who he was as a man proved to be quite stressful for Mr.Rebeck. He decided to leave society and live among the dead. The raven, an unlikely companion, turns out to be his “angel”. If a person does not dare step outside the gates of the cemetery, then certainly there must be someone supplying his nutrients. The talking, sometimes hitch hiking or walking raven is the animal in the truest emotional sense. He has befriended the hermit and brings him food and news, but he is practical in his friendship. Beagle alludes to the feeling that this bird, this animal, need not be upset if he lost his relationships at any given moment. At first speculation, I imagined the raven to be filler and light-hearted in an after school special kind of a way, an insult almost. I now believe he is central to the other characters, both alive and dead, in that he is a catalyst to show what they are not.
The appearance of Mrs. Klapper is the turnaround point for Mr. Rebeck, he has invited someone tangible back into his life and realized that, this, the relationship, is the thing that he ran from and that is the crux of our existence. The theme I believe clouded in metaphors throughout the novel is the importance of the relationships we have with others, above all else. Beagle shows us the aftermath of souls who blindly trudge about through life with the romance between Michael and Laura. Having had their chance on life and love, they now seek true meaning devoid of arrogance or lack thereof in their current state of limbo. The ghosts play out a drama of the struggle of what it is to be human, to gain meaning in it all, to truly love another, to be aware of oneself, to be awake enough not to sleep-walk forgetting pieces of yourself as time passes on like they do in the novel. As Laura tells Michael, “Don’t say you love me because part of being alive is loving someone. It won’t make you a living man again, and it won’t make death any easier for me (pg.200). “
As the relationships develop, both couples come back to the same questions about what it means to be alive. The four of them have all experienced death. The ghosts literally have and fight for understanding, more now that they know the life that they knew is slipping into oblivion. Michael and Laura speak of limitations they would have imposed upon themselves had they met in life. Our main character and his lifeline to the real world, prepare, unknowingly, to wake each other from their hold away from living. Mrs. Klapper has lost herself after the death of her husband. Mr. Rebeck has lost hope for life among the living. Regardless of what situation the writer would place these two, be it a busy metropolis or a desolate burial ground, the bond between these two is what has made a difference. They seek each other to seek themselves. It is not a coincidence that Mrs. Klapper found Mr. Rebeck.
Again, the importance being on the evolving friendships and romance of the characters in the book leaves us without the grand question of the afterlife in regards to religion. Beagle is not trying to tell that story. He gives us the humble generosity of Campos to lead Mr. Rebeck out of the self-imposed prison, along with the gentle nature of a woman. Like shadows to the alive couple, the ghost couple mimics what can be lost or found again. Beagle displays the many stages of non-living that occur within our lives. Mrs. Klapper asks, “Do you think you have left the world, do you think one escapes that easily? You carry the world with you, wherever you go, like a turtle. You yourself are soft, naked, shapeless tissue, but you carry the hard shell of the world to protect your back and belly. All men carry the world on their backs, wherever they go (pg. 238).” It may seem to be an easier escape to shut out that which is demanding or painful, but we as humans, really never can. And to give in , to be awake in this life, is far more in tune to what we need and far more rewarding.

My ideal monument

• Black granite about 6ft tall &
  3 ft wide above water inlaid with stained glass window free-standing in the lake

My first thought was to do something unique, why not a monument in the water?

I chose an already reflective black granite to be the framework for a stained glass window. There will be enough of the granite to enclose the glass, as well as to reflect the light and shadows on it's own. The piece would be anchored with concrete, I suppose. No inscriptions, something that will catch the sun and rippling water for everyone interested. I chose cremation, so my ashes will be apart of the glass. I think being a part of the lake is a great idea. Water has such healing properties. Loved ones would know it was my monument, and others could believe it to be an art piece or a place they could go to sit by the water and reflect upon anything they wish.

The design of my monument is both simple and eccentric. Simple in having absolutely no inscriptions, only being a single piece of granite without carvings for embellishment, and taking up a small piece of (land). It’s elaborate display is in the stained glass speckled with ash set in the granite itself, and in a part of the cemetery where no one else is buried. Deciding upon no intricate carving of stone and no icons was intentional. I wanted something that could serve as a monument and a beautiful art piece. The choice is reflective of my thought that, although terribly cheesy, I would prefer to leave my mark in life rather than after. Granted, this would be a sizable, expensive, noticeable monument, but it would be more than personal. Perhaps it could serve as a window on the lake that one looks through to see the sun shine through, gaze at the waves lapping against it, the light reflecting off glass and water and granite. Bodies of water heal and sooth. We go to lakes, rivers, and oceans to gather our thoughts, assess them, throw them out into the water and to make peace. I envision sitting at the bank, skipping stones, casting flowers, floating candles, making wishes for the life here on earth and wishes for those that are in the next. My inspiration came from the beauty of the entire cemetery: the tended landscape, the lakes, the beauty of granite, the amazing stained glass filling the memorial mausoleum.

Cincinnati Arch -- A Fine & Private Place

I have really enjoyed the unusual learning dynamics of this class: our walking tours, class discussions, tram rides, iconography lessons, outside projects, and more. Last week's "in class" discussion with Mr. Tallmadge proved to be a great way for all of us to share our unique perspectives on what a cemetery is. I keep being brought back to the quote in which no one would leave Spring Grove an unchanged, better person. For all the cheesiness that could come from such a comment, it does not matter because this experience really has enriched all of us. One of the great topics Thursday was the new outlook for seeing cemeteries. It is not simply a folder full of scholarly information acquired here. People have been able to open their minds and eyes to what a burial place can represent, shedding at least some of the pain normally associated.

Mausoleum

The orb is NOT photoshop!

These are not either (spooky)

aww...halo

the best "cabinet" display

My favorite stain glass by far

I really enjoyed seeing yet another view of Spring Grove. Going inside the mausoleum proved to be an art house of man made beauty with elements of nature. Instead of landscape, we saw amazing marble and glass crafted to bring about a peaceful, inviting resting place. I like the idea of cremation, with less space on planet Earth and rising populations, this house is a modern take on burials. Caring for lost loved ones is a very private choice, so if money permits, I say have an elaborate crypt or monument! Or the simplest design. The choices at Spring Grove are all lovely in their own right.

The Dexter House & walk-about

I enjoyed the discussions in the "classroom" in regards to what a cemetery is. I was hoping the Dexter Monument was as impressive inside as out, but still very cool to go inside. Revisiting the first lots that my group documented allowed me to see things I had not noticed before. I thought that was my favorite part of the cemetery, with it's old charm and romanticism, and now I am sure that it is. I was reminded of the quote about leaving Spring Grove a different, better person after our walking tour. I can not help but to become introspective and find my thoughts wandering away from their usual places of everyday tasks and worries. There is a certain solitude that I get even amongst the group while cataloguing images from the cemetery. I am happily left- tranquil and inquiring.

Chapel reflection

The stone work was quite impressive at the chapel. It was great to see the care to detail and planning for yet another part of Spring Grove. I found it interesting that many of us shared the same experience of being gawked at by passersby in differing cemeteries around Cincinnati. I suppose it is an odd occurrence to spot someone strolling through a cemetery and not be apart of a funeral procession. Or maybe it is the association that the person the onlookers see, a mirror image of them - no one escapes death or the pain of losing loved ones; we are alike in this. If you are going about your daily routine and you notice someone reminding you of loss and mortality in an unusual way, it could be unsettling.

Linden Grove photos

Another cemetery

I remember Linden Grove Cemetery from years ago, but only a limited side view of what seemed to be a small desolate graveyard. It was the first thing that came to mind when learning of the assignment, so I checked it out. A few noteworthy things: It is a historic landmark, older than Spring Grove--1842, with some reburials from other cemeteries, including some Downtown - like Spring Grove. There's a definite purpose to the layout, but with only 22 acres, the design is more eclectic and randomized. There is a sizable Civil War section that has two dedications for veterans. The Confederate and Union soldiers are buried facing each other in uniform rows. A Memorial Day parade is held yearly (thanks to the mayor's work on drumming up donations for this past one) it ends at the cemetery on the brick structure in the GAR area with a 21 gun salute.
There are many interestings facts about this place from the past and the future plans --- I will share in class!

Tram Ride

Understanding how massive Spring Grove truly is, is probably best seen on a bumpy tram on a warm Summer night. Again, great to explore and learn more about the cemetery. As we approached the Northern sections, the beauty and romance seemed forgotten among these newly set monuments. Meaning no disrespect, I was dissapointed with the blocks upon blocks that mimicked each other in their weight and stature, as if keeping up with the Jones' that possesed little personality. With every bend in the road there was a new landscape to take in, with familiar icons and structures, but always set apart in someway. I did manage to get spooked when we descended around the lake my the monument to the fighting brothers near the circle of graves.

One of the best parts.....

Linden Grove Cemetery

Linden Grove Cemetery
Covington, KY
est. 1842

National Registry of historic Places

Civil War heroes

over 2000 graves

Resting place of Congressman John Carlisle

The Days, Albert G. & E. Harvey- brothers

"Life's fitful fever o'er,

he sleeps well."

"When God gathers his fruit from the

tree of life who has the right to complain?"

NY Times Cincy article

http://travel.nytimes.com/2009/07/19/travel/19hour.html

Houdini's grave

http://kensinger.blogspot.com/2009/04/machpelah-cemetery-houdinis-grave.html

Reflection - stone rubbings

Our exploration last week left me with a few things. First off, charcoal under my fingernails that seemed to never come off!!! What is the trick? Also that stone rubbings appear easier than they are. Alas, it was great to see more of the cemetery. I started to realize what I may want on my memorial. By far the coolest thing for me was the grave marked by a signature. It was interesting to take another kind of look at the monuments by seeking information strictly through the icons.

When I was a small child my cousins and I used to play ghosts in the graveyard. We didn't actually play hide and seek in a cemetery, instead we did our best to scare one another in the dark expanse of my grandparent's land. It was a good setup for a child's imagination in the sparsely inhabited region of South Eastern Kentucky where there are no city lights for miles, tales of wild animals and never-seen infamous outlaws that lived somewhere over the mountain. This imaginary graveyard was far more frightening than any I had ever visited. I have had relatives and friends be lain to rest in various cemeteries, and yet none I have ever visited beyond the funeral. This isn't for lack of caring or ill will; they are not accessible to me either by land or intimacy. There is one grave I do visit. In my Mother's front yard beneath four to five feet of hard clay in a wooden box constructed by my brother holds the resting place of the closest entity that I have lost in my life thus far. The feeling of being able to visit this place initially helped me grieve and now gives me a surge of fond memories of my dog that passed after eleven years of great companionship. I know that I am fortunate in having loved ones still alive and in my life. The importance of cemeteries has not been prevalent for me as it has for others I know. On the anniversary of the day that someone passes on to wherever it is they go, people kneel upon their grave sites and pay homage. Just as the funeral ritual is instrumental to the grieving process, so is the physical place to go back to time and time again. Graveyards make me think of loss and beauty; funerals make me think of myself pretending to be stoic regardless of how I think I can act or how I feel. With every funeral there is someone that depends on strength outside of them and hopefully someone whom is able to give that strength. When the time comes for me to bring flowers and try to reconcile an ocean of feelings, cemeteries shall take on a new meaning not just intertwined with childhood games and bagpipes ( the only thing I remember from my late grandfather's funeral). I hope the shoulder I have been able to give is reciprocated and accepted with grace.

7/9/09
by Michelle Wombles

Reflection

It was great to be able to see some more of Spring Grove. The crypts and mausoleumswere quite impressive. I really liked the monument by the pond that held flowers. Like so many symbols engraved portraying life after death, I think the flowers as part of the monument added symbolic, as well as, aesthetic beauty. It is interesting to me that the class system endures death. There undoubtedly are less wealthy heroes and heroins buried there without fan fair or even acknowledgement. Being an ever long fan of the underdog, seeing the massive structures depicting importance and wealth directly sways me to think about those not glorified. Not to say these families were not instrumental to society's betterment, but suppose they weren't pillars of virtue. Suppose these displays were brought about by arrogance or a sense of upholding cultural expectations by the familes. What if Fleishmann didn't outdo Grosbeck? Would they have been shunned? I realize it's not entirely fair to accuse the dead, after all they can not defend themselves. I mean only to raise questions concerning the intentions and reasons behind the construction of the grand monuments.

1) Who decides the layout for particular plots?

2) What is the protocol for newer grave sites in conjunction with existing ones?

3) Does popular culture influence head stones?

4) There were a couple graves marked "Baby" how common is this heading as opposed to the name to be given, now or then (1800's)?

5) Does wealth decide how grave sites are placed ( regardless of existing stones)?

6) Are there periods where certain animals become popular as statues, like dogs or lambs?

7) Does religion play the most significant role in how graves are adorned?

8)There was a single flower in both the plots we documented- how many visitors come to the older graves?

9) Do the families have any say in the landscape construction?

10) When did other material besides stone start being used (granite?)

11) Because the landscape adds such beauty, do the graves hidden beneath tree limbs become justly a part of the cemetery or does it do the sites themselves an injustice?

12) How common is it to see a pet's grave in Spring Grove?

13) Does Cincinnati expect their prominent citizens to be buried at Spring Grove?

14) Why would two family plaques butt up against an old marking?

15) Is it first come first serve, or does the cemetery have authorization to place sites as they deem appropriate within a particular section?

16) Are all of the sections intentionally designed with specific plants in mind?

17) Were the weeping trees we saw planted on purpose?

18) Would a newer section mimic an older one?

19) Has vandalism been a major problem in the past?

20) Are there any personal monuments denied placement in Spring Grove?

21) Was there any controversy in placing a sphinx in the older section?

22) Was there any controversy in placing a pyramid in the older section?

23) How common is it to have the figure of a small child laying atop a stone?

24) Are there regular ghost sightings?

25) What does the future hold for Spring Grove?