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?