I've decided, that every so often, I'm going to do a review of three different cemeteries. I'll discuss the condition of the monuments and the grounds. I'll talk about notable graves, and share legends about each cemetery. I'll share my observations and opinions.
I'll start with the three cemeteries I visit the most. I know these three like the back of my hand and have a lot to say about them. Enjoy!
1. St. Immanuel Episcopal Cemetery, Bellow's Falls, VT-
When I moved to Bellows Falls nearly six years ago, this is the first cemetery I visited. It's located next to the St. Immanuel Episcopal church and behind Bellows Falls Middle School. The oldest graves date from the late 18th or early 19th century and are near the the cemetery's main entrances. The newer graves sit at the back entrance along Cherry Hill Rd. There are also a bunch of new graves and a memorial garden on a hill overlooking the main part of the the cemetery. There are plenty of oak trees, and as a result the cemetery has an abundant squirrel population. The grounds are well kept, the grass is mowed. Once in awhile, there will be unraked leaves, or fallen branches that the caretaker hasn't picked up yet. In the winter, the pathways, are not plowed, presumably because the cemetery is supposed to be closed from October to May. The newer section has some trash in the bushes as a result of local kids going up there to hang out, but otherwise, it's very clean.
The gravestones are in decent condition. A few of the older ones are broken, and eroded, but some of them are repaired. I'm not sure whether the damage is caused by vandalism or natural causes. One particular stone, close to the church wall, gets buried by snow that falls off the roof every year. As a result it is completely unreadable.
While nature does attribute to a lot of the damage, vandalism is also a moderate problem. It usually comes in the form of kicked over and broken gravestones, I have yet to see any monuments damaged by spray paint or other artistic mediums. St. Immanuel's is located behind a middle school, and close to downtown BF, and as a result is prone to young people and drunks coming in and creating trouble. It's fairy easy to get into the cemetery, because not all the entrances are locked, and it's easy to hop over railings and squeeze between the gate and the fence, if you're thin enough.
At least one notable person is buried here. Hetty Green, known as "The Wicked Witch of Wall Street" and in her day, the richest woman in the world, is buried here with her husband, children and in-laws. Her gravestone is a fairly simple family obelisk made of granite, with names, and dates of birth and death. I like to leave pennies for her.
The cemetery is over all a very pretty cemetery. There aren't any statues (except for the odd urn now and then), but there are lots of very interesting carvings, and some beautiful Celtic crosses. It looks a bit spooky at night, and during the daytime one gets an uncomfortable feeling near the cold-storage crypt. The cemetery isn't outright haunted, but there is a feeling of being watched now and then. A friend of mine claims a witch is buried there, and when he sat on her table tomb, he says he felt something grab his leg. Another friend of mine told me she looked into the cold storage crypt through a crack in the doors and saw a figure moving around.
I definitely recommend visiting St. Immanuel's Episcopal Cemetery, if you like small, old cemeteries or if you're interested in Vermont history or Hetty Green.
2. Restland Cemetery, Bellows Falls Vermont
I first saw this cemetery while we were searching for an apartment in BF. I first visited this cemetery in late winter of 2006, several months after I moved in. The earliest known graves date from the mid-19th century and the most recent graves are from the late 20th century. Part of the cemetery is one flat ground, but it is also on a rather steep hill.
The grounds are very well-kept, with the grass being mowed, but there's a bit of trash in some places, due to people using the cemetery as a dumping ground or a party location. A lot of the gravestones are in fairly good condition, some of them are broken, some are weathered and very few are totally missing. I suspect there is a small amount of vandalism in this cemetery, despite being in the middle of a neighborhood. There are two entrances into Restland, a gate, and a staircase.
I have recently found out that "the last Abenaki Chief at Bellows Falls" is buried in Restland in an unknown location. Apparently, it used to be called the Rockingham Town Burying Ground. I find this very interesting, being Abenaki, myself.
The majority of cemetery occupants appear to be Irish, Italian and French. This makes a lot of sense, seeing as Bellows Falls used to be a mill town. A lot of the Irish and the Italian graves state that the people buried there emigrated.
I haven't heard any legends about the cemetery being haunted, though I have often felt like I am being watched when I am in there. There are some weird vibes in a certain corner of the cemetery where there are a lot of damaged graves. A friend of mine did a Ouija session in Restland, but did not communicate with any Restland occupants, but rather a spirit that was merely passing by.
Restland does not have any statues, but it has quite a few crosses and urns. There are a few pretty carvings. It's still definitely worth a look though, especially if you like little cemeteries. It is adjacent to Oak Hill Cemetery.
3. Oak Hill Cemetery, Bellows Falls/Westminster, Vermont
Oak Hill Cemetery is on a hill above Restland Cemetery. Half of it is technically, in Westminster VT. I first noticed this cemetery while visiting Restland, and visited the same day, but didn't stay long, for reasons I'll explain later.
The cemetery is terraced, with graves on different tiers. There is one large tier, where the majority of graves sit, and two smaller tiers filled with recent graves. The earliest graves seem to be from the mid to late 19th century. It is still very active.
The grounds are immaculately kept. I hardly ever see any trash there either. Very few of the gravestones are broken or damaged. There is some vandalism, but the town repairs most broken monuments.
Oak Hill is haunted. I have personally seen shapes, heard screams, and seen statues change their expressions. Almost everyone I have talked to has told me Oak Hill is haunted. There are a few legends surrounding the cemetery. One being that, a murderer would hide behind one of the benches and whoever sat at that bench would be brutally killed. There is however no proof that this actually happened. A friend informed me a dead girl was found in this cemetery during the 1960's, but like the legend of the murderer, there isn't any solid proof besides word of mouth.
All creepiness aside, Oak Hill is gorgeous. It's got a gazebo, a Veterans memorial, and plenty of beautiful statues and carvings. I certainly recommend this cemetery to anyone who loves cemeteries and to anyone who loves paranormal investigation.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Why I Love Taking People To Cemeteries
It's already been established that I love cemeteries. And while I usually visit them by myself, I do enjoy bringing people along for my cemetery safaris. Friends, family, romantic interests, I've dragged them all to cemeteries.
A cemetery is a great place to hang out with someone, once you get around the fact that you've got several hundred dead bodies under your feet. Provided your companion(s) don't have a phobia of burial grounds, and are open-minded, you're bound to have a good time, and here's a few reasons why:
1. Cemeteries are Peaceful
Cemeteries are generally quiet and calm places, especially if they're small, rural cemeteries. Unless a very famous person is buried there, or the cemetery has some kind of reputation, you're not going to find a lot of people there. Unfortunately, because most cemeteries are so isolated, a lot of teenagers and other young people use them as a place to party. This leads to vandalism and littering most of the time. I DO NOT condone partying or vandalism in cemeteries, I find such behavior deplorable.
When I take my loved ones to cemeteries, I find that the quietness makes it easier for us to enjoy each other's company. Surrounded by tombstones, I've had deep, meaningful conversations with my companions. There aren't any distractions in a cemetery, even if it's near a busy road or in the middle of civilization. Entering a cemetery can be a lot like entering another realm. Once inside, nothing matters but you and whoever you're with. You can discuss a lot of things, be honest, be yourself. A cemetery isn't like a club, you're not going to find pretentious hipsters judging your every move, just a lot of silent dead people and maybe a caretaker.
2. Cemeteries Can Be Interesting
Most people assume that cemeteries are boring places, but more often than not, I'll take someone to a cemetery, and they'll find themselves utterly fascinated by the monuments and their, epitaphs, carvings and statues. They'll comment on names, dates, and the items people leave on gravestones. They ask questions, questions I love answering. And while they may not become full-blown taphophiles like myself, my cemetery companions are at least briefly interested in a passion that is so near and dear to me.
3. You Can See Interesting Wildlife
Animals can adapt to pretty much any environment. We see birds nesting in buildings, squirrels climbing telephone wires and skunks raiding dumpsters. And as I've often seen, animals live quite comfortably in cemeteries, especially the park style of cemetery made popular in the 19th century. It's a lot of fun taking friends to a graveyard and admiring all the different types of animals that inhabit the area. I've seen squirrels leaping around, climbing trees and sitting on gravestones. I've seen plenty of birds, especially crows, perched on monuments. Once my boyfriend and I saw a little frog in Oak Hill cemetery. He's from New Jersey, and that frog was the first live frog he'd ever seen.
Domestic animals also get in on the game. I can't tell you how many times I've strolled through a cemetery just to find a house cat, sauntering between the headstones, or napping on the flat monuments. These cemetery cats always have this look, like they own the place, and they're patrolling the grounds, making sure nothing, supernatural or otherwise is disturbing the peace. It makes sense. Cats used to be considered guardians of the Afterlife.
4. Great Dog Walking
This is a touchy subject, seeing as most cemeteries forbid dogs. This is because dogs have a tendency to poop, and their owners have a tendency to not pick up after them.
But, if you're a responsible dog walker, who follows the laws regarding leashes and plastic baggies, then cemeteries, especially large ones are great places to take Rover for a jaunt. My Aunt Michelle and I take her charming Goldendoodle, Izzy to plenty of cemeteries, and it's down right pleasant. Izzy loves it. There's lots of new things to sniff, room to run around, and if your dog gets thirsty, you can just turn on one of the spigots used to water flowers. I wouldn't recommend going on a cemetery doggy walk however, if your pooch doesn't follow commands really well, since there's nothing worse than a loose dog in a cemetery. Except maybe loose teenagers in a cemetery.
5. Cemeteries Are Just Awesome
Let's face it. Cemeteries are actually really cool places. You can learn a lot about society, culture and history just by looking at a cemetery. While yes, sometimes they can be spooky, they can be fun too, and sometimes that spookiness is part of the fun, especially around Halloween. Don't hesitate. Grab some friends, some family, and explore your local cemetery! You'll be surprised about how much you'll enjoy yourselves.
But on a somber note, if you do go to a cemetery, PLEASE treat the place with respect. That means no drinking, littering, vandalism. This is sacred ground. How would you feel if a bunch of assholes destroyed the graves of your loved ones, for no reason other than that they were bored or drunk? You'd feel like shit, wouldn't you? You'd be hurt, and angry. So before you kick over that gravestone, or tag it with graffiti, think about the person buried there, and the people they left behind who loved them. It doesn't matter if it's an old slate stone from the 18th century, a faded marble stone from the 19th century or a brand new shiny granite monument. That grave still belongs to a person. A person just like you. So have a heart.
And if that speech didn't dissuade you from your path of destruction, then maybe this will. Vandalism is illegal. It is illegal, and you will most likely be caught.
A cemetery is a great place to hang out with someone, once you get around the fact that you've got several hundred dead bodies under your feet. Provided your companion(s) don't have a phobia of burial grounds, and are open-minded, you're bound to have a good time, and here's a few reasons why:
1. Cemeteries are Peaceful
Cemeteries are generally quiet and calm places, especially if they're small, rural cemeteries. Unless a very famous person is buried there, or the cemetery has some kind of reputation, you're not going to find a lot of people there. Unfortunately, because most cemeteries are so isolated, a lot of teenagers and other young people use them as a place to party. This leads to vandalism and littering most of the time. I DO NOT condone partying or vandalism in cemeteries, I find such behavior deplorable.
When I take my loved ones to cemeteries, I find that the quietness makes it easier for us to enjoy each other's company. Surrounded by tombstones, I've had deep, meaningful conversations with my companions. There aren't any distractions in a cemetery, even if it's near a busy road or in the middle of civilization. Entering a cemetery can be a lot like entering another realm. Once inside, nothing matters but you and whoever you're with. You can discuss a lot of things, be honest, be yourself. A cemetery isn't like a club, you're not going to find pretentious hipsters judging your every move, just a lot of silent dead people and maybe a caretaker.
2. Cemeteries Can Be Interesting
Most people assume that cemeteries are boring places, but more often than not, I'll take someone to a cemetery, and they'll find themselves utterly fascinated by the monuments and their, epitaphs, carvings and statues. They'll comment on names, dates, and the items people leave on gravestones. They ask questions, questions I love answering. And while they may not become full-blown taphophiles like myself, my cemetery companions are at least briefly interested in a passion that is so near and dear to me.
3. You Can See Interesting Wildlife
Animals can adapt to pretty much any environment. We see birds nesting in buildings, squirrels climbing telephone wires and skunks raiding dumpsters. And as I've often seen, animals live quite comfortably in cemeteries, especially the park style of cemetery made popular in the 19th century. It's a lot of fun taking friends to a graveyard and admiring all the different types of animals that inhabit the area. I've seen squirrels leaping around, climbing trees and sitting on gravestones. I've seen plenty of birds, especially crows, perched on monuments. Once my boyfriend and I saw a little frog in Oak Hill cemetery. He's from New Jersey, and that frog was the first live frog he'd ever seen.
Domestic animals also get in on the game. I can't tell you how many times I've strolled through a cemetery just to find a house cat, sauntering between the headstones, or napping on the flat monuments. These cemetery cats always have this look, like they own the place, and they're patrolling the grounds, making sure nothing, supernatural or otherwise is disturbing the peace. It makes sense. Cats used to be considered guardians of the Afterlife.
4. Great Dog Walking
This is a touchy subject, seeing as most cemeteries forbid dogs. This is because dogs have a tendency to poop, and their owners have a tendency to not pick up after them.
But, if you're a responsible dog walker, who follows the laws regarding leashes and plastic baggies, then cemeteries, especially large ones are great places to take Rover for a jaunt. My Aunt Michelle and I take her charming Goldendoodle, Izzy to plenty of cemeteries, and it's down right pleasant. Izzy loves it. There's lots of new things to sniff, room to run around, and if your dog gets thirsty, you can just turn on one of the spigots used to water flowers. I wouldn't recommend going on a cemetery doggy walk however, if your pooch doesn't follow commands really well, since there's nothing worse than a loose dog in a cemetery. Except maybe loose teenagers in a cemetery.
5. Cemeteries Are Just Awesome
Let's face it. Cemeteries are actually really cool places. You can learn a lot about society, culture and history just by looking at a cemetery. While yes, sometimes they can be spooky, they can be fun too, and sometimes that spookiness is part of the fun, especially around Halloween. Don't hesitate. Grab some friends, some family, and explore your local cemetery! You'll be surprised about how much you'll enjoy yourselves.
But on a somber note, if you do go to a cemetery, PLEASE treat the place with respect. That means no drinking, littering, vandalism. This is sacred ground. How would you feel if a bunch of assholes destroyed the graves of your loved ones, for no reason other than that they were bored or drunk? You'd feel like shit, wouldn't you? You'd be hurt, and angry. So before you kick over that gravestone, or tag it with graffiti, think about the person buried there, and the people they left behind who loved them. It doesn't matter if it's an old slate stone from the 18th century, a faded marble stone from the 19th century or a brand new shiny granite monument. That grave still belongs to a person. A person just like you. So have a heart.
And if that speech didn't dissuade you from your path of destruction, then maybe this will. Vandalism is illegal. It is illegal, and you will most likely be caught.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)