Cemeteries - Calm Atmosphere in Big Cities

As a life-long genealogist, it is difficult to impossible to simply drive or walk by a cemetery without entering for a walking or driving tour.

Many of my favorite memories of visits to large cities involve the scenes, smells and quiet that I enjoyed in her cemeteries.  How could anyone ignore these oasis of calm amid the hubbub?

I don’t know who took this photo of the Calvary Cemetery in New York, but it represents the feelings I’m trying to express.

Do yourself a favor this spring.  Visit a cemetery just for the calming ambiance and the stories of lives and places represented on the headstones.

Technorati Tags: Cemetery,Headstone,Tombstone

The Train Wreck at the Beloeil Bridge

The St. Lawrence and Atlantic Railroad through Beloeil, Canada was completed in December 1848, finishing the link between Montreal and Saint-Hyacinthe.  Unfortunately, in 1864, a passenger train passing over the Richelieu River derailed and plunged downward to destruction.  Ninety-nine passengers, mostly German emigrants, and railroad employees lost their lives in the worst rail disaster in the history of Canada.

A tombstone of detritus covered the river and the barge under the wreckage.  The hopes, dreams and futures of so many were lost in less than a minute.  When considering their possible descendancy, how many lives were truly lost on that sad day?

Technorati Tags: Canada,Train Wreck,Genealogy

Sarah Durrant – Lamb of Christ Tombstone

The design of Sarah Durrant’s tombstone is frequently seen in cemeteries in Utah.  The design was popular for the markers children who died early in life.

The soft stone that was used because of the ease of carving the Lamb on top.  Unfortunately, the markers deteriorate due to weathering as evidenced in this marker.

Technorati Tags: Lamb,Tombstone,Cemetery,Tombstone Design,Genealogy

Family History Researcher's Dream Headstone

Great planning by this family.  It is obvious that they are family history researchers that have added their lineage to the back of their tombstone.

Technorati Tags: Tombstone,Cemetery,Pedigree,Genealogy