This post conveys the mood of Halloween, but it's a sight I take in frequently when I am in Waterbury. These grave markers line the wall that frames Library Park. They were removed from the grounds and placed along the perimeter wall on the suggestion of some good citizens a long time ago. "Where are their bones?" is what I wonder every time I walk on by. These stones look suspected of being guilty of something lined up like this.
But again I ask, "Where are the bones?" Why move the stone but not the remains? I may never now. This was government work. Perhaps it's enough to know that.
And what about the condition of these stones and the explanation carved in stone in 1934? Every now and again some town employee yanks off the vines is what I guess.
At the other end of this wall is the set of stairs that takes you up to the park. It's a nice little circle called a square (again, government work) near a traffic light at the entrance of town.
I like it. We keep everything. And put it somewhere. Even if it's weird.
46 Comments
Very nice post with snaps. I liked the title very much.
ReplyDeleteMy first thought was exactly the same: "Why move the stones and not the graves?"
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me of Beaufort's "Old Burying Ground" in a way. And the attitude reminds me of Beaufort too. Where the saying goes:
"Use it up
Wear it out
Make it do
Or do without."
What a good backstory. I enjoyed reading about these stones. Thanks for sharing the wonderful pictures.
ReplyDeleteIts kind of hard to guess what happened and why but it probably involved committees and lots of discussion. I love these kinds of mysteries.
ReplyDeleteI love this, I hate to see anything old tossed out vs being used in something new ..
ReplyDeleteI so enjoyed the story and history of this (and you're right, the gov has it own reason for things!) Lovely photos, too.
ReplyDeleteI like it too.
ReplyDeleteYou're right! It's strange and it's a mystery! But that strangeness is now part of your local history and I like that!
ReplyDeleteJanice.
We have a fw graveyards now parks where the stones have been moved. I'm sure those who are buried there like the idea of people enjoying the the land above. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat post Sandy. I like how everything is kept to but would also wonder about the remains. Then again, I want to be cremated so it wouldn't matter to me but I know it would to some people who expected their cemetery to remain.
ReplyDeleteIt does raise a lot of questions. It reminds me a bit of the stones in the Salem, MA cemetary commemorating those hung for witchcraft. No one knows where their bones are.
ReplyDeleteMarvelous post, Sandy! And so interesting! I, too, find it strange that only the headstones were moved and you can't help but wonder how families felt about that??? I, too, plan to be cremated, so I wouldn't be concerned about it, but most people -- I think, would wonder what happened to friends, relatives, whatever. Hey, but at least the headstones weren't thrown away, that is true recycling!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your weekend!
Sylvia
What an interesting post. Great pictures.
ReplyDeleteFascinating post. I would be asking the same thing too, but may not probe any further. I like the idea of saving everything, for future generation.
ReplyDeletewww.ewok1993.wordpress.com
If the graveyard was very, very old....... maybe the bones just disintegrated or maybe they have just been heaped to one side. This is why I am going to be cremated!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI do like the idea of the land being reclaimed for a community project like a library though.
Good post.
Nuts in May
that is strange
ReplyDeleteAnd now no one will ever know where the bones are... that's sad, Sandy.
ReplyDeleteIt is strange and sad. Without the stones the graves are not marked?
ReplyDeleteI think the bones are removed too and it is not disclosed unless the concerned family members insist to know where they are.
ReplyDeleteThat is my guess.
Bones & Stones to cloud the day A mystery come what may. (I know I'd better not quit my day job)
ReplyDeleteWhat a story! Strange and believeable (especially when you added government)!!!!
ReplyDeleteinteresting post. mmm, where are the bones? perhaps another cemetary...
ReplyDelete"It was government work. It's enough to know that." -- These lines made me smile. Amen.
ReplyDeleteInteresting and intriguing. And we'll never know the whole story - but that's what makes it so interesting.
ReplyDeletePretty awesome Sandy I would love to take some shots here, the closeups of the stones were super!
ReplyDeleteIt would be lovely to stroll with you over the hill....under an Autumn sky, Sandy
ReplyDeleteAloha, Friend!
Comfort Spiral
Great photos. And yes - those markers look eerie and out of place along that wall.
ReplyDeleteWow - very interesting, great photos too! Certainly give one pause when looking at other things of this nature.
ReplyDeletehello ther friend... One interesting post once more! love yah! God bless
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting post, Sandy. Very nice images and, surely, those stones arouse unanswered questions.
ReplyDeleteHappy new week!
Interesting post. How strange, really, where are the remains.
ReplyDeleteThis is strangely beautiful. It reminds me of an old graveyard close to where I was born, which became the entrance to the public swimming pool.
ReplyDeleteI was in Paris once and went into the underground tunnel where the past Parisian government stored all the human remains (skeleton) dig up from the city's old grave yards. There are mountains and mountains of them, quire spooky and the tunnel goes on miles. Have you checked any underground tunnel of your city lately??!!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting post and the photos are great. It is a strange story.
ReplyDeleteIn this state (IN) there are laws about not disturbing cemetaries. Interesting how they lined up the tombstones. It makes you wonder how long until they will be deemed unnecessary.
ReplyDeleteI agree its weird-but kinda neat too : )
ReplyDeleteActually it;s not rare to find parks on former burial grounds. After so much time passes the remains become, well part of the ecosystem. But those people are lucky someone took care of their stones.
ReplyDeleteThanks for such an interesting post Sandy and your pictures are great.
ReplyDeleteWe have a grave yard beside the ocean and due to high water the stones have been moved but not the bones...it will be interesting to see what happens in big winter storms as the ocean takes over the land.
Thanks for sharing.
Smiles
Thanks for such an interesting post Sandy and your pictures are great.
ReplyDeleteWe have a grave yard beside the ocean and due to high water the stones have been moved but not the bones...it will be interesting to see what happens in big winter storms as the ocean takes over the land.
Thanks for sharing.
Smiles
I don't find it too unusual because our town has Indian history long before the white man came (British first) and their cemetaries were "built over" and there were no headstones to save.
ReplyDeleteI think your town did a good job saving the historical part. Perhaps the bodies were moved to a mass grave in an existing cemetary or cremated?
It is a bit strange but comforting at the same time. I'd love to see this place one day.
ReplyDeleteHow fascinating ... if a bit strange. Wonderful photos as always and I love the primary colors of the chairs ;-)
ReplyDeleteHugs and blessings,
It is a little weird to have the cemetery stones lined up somewhere other than the grave sites, but I do like the idea of keeping everything!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos/tribute. Wonder if these are documented at findagrave.com...hope so!
ReplyDeleteI am interrupting this comment section, to wish you a HAPPY BIRTHDAY! and hope you have many many more!
ReplyDeleteIt's been almost a year since I first met you, and you have truly inspired me -- I hope you have a wonderful day, and here's hoping you have many, many, many, many ... more!
Much love, respect, and honor to you dear sister.
You KNOW I would love to walk and explore there! Thanx for taking me with you! Oh, and Happy Birthday!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for being here.