Now before you think I'm completely insane, or Warbucks and I had sex in a cemetery... people...clear that thought!!!! I do consider myself a tapophile....otherwise known as a "cemetery enthusiast", "cemetery tourist", "grave hunter", "graver" who has a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries, epitaphs, photography, art, and death. Death has never scared me, nor do I fear it. But I enjoy cemeteries so. Even right next to the Casa du Borghese is a very old graveyard dating to 1795. I once had a friend who just walking by one, would have a anxiety attack. He would never even come to stay with I and a good friend for a long weekend, who lives right off the graveyards of the Gettysburg Battlefields. But I digress. This visit also saw us at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Philadelphia for a day.
Laurel Hill Cemetery was founded in 1836 as a nonsectarian alternative to Philadelphia’s crowded, inner-city churchyards of the early nineteenth century. Intended for use by the living, as well as the dead, the cemetery’s design takes advantage of scenic Schuylkill River vistas, supported by the addition of winding paths and rare horticultural specimens.
Established in 1836, Laurel Hill is one of Philadelphia's premier historic landmarks and one of the only cemeteries in the United States to be honored as a National Historic Landmark. Countless prominent people of local and national fame are buried at Laurel Hill, including George G. Meade and thirty-nine other Civil War-era generals, in addition to six Titantic passengers, poets and authors, numerous polictians, and members of high society. Their extensive archives undoubtedly serve as a superb resource for scholars, researchers and genealogists. Moreover, Laurel Hill's natural beauty and peaceful serenity render it a bucolic retreat nestled within the city's limits overlooking, high above the Schuylkill River. The cemetery's beautiful green space is further complimented by the breathtaking art, sculpture and architecture that can be found here. These are just some of the many attributes that render Laurel Hill Cemetery a primary destination for both residents and visitors to the City of Brotherly Love.
Even in all this restful garden of the dead...was a sign of continuing life......
We have no idea if this fellow got here from the pond or the river, but we hoped his family wasn't far.
It was a good day.
To read other posts on Laurel Hill, just click it in the tags.
Tapophile? You've taught me a new word today!
ReplyDeleteIf things go right for me, I'll be buried out beyond Jupiter.
ReplyDeleteLoves the ducky! Our white Labrador got written up as a ghost once - local cemetery was on our walk every night and she ghosted in and out of the headstones.
ReplyDeleteDUCK! Sorry. I read that as tadpole and wondered what that had to do with cemeteries. Actually, as a kid, I used to play in the two adjacent cemeteries near my home in San Diego. Mount Hope and Greenwood Memorial never looked anything like those creepy graveyards in movies. There are a few historical people buried there, including Raymond Chandler. I still love a good burial ground for the prettiness and serenity. I grew up wanting to be the person who cut the grass at a cemetery. I enjoyed reading the headstones and making up stories about the people I was walking on at the time. We also gathered tadpoles and frogs from a pond if I recall right.
ReplyDeleteIt seems, at least from pictures, that the further east you travel the more history is in the entombment parks (I'm tired of typing cemeteries). This one is very beautiful.
When I saw you enjoyed them I knew I wanted to do a post on this. I have extra opera glasses if you need them dear.
DeleteThank you Maddie. You are a true sweetheart!
DeleteA real life Necropolis!
ReplyDeleteFascinating and historical cemetery! This is one of the most beautiful cemeteries I have ever seen. And it is historical, too.
ReplyDeleteGreat post and stunning architecture...but you never had sex in a cemetery yet???
ReplyDeleteI swear.
DeleteYou could wander for days. This looks like a great cemetery to go to and bring your walking shoes. Beautiful mausoleums.
ReplyDeleteI never knew the word for it, but I, too, love cemeteries; they are so peaceful.
ReplyDeleteI thought you might enjoy this post
DeleteWhat a gorgeous and picturesque site! Stunning art and spectacular natural beauty! I would love to explore that magnificent landscape for days and nights! I bet the night skies must seem fantastic with so many stars and a magical moon!
ReplyDeleteThe duckling was just icing on the cake! A diamond in a treasure chest! I hope the little critter is safe and happy in his lovely home!
Eros- then you would love it. You can take a tour, or go your own pace. They have many music concerts there, more like jazz, classical or folk and at Halloween, as Josh points out a Grand Grave Diggers Ball, not to mention haunting poetry reads and late night tours. It's pretty cool.
DeleteI remember my first recital in Philly was for the Grave Diggers Ball when I moved her and joined the symphony and was fascinated by all the notable people buried in Laurel Hill Cemetery. I saw the graves of Civil War soldiers and officers, signers of the Declaration of Independence, famous Philadelphians throughout history in different ways. But the various styles of the monuments and the lay of the land overlooking the Schuylkill River were beautiful.
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't surprise me one bit you love cemeteries. You like anything quite and stiff.
ReplyDeleteTis a lovely setting thought.
Those photos are beautiful and not spooked all. My sister is like that, I didn't know there was a word for it. Her latest was a trip to New Orleans and she was excitedly showing me pictures of how everyone is entombed because with a high water table, they can't bury people.
ReplyDeleteThat opening picture is downright stunning!
ReplyDeleteMy all-time favorite place in Philadelphia when I visited.
I recently went on a tour of St. Louis Cemetery in New Orleans and I realized how spoiled Laurel Hill has made me.
Laurel Hill really comes to life, so to speak in the fall and spring...it's definitely a Philadelphia jewel to see.
ReplyDeleteBut unlike you, I don't think I could live next to one.
Being a tapophile is a lot better than a mechaphiliac. I learned that word today too, thanks to a news story on one in Kansas who got caught!
ReplyDeleteEww! I'm picturing a guy with a vintage Mustang and a hot muffler! Owww!
DeleteI too love strolling old cemeteries, especially treasures like this one. Some of the stonework is amazing and the grounds can be beautiful. There was a civil war era cemetery across the street from the house I shared at university. One of the stones read something like "Here lies Sarah. The harlot got what she deserved."
ReplyDeleteCoinedently that is also the name of my next autobiography.
Delete... and often as as she could.
DeleteIf you going to have to rest eternally this is the place to do it. It's truly spectacular.
ReplyDeleteSome of those mausoleums are bigger than houses!
ReplyDeleteI do like a cemetery, they somehow give me more of a connection with the past than anything else.
Sx
We could probably rent one!!!
DeleteOne of my favorites is the cemetery in Key West. I’ll, have to stop by Laurel Hill one day.
ReplyDeleteI have yet to visit an historical cemetery. I just love them in general. Is that so wrong or crazy? That is a rhetorical question!
ReplyDeleteYou know I love a good cemetery.
ReplyDeleteHi honey...i have to call you soon, if I ever get a minute!!!
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