Yesterday was the first really warm day of 2011 here in Zombietown, a/k/a Pittsburgh. And that meant looking forward to one of my favorite pastimes: visiting cemeteries!
Percy and Mary Shelley courted in a boneyard, so I’m just following in the faded footprints of a great Romantic poet and a early Goth girl. I’m thinking Mary today, as her immortal novel Frankenstein was first published on this day in 1818.
I’d like you to see some photos (all real and none Photoshopped!) that I took some time back while exploring various cemeteries here and in the St. Louis area.
Weren't Herbert and Clara Frankenstein the title characters in The Son-in-Law and Daughter of Frankenstein? No?
I hear he died from wire hanger injuries inflicted by Joan Crawford.
Here's an unusual classical-Egyptian-style mausoleum that impressed me. It made me wonder if the man inside had been mummified instead of embalmed.
Arf!
The birth date on this marker is on the left-- and the death date is....where? I liked to think this person is over 153 years old, kept alive by mysterious means.
A note to the gravediggers to keep busy?
A lovely dusk at the cemetery...the time of day when the ZOMBIES come out in search of brains! "They're coming to get you, Barbara!")
Weeping angel statuary can be found in older and more prestigious graveyards. I always find them moving.
Like pieces on a giant green chessboard.
No comment.
An ideal place for a picnic!
(Don't fear the reaper) Baby, take my hand...(Don't fear the reaper) We'll be able to fly...
Text and images copyright 2011 Max Cheney.
Max, awesome photos! You sir have an artist’s eye. (And I’m sure he’d like it back!)
Next time you’re in Louisville, I simply must take you to Cave Hill Cemetery, one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the country. While you’re there, you can pay your respects to Colonel Saunders (yes, THAT Colonel Saunders).
Great pix and commentary– thanks for posting these! If you ever make it out to L.A., you must visit Hollywood Forever cemetery– you’ll DIG it.
Mike, you know I’m a man of parts. I’ll be keeping an eye out for you!
Holly, I’ll be in Louisville in three weeks!
Bob, thanks for the comment! I really appreciate it, and I have to get to LA sometime to see you on a matter of grave importance!