MONUMENT AND GRAVE MARKERS OF MAX HASSEL AND THE HASSEL FAMILY - Kesher Zion Cemetery, Cumru Township, Berks County, PA

In honor of the Jewish New Year I post today and tomorrow photos from two of the Jewish cemeteries near my home. Today is the monument and grave markers of the Hassel Family, a very prominent family in Berks County for many years. The most famous member, Max, was a well known bootlegger and philanthropist and, unfortunately, was murdered in 1933 at only age 32. When Prohibition ended Max, who never carried a gun and only wanted to be a successful businessman, wanted to break his connection with the Mob and go legit. The Mob's answer - Max got a bullet in the head. His life story is very interesting and is chronicled in a wonderful book by a good friend of mine, Ed Taggert. Contact me if you want some more details. Notice on Max's grave plate that it is written in Hebrew and English.

TOMBSTONE OF SHIRLEY L. KELLEY - Brookside Cemetery, Somesville, Mount Desert Island, MAINE

A very simple tombstone with a quoted message presumably from her family.

TOMBSTONE AND MONUMENT OF GERALD H. PARSONS - Hillside Cemetery, Hulls Cove, Mount Desert Island, MAINE

Another very interesting tombstone and monument from Hillside Cemetery on Mount Desert Island, Maine.

TOMBSTONE MONUMENT OF PAMELA CARTWRIGHT FOUNTAIN - Brookside Cemetery, Somesville, Mount Desert Island, MAINE

This is one gigantic piece of granite - a "natural" tombstone if there ever was one. This stone is one of the most unique stones I have ever seen. There is also no engraving - the name and dates look like they are painted on and the letters blend in naturally with the contours of the stone. Absolutely fascinating!

TOMBSTONE OF NATHAN CLARK - Clark Family Burial Ground, Southwest Harbor, Mount Desert Island, MAINE

A traditional 19th Century stone in a very neat family burial ground. Lots of dips and holes in the ground, however. You really need to pay attention when you are walking through graveyards and cemeteries! Take notice on this stone the stones under the main monument. Not sure why they are there, however. Maybe they were laid below the stone when it was first placed as sort of a foundation?

TOMBSTONE OF DOUGLAS COLCOCK LENZ - Brookside Cemetery, Somesville, Mount Desert Island, MAINE

Here is a very nice modern tombstone with a beautiful epitaph.

STAPLES TOMBSTONE - Hillside Cemetery, Hulls Cove, Mount Desert Island, MAINE

Another beautiful example of a modern stone. This couple loved (and the husband still loves) books and reading as evidenced by the shelf of books above the surname. The books could also symbolize education and learning, so maybe teaching was also a big part of their lives. On a slightly humorous note, I am sure that the "Easy Button" was pushed to create this tombstone!!

TOMBSTONE OF CYNTHIA M. PIERCE - Hillside Cemetery, Hulls Cove, Mount Desert Island, MAINE

Today is another fallen tombstone that lays where it fell many decades ago. I just hope it fell naturally and not as the result of vandals.