Daily Tombstone Photo

PICTURES OF CHARLES EVANS CEMETERY - Reading, Berks County, Pennsylvania

2011-04-24T19:43:00.000-04:00

MORE PICTURES OF BETHEL CHURCH CEMETERY - Bethel, Berks County, PA

2011-04-18T20:09:00.000-04:00

PICTURES OF BETHEL CHURCH CEMETERY - Bethel, Berks County, PA

2011-04-17T08:50:00.000-04:00

PICTURES OF CONFEDERATE CEMETERY - Spotsylvania, VA

2011-04-15T21:41:00.000-04:00

MORE PICTURES OF VILLAMAGNA TOWN CEMETERY - Villamagna, Chieti, Abruzzo, ITALY

2011-04-14T21:38:00.001-04:00

PICTURES OF VILLAMAGNA TOWN CEMETERY - Villamagna, Chieti, Abruzzo, ITALY

2011-04-12T19:41:00.001-04:00

MORE PICTURES OF BONAVENTURE CEMETERY - Savannah, GA

2011-04-11T21:02:00.001-04:00

PICTURES OF BONAVENTURE CEMETERY - Savannah, GA

2011-04-10T09:36:00.002-04:00

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil! Bonaventure is one of those cemeteries where you can just "feel" the spirits any time you walk through it. This cemetery is one of the few where I have actually been creeped out in! All that aside, it is absolutely beautiful and the stones are some of the most unique I have seen.

MORE PICTURES FROM LAUREL HILL CEMETERY - Philadelphia, PA

2011-04-09T08:31:00.001-04:00

PICTURES FROM LAUREL HILL CEMETERY - Philadelphia, PA

2011-04-08T23:08:00.002-04:00

Here are some pictures of the lovely Laurel Hill Cemetery in Philadelphia, PA.

MORE PHOTOS OF ROSE HILL CEMETERY - Macon, GA

2011-04-07T20:46:00.002-04:00

More great photos from beautiful Rose Hill Cemetery in Macon, GA.

ROSE HILL CEMETERY - Macon, Bibb County, Georgia

2011-04-06T21:30:00.002-04:00

Today I am posting some pictures I took on a hot, hot day a few summers back of part of the landscape of Rose Hill Cemetery in Macon, GA. Truly, this cemetery is one of the most beautiful I have ever visited.

TOMBSTONE OF MY GREAT-GREAT GRANDPARENTS, FRANK J. MEINTEL AND THERESA (ANTRETTER) MEINTEL - Greenlawn Cemetery, Hollidaysburg, Blair County, PA

2011-04-05T21:25:00.003-04:00

This is the tombstone of one of my maternal Great-Grandmother's parents, Frank J. Meintel and Theresa (Antretter) Meintel. What is interesting to note about this stone is that Theresa's name is engraved as "Tresa." Turns out this was the name she used for most of her life and it was continued even onto her tombstone. I am fortunate to have 2 generations of ancestors buried in this beautiful cemetery.

DAILY TOMBSTONE PHOTO IS BACK !!!!!

2011-04-05T20:33:00.002-04:00

Hi Everyone and thanks so much for sticking by this blog while it has been inactive. Today we are re-launching the blog with another Daily Tombstone Photo. Please check back often as I am going to try as much as possible to get a new photo up each day. Of course, some life issues will affect me accomplishing this lofty goal, I am going to give it a shot. Cheers!!

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

2010-09-08T19:32:00.004-04:00

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

2010-09-07T19:45:00.002-04:00

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

2010-09-06T19:30:00.003-04:00

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

2010-09-05T20:59:00.002-04:00

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

2010-09-04T21:20:00.002-04:00

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

2010-09-03T21:58:00.001-04:00

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

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

2010-09-02T22:03:00.002-04:00

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

2010-09-01T22:26:00.003-04:00

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.

TOMBSTONE OF CLARA H. PEACH - Eden Cemetery, Salisbury Cove, Mount Desert Island, MAINE

2010-08-31T21:47:00.002-04:00

Here is a double-sided tombstone that gives the name and information of the deceased on one side, along with an epitaph, and the other side is very pretty with the main role of the deceased engraved at the bottom, which, in this case, is as a Mother. Again, take notice that the elements have not been too kind to this stone over the decades.

TOMBSTONE & MEMORIAL OF CARLO A. NINFI - Brookside Cemetery, Somesville, Mount Desert Island, MAINE

2010-08-30T21:31:00.004-04:00

Here is another very interesting tombstone and memorial that blends in well with the landscape. It is interesting to notice that the stone next to Carlo's does not have a plaque on it. Could this be for a spouse or relative who has not yet passed? I love these types of stones. They are very creative natural.

TOMBSTONE OF ANNIE BURK - Eden Cemetery, Salisbury Cove, Mount Desert Island, MAINE

2010-08-29T11:08:00.002-04:00

This stone fascinates me because it raises several questions. First, it says that Annie died in July - 1890, but it doesn't give an exact date. Why not? The tombstone also says that Annie was "of Philadelphia." How did she get to Mount Desert Island and why was she there? Did she die while she was summering in Maine? Was she born in Philadelphia or was she just living there when she died? Genealogy really is detective work and the questions raised from this tombstone prove it. I also like the fascinating white erosion splotch that comes down from the top of the tombstone.

TOMBSTONE OF JOHN C. HAMOR - Hillside Cemetery, Hulls Cove, Mount Desert Island, MAINE

2010-08-28T22:44:00.002-04:00

This is a very traditional tombstone for the times, with a very neat epitaph. Again, from a genealogist's point of view, the fact that John's age is given helps us to approximate his birth. This way, we have a clue to go on in which to find more concrete and sourced information which will document the event.

TOMBSTONE OF MELANIE VAN RIE BARNES - Brookside Cemetery, Mount Desert Island, MAINE

2010-08-27T22:50:00.001-04:00

This is a very simple stone for a woman who loved her cat. Very sweet.

TOMBSTONE OF MAURICE LEWIS JONES - Hillside Cemetery, Hulls Cove, Mount Desert Island, MAINE

2010-08-26T22:07:00.002-04:00

This is a very interesting tombstone of a man who obviously loved Maine. It is very simple (no dates) but tells us that this man loved Maine and the outdoors. The whole scene appears to fit into an "M" shape as well.

TOMBSTONE OF "CCM" - Brookside Cemetery, Somesville, Mount Desert Island, MAINE

2010-08-25T20:24:00.002-04:00

I almost thought this was a section marker, but when I saw the flower holder I realized that this marks someone's grave. I have never seen one like this. I guess you can say this is a very, very simple stone.

TOMBSTONE OF FRANK W. "BUD" HIGGINS, JR. & N. THERESA (PAINE) BLACK - Hillside Cemetery, Hulls Cove, Mount Desert Island, MAINE

2010-08-24T21:34:00.002-04:00

Here is a modern tombstone that features a picture of the deceased engraved onto the stone along with a scene from nature. I am not sure this couple was married, perhaps they were lifelong companions. Regardless, they very much loved each other and the epitaph at the bottom of the stone says it all.

SOMES TOMBSTONE - Brookside Cemetery, Somesville, Mount Desert Island, MAINE

2010-08-21T11:06:00.002-04:00

Today we have an old tombstone with a modern touch. The inscription on this stone must have worn away years ago and someone, probably the family, had a new plaque created and placed on the old stone. Maybe we will see more of these types of longer lasting memorial plaques in the future as inscriptions on older stones begin to fade away. I hope so because future generations will be able to pay their respects to their ancestors as we do today.

TOMBSTONE OF ALVAH A. & ALBERTA J. STROUT - Hillside Cemetery, Hulls Cove, Mount Desert Island, MAINE

2010-08-20T21:36:00.002-04:00

Another excellent example of a genealogically rich tombstone. I am surprised it does not have the marriage date.

TOMBSTONE OF MRS. DELIA HOPKINS- Eden Cemetery, Salisbury Cove, Mount Desert Island, MAINE

2010-08-19T22:38:00.002-04:00

Today's tombstone is another example of a broken stone being preserved for future generations. Here, this stone broke years ago. But, whoever maintained the cemetery had the foresight to implant the broken stone flat on the ground so that we may know that Mrs. Hopkins is buried beneath it. Also notice what appears to be an open book in the top center of the stone. Maybe this represents the book of life.

TOMBSTONE OF MERCY CLARK - Clark Family Burying Ground, Southwest Harbor, Mount Desert Island, MAINE

2010-08-18T13:43:00.003-04:00

The Clark Burying Ground literally appeared from around a bend as my wife and in-laws and I were traveling through Southwest Harbor yesterday. I could not help but jump out and snap some photographs. Clark Point is near this cemetery, so the Clark Family must have been an influential family in the history of Southwest Harbor. The tombstone of Mercy Clark, especially, was prominent among the stones because of the bright yellow moss which has been growing on the stone. It almost has spooky look to it. It's as if Mother Nature took a highlighter and highlighted the stone!

TOMBSTONE OF THANKFUL THOMPSON - Eden Cemetery, Salisbury Cove, Mount Desert Island, MAINE

2010-08-17T20:09:00.003-04:00

We all should be "Thankful" that this stone has survived so well in its 190+ years of existence. This is a very nice example of an early 19th Century tombstone. 2 deer visited me in the cemetery while I took this photo.

TOMBSTONE OF WILLIAM P. & ELIZABETH A. INGRAM - Brookside Cemetery, Somesville, Mount Desert Island, MAINE

2010-08-16T15:36:00.003-04:00

Here is an example of a type of modern tombstone that is becoming popular. In this case, a nice piece of granite, roughly cut, with a beautifully engraved brass plaque anchored to the stone. There are different variations of this kind of tombstone all over this cemetery. Brookside cemetery is a lovely cemetery, nestled right next to a brook in the historic village of Somesville on Mount Desert Island. If you are ever up here (and you should be some time in your life!) be sure to visit Brookside.

TOMBSTONE OF CAPTAIN WILLIAM PEACH & MARINA PEACH - Eden Cemetery, Mount Desert Island, MAINE

2010-08-15T21:20:00.002-04:00

Here is very interesting tombstone that mentions how a person died. This is a gem in and of itself because there is probably not a death record for this man, so you know just by looking at his tombstone how he died. A definite plus when writing your family history narrative. In this case, Captain Peach was lost at sea at age 46 years, 2 months and 16 days. The inscription for his wife, Marina, also gives her exact age at death. This is valuable information because now we can go back and discern Captain Peach's birth date as well as Marina's. I love the engraving as well. It has held up well in 160+ years.

TOMBSTONE OF EBENEZER & MEHITABLE SALISBURY - Eden Cemetery, Mount Desert Island, MAINE

2010-08-14T19:35:00.002-04:00

Daily Tombstone Photo is in Maine this weekend and all of next week, so continue to check back for some nice tombstones from beautiful Mount Desert Island, Maine. Today we have an interesting stone that must be a replacement for an earlier stone that was broken or so worn that the inscriptions could not be read anymore. This is a very simple flat stone with an interesting design down the middle separating the two names. The good thing is this stone should last much longer than the one it replaced. Ebenezer probably was a town official or served in the military, as evidenced by the flag at the head of the grave. Lastly, have you ever had a relative with the name "Mehitable?"

TOMBSTONE OF JOHN W LEASE & MARY F. BUSH LEASE - St. Paul's Union Church Cemetery, Fleetwood, Berks County, PA

2010-08-12T20:57:00.000-04:00

Here we have a set of double stones of a husband and wife, beautifully engraved and standing very stately more than 100 years later. The "Father" and "Mother" inscriptions on top of the stone are also very nicely done. I also love the epitaph at the bottom of each stone, "Only Sleeping."

TOMBSTONE OF LEWIS K. MADARY - Maidencreek Union Church Cemetery, Blandon, Berks County, PA

2010-08-11T20:33:00.002-04:00

This stone and monument puzzled me when I happened upon it. It appears that Mr. Madary is the only one of his family buried in this plot. I looked all around the large monument for inscriptions or other indications of other burials, but could find nothing. Perhaps Mr. Madary really enjoyed his space while he was alive and decided to continue it in death. Very interesting.

TOMBSTONE OF WILLIAM N. & DOROTHY E. DEISHER - St. Paul's Union Church Cemetery, Fleetwood, Berks County, PA

2010-08-10T20:58:00.000-04:00

Here is another example of a modern tombstone that reflects a hobby or love of the person(s) buried beneath it. In this case, this couple loved golf and their caricatures are represented on the tombstone as enjoying the game. I am sure they are both golfing in Heaven right now.

TOMBSTONE OF BARRY R. LORAH, SR. & BARRY R. LORAH, JR. - Maidencreek Union Church Cemetery, Blandon, Berks County, PA

2010-08-09T21:35:00.003-04:00

Here is a tombstone of a father and son who must have loved to hunt. Notice all the animals on the stone and the small caricature of the father and son hunting. Also notice that the father died on his birthday. The small animals laid on the stone indicate that these men are very much missed and their grave is visited frequently.

TOMBSTONE OF VIRGINIA A. KELLER - St. Paul's Union Church Cemetery, Fleetwood, Berks County, PA

2010-08-08T10:09:00.002-04:00

This is a lovely stone that memorializes a woman who loved her God and .... her dogs. I did not notice it at first when I saw this stone in the cemetery, but in between Virginia's dates is an engraving of what I presume to be her beloved dogs framed in a heart. I have heard stories that some folks have their pets' ashes interred with them, so maybe Virginia's dogs are also buried with her. Either way, a very nice modern stone with a beautiful engraving of Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane gaining strength from Heaven before enduring His passion.

TOMBSTONE OF JOHN NOLL - Maidencreek Union Church Cemetery, Blandon, Berks County, PA

2010-08-07T09:02:00.002-04:00

Here is something I have seen in other cemeteries before, but finally had a chance to photograph last weekend. John Noll's tombstone was broken sometime in the past and let's hope not from cemetery vandals. Either way, the cemetery caretaker had enough foresight to take the broken off top half of the tombstone and place it at the foot of the grave. Over the years it has become part of the ground and a permanent part of the memorial. Thanks to that cemetery caretaker, John's descendants and all of us will know that he is buried beneath the stone for posterity.

TOMBSTONE OF CLYDE GENE SCHMEHL - St. Paul's Union Church Cemetery, Fleetwood, Berks County, PA

2010-08-06T23:35:00.004-04:00

Today we have a very nice little stone memorializing a baby. Notice the beautiful detail of the flowers between the dates. The inscription, as well, stands out. The phrase at the top tells all what this little boy meant to his parents and family.

TOMBSTONE OF ROSE M. ZAPPACOSTA - Maidencreek Union Church Cemetery, Blandon, Berks County, PA

2010-08-05T20:04:00.002-04:00

Today we have another modern tombstone with some color. In this case, color flowers flank Rose's name and a small phrase, "Beloved Gram," is at the top of the stone and nicely bridges the flowers, linking everything together quite nicely. Indeed, this stone is a fitting tribite to Beloved Gram, Rose.

TOMBSTONE OF EMMA WAHL - St. Paul's Union Church Cemetery, Fleetwood, Berks County, PA

2010-08-04T20:23:00.002-04:00

This is a very nice little stone depicting the gates of Heaven opening for this woman's soul. The rest of the detail is also very nice and the stone has weathered Mother Nature well the last 99 years.

HEVERLY TOMBSTONE - Maidencreek Union Cemetery, Blandon, Berks County, PA

2010-08-03T19:58:00.000-04:00

Here is another very interesting modern tombstone that depicts lifelong interests. With this stone, I believe the building on the stone is this couple's home and at the end of the driveway is a tractor trailer truck with the words "Bill & Flo" on the side. I am guessing "Bill & Flo" are this couple's nicknames. The truck indicates both of them riding through eternity together. Bill was also a Veteran as evidenced by the flag. But the small strip of engraving on the base of the stone indicates his service branch and years. All in all, a very nice stone.

TOMBSTONE OF WARD B. DEETER - St. Paul's Union Church Cemetery, Fleetwood, Berks County, PA

2010-08-02T20:59:00.000-04:00

This ia very interesting tombstone I happened upon while photographing this past weekend. Notice the interesting curves in the stone and the way the sculptor incorporated the flow of the stone while inscribing the name and dates.

TOMBSTONE OF THE GRAVES FAMILY - Maidencreek Union Church Cemetery, Blandon, Berks County, PA

2010-08-01T21:13:00.000-04:00

This is the tombstone marking the graves of the Graves Family. Nothing more to be said, I guess.

TOMBSTONE OF ERIC G. FISHER, JR. - St. Paul's Union Church Cemetery, Fleetwood, Berks County, PA

2010-07-31T20:06:00.000-04:00

This is a lovely tombstone memorializing the loss of a young man who died too young. Notice the more modern type of tombstone, with color artwork and a curving shape. Very nice indeed. This man must have loved cars, as his tombstone depicts him driving what I think might be a Ford Mustang. Notice also the cameo of him, which is also becoming more and more popular on modern tombstones. Lastly, you can tell from this tombstone that it is visited often, as evidenced by the many tributes laying in front of the stone.

TOMBSTONE OF THOMAS JONES - Charles Evans Cemetery, Reading, Berks County, PA

2010-07-30T21:36:00.003-04:00

This tombstone is not so unusual (ha ha), but it represents the type of tombstone that genealogists love because the information is very specific. The fact that Mr. Jones' birth and death dates, as well as his exact age at death down to the day, enable genealogists to go and research to find records that verify this information. Definitely a win-win situation.

New pictures coming beginning tomorrow, so please continue to visit and talk up Daily Tombstone Photo.

HESTON - DE LONG MONUMENTS AND GRAVES - Charles Evans Cemetery, Reading, Berks County, PA

2010-07-29T21:50:00.003-04:00

What more is there to say than that these are stunningly beautiful monuments. They are very detailed and were a pleasure to photograph.

MONUMENT & TOMBSTONE OF HENRY & AMANDA TRAGLE - Charles Evans Cemetery, Reading, Berks County, PA

2010-07-28T23:11:00.002-04:00

This monument caught my eye as I wandered Charles Evans Cemetery. The lettering is, honestly, downright creepy, but very uniquely carved. This is definitely not the kind of monument you see in abundance, however, there are several in the vicinity in this cemetery.

MAUSOLEUM OF WILLIAM H. LUDEN - Charles Evans Cemetery, Reading, Berks County, PA

2010-07-27T21:30:00.002-04:00

William H. Luden, famous for his Luden's Cough Drops and other candies, made a name for himself in Reading, PA. The business was eventually absorbed as part of Hershey Foods later in the 20th Century. Luden, however, is not buried in this mausoleum. In fact, I do not think any of his family are buried in the mausoleum. Luden moved from Reading to Philadelphia and is buried there. What a waste of a beautiful mausoleum!

MONUMENT AND GRAVE OF DEAN C. O'BANION - Mount Carmel Cemetery, Hillside, Cook County, IL

2010-07-26T19:55:00.002-04:00

Dean O'Banion was a rival of Al Capone. His business was bootlegging. However, his job in the legitimate world was running one of Chicago's biggest flower shops. It was in his own flower shop that some of Capone's men came to see Dean one day in 1924. Dean thought they were there to order flowers and as he extended his hand to shake theirs they responded by shooting him to death. Needless to say, Dean's funeral had probably the biggest floral tributes of any gangland funeral before or since and was the standard by which all gangland funerals would be judged. The grave is simple, but with a very tall and obelisk that is nicely crafted at the base with the family name and a cross.

UNREADABLE GRAVE HOUSE - Laurel Hill Cemetery, Philadelphia, PA

2010-07-25T21:22:00.002-04:00

This is a unique above ground grave house that marks the graves of a gentleman and his wife. Unfortunately, the elements have worn away much of the lettering making it very difficult to read. I think the surname is "BARER" but I am not sure. This is a fine piece of funerary art. Laurel Hill Cemetery is full of wonderful unique graves in all shapes and sizes.

TOMBSTONE OF LILLIE RORK - Aulenbach's Cemetery, Mount Penn, Berks County, PA

2010-07-24T23:15:00.001-04:00

There is no doubt that this woman was definitely a wife - the word "WIFE" is huge! The death date of 1917 could also signify a death related to the influenza pandemic of 1917-1918. This is a very nice stone and a fine testament to excellent workmanship as well. The stone is still as readable today as it was 93 years ago.

MAUSOLEUM OF SAM GIANCANA - Mount Carmel Cemetery, Hillside, Cook County, IL

2010-07-23T22:48:00.002-04:00

Sam Giancana was a Chicagoan well known for his ties to organized crime. He wielded considerable power in the world of organized labor as well as in entertainment and politics. For instance, when Giancana opened a hotel in Chicago known as the "Villa Venice," he booked none other than Frank Sinatra and his famous "Rat Pack" to attract patrons. Further, many people still believe it was Giancana (working through the Teamsters and with Ambassador Joseph Kennedy) who was responsible for the election of the Ambassador's son, Jack Kennedy, to the Presidency in 1960. Little did Sam know that Jack's Attorney General and brother, Bobby, would launch an all out crusade against organized crime in the United States. Unfortunately for Sam, after he got out of jail in the 1970's he was assassinated. I guess his former friends feared he might flip and become an informant, or perhaps we was being punished for helping get Jack and Bobby into power. Sorry for the second photo being so hard to see. Sam's crypt is the one in the middle. How I wish it were easier to photograph the inside of mausoleums!

TOMBSTONE AND GRAVE OF MARTHA ELLIS - Rose Hill Cemetery, Macon, Bibb County, GA

2010-07-22T22:28:00.002-04:00

It really pains me to see sick children. It breaks my heart to see the graves of children, especially ones with loving and heart-felt tributes from family. Martha's grave is one of the most visited at Rose Hill. There is a beautiful statue of Martha as well as a very loving epitaph from her mother, father, brothers and sisters. The grave itself is marked with the simple words, "Our Baby." This is probably one of the most beautiful memorials I have ever photographed.

TOMBSTONE OF TOMMY DORSEY - Kensico Cemetery, Valhalla, NY

2010-07-21T23:11:00.003-04:00

This is a very classy stone and monument to a monumental man in American music. Tommy Dorsey led the way in the Big Band era along with a whole host of other artists. He was a pioneer in Jazz and his music continues to influence Jazz performers all over the world. If you have never heard a Dorsey record than you are really missing out on good music. Before he made it famous with his own big band, Tommy had a smaller group known as the "Clambake Seven," and some of that group's recordings are absolutely fantastic. My favorite is, "The Music Goes Around and Around." I love how the trombone is featured on Tommy's stone and if you are wondering what music is shown, it is the first few notes of Tommy's theme song, "I'm Getting Sentimental Over You."

TOMBSTONE OF JAMES G. UBIL - Aulenbach's Cemetery, Mount Penn, Berks County, PA

2010-07-20T22:38:00.000-04:00

This is a very nice stone . The flowers and tie are very detailed and you can see how the "At Rest" was engraved if you take notice at all the small holes outlining the letters. It almost seems as if the words are literally "at rest" against the stone.

TOMBSTONE OF WILLIAM B. - UNKNOWN SURNAME - Aulenbach's Cemetery, Mount Penn, Berks County, PA

2010-07-19T23:06:00.000-04:00

The years and nature have not been too kind to this stone. As you can see, weather and the elements have virtually wiped away the inscription of the stone. All I could get was the gentleman's first name and middle initial, "William B." There is also inscribed a "Co" for a company he served in and there is a Union "GAR" marker next to the grave, which tells us this gentleman fought in the Civil War. There was also other information inscribed on the stone, probably an epitaph or maybe possibly some detail as to William's military service. The picture on the upper part of the stone caught my eye as I walked and I could not resist snapping a few photographs. I am guessing the picture is of a Knight or warrior in battle, signifying "William B.'s" military service.

TOMBSTONES AND MONUMENT OF ROBERT B. & SOPHIA CHURCH - Charles Evans Cemetery, Reading, Berks County, PA

2010-07-18T21:20:00.004-04:00

This is a beautiful monument that I happened upon while walking through Charles Evans Cemetery in May. I love the detail of the monument and also of the Angel, who seems to be on guard and waiting for the souls of Mr. and Mrs. Church.

TOMBSTONE OF VINCENT GEBARDI ALIAS "MACHINE GUN" JACK MCGURN - Mount Carmel Cemetery, Hillside, Cook County, IL

2010-07-17T21:01:00.002-04:00

"Machine Gun" Jack McGurn earned his name as a ruthless enforcer for Al Capone. Some believe that it was McGurn who was one of the gunmen of the Saint Valentine's Day Massacre on February 14, 1929 that wiped out most of George "Bugs" Moran's gang. However, there is proof that it was other assassins of the Capone outfit. Regardless, though, remnants of Moran's gang believed it was McGurn who partook in the massacre because at a few strokes after midnight of Valentine's Day, 1936, on February 15, 1936, McGurn was gunned down at a bowling alley in Chicago.

NO POSTS FOR 4 DAYS - OFF TO A CONFERENCE

2010-07-11T22:14:00.002-04:00

Hello all! Sorry, but I will not be posting for 4 days as I am heading to Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains for a conference. Posts will resume on Friday, July 16. Thanks again for following the Daily Tombstone Photo blog!

TOMBSTONE OF T.G. WOODS - Confederate Cemetery, Spotsylvania, Virginia

2010-07-11T22:06:00.002-04:00

I do not think this soldier is related to Tiger Woods, but who knows? This is a very simple Confederate grave in the Spotsylvania Cemetery. The battle of Spotsylvania as well as the nearby battle of The Wilderness was hell on Earth for Confederate and Union soldiers. In the battle of the Wilderness, for example, many soldiers perished in fire because the woods where the battle was taking place caught fire and quickly consumed a large area of land including any soldiers within it. These soldiers deserve our utmost respect.

TOMBSTONES - Eden Cemetery, Mount Desert Island, Hancock County, ME

2010-07-10T22:35:00.002-04:00

With only a little more than a month to go before my wife and I make our yearly sojourn to join family in Maine, I was in the mood to post some pics of the Eden Cemetery on MDI (Mount Desert Island). I am looking very forward to photographing more cemeteries on MDI next month and will, of course, post pics here on the blog. In fact, my Mother-in-Law has already picked out a nice cemetery to photograph and we are working at identifying other cemeteries on the island to photograph as well.

TOMBSTONE OF JOANNE JUDITH MAYER - Aulenbach's Cemetery, Mount Penn, Berks County, PA

2010-07-09T22:42:00.002-04:00

This is a beautifully done flat stone with a wonderful poem about the woman buried beneath it. It is sort of hard to read but I think if you click on the second picture and zoom in a bit you should be able to read it. A very moving tribute indeed.

TOMBSTONE OF EDWARD FICK - Aulenbach's Cemetery, Mount Penn, Berks County, PA

2010-07-08T21:46:00.002-04:00

This is a very sweet monument to a little baby boy. This stone sits by itself on the end of a row. I especially like the detail of the rose on top of the stone and the symbol below the surname.

TOMBSTONE OF JOSEPH GIUNTA - Mount Carmel Cemetery, Hillside, Cook County, IL

2010-07-07T23:38:00.002-04:00

This is a magnificent stone. Joseph Giunta was a Capone associate who, unfortunately, was killed by Capone with a baseball bat. He definitely got on Al's bad side.

TOMBSTONE OF FRANK NITTI (NITTO) - Mount Carmel Cemetery, Hillside, Cook County, IL

2010-07-06T23:08:00.004-04:00

Scarface Al's right-hand man was Frank "The Enforcer" Nitti. He ran things in Chicago for Capone while Capone served his short stint at Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia and was also instrumental in Chicago's gangland scene after Capone was convicted and imprisoned for Income Tax Evasion. Nitti committed suicide in 1943. Ironically, he is buried about 75 - 100 yards from Al.

TOMBSTONE OF AL CAPONE - Mount Carmel Cemetery, Hillside, Cook County, Illinois

2010-07-05T18:07:00.002-04:00

OK, sorry I was about 24 hours late in resuming posts to the blog, but we are on track now. My first objective upon arriving in Chicago (after checking in and hitting the restroom, of course) was driving out to Mount Carmel Cemetery in Hillside, IL, right outside of Chicago, to photograph the graves of Al Capone, his associates and some of his enemies who are all buried with him in the same cemetery. Al's grave is near the Roosevelt Ave. entrance to the cemetery and was easy to find because there were other visitors to it. Al is buried with his parents, sister and other relatives. This was not his original grave. He was originally buried in another Chicago cemetery, but his body was disinterred and re-interred in this location. As you can see from the tombstone, visitors have left coins and a small bottle of booze. These were all there when I first photographed the grave. When I came back later, all the coins were gone. I hope cemetery maintenance staff removed the coins and not some souvenir hunter, but I cannot be sure. This is a popular site visited by many.

BACK FROM CHICAGO !!!!! POSTING TO RESUME TOMORROW !!!

2010-07-02T22:47:00.003-04:00

Hello to all and thanks for continuing to follow the Daily Tombstone Photo. I have been in Chicago the past week for a conference (and some fun) and have not been able to post. Well, I am happy to report that posting will continue tomorrow with pictures from Mount Carmel Cemetery in Hillside, IL, just outside of Chicago. This is the cemetery where Al Capone and his friends and enemies are buried. What a magnificent cemetery! It is definitely in my top 3 cemeteries of all time! I am looking forward to sharing the photos with all of you and wish you a wonderful, peaceful and blessed 4th of July weekend! Remember, Freedom is not free. Thank a soldier the next time you see one for his/her service. We would not be able to blog and do all things genealogy if it weren't for our brave men and women in uniform.

TOMBSTONE OF EDWARD GRIMMER - Aulenbach's Cemetery, Mount Penn, Berks County, PA

2010-06-24T22:27:00.002-04:00

I am going to be short tonight because I leave for Chicago early in the morning. This is a very nicely detailed stone. Let's just say that the Grim Reaper did get Mr. Grimmer.

TOMBSTONE OF DALLAS K. SCHITTLER - Aulenbach's Cemetery, Mount Penn, Berks County, PA

2010-06-23T21:26:00.002-04:00

This is a nice example of a modern tombstone that displays on it a big interest of the deceased. In this case, Dallas must have been a big time train enthusiast. In fact, when it came to trains, he must have really known his "Schit."

TOMBSTONE OF MARY L. HOLL - Aulenbach's Cemetery, Mount Penn, Berks County, PA

2010-06-22T21:38:00.003-04:00

I liked this tombstone when I saw it because the small epitaph at the bottom, "Beautiful Memories," sums up this woman's life quite nicely. Also notice that it says Aunt at the top. Does this mean that Mary did not have children? Perhaps her nieces and nephews are the ones who had the tombstone made and placed? Or, maybe she was well known where she lived and everyone referred to her as "Aunt?" A nice genealogical mystery for someone to solve. Overall, a very nice tombstone with beautiful script.

THANKS TO GENEABLOGGERS !!!

2010-06-21T22:12:00.002-04:00

My sincere thanks to Thomas MacEntee at GENEABLOGGERS for highlighting my blog in the "New Genealogy Blogs" post of June 19, 2010. Here is a link to Thomas' site. Be sure to check it often as Thomas is doing a fanstastic job adding newer genealogy blogs every week! http://www.geneabloggers.com/

BUTT & RIBBLE TOMBSTONES - Aulenbach's Cemetery, Mount Penn, Berks County, PA

2010-06-21T21:55:00.004-04:00

I I chuckled when I saw this tombstone and just had to photograph it. Then, like a good genealogist, I took a look at the other stones to the side and behind the "Butt" stone. That is when I saw the "Ribble" stone and I just let out a loud laugh. Butt Ribble or Ribble Butt, no matter which way you look at it, you just have to laugh.

2 Day Pause - Quick Getaway

2010-06-18T23:14:00.001-04:00

TOMBSTONE OF MARTHA BUGG - Aulenbach's Cemetery, Mount Penn, Berks County, PA

2010-06-17T20:40:00.002-04:00

I happened upon this tombstone while I was swatting away bugs that were flying into my eyes and ears! Martha must have sent them! I posted the second picture which shows Martha's grave next to a tree and by itself. Could you say - Snug as a "Bugg" in a Cemetery Rug?

TOMBSTONE OF RUDOLPH IMHOF - Aulenbach's Cemetery, Mount Penn, Berks County, PA

2010-06-16T19:54:00.002-04:00

A very nice stone with an epitaph in German. I do not read German, so I cannot translate it. Mr. Imhof was probably one of the many Pennsylvania Germans who came to Berks County in the 1800's.

TOMBSTONE OF ROBERT C. BACHMAN, SR - Aulenbach's Cemetery, Mount Penn, Berks County, PA

2010-06-15T21:17:00.003-04:00

I promise to pick up with the funny tombstones towards the end of the week, but I wanted to post some interesting stones from Aulenbach's Cemetery for a few days. This one caught my eye as I was wandering around. I did not know "Buck Benson" but he must have loved playing guitar and entertaining. A very nice stone and tribute. I love how the guitar frames the right side of the stone.

TOMBSTONE OF ELMER MAJOR - Aulenbach's Cemetery, Mount Penn, Berks County, PA

2010-06-14T20:35:00.002-04:00

I do not think this veteran was a Major because it lists the company he was a member of. This means he was probably a Private. But it made me chuckle a bit because it does appear as if he was "Major Elmer Major." Could you imagine his superiors and fellow soldiers addressing him? "Good morning, Private Major?" Or, "Good morning, Major! - I mean, Private!" I am sure he was a major private in fulfilling his duties as Private Major!

TOMBSTONE OF HAROLD E. ZIMPLEMAN - Aulenbach's Cemetery, Mount Penn, Berks County, PA

2010-06-13T19:24:00.003-04:00

Was he a complicated or "zimple" man? I had to pick today to venture through some of the sections of Aulenbach's Cemetery in Mount Penn, Berks County, PA. I should have done it in Spring, but no, I had to decide to do it today. At first I felt pretty good. There was a nice breeze blowing and the sun was hiding behind the clouds. Then the bugs started greeting me with intrusions into my eyes, mouth and ears! After snapping a few pics the humidity kicked in and before I knew it my shirt was soaked with perspiration! Before I retreated to the comfort of my air-conditioned car, I was able to take some more pics - some tombstones funny and others very nicely designed. I will be posting these in the days and weeks to come along with other pics from my collection. Enjoy! And, if you get a chance, drop me an e-mail and let me know what you think of the blog! I can be reached at OperaFan73@gmail.com.

TOMBSTONE OF SUSAN PLUCKER - Charles Evans Cemetery, Reading, Berks County, PA

2010-06-12T19:57:00.002-04:00

Do you think this woman was a chicken farmer?

CLOSE TOMBSTONE - Charles Evans Cemetery, Reading, Berks County, PA

2010-06-11T21:06:00.004-04:00

Today we have some "close" up shots of tombstones in Charles Evans Cemetery in Reading, PA. Notice the interesting lettering on the main monument - all the little holes are "close" together. All notice how all the smaller, individual stones are "close" together.

TEA TOMBSTONE - Charles Evans Cemetery, Reading, Berks County, PA

2010-06-10T21:38:00.003-04:00

This couple must have participated in some "tea" parties back in the 20's and 30's when Warren G. Harding, Calvin Coolidge, Herbert Hoover and FDR were President and the Congress probably had as low an approval rating as it does today! All joking aside, this is a very nicely constructed tombstone. Be sure to notice the death dates. Mr. Tea survived his wife by only 12 days!

TREAT Tombstone - Charles Evans Cemetery, Reading, Berks County, PA

2010-06-09T19:49:00.002-04:00

This tombstone is definitely a real treat! This family must have really enjoyed celebrating Halloween! No tricks, of course!

TOMBSTONE OF EDWARD D. BRATT - Charles Evans Cemetery, Reading, Berks County, PA

2010-06-08T20:43:00.002-04:00

I really hope he wasn't a brat in his life! A very nice stone that has held up well in the 102 years it has existed.

CRATER Tombstone - Charles Evans Cemetery, Reading, Berks County, PA

2010-06-07T20:18:00.004-04:00

I am going to take time out this week to post some humorous photos. I have also added this to my flickr account and have made some contributions to Family Tree Magazine's "Funny Gravestone Photos" group on flickr (http://bit.ly/bO95wJ). Be sure to listen to Family Tree Magazine's podcast for May, 2010 (http://bit.ly/djcChj) which talks about the magazine's upcoming Grave Humor book and this flickr group. You can also add your own funny gravestone photos to the flickr group. Maybe this stone came from Tranquility Base on The Moon??

PUBLIC MAUSOLEUM CRYPTS - Villamagna Town Cemetery, Villamagna, Chieti, Abruzzo, ITALY

2010-06-06T20:51:00.004-04:00

The first thing that you see when you look at this picture is all the flowers! These crypts are visited often by family members. Almost all the crypt fronts have cameo pictures of the deceased entombed within. Notice that the crypt fronts are indented a bit to allow for a small ledge so that votive candles or vases with flowers can be placed outside the crypt front. Also take notice of the empty crypts awaiting entombment.

TOMB OF RAPHAEL - The Pantheon, Rome, Lazio, ITALY

2010-06-05T22:31:00.002-04:00

The Great Raphael Sanzio is buried in the marvelous Pantheon in Rome. His art and talent was rivaled only by the other great Renaissance artists, Michelangelo and Leonardo Da Vinci. Among the masterpieces painted by Raphael are the "Raphael Rooms" in the Papal Palace in Vatican City (now part of the Vatican Museums), "Deposition of Christ," "Deliverance of Saint Peter" and the "Transfiguration," which remained unfinished at his death. At his request, his body was immediately interred in The Pantheon upon his death in 1520 (at only age 37) and it has remained there ever since. Pope Gregory XVI had the tomb opened in 1833 to verify the existence of Raphael's remains. They were indeed verified and the Pontiff gave as a gift the marble sarcophagus that the casket now resides in. It has the inscription in Latin, "Here lies Raphael, by whom Nature feared to be outdone while he lived, and when he died, feared herself that she would die."

TOMBSTONE OF LOUISA KNAPP CURTIS - Laurel Hill Cemetery, Philadelphia, PA

2010-06-04T23:10:00.002-04:00

A lovely tombstone stands the middle of a small plot overlooking the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia. Louisa Knapp Curtis, who is buried in this plot, was very prominent in the history of music in Philadelphia and she wished to extend her love and patronship of music beyond her gave. She succeeded by founding the "Curtis Institute of Music" which, according to its website at www.curtis.edu, "educates and trains exceptionally gifted young musicians for careers as performing artists on the highest professional level." Curtis is one of the world's leading conservatories.

BRUNNER - STAAB TOMBSTONE - Charles Evans Cemetery, Reading, Berks County, PA

2010-06-03T20:24:00.002-04:00

I found this tombstone while I was hiking through Charles Evans Cemetery a week back. I had seen it some years before during my thrice weekly hikes through the cemetery and finally got back to photograph it. I love how this couple had their wedding picture engraved on their tombstone. A very nice tribute indeed. Both must have been very devoted to each other. Maybe you are thinking, "Why didn't he move some of the plants and brush away to get a better picture?" I have a strict policy of not moving any plants or brush from any stone in order to make a better picture. I have too much respect for the deceased who are buried below me and too much respect for relatives and friends who worked hard to plant the items.

RICKARDS MEMORIAL - Laurel Hill Cemetery, Philadelphia, PA

2010-06-02T22:15:00.002-04:00

Today's stone is a lovely memorial depicting 2 angels resting. The only inscription I could find on this memorial is the name, "RICKARDS" and the words "In Memoriam." I suspect that perhaps 2 children with the surname "Rickards" are buried here, as Angels usually represent babies or young children who have passed. The memorial is a beautiful tribute.

MAUSOLEUM & CRYPT OF CARLO GAMBINO - St. John Cemetery, Middle Village, NY

2010-06-01T21:11:00.004-04:00

At the same cemetery and in the same mausoleum building that one of his successors, John Gotti, is entombed, is entombed the infamous Carlo Gambino, head of the family that continues to carry his name. Gambino, near his death, picked his brother-in-law and co-underboss, Paul "Big Paul" Castellano, to succeed him as head of the family, rather than the widely respected and loved other co-underboss, Neil Dellacroce. This eventually led to "Big Paul's" assassination by Gotti and Gotti's rise to the leadership of the family. Carlo's mausoleum is very impressive and other family members are interred with him. He is not interred on the same level as Gotti.

TOMBSTONE OF MY GREAT-UNCLE, PRIVATE CARL L. MARKERT - Manilla American Cemetery, Manilla, The Philippines

2010-05-31T10:38:00.003-04:00

On this Memorial Day I would like to tell you about my American Hero. Carl Lewis Markert was born in Phillipsburg, NJ on March 11, 1918. He was the only younger brother of my Grandmother, Helen Marie Markert Keith. Carl, or "Hun" as the family called him, was a shipping and receiving clerk in Phillipsburg but wanted to be a pilot in the Army Air Forces in early 1941. However, his eyesight was not good enough to be a pilot, so he was assigned to the next best thing, an Army Air Force Engineers Aviation Battalion that was responsible for outfitting planes, maintaining the runways and other building and maintenance duties designed to support the Army Air Force. Hun's enlistment date was June 2, 1941. After basic training he and his unit were eventually assigned to Corregidor in the Philippine Islands. On December 8, 1941, the day after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, the Japanese Army launched an attack on the American forces stationed at Bataan and Corregidor. For over 5 months the troops held up valiantly before eventually being forced to surrender to the Japanese. What followed was the infamous Bataan Death March and Hun and his unit were part of it. Every American should know what the Bataan Death March was because those soldiers who marched and the many of them that died on the march, embody the very reason why we celebrate Memorial Day. For the soldiers that made it to the end of the death march, most went to the Camp O'Donnell P.O.W. Camp but others, including Hun and his surviving buddies, went to the Cabanatuan P.O.W. Camp. This was the camp made famous in the movie, "The Great Raid," where American Special Forces launched a surprise attack on the camp to rescue P.O.W.'s. The conditions were absolutely horrible and the treatment by the Japanese was sickening. Disease, malnutrition and eventually death spread all over the camp and many soldiers did not make it. Hun lost his battle on October 15, 1942 when he succumbed to dysentery. How I found his grave is another story for another time. Today I want to salute him and all of the soldiers who gave their lives for our country so that we can live in freedom. There is a man who delivers documents to my office from a local law firm and he is 90 and was a B-17 tail gunner in Europe during WWII. I once talked to him and said that I was honored to be speaking with a real hero and member of "The Greatest Generation." He stopped me and said, "Oh no, I am not a hero. The real heroes were the guys who never made it home and are still over there." We should all take that to heart this Memorial Day.

TOMBSTONE OF JOHNSON L. TERRY - Charles Evans Cemetery, Reading, Berks County, PA

2010-05-30T20:57:00.002-04:00

This barber has a unique place in the history of our country. Johnson L. Terry, an African-American living in Reading, PA enlisted in the Union Army on December 19, 1863. He was assigned to the 54th Massachusetts Regiment, an all volunteer regiment and, most importantly, one of the first African-American units in the Armed Forces of the United States of America. The unit was organized in March, 1863, only 2 months after President Lincoln had issued his Emancipation Proclamation. The 54th Massachusetts Infantry was made famous in the movie, "Glory." Terry was mustered out of the Army as a Full Corporal on August 20, 1865 and returned to Reading after fighting for his nation. I salute him and all members of our Armed Services this day and, especially, all those soldiers who fought for our country and did not return home. Tomorrow I will honor the memory of one such man - a very special man and member of my own family.

TOMBSTONE OF ALEXANDER BIDDLE - Laurel Hill Cemetery, Philadelphia, PA

2010-05-29T19:52:00.002-04:00

Alexander Biddle was educated at the University of Pennsylvania and worked with his father until the start of the Civil War. He served in the 121st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry and saw action at the battles of Fredericksburg, Gettysburg (under General Abner Doubleday), Chancellorsville and the battle of Bristoe Station. After the war be became a director of the Pennsylvania Railroad and the Philadelphia Savings Fund Company. He was instrumental in organizing the Ridgway Library which is part of the library company of Philadelphia. Another unsung American hero who rightly deserves our thanks this Memorial Day Weekend.