2010 Cemetery Calendar

Yes, it is now available at: http://www.zazzle.com/cemetery_2010_calendar-158167205871914985
My thanks for your support.

"The Real Underground..." begins

The TV program concept dedicated to history through cemeteries I'd thought about doing for so long is finally underway. It started out as "The Real Underground New York(RUNY)," but have revised to service my new location. Now it is called "The Real Underground Cape Ann(RUCA)." I'm producing it in association with Cape Ann TV(CATV). They have trained me on their equipment, and in their studio, in Gloucester. It's a great opportunity for me, I must say, and shall use it to great advantage, personally, and for the community here on Cape Ann. My hope is that the idea will extend to other communities, and that a great, and caring, awareness of our eternal parks is generated. I know that up here in Cape Ann, we can certainly use the help. Anyway, RUCA will have that documentary feel to it. I'll incorporate my artwork, and archival shots, at the same time live on location filming; and plenty of music from, I hope, local talent. FYI, Cape Ann is Rockport(my town), Essex, Manchester-by-the-Sea, and Gloucester("A Perfect Storm"). I'll work on it through the winter, and present it for airing in the spring.

Until the next update, and I will from time to time, my thanks. John

The Granary

The Granary in Boston is a cozy little place. Surrounded on three sides by high rise apartments and office buildings - the remaining side hedged by Tremont Street. In this cemetery are buried some of America's most famous founders, such as: Paul Revere, John Hancock, Samuel Adams and the parents of Ben Franklin. And, as I mentioned in an earlier blog, Mother Goose.
Founded in 1660, the Granary Burying Ground is Boston's third-oldest cemetery. Also, it serves as the final resting place for many notable Revolutionary-era patriots, including three signers of the Declaration of Independence and the five victims of the Boston Massacre.

The Granary Burying Ground is the 3rd cemetery established in the city of Boston, dating to the year 1660. The need for the site arose because the land set aside for the city's first cemetery, King's Chapel Burying Ground located a block east was insufficient to meet the city's growing population. Early in its existence the area was known as the South Burying Ground until 1737 at which point it took on the name of the granary building which formerly stood on the site of what is now the Park Street Church. In May 1830 trees were planted in the area and an attempt was made to change the name to “Franklin Cemetery” to honor the family of Benjamin Franklin, but the effort failed.

The Burying Ground was originally part of the Boston Common which then encompassed the entire block, but two years after the cemetery was established the southwest portion of the block was taken for public buildings, which included the Granary and a house of correction and the north portion of the block was used for housing.

Certainly a treat when in your in the Boston area. You'll find many etched primitives to ponder over in your visit. Cherubs, skulls and skeletons, life images, hourglasses, and more. The property is well-worn but maintained. Enjoy.

Old Work, New Work

I've decided to reprocess every work, so you will see things a coming and a going. I now know what I want to see. They will be the better for it and I'm happier.

Clarence

His name was Clarence D. McKenzie, and he was the drummer boy for the 13th Regiment, Co. D, New York State Militia (90 day) in 1861. Clarence led his men with all the youthful enthusiasm for adventure and fearlessness expected in one so young. Sadly, he was mortally wounded shortly after his arrival in Maryland. He was the first to fall from Brooklyn City ... he was only 12 years old. His remain lay buried in Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, N.Y.
10,000 others beside him, from that same war, are spread out over the nearly 500 acres of property. His is a statue of white zinc(bronze) dedicated in 1886 to his memory.

A Favorite Photo

"Forever My Love" - one of my favorites from Danvers, Massachusetts. I think it to be one of the sweetest shots in my collection. I'll stop by, from time to time, to see if he's still leaning and loving.

Jane Griffiths

Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, New York - Memorial gravestone to Jane Griffiths. Her husband had it made as a representation of their last moment together - Jane saying goodbye from the steps of their brownstone as he was leaving for work. He returned home that night to find Jane dead from a heart attack.