Posted by: Brenda Kula | April 29, 2008

"At birth our death is sealed, and our end is consequent upon our beginning."

This morning I visited the Oakwood Cemetary in North Tyler. It includes more than 2000 markers, but far more graves are actually located there.

Established in 1849, Oakwood Cemetary was acquired for a public square. A portion was deeded to the city for a cemetary. The graveyard includes the graves of early settlers, business executives, politicians, war veterans, and other citizens.

Come with me as I tour a few of the final resting places. I suspect these people are long forgotten, as there were no flowers on graves or people visiting.

An infant son.

Their little girl, aged three. A lot of grief in that family.

Barely readable and worn by the elements of time.

All that was left.

An adjacent broken-down house.

A nearby business establishment.

Posted in Daily Thoughts

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Responses

1. I am so pleased that you posted these pictures. I am very fond of walking the paths in graveyards. Some people might think that it is odd but cemeteries are wonderful places to think and learn. I’ve always felt a sense of calm and well-being while there. Of course, I have never gone at night or done anything silly in them. I am respectful of the graves and the grounds. It is very interesting to see the families and learn about them by the epitaphs. You know? They used to write the most terrific epitaphs! Somewhere I have a picture of a gravestone on which is the name Zoe Fanny. I thought that Zoe (sounds like No) was a soft and lovely name. Not so fond of Fanny personally but I’ve met a wonderful lady named Fanny and she’s done quite well with the name.
   
   

   Blessings and thanks for your comment on the blog. I am very interested in hearing more about your career. I imagine that you have many stories to tell.

   
   

   -Lacy

   
   

   Oh, and if you are fascinated by epitaphs (as I am) then check out this site:

   
   

   http://www.alsirat.com/epitaphs/

   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

   By: Razor Family Farms on April 29, 2008

   
   

   at 4:14 pm

   
   


2. You are not alone, Brenda. I enjoy visiting old cemeteries also. If interested, you might enjoy a tour of Historic Greenwood Cemetary in Birmingham, Michigan … I posted my link: http://picasaweb.google.com/Loonfeather/PEACEFULVISITHISTORICGREENWOODCEMETERY
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

   By: joey on April 29, 2008

   
   

   at 4:45 pm

   
   


3. Isn’t it interesting to walk through a cemetary that is old. You see the same sir names and wonder how they were related and what their stories are. You notice a year when there are many, many deaths and wonder what caused all of them. I find it facsinating.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

   By: Beckie on April 29, 2008

   
   

   at 6:47 pm

   
   


4. I know this sounds funny but I like going to old cemeteries as well. I just think about the type of like they led when they were alive.
   

   It just boggles my mind about the dates of which they lived and died, so long ago, and yet people will someday say that about us when were gone.

   
   

   Glenda

   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

   By: Glenda on April 29, 2008

   
   

   at 7:37 pm

   
   


5. Brenda, that’s a beautiful cemetary. Old headstones are so interesting. Old cemetaries are fascinating places.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

   By: linda on April 29, 2008

   
   

   at 9:36 pm

   
   


6. I have always loved old cemeteries. I just visited an old one last week where my great-great grandmother is buried. It was my first time there and touched me deeply. Thanks for the great post. Have a great week.
   

   Judy

   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

   By: judy on April 29, 2008

   
   

   at 11:48 pm

   
   


7. Oh, yipppee, I have found my peeps! I love cemeteries. Dear hubby is accustomed to me hollering: “Stop! Let’s look at that graveyard.” Thank you for the view of this one. Isn’t the old house great? Reminds me of those from my childhood, hot afternoons, Coca-Cola on the porch (one did not say Coke )
   

   Hugs,

   
   

   CurtissAnn

   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

   By: CurtissAnn on April 30, 2008

   
   

   at 9:01 am

   
   


8. Hi Brenda,
   

   Oh how I would have loved to go for a walk with you through this beautiful cemetery. I love to read the old markers and wonder about the people and their lives and hope they live somewhere in a family member’s heart not forgotten at all. We used take Sunday walks in the cemetery all the time in our family ~ four generation’s worth, left me with a real love of walks like this

   
   

   Would you mind if I printed the one picture where the marker is almost completely worn away? I would love to print that photo for my office. You have my email, I’ll wait to hear from you.

   
   

   I love seeing the sights in someone else’s town. I’ll come along any time. I may go shoot some photos in our cemetery this weekend (if it’s not too hot).

   
   

   xoxo~Tracie

   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

   By: Tracie on May 1, 2008

   
   

   at 4:41 pm

   
   


9. Hi Brenda
   

   I loved this post. My grandfather went to a graveyard in every town he traveled to when he was alive. All over the US and overseas. I find them fascinating as well.

   
   

   rue

   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

   By: Rue on May 6, 2008

   
   

   at 10:21 am