One of my favorite authors is Edgar Allan Poe. Of course, perhaps now this might explain the ravens pictured on the sides of my blog. Or maybe I just like them. I happened to be in Baltimore and like a turned on light switch I remembered Poe was buried there. Quickly I googled the cemetery and found it to be very close by. I was over the moon with excitement.
When arriving at the church yard were he was buried, we were greeted by a gentleman who was more then happy to answer questions and talk a little about the cemetery and who else happened to be buried there. The church is no longer a church so to speak, but more of a place to rent out and have weddings, parties etc. Very interesting. It would be kind of fun to have a wedding there..........my mind is running wild :)
This is the 2nd burial spot for Edgar, he was originally behind the church and to the left. I am not sure the people who decided he needed to be moved, but alas he was. And yes, I did ask if his body was moved, or a just new marking. The entire grave was moved, and a new marking was purchased. You can see there are a few pieces of change on the site, and it was explained that since he was broke when he died, here are a few pieces of change to carry him through. The guide said that the change was collected daily and added up to a nice sum yearly, which helps the upkeep of the cemetery.
The guide also mentioned that because the day was so lovely, that he opened up the catacombs in the church and in the above picture, you can see the door open. Upon entering the catacombs, you see the original marker for Poe.
Which has been removed from the elements. Amazing to see his likeness from 1849. The marking was brought in so that it could be preserved. Through time, the elements would completely destroy this limestone marking.
Leaving and turning to the left to continue onto the rear of the church you are faced with many many sites where the rich and famous were buried. The bigger and fancier it is, the more wealthy these folks were. Generals from wars, their wives and their children. Above ground, they are buried on shelves.....like the pic below, there are several buried in the same spot on shelves in their caskets. If the door was opened, you could walk in the center aisle and the caskets are lined up on both sides.
Also buried in the same yard were common folks, one that still stands out in my mind is a woman from 1790- 1799 who lost 4 of her children. Some living only a few days. (pic below)
2 pics above, you see there is a shrub on the left hand side. A few feet in front of it, stands the marker shown in the pic right above is the original burial place for Poe. This is where that round marker once stood. Why did they move him? Some one had the brilliant idea that he needed to be front and center, instead of buried somewhere in the back and to the left (no pun intended). Pretty interesting right? So now he is in the front left corner of the cemetery.
From this view in the pic above, his original site was to my right about 100 feet or so. Now he is about 200 feet directly in front of where I am standing.
I am thrilled I was able to visit this cemetery. Like many I enjoy walking through these somber places, thinking about the folks buried and what their lives were like.
How many of them were avid stitchers? Of course, most did know the techniques of sewing and mending among so many other things. Did they ever make samplers? If so, were are they today?
Stitching is certainly a gift that we have learned from a loved one or even self taught. I am thrilled to know how to stitch. I hope that my samplers are enjoyed for many lifetimes to come.
Stitching for me the last bit hasn't been much, my poor SDW has been neglected, but Elizabeth Mears is making progress. Of course, it is brainless progress because I am filling in that house :) Sometimes brainless is perfect!!
Just this last side to fill in then finish the tree on the right. Add 2 birds to the roof line then onto the last 2 pages before this gal is complete. I am looking forward to this finish, and looking even more forward to her being framed this summer.
The question is what will I feel like working on next? SDW sits by my side everyday, but Rachel Howell is calling as well. We shall see. I don't want to jump the gun to fast on what is next, I need to see if I can keep up the momentum first!!!! LOL.
Thanks for visiting my blog and taking another adventure with me. Where shall we go next?!!!!!
