The Ordinary, Extraordinary Cemetery is a podcast for cemetery lovers, preservationists, and even those who've never walked among the graves. Join hosts Jennie and Dianne each week as they explore old cemeteries and learn the stories of those buried within their walls. After all, every death had a life, and every life had a story.
I think they are in Colorado, somewhere in the US. Wish I could find more Canadian cemetery explorers, especially any in Ontario.
I'm interested in rocks and art made with rocks, stones or pebbles: buildings, bridges, cairns, Inukshuks, and rock balancing. The old stone farm houses are my favourite to see and photograph in rural Ontario.
Rocks are used as a way to mark the path of travelers, to tell others they had passed that way. It's not just a romantic notion. There are good, practical reasons for wanting people to know where you have gone and where you might be found. Hikers get lost, have accidents and run ins with wildlife.
I like the custom of putting little pebbles on graves to mark that you were there, still remembering and still visiting.
Two of the interview questions from the Cemetery Travel site. Read the interviews and find more questions on the site.
What’s your favorite thing to do in a cemetery?
What would your epitaph be?
If I were younger and still more romantic, my favourite thing to do in a cemetery would be a picnic. You would need to come prepared, not just the usual picnic things. You might check in with the people who maintain the land and be sure a picnic is welcome there.
Next, once you are there, find a good spot. Cemetery land tends to be knobby and bumpy. You might think its all manicured, perfect cared for lawns, its not always the case. Usually they are knobby due to insects, weeds, and no doubt other things I don't know about. You won't want too much shade or sun and a sunny day will at least save you from mosquitos.
I would not plan it as a Gothic looking thing. I don't see it as a gloomy event.
Now, at this age, I like visiting cemeteries just for photography. Finding the oldest stones, even those I can't read due to weathering or plant growth. Sometimes I can read them better from the photograph I take. I also look for ornate carved or sculpted stones. I especially like those with stone flowers. Its nice to see what people have planted around the stones too, or if they have left pennies, pebbles or other little mementos on the gravestone.
I'm not ready to write my epitaph. I'd like to visit, as a ghost or whatever is available, and read what others have written.
Of course, you could put together your own kit. Some cleaning solution, brushes, a little pick to pluck mould/ fungus out of the small places, and something to keep water in. But, it supports others if you choose to buy the kit. Also, you won't have to look for the best cleaning solution and brushes yourself.
I think you might bring along something to sit on too. Also, I'd consider an old towel or blanket to spread on the grass. Just in case the grass doesn't like something in the soap/ cleaner you use.
If you pick out the fungus and mould consider collecting all of those little living things and moving them to a new location. I've seen people making gardens with mould and fungi collected from the street.
Of course, bring your camera! If nothing else, get some before and after photos.
Annieland: Cemetery Photography
Includes headstones, angels, crypts and statues. These pictures were taken throughout southern Michigan, Northeast Ohio, and Southwest Windsor, Ontario, Canada starting February 1998.
Canadian Headstone Photo Project
Online databases of headstone photos for all of Canada.
CanadaGenWeb's Cemetery Project
Since 2004. A free, searchable listing of known Canadian cemeteries.
Flickr: Niagara Cemeteries & Spooky Places
Exploring and taking photographs of the cemeteries and places in the Niagara Region.
Flickr: Remembrance Day, Veterans Day & War Memorials
Focused on Canadian war memorials and Remembrance Day. Pictures of cemeteries and memorials to Veterans.
Old Cemeteries Society of Victoria
Unique example of Victorian-era romantic cemeteries in the province of British Columbia.
Old Stones
Founders Cemetery, the Free Will Baptist Cemetery, and the Calvinist Baptist Cemetery in Beaver River and Port Maitland, Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia.
Small Cemeteries of the Districts of Muskoka and Parry Sound
Inscriptions and photos of monuments in various area cemeteries.
StonePics - Cemeteries of Newfoundland
A unique project to document headstones and monuments in Newfoundland. Downloadable database and photo CD ordering options available.
Tombstone Territory
Photographs put online from cemeteries in Simcoe County, Ontario.
The original source for this list of links was the Open Directory Project. I was an editor there.