*Disclaimer: I'm reviewing cemeteries for the purpose of a good relaxing walk, photographic opportunities, historic and unusual markers and maybe a little ghoulish thrill here and there. I'm a Victorian Taphophile at heart. Happy Halloween Kids!*
There are three cemeteries along this road, all of which I have wanted to explore for quite some time and since it was early in the afternoon, tackling the largest, Glenwood, with plenty of sunlight to spare seemed like a great idea.
The grounds are very large and parking is street side only. I was being greedy and wanted to cram in at least one more graveyard, so I opted to drive the "Redneckmobile" around the lanes, and stop to walk the interested parts.
Immediately inside the gate, there was a large circle of figures, Angels and Archangels, which my old NY neighbor, Mrs. Vittorello, would have envied. They're rather new, and shiny, rather than the old, decaying types. All it needed was a fountain with colored lights...voila, NY neighborhood lawn! It was cool, nonetheless.
The overall feel was less haunting Gothic beauty and more park-like and relaxing. Of course, and brilliantly sunny day helps. The highlights of Glen wood are all on the pleasant side, such as a very pretty Zen garden, large trees in open areas, vista views and winding open lanes. There were several families present and from the looks of it, they were picnicking on the lawns. A nice Victorian custom. :)
I had to search for unusual markers and symbolism pretty hard. There are quite a few aged markers and even some featuring sepulchral portraits, but they are hidden between the larger, plainer markers. One standout was the portrait sculpture of Theresina Vasco, depicting the little girl in her button up boots and late 1800's clothing, sitting in a rocking chair. That marker alone made the visit worthwhile.
I DID get a little scare time in on the backside of Glen wood, along the lane that highlights a few brick crypts and one large granite mausoleum. Rows and rows of casket containers had been piled there...more than likely awaiting use in the week to come. Ew.
The Allen Crypt also houses a little "jump back" moment. Just beyond the curling iron gates, in the shadows, is a lifesize statue of a woman...but you don't see it until you're quite close.
I let out a bit of a shriek. Embarrassing. And then, I took a picture. :)
A word of caution. Always be more afraid of the living than of the dead. Glenwood backs up to several neighborhoods, and while I was poking around some older markers along the perimeter, I came a little too close to some err..."neighborhood activity" of the illegal sort. They noticed me and invited me over. Well, that's the polite way of putting it.
I roam cemeteries loaded for bear, but honestly, it's always best to go in pairs, for safety's sake. The back side of Glenwood was a good reminder.
Glenwood Cemetery is definitely worth a visit for a nice fall walk and an intro to large, park-like cemetery exploration.
The gates close at sundown, the offices and the chapel (which is on the Historic Register) close at 4:30.
And as with all my cemetery reviews, there are photos posted as well. Enjoy. read more