The Granite Sculptures of Hope Cemetery in Vermont USA

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SeaBreeze

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Interesting cemetery sculptures in Vermont, more here.

One of the main uses of granite throughout America is in tombstones and memorials, and the finest examples of this craft can be seen at the Hope Cemetery, located in the tiny city of Barre, Vermont.

Known as the "Granite Capital of the World", Barre was established soon after the War of 1812 at the site of a vast granite deposit, which some geologists say is 4 miles long, 2 miles wide and 10 miles deep.

When fame of this vast deposit spread to Europe and Canada, large number of businessmen as well as skilled artisans, especially from Italy, flocked to the city to become part of the booming granite industry.

Soon "Barre Gray" granite became one of the most sought after worldwide because of its fine grain, even texture, and superior weather resistance. It is estimated that one-third of all memorials in the United States is crafted from Barre granite.
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Wow. Those are awesome. In the cemetery where my relatives are buried they have a new rule that headstones cannot be tall like that anymore. They all have to be uniform in height now. The stones in the older section of the cemetery are grander and a couple are actually several feet tall. If you want an elaborate memorial now you have to get a mausoleum.
 
I'm a "taphophile" and have visited a zillion cemeteries and this is one of my favorites. There are some great stories behind most of the stones. The stone carvers, who came from Italy, Greece and other places in Europe, knew they had a life expectancy of 35-40 years at best because of breathing the stone dust, and were allowed to work on their own stones in order to have them ready. We spent a wonderful day at this cemetery and the carving center and quarry, which is really impressive in itself.
 
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jujube said:
I'm a "taphophile" and have visited a zillion cemeteries and this is one of my favorites. There are some great stories behind most of the stones. The stone carvers, who came from Italy, Greece and other places in Europe, knew they had a life expectancy of 35-40 years at best because of breathing the stone dust, were allowed to work on their own stones in order to have them ready. We spent a wonderful day at this cemetery and the carving center and quarry, which is really impressive in itself.
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I love visiting old cemeteries!
 
Just don't pee on me if you find my grave. Actually you won't be able to miss it as it will have a giant cement phallic over it
 
Ralphy1 said:
Just don't pee on me if you find my grave. Actually you won't be able to miss it as it will have a giant cement phallic over it
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Sounds very fitting, Ralphy. You didn't say anything about accompanying boulders. I would be worried about people out for revenge. Sounds like a vandals dream. Cremation for us. I don't answer my phone now. Don't want to be found after I'm dead.
 

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