Have you ever noticed a bluish-gray cemetery monument? You think “It’s probably granite” but as you get closer, you know it is something else. The date is most likely prior to 1915 … more

We spend much of our time visiting and working in cemeteries and we like to study and research the early sandstone gravestone carvers that plied their trade from about 1800-1845. This can be a … more

For ten years, we have explored cemeteries all over New York state. It always saddens us to find an old cemetery without a sign leaving us to wonder what name it had. We decided to do something … more

In the town of Sidney you will find, nestled between the library and the Susquehanna River, a little spot called the Pioneer Cemetery. Tina has been drawn to this quiet setting since she worked … more

The year is 1808. Eliphalet Wakeman has just signed a deed purchasing 150 acres. The land was part of Lot 61 of the Walton Patent along Third Brook, northwest of Walton. This was to become the … more

In the mid to late 1800s, Rhode Island was known as the “Vampire Capital of America.” Even when germs were recognized, in New England in particular, when members of a family died from a … more

A number of years ago, I completed a book of epitaphs primarily collected from 300 cemeteries in Delaware, Otsego, and Chenango counties. One that stood out as especially poignant was that of Phillip … more

As we have driven across New York state we have stopped and explored many cemeteries. We especially like the old sandstone gravestones carved prior to 1850. The detail and artistry on   these … more

In 1824 New York state enacted a law that established county poorhouses or almshouses. Essentially these were to provide a place for those without homes or anyone to care for them nor the means to … more

A few years ago, we attended a concert in Lancaster, Pa. We went to see legendary country music singer Charley Pride. After a few releases in 1966 he was booked for his first large show in Detroit. … more