Photo Monument – December 31, 2009

A Deeper Meaning
by Julie Cahill Tarr

I’m always intrigued by symbols on grave markers.  There are the typical ones, such as a cross or flowers.  In the instance of a cross, one might assume the deceased had a belief in a higher being.  Flowers on the other hand, may or may not specify anything affiliated with the person.  Different types of flowers hold some sort of meaning, for instance, daisies typically signify a child’s grave.  Flowers could simply be pretty decor.

When I come across unique symbols, I find myself wanting to know more about the person.  Take for example the marker below.  In the upper-left corner there is a train engraved in the stone.  I wondered if this gentleman was an avid toy train collector, worked for the railroad, or simply loved trains.

Wanting to know more, I found out from his obituary (The Pantagraph on 8 June 1992) that he “worked as a section foreman with the Chicago and Alton and later the GM&O Railroads in Bloomington for 44 years.”  To me, having this symbol signifies his devotion to his occupation.  And seeing as he spent 44 years doing it (and had it engraved on his headstone), he probably enjoyed his job and took great pride in the work he did.

This next one features a bicycle, and again got me wondering.  Did he enjoy riding?  Did he build/fix bicycles as a profession?

According to his obituary (The Pantagraph, 23 May 2008), he “enjoyed bicycling throughout parts of the United States and Nova Scotia with Jan [his wife]…. He was a member of the McLean County Wheelers [a bicycle club].”  Not only did he like to ride, but he apparently traveled the country and explored it via bicycling.

What unique symbols have you found?  Were you able to find out the significance of the symbol related to the person?  Share your stories in the comments for this post.