Photo Monument – November 5, 2009

Trees in the Cemetery
by Julie Tarr

With fall finally here, I thought I’d share a few photos of my favorite type of grave markers, treestones.  According to Douglas Keister in his book Stories in Stone, treestones were popular in the late 1800s, particularly in the Midwest.  Oftentimes, the detail is so incredible, it’s hard to tell it’s made of stone.  I think the intricacy of the design and texture is what makes treestones my favorite marker.  I’ve also included a few photos of a treestone variation, where they are included as part of a bench.

 
“Crant Gravestone,” Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield, Illinois

 

 
“Wintrol Gravestone,” Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Hillside, Illinois

 

“Three Tree Stumps,” Evergreen Cemetery, Bloomington, Illinois

 
“Reardon Bench,” Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Hillside, Illinois

 

 
“Luetgert Bench,” Elm Lawn Cemetery, Elmhurst, Illinois

 

All photos courteously of the author.