Nearly Forgotten

Vintage Gravestones and Cemeteries

For whatever reason, I like to go wandering through cemeteries with my camera. One of the things I find fascinating are the older sections of the graveyards with their weathered old headstones. Almost every headstone includes the words "not to be forgotten" or something similar. But alas, over the years we do forget.

The marker for Natalie Paul's grave is, of course, recent. But it begs a question or two. Poor Natalie died at just 13 months. She was buried in the Pioneer Cemetery which is part of the Grand Canyon National Park. I visited the cemetery in 2014 and a temporary marker still in place after 6 years — especially for a baby — was very poignant to me. I am pleased to tell you that today there is a small permanent stone for Natalie.

Most of these photos are of headstones from the 19th century. There is no one alive to remember them. It's likely that many of their families do not even know where these graves are. Stones are tumbled or broken, fences are askew, and, in some instances, the cemetery's "perpetual care" has faltered. But the stones tell their stories. Sic transit gloria.

Enjoy!

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