Limestone Block Curbing
A View Across to the New Cemetery
Irises and the Broken Column
Old Wooden Marker
Concrete False Crypt
New Markers for Old Graves
A Dove in Flight
The Weeping Willow
A Cross, Columns, and the Serpent
Obelisks and Angels
The Outside of the Grave House
Within the Wooden Grave House
An Out-of-Town Czech
This family plot is bordered by large limestone blocks which seem to have been worked into similarly sized and shaped blocks. The graves are marked in the Southern tradition with a large head stone and a smaller foot stone.
Although most of the graves in the old cemetery are aligned feet facing east, these three markers are aligned feet facing west. Beyond the obelisk markers can be seen low, flat concrete markers that have been recently placed. These markers are etched "UK" for unknown. Beyond the concrete markers can be seen that separates the "Old" cemetery from the "new" cemetery.
This marker bears a stand of irises on one side which symbolized the earth mother and on the other is a ivy-laced column broken (the broken part runs accross the top) which would symbolized life interupted. Interestingly, the maiden name of the one buried here is used and her married name listed below.
There are still a number of wooden marker. Some of the writing can still be scene on this one. The outline shape of this marker is traditional to southern folk cemeteries. At least one source maintains the shape represents the human male genetalia and symbolizes the renewal of life.
This is one of the several false crypts. The person is actually buried in the gound and the false crypt is erected over the grave site.
This family plot includes the family name Hermis. The row of alike markers is a fairly recent addition to the plot. The graves going back to the 1800's. The two markers on the right list the same day in 1867 as the date of death which would most likely make the cause of death for these individuals to be Yellow Fever.
This marker is adorned with a side view of a dove in flight which would represent freedom from death and the peaceful journey to heaven.
I found several markers bearing images of a weeping willow. The weeping willow is also a symbol of eternal life. This marker is covered with lichens and I had to remove a ball moss for the photo.
This is a large and complex marker. On top is a concrete cross which is made to have a wood bark texture. Below it is an interesting symbol that at first viewing almost seems a Dollar symbol. However, at closer inspection it can be seen there are thee vertical bars which I believe to represent life. The number three is also a number of special meaning in many pagan religions. I believe the curving bar which runs through and around the upright columns to represent a snake. The snake can represent a trial by fire (this life) and also eternal life.
All within one family plot are these three markers. They all stand well over six feet high. Two feature statues of angels.
Still well maintained is a wooden grave house. The roof is shingled and across the top runs a brushed and polished steel plate.
Within the grave house is a very complex grave for a baby. There is a head stone, a center stone, and a footstone. On top of the headsone is a statue of a reposed infant. The footstone bears the inscriptions "Only Sleeping." A blue and white bead bracelet (now broken) rests on the center stone. A small evergreen scrub grows within the grave house.
This is me in front of a dining establishment in La Grange. My companion found the small red sign (to which I gesture) very funny. It states, "No out-of-town Czechs...er checks!"
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Limestone Block Curbing
This family plot is bordered by large limestone blocks which seem to have been worked into similarly sized and shaped blocks. The graves are marked in the Southern tradition with a large head stone and a smaller foot stone.











