Tourism related to cemeteries, both as a general interest and as a personal quest for a particular grave, remains popular for travellers around the globe.
People seek out the final resting places of world figures, stars from the entertainment world, sports heroes, renowned individuals, wartime casualties or any number of other possibilities. Whatever the level of interest – it is popular.
We are frequently asked for directions to many specific burial sites in New Westminster cemeteries. Some favourites are: Raymond Burr (actor), Cyrus Peck (VC medal winner), John Deighton (“Gassy Jack”), Frances Herring (author), Captain William Irving (riverboat captain), Arthur Wellesley Gray (politician), Brownie Peebles (opera singer), Sally Gribble (founder of MADD) and many others.
But what else is there to see in a cemetery? What is hidden in plain view on the marker that might tell you more about the departed?
If you are working on a family tree what might you learn by seeing the actual grave marker? What artwork might adorn the monument? So many things are possible.
You might find fraternal organizations, religious affiliations, political or union connections, societal or cultural links, or simple distinct ties to such items as sports teams, musical groups, and so on. Other symbols might link to nationality, cultural/ethnic background, historical/ancestral roots and sometimes entire family histories. Other symbols show images related to occupation, recreational interests, artistic/creative leanings, military affiliations and social ties.
Much can be assumed from viewing a grave marker inscribed with a guitar, a tugboat, a hunter, a microphone, the masks of drama and comedy, musical notes, a teddy bear, a train engine, golf clubs, a fishing rod, and so it goes on and on. Depending on the time period in which you find the individual, there is a lot to learn in the context of the years in question.
People working on a family tree are often thrilled at what they learn from a grave stone. They are surprised to find out a name or date, familial origin or religious leanings.
There is so much to see, to understand and to learn about. Some is important from a family history standpoint, while other things are just interesting to know. Coming up on July 16 (7:30 p.m. in the New Westminster Public Library auditorium) the Historical Society presentation will see Dale Miller give a presentation in words and images on the topic of cemeteries, titled “Cemetery Symbolism: Hidden Meaning of What You See.”
