In a column in early August, we talked of cemeteries and favourite sites we have visited. Sometimes they stand out because of the physical location, fascinating markers, interesting stories, or maybe even the effort it takes to find them.
And we are not the only ones who enjoy seeking out such landscapes. The Historical Society evening last week saw a full room enjoy a program of images of intriguing cemetery examples. At this presentation, and on other occasions as well, people have enthusiastically offered examples that truly stand out for them. With all that in mind and following a few requests from dedicated readers, we offer a few more favourite cemetery sites.
On San Juan Island, the location of the “Pig War,” up the hillside behind the English Camp, is a small cemetery that holds, according to local records, the graves of seven Royal Marines and one civilian. From this small, white picket fence-enclosed site there are wonderful views out over the islands. Your imagination easily “sees” funeral processions trudging up the hill to bury a friend and comrade.
While a lot of attention lately has been paid to the Cariboo town of Likely on Quesnel Lake, not far from there, at the junction of the Quesnel and Cariboo rivers, is a wonderful B.C. ghost town called Quesnelle Forks, with its own historical cemetery, partly restored and partly rough. This is a great spot with many stories, building ruins, and evidence of the past. A local group is working hard to preserve the site.
Many of the Second World War cemeteries in Normandy, France, are large, imposing, emotional locations, but one site is very different. In a small place called Anguerny, a soldier’s gravesite features a low wall, some shrubs and a cross, all marked as a Canadian war grave. The local communities honoured those liberators who fell and there are many emotional examples to seek out.
Nelson, B.C.’s main cemetery has moved a number of times over its history. It has occupied its current location for many years, high on the hillside behind the city, with mountains all around. This is a striking cemetery with many wonderfully different grave markers, but a prominent feature is how hilly it is. Many sections are on a quite steep incline, which can lead you to wonder about winter funerals in the ice and snow of the Kootenays.
One of the things you’ll notice when exploring cemeteries in Scotland, is how often a very old burial ground is tucked tightly in behind the buildings, often surrounded by fences and houses. Frequently, the cemeteries were there long before the buildings were erected, and were situated a short distance from a major road or just off the “high street,” the town centre. In these cases the cemetery aids in understanding the entire town’s evolution.
We have many more examples – you probably have your own.
