Saturday, November 29, 2014

Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati, Ohio

White Pine Chapel 1859
One of the Largest Non-Profit Cemeteries in the United States is Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum. Here are 733 acres of a place people come to visit for its history, beauty, and peacefulness. You can drive through the cemetery or take a walking tour. There is too much to see in just one trip. The architecture and landscape is enough to keep you captive on a beautiful day. These pictures were taken on October 26th this year and I'm hoping to go back soon to explore further. Lucky me, I live very near here so I can go anytime. And guess what? If you grew up watching Superman, George Reeves from the 1950's his body was actually kept here in White Pine Chapel for approximately a year after his death. You can read more about that sad tale here.


Just need some time to get away and think? Most of us probably wouldn't consider a cemetery but this cemetery is just special. This cemetery opened on September 1, 1845. "Dr. Daniel Drake who saw the need for a burial ground outside of the fast growing city after his wife died and was interred at Washington Cemetery. He saw firsthand the deplorable conditions of this and the other 22 cemeteries within the city. The cholera epidemics that plagued Cincinnati at the time were responsible for much of the problem. The cemeteries were terribly overcrowded with bodies being buried without coffins and often stacked together. There was also a serious problem of grave robbers stealing bodies to sell for medical dissection." Here's more on that information.


You can take the self guided walking tour as well. Many of the students in the area go to Spring Grove for the leaf projects they have to complete for school because the area is filled with trees.

Do you have an unusual cemetery near you?

 Chameleon by Jillian KentJillian is employed as a counselor for nursing students in Cincinnati, Ohio and possesses a masters degree in social work. She is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors and passionate about mental health, wellness, and stomping out the stigma of mental illness. You can explore further at her website www.jilliankent.com.She invites you to join her on Twitter @JillKentAuthor and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JillianKent

4 comments:

  1. Here in CA we have Forest Lawn cemetery with art by Michaelangelo, with The Last Supper and David. We took a homeschool field trip there. I liked your post on the non profit cemetery in your area with the history shown there. Sm. Wileygreen 1(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Sharon,
      Forest Lawn Cemetery sounds fascinating too. Thanks for sharing that. I'm going to check it out on line. Ever curious. :)

      Delete
  2. Hi Jillian, I'm a photographer for FindAGrave.com. Jerry calls me a cemetery magnet. Wherever we go, I can find the local cemeteries in a heartbeat. Can't find a decent hotel or quality restaurant, but can find the graveyards. Some of the most interesting ones here in southwest Colorado are on private property. Thanks for the interesting post.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Linda,
      That's amazing, Linda. And funny about the hotels and restaurants don't come to you so well as the cemeteries. :)

      Delete