St. Johns
St. John’s is part of Cincinnati’s catholic cemetery society. It is located at 4423 Vine Street, in St. Bernard across the street from Roger Bacon High school. It was founded on Oct. 7, 1849 at a time of a cholera epidemic due to overcrowding of other cemeteries. There are many of Cincinnati’s oldest German families buried here with many of their tomb stones written in German. The cemetery is still active, although now there are less than two dozen burials a year. The grounds of the cemetery are maintained through a trust that was set up in the 1950’s.
St. John’s Cemetery is a much smaller cemetery than Spring Grove Cemetery. You can almost stand in one spot and see the entire cemetery. There was one main road and only two side roads. While walking through, I noticed very little wildlife and hardly any variation in plant life. There were basically just shrubs lining the back wall of the cemetery. The majority of the ground was flat with one hill lining the side of the cemetery. There were no monuments at the head of tombstones addressing the family by last name. There were only medium sized statues and small tomb stone heads. It was clear that this was a catholic cemetery. Many of the tomb stones had symbols of Jesus, crosses, and angels. Moreover there were even full statue tomb stones sculpted in the shape of Jesus himself. Like I mentioned earlier, many were written in German and many of those who are buried there were around the late 1800’s early 1900’s. Also, there are big gaps of open land towards the back of the cemetery in between sections of like 20 tombstones. Cleary, there is still a lot of land left to be covered at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Weekly Reflection #3
This week was a whole new look at Spring Grove Cemetery. Although a bumpy ride, the tram was a new and awesome experience. I had a lot of fun seeing everything at once and not getting lost doing so. Also, I had heard a lot about how beautiful and diverse it is and had seen portions of this beauty in the small sections I explored, but I had never actually ridden around the entire cemetery to appreciation what was there. It is incredibly diverse when looking at it on a larger scale. There are tomb stones mixed with monuments, mixed with mausoleums. There were above ground crypts, below ground crypts, and symbols from all different cultures and religions. There is new laser designed architecture mixed with the old stone engravings facing all different directions. I noticed a section that consisted mainly of an angel theme which was beautiful to look at. The most awesome aspect of this cemetery is that it is not limited to one religion like many of the others are such as St. Johns where catholic is dominated. Not only that, the flower décor and plant life is gorgeous. The forest area was very cool also. It had kind of a mystical feeling to it, like I was riding threw the scary part of a haunted movie. My most favorite thing to see is new flowers on a grave and I noticed many. It is so nice to see people actually coming back and taking the time to appreciate and acknowledge the loved ones they lost.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Monument
Michael Schraffenberger is buried in lot55 ½ and section 49. He is the father of Lena Schraffenberger. He was born in Germany in May 1831, and died on September 15, 1906. His death was said to be caused by diarrhea. The only records of any other family are his wife and child listed on the same monument. Also, I found that he was a member of the Cincinnati German Pioneer Club that remained in the news until about 1917 when the United States entered World War One against Germany at which time the clubs disappear. As you can see there is very little information about him.
Magdalena Schraffenberger is also buried alongside her family in lot 55 section 49. She is the mother to Lena Schraffenberger. She was born in Germany on April 5, 1833 and died on January 10, 1902. Her death was said to be caused by acute bronchitis. Her father’s name was Charles Bollinger and there was no record found regarding her mother.
Lena Schraffenberger is buried in lot 55 section 49. She was the mother to John Schraffenberger. She was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on August 6, 1855 and died April 22, 1925. Her cause of death was said to be Broncho Pneumonia. Her parents name was Michael and Magdalena Schraffenberger.
There were no records found regarding Mickel Schraffenberger. However it is certain that he was the father of John Schraffenberger.
John Schraffenberger is also buried in lot 55 section 49. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on May 13, 1874. Sadly he died the exact same day at 3 o’clock P.M. The cause of death was said to be a still birth. His parent’s names were Mickel and Lena Schraffenberger.
There were many different symbols located on the monument such as the hands together, the all Seeing Eye, the harp, the shield and helmet.
The shield and helmet symbol represents power protection and sometimes thought. A biblical reference to the se of a helmet as protection can be found in Psalm 60:7.
The symbol of the harp was being played by a man underneath a tree. This was placed above the dead infant’s name. This represents heavenly aspirations. They are often mentioned throughout the bible as a source of divine music.
The all seeing eye with beams of light is an ancient symbol for God. When this symbol is seen in a cemetery, it usually means this person was a mason. I believe it is also a representation of how even in death they are being watched over and protected. Also, since it is all seeing, that the eye represents the good life beyond the one of which they no longer live.
The hands clasped together are above Michael and Magdalena’s names on the monument. This represents unity and a symbol of matrimony. These represent a strong bond and can also represent a heavenly welcome or an earthy farewell.
Magdalena Schraffenberger is also buried alongside her family in lot 55 section 49. She is the mother to Lena Schraffenberger. She was born in Germany on April 5, 1833 and died on January 10, 1902. Her death was said to be caused by acute bronchitis. Her father’s name was Charles Bollinger and there was no record found regarding her mother.
Lena Schraffenberger is buried in lot 55 section 49. She was the mother to John Schraffenberger. She was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on August 6, 1855 and died April 22, 1925. Her cause of death was said to be Broncho Pneumonia. Her parents name was Michael and Magdalena Schraffenberger.
There were no records found regarding Mickel Schraffenberger. However it is certain that he was the father of John Schraffenberger.
John Schraffenberger is also buried in lot 55 section 49. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on May 13, 1874. Sadly he died the exact same day at 3 o’clock P.M. The cause of death was said to be a still birth. His parent’s names were Mickel and Lena Schraffenberger.
There were many different symbols located on the monument such as the hands together, the all Seeing Eye, the harp, the shield and helmet.
The shield and helmet symbol represents power protection and sometimes thought. A biblical reference to the se of a helmet as protection can be found in Psalm 60:7.
The symbol of the harp was being played by a man underneath a tree. This was placed above the dead infant’s name. This represents heavenly aspirations. They are often mentioned throughout the bible as a source of divine music.
The all seeing eye with beams of light is an ancient symbol for God. When this symbol is seen in a cemetery, it usually means this person was a mason. I believe it is also a representation of how even in death they are being watched over and protected. Also, since it is all seeing, that the eye represents the good life beyond the one of which they no longer live.
The hands clasped together are above Michael and Magdalena’s names on the monument. This represents unity and a symbol of matrimony. These represent a strong bond and can also represent a heavenly welcome or an earthy farewell.
Reflection Journal Week 3
This week was definitely more interesting to me. I am a very hands on type of person and i like to have out of the ordinary experiences. The grave rubbings although very messy were loads of fun and gave insight into the history of how graves were once read and interpreted. The symbolism was also very interesting to me. I liked being able to look up and figure out what people prided themselves on when alive. Spring Grove Cemetery is becoming so much more to me than just a cemetery and I'm excited to continue learning about the culture, history, and symbolism in it.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Reflection Journal Week 2
This part of the cemetary was somewhat like the section I had previously explored. There were massive monuments and mosuleums, with intricate designs and strategic placement. However there were still many differences. Some of the most memorable aspects about the tour was the fact that some of the monuments looked like logs with a very natural look even though they were made out of stone. Also the scenery was absolutely gorgeous. Their were all kinds of different types of flowers and plants. The lakes were also very beautiful. One especially was very eye catching and unique with tree roots sprouting up around the border. The bridges across the lakes were very convienent and added much beauty as well.
I learned that the sculptures on the monuments of past prominant leaders in history do not reflect the actual physical characteristics of the deceased, rather they act purley as representations of their acheivements. Also many of the histories behind the well known last names such as lunken and how their fortunes came about were very different from what I would have assumed. For example one gained their fortunes from farming and fruit. One main question still lingers in my mind. I still would like to know on average how much the big mosuleums cost and how much the spaces cost.
I learned that the sculptures on the monuments of past prominant leaders in history do not reflect the actual physical characteristics of the deceased, rather they act purley as representations of their acheivements. Also many of the histories behind the well known last names such as lunken and how their fortunes came about were very different from what I would have assumed. For example one gained their fortunes from farming and fruit. One main question still lingers in my mind. I still would like to know on average how much the big mosuleums cost and how much the spaces cost.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
25 Questions
Kimberly Ziccardi and John Thomas
Spring Grove Cemetery Colloquium
Marcha Hunley
7 July 2009
What is the significance of the quote on the Lunken Mausoleum?
Who are the Lunkens?
Why are some of the tombstones in the shape of a bench?
How is it that newer plots are mixed in with very old ones?
Why are their fences with ivy over some graves?
Is the sculpture next to John William Becker (architect) one of his works?
Why is their only one date on certain tombstones?
Who pays for the upkeep of the cemetery?
What is the significance of the trees on the Rettig tombstone?
What’s the reasoning behind the grape wraths? (Johnston)
Can people have mausoleums constructed before they die?
How much is a family plot?
Is it pricier to be in the back?
Why are the cemetery roads so curvy?
Why put down blank tombstones?
How much is the average tombstone/headstone?
Do some individuals asked to be buried under trees? (Ida Nave)
Why is there a snake wrapped around a tree/fish on one of the headstones?
Why are the tombstones facing in all different directions (Sec. 116)
How many people are currently buried at Spring Grove?
Who came up with the name Spring Grove?
How many people are buried here annually (on average)?
How many different plant-life forms occupy Spring Grove?
How many acres total is Spring Grove?What are the security procedures for the grounds?
Spring Grove Cemetery Colloquium
Marcha Hunley
7 July 2009
What is the significance of the quote on the Lunken Mausoleum?
Who are the Lunkens?
Why are some of the tombstones in the shape of a bench?
How is it that newer plots are mixed in with very old ones?
Why are their fences with ivy over some graves?
Is the sculpture next to John William Becker (architect) one of his works?
Why is their only one date on certain tombstones?
Who pays for the upkeep of the cemetery?
What is the significance of the trees on the Rettig tombstone?
What’s the reasoning behind the grape wraths? (Johnston)
Can people have mausoleums constructed before they die?
How much is a family plot?
Is it pricier to be in the back?
Why are the cemetery roads so curvy?
Why put down blank tombstones?
How much is the average tombstone/headstone?
Do some individuals asked to be buried under trees? (Ida Nave)
Why is there a snake wrapped around a tree/fish on one of the headstones?
Why are the tombstones facing in all different directions (Sec. 116)
How many people are currently buried at Spring Grove?
Who came up with the name Spring Grove?
How many people are buried here annually (on average)?
How many different plant-life forms occupy Spring Grove?
How many acres total is Spring Grove?What are the security procedures for the grounds?
Spring Grove Walk Around
Kimberly Ziccardi and John Thomas
Spring Grove Cemetery Colloquium
Marcha Hunley
2 July 2009
Spring Grove Cemetery Colloquium
Marcha Hunley
2 July 2009
Cemeteries have never given me a good feeling. I always get goose bumps, whenever I think of walking around a cemetery at night. They are gloomy and scary places and definitely no place for children. To me it’s like an unwritten rule not to go lurking around them. I guess in a way I feel it is disrespectful to walk on top of the dead. I even still hold my breath for as long as I can while driving passed them. When I was young, I always justified it by thinking it was unfair for me to be able to breathe and take their air when they are unable to breathe at all. Sounds like more of a goofy justification now that I am older. Growing up, I would watch movies in which they were always portrayed as mysterious places with trouble lurking at every corner. It is where the dead rest and do not want to be disturbed. The main reason behind the fear is due to it being such an unknown place and experience. Also, there are hardly ever happy feelings and emotions attached to a cemetery. The main reason for even being in a cemetery is due to death and morning of loved ones. These are hardly applicable reasons to simply make a cemetery a hang out spot.
I feel the main idea of a cemetery is more for the purpose of the people left behind rather than the dead themselves. Burial grounds and tomb stones allow the living the opportunity to properly morn over their lost loved ones. To visit them on a regular basis and to never forget the mark they had on earth while living. Cemeteries allow visitors to say what was never able to be said when the dead was living. It allows the living to have closure towards the tragic event that has just occurred and a proper good bye to be stated. Lastly cemeteries give lasting memories of those that have passed away with each unique personality engraved in their tomb stone permanently attached to their grave.
I feel the main idea of a cemetery is more for the purpose of the people left behind rather than the dead themselves. Burial grounds and tomb stones allow the living the opportunity to properly morn over their lost loved ones. To visit them on a regular basis and to never forget the mark they had on earth while living. Cemeteries allow visitors to say what was never able to be said when the dead was living. It allows the living to have closure towards the tragic event that has just occurred and a proper good bye to be stated. Lastly cemeteries give lasting memories of those that have passed away with each unique personality engraved in their tomb stone permanently attached to their grave.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
First Impressions
Kimberly Ziccardi
Spring Grove Cemetery Colloquium
Marcha Hunley
2 July 2009
Cemeteries have never given me a good feeling. I always get goose bumps, whenever I think of walking around a cemetery at night. They are gloomy and scary places and definitely no place for children. To me it’s like an unwritten rule not to go lurking around them. I guess in a way I feel it is disrespectful to walk on top of the dead. I even still hold my breath for as long as I can while driving passed them. When I was young, I always justified it by thinking it was unfair for me to be able to breathe and take their air when they are unable to breathe at all. Sounds like more of a goofy justification now that I am older. Growing up, I would watch movies in which they were always portrayed as mysterious places with trouble lurking at every corner. It is where the dead rest and do not want to be disturbed. The main reason behind the fear is due to it being such an unknown place and experience. Also, there are hardly ever happy feelings and emotions attached to a cemetery. The main reason for even being in a cemetery is due to death and morning of loved ones. These are hardly applicable reasons to simply make a cemetery a hang out spot.
I feel the main idea of a cemetery is more for the purpose of the people left behind rather than the dead themselves. Burial grounds and tomb stones allow the living the opportunity to properly morn over their lost loved ones. To visit them on a regular basis and to never forget the mark they had on earth while living. Cemeteries allow visitors to say what was never able to be said when the dead was living. It allows the living to have closure towards the tragic event that has just occurred and a proper good bye to be stated. Lastly cemeteries give lasting memories of those that have passed away with each unique personality engraved in their tomb stone permanently attached to their grave.
Spring Grove Cemetery Colloquium
Marcha Hunley
2 July 2009
Cemeteries have never given me a good feeling. I always get goose bumps, whenever I think of walking around a cemetery at night. They are gloomy and scary places and definitely no place for children. To me it’s like an unwritten rule not to go lurking around them. I guess in a way I feel it is disrespectful to walk on top of the dead. I even still hold my breath for as long as I can while driving passed them. When I was young, I always justified it by thinking it was unfair for me to be able to breathe and take their air when they are unable to breathe at all. Sounds like more of a goofy justification now that I am older. Growing up, I would watch movies in which they were always portrayed as mysterious places with trouble lurking at every corner. It is where the dead rest and do not want to be disturbed. The main reason behind the fear is due to it being such an unknown place and experience. Also, there are hardly ever happy feelings and emotions attached to a cemetery. The main reason for even being in a cemetery is due to death and morning of loved ones. These are hardly applicable reasons to simply make a cemetery a hang out spot.
I feel the main idea of a cemetery is more for the purpose of the people left behind rather than the dead themselves. Burial grounds and tomb stones allow the living the opportunity to properly morn over their lost loved ones. To visit them on a regular basis and to never forget the mark they had on earth while living. Cemeteries allow visitors to say what was never able to be said when the dead was living. It allows the living to have closure towards the tragic event that has just occurred and a proper good bye to be stated. Lastly cemeteries give lasting memories of those that have passed away with each unique personality engraved in their tomb stone permanently attached to their grave.
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