Grave Matters 1

A few weeks back, I decided to spend a rare Friday morning off strolling around Greenwood Cemetery. The weather was spectacular, and, there was nary another living soul there. I neglected to pick up one of the walking maps at the entrance, so I was forced to simply follow my instincts in navigating the labyrinthine pathways. I'm not sure a map would have really made the outing more enjoyable - sure, it's the easiest way to locate the graves of famous Greenwood "residents," but there is more than enough intriguing landscaping, sculpture and funereal architecture to hold one's interest for several hours.

I highly recommend a visit. There are guided tours scheduled for Oct 28th, 29th and Nov. 4th. Booking information is at their website.

In the meantime, I'll be posting more photos and historical tidbits to help set the mood for Halloween.

Comments

[billy]

ethereal

[Pip]

Aren't you supposed to be on vacation, Steve-o? Get off the internet and go see some sights!

[Steve-o]

To all budding video artistes out there - they wouldn't let me use a video camera in Greenwood cemetary.

[Dope]

Avoid the guided tours at all costs. They take all the mystery and wonder out of the experience.

I'd say that's probably right, but the "performance art" tour we took last year during OHNY was pretty cool - especially when they let you into some of the crypts with only candle light to illuminate actors nestled in the cells portraying various lost souls. All accompanied by creepy accordian music. Of course, we scampered off on our own about 45 minutes into the tour.

punctuated by lakes, fountains and reflecting pools

And... I could swear there are fake mechanical alligators in one of the ponds. I'll have to go back and verify. Presumable it's to keep the geese away from the monuments in the middle.

[Sunset Parker]

Having spent lots of time in Greenwood, I'd say your initial wandering instincts were the right ones (though grabbing a map is a good idea). Avoid the guided tours at all costs. They take all the mystery and wonder out of the experience. Imagine the day you had if you were tromping around with forty or fifty people, stopping every five minutes for fifteen minutes of standing on graves, craning your ears while the guide talked (the info is cool, but you can read it in a book or on the web) Its nowhere near as gratifying as wandering around alone or with one or two people. Greenwood is basically a gothic sculpture garden (punctuated by lakes, fountains and reflecting pools) the size of Prospect Park and never more beautiful than autumn...