RUCKERS TOMB

Evergreen Cemetery.......

While driving by Evergreen Cemetery a few days ago, I caught a glimpse

through the trees of the massive Ruckers Tomb.

I hadn't seen the tomb in years* so I decided to take the time to visit.

Built in 1907 by the Rucker Brothers to honor their mother, Jane,

the tomb stands about 50 feet tall.

The granite tomb houses the remains of several of the Rucker family members.

There are twentytwo crypts in the tomb, about half of which are occupied.

At the time the tomb was built the cost was $30,000,

a fortune at that time.

The Rucker family is one of the prominent pioneer families of Everett, Wa.

and there are members of the family still living in Everett today.

Evergreen Cemetary has four governors buried there , as well as

Sen. Henry M. "Scoop" Jackson.

*Years ago I MIGHT have climbed this tomb

with friends......at night.....in the dark......

On second thought, I am taking the fifth.

                                                              

Victorian Mourning Hair Art

Victorian "Family Tree" Hair Art Book..........................

There are nine pages in this amazing  book.

These pages were at one time tied together,

but the "ties" or ribbons are gone.

The family represented in these pages was from the Nora Springs,

Iowa area, and the dates are from 1887-1897.

Lillian M. Seaman......18yrs.

Benjamin Seaman...born August 6,1823

Binnie F. Seaman....born Oct. 30,1843........54years old

Alma......19 years old. Born 29,1867....died Sept. 26,1887.

This also has her hair from when she was two years old.

Josie, 17 years old, born August 31,1870...died Sept. 26, 1887

(Josie died the same day that Alma did. Interesting.)

Callie, 25 years old...born May 3, 1872.

This also has Callies baby hair.

Great Grandma Williams....83 years old.

Grandma Williams.....53 years old

Grandpa Williams.....80 years old.

Benji F. .....18years old....born Sept.4,1878

Everett F., born Sept 3, 1877......died Oct10,1894

Age 18.

( at one time a curl of baby hair was on this page)

The cover of this album.

I thought this was a real interesting example of

mourning hair art....as well as an interesting way to record a family tree.

Some in this family died at an early age and some lived to what was quite an old age for this time.

I am intrigued by the fact that two of the girls seemed to have died on the same day,

(Josie and Alma)

I wonder what the circumstances were?

Also the fact that some of the family have hair from when they were

babies as well as when they were older is interesting to me.

Was this because it was customary to collect "first curls"?

And was the fact that so many children died in early childhood the reason that

this was customary?

I think this is a lovely way to  mourn, remember,

and celebrate family members.

I do however find it sad that this is no longer in the possession

of the family that took the time to make this

tribute.

(This was offered in an online auction, I contacted the owner and 

she gave her permission to share it with you. )

Mary Mourning Jesus

THE PIETA

Pieta

William-Adalphe Bouguereau

1876 

anonymous, circa 1500 (?)

Michelangelo

The Pieta is a subject in Christian art depicting

The Virgin Mary cradling the dead body of Jesus,

most often found in sculpture.

(Wikipedia)

                                                                                  

Mourning Etching

                                     

This is an antique etching print

circa 1890.

I thought the remarque etching of the funeral

wreath with ribbons was particulary interesting.

                                                                            

The Artist, SUSAN LENZ

Headstone Rubbings.........................


Some of the most interesting Memorial Art I have come across lately is an art project called "Grave Rubbing
Quilt Series" by Susan Lenz. Susan does rubbings and then using a combination of machine and handstitching turns them into amazing "wall quilts". I wanted to show you a few of my favorites.

"Weep Not For Me"

"Weep Not For Me".........reverse side

"In God's Care"

"In God's Care".....reverse side

"He Who Is"

"He Who Is" reverse side

                                                                               
I love that Susan uses various vintage textiles as the backings for these wall quilts. For me it's like Susan
takes a subject that could be considered solemn and through her use of oft times colorful textiles on the back
and the addition of buttons on the front , in her own unique way turns these art works instead into a respectful celebration of someones life.

A quote from Susans blog: " Mortality, especially my own, and MEMORY.....these are the feelings
I have when visiting cemetaries......and I love walking through graveyards. There are stories just beneath the surface....entire families who have left a mark, a name, a clue to their existence. I feel close to history and part of the inevitable evolution of life. I think about the work I want to make before I die. I think about the symbolic hourglass and the sands of time.....how do I want to spend the remaining years, months, weeks, days, hours....."

Susan has created a blog dedicated solely to this series, you can find it listed on my blogroll at the left.
This isn't the only art she does, she has other incredible series, and installations as well. If you would like to see more of Susans art you can go to her main blog, http://artbysusanlenz.blogspot.com/ and from there you will be able to find your way to her other blogs and sites.

I WONDER WHO SHE IS?

      Memento Mori.....

Very old 11"x9" oil on canvas painting,

probably  1700-1800.

Likely Latin American or Spanish.

I came across this on Ebay, unfortunately

beyond my budget.

Even needing repair I find it beautiful.