3/17/14

Happy Saint Patricks ay Everyone!! This was the first week back from Spring Break and the time change, so Wednesday was a very arduous day. I did make headway with Osteen Cemetery transcriptions then which allowed for me to understand more people of import when visiting the cemetery on Friday.

             On Friday, we visited several cemeteries all which had their own unique feel and appearance that allowed for it to stand out more so. The first stop was the Lake Helen & Cassadaga Cemetery, which I have mentioned just a few times on this blog. I was very excited to visit for two different reasons. The first is that though I am still learning about the history of Florida, the Lake Helen & Cassadaga history really fascinated me. Secondly, I have always heard of the infamous “devil’s chair” in Cassadaga which is nothing more then vandalized mourning chairs. Just looking at the chairs one can assume that the chairs were put in place for remaining family could sit and remember or in a sense spend time with their dearly departed loved ones. When I arrived, I was expecting one ominous appearing chair, instead there were three intriguing and simplistic chairs. The entire cemetery had a feel of what could be considered beautifully angst-ridden cemetery that becomes more intriguing the longer you’re there.

            The next cemetery we ventured to was Osteen Cemetery, which is another I was excited to visit.

It’s amazing how one can imagine a cemetery to look like and it can be drastically different. I imagined a small, compact cemetery similar to Mount Zion Cemetery. Instead, it was a large, sprawling cemetery that was very calming. Adding to the serene atmosphere that can only be felt at a cemetery, were wind chimes hanging in the looming pine trees.

From Pi(e) Day!

It also had one of the most larger historic burials than I’ve noticed in the smaller cemeteries, it may not have been more but it was the most orderly and one of the best preserved plots I have encountered. Also on Friday it was National Pi Day and so my coworker and I stopped at Osteen Diner and had a celebratory slice!

            

Enterprise Cemetery

The last two cemeteries were Enterprise and Hollywood. With Enterprise, there is a fairly empty expanse that I believe would have unmarked graves. It was pretty, but did not stand out to me. Hollywood Cemetery was beautiful and similar to Oakdale, but not nearly as expansive.

"Don't blink"

There was a beautiful combination of older and newer headstones/obelisks that were all maintained very well, but there were some beautiful newer headstones that were just exquisite. The weeping angel monument was expertly carved and I was actually surprised to see that here. I’ve read about those monuments to be popular in France, but not in the States.

            I know that next Friday we will be visiting Emporia and my boss will be along for we will try to find a few graves that are somewhat unsure of the whereabouts. I am looking forward to that and additional adventures and discovery that I may experience. 

Before I wrap up this post I do want to mention the River of Lakes Heritage Corridor Scenic Highway, they work to promote learning and active involvement within the community, including creating awareness for historic cemeteries.  I was recently featured on their Facebook page (which can be accessed here x) and they are in the middle of revamping their website to include more detailed information about cemeteries Volusia County is working to document and preserve.  They have a fascinating website and I would recommend anyone interested in digging deeper into the history and even activities available in areas like DeLand and Sanford to check it out! (x)