The Face in the Cemetery

With our recent move to Middletown in Delaware there were a lot of things that needed to be done before I could scratch that itch. The itch I’m referring to is the need to get out and find the historical markers, cemeteries, libraries and meet with local genealogical and historical societies. I’m sure most of you know that itch and can’t wait to scratch it. I started compiling that “itch list” as we were out driving around town and getting familiar with the new area, yes I have a long list.

A couple of times while taking my kids to school or doctor appointments I noticed this beautiful old cemetery sitting on the corner of Old Saint Anne’s Church road and Summit Bridge road.  I placed this particular cemetery, Old Saint Anne’s Church Cemetery, on that itch list that I wanted to visit. If you have been following my blog this is the same cemetery that had the “No Sledding” sign. After about the fourth time driving by that small itch turned into a large itch that had to be scratched, ASAP. What caused that you might ask well it's simple “The Face”. It was one of those “what” moments that had me turn the car around to see if my eyes were playing an early Halloween Spooky Cemetery trick on me.  Once I pointed it out to my kids they refused to look for fear of what the face might do or what might jump out in front of or beside the car. 

I managed to scratch that itch a few weeks later. I couldn't help myself and during one of the kid’s appointments I had to walk across the street and stroll through the cemetery. Took a few photographs, read some of the inscriptions and got a closer look at “The Face”. So take a look for yourself and see if you can see “The Face” on the top of the tombstone in the photographs below.   

At first glance I thought small skulls were decorating the top. Upon closer look I don’t think they are, but that being said I’m not really sure what they are and what they represent. 

COL. JOSEPH HANSON

1845-1932

JOSEPH H. HANSON

BORN OCTOBER 3, 1820

DIED FEBRUARY 1, 1858

_________

MARY B.

WIFE OF JOSEPH H. HANSON

BORN NOV. 19 1816

Sledding in a Cemetery

We have all seen those signs posted throughout our communities of “No Trespassing”, “Keep Off Lawn” and even more popular in some shopping centers “No Skateboarding Allowed”.  But on a recent visit or actually research trip to a local cemetery here in Middletown I ran across a sign that I never thought I would see.

Yes you are reading it correctly; “NO SLEDDING IN THE CEMETERY”. I noticed it while driving by the Old St. Anne's Church Cemetery and thought it was not only out of place but really strange. So during a visit to the cemetery I had to take this photograph and share with all of you. I walked to the back and found the reason for the sign, there is a large hill that would be an attraction for those wanting to sled. I can't help but wonder what kind of family goes sledding through a cemetery and I have to admit find it disturbing and disrespectful to those buried there and their families. Don't worry I'm not posting this to jump on a soap box, just sharing something I think I'd ever see at a cemetery. I did speak with some business's across the street from the cemetery.  They confirmed during the winter when snow is on the ground people will park in their parking lots, unload the sleds and cross the street to go sledding. 

I'm curious, have any of you seen unusual signs like this sledding one during your research though cemeteries. If so please share I would like to see them and hear the stories behind your find and how you came across the signs.