The Vermont Old Cemetery Association (VOCA)

For fellow Taphophiles.....

I have been waiting for a while for this particular organization to complete its website construction, so I could post a direct link, etc.... and the other day I discovered that it has been completed.  I used to be a member of this organization, before I moved to Massachusetts over a decade ago.  I am sending in my $40.00 check for a 5 year membership today.  $200.00 will give you a life time membership.

"The Vermont Old Cemetery Association (VOCA) was founded in 1958 to encourage the restoration and preservation of neglected and abandoned cemeteries in the State of Vermont. Vermont cemeteries date back to the 1700's. They are memorials to the people who endured hardships to settle Vermont when it was a Republic, and to their many descendants. In many instances, there are no surviving members of families to watchdog and preserve their family gravestones. It is up to us to safeguard these sacred emblems."

I cannot say enough about this organization!   VOCA has been responsible for the perpetual care and the preservation of countless cemeteries across the state, restoring and caring for some public, and often very forgotten grave yards.  History is discovered and recovered!  

"Our members are constantly working in all parts of the state, in cemeteries large and small, righting and cleaning grave markers, clearing brush, fixing fences, repairing damaged markers, and recording inscriptions."

BURIAL GROUNDS OF VERMONT 

"The Vermont Old Cemetery Association's book "Burial Grounds of Vermont," was first published in 1991, and edited by Arthur and Frances Hyde.

The book is a record of pertinent information regarding more than 2,000 cemeteries and burial grounds throughout the State. It also includes information on some monumental stones which are not actual burial sites. Information also tells the period of their use, the approximate number of burials, the 'condition' of the burial ground at a particular point in time, when the last survey was completed, and by whom, known lists of interments, and in a few instances a "Research Notes" page with history, maps, photographs and burial information. The book includes maps with black "bullets" with white numbers matching up with verbal descriptions of locations on the descriptive page.

This would be a unique gift to give someone interested in the state's genealogy/history. All proceeds go to help the organization.

Burial Grounds of Vermont is now available on CD for $20. Please send your check to: Charles E. Marchant Box 132 Townshend, VT 05353"

NEWSLETTERS

The Association publishes an interesting newsletter four times a year. It includes articles on cemetery laws, care, and preservation aids.  

As a member, you will receive these, free.  They are truly interesting and informative newsletters - and fun to receive in the mail!

MORE ABOUT THE ASSOCIATION

From the website:

"Our members are constantly working in all parts of the state, in cemeteries large and small, righting and cleaning grave markers, clearing brush, fixing fences, repairing damaged markers, and recording inscriptions."

"We provide cash grants to individuals and groups who need financial assistance in starting and conducting restoration projects."

"VOCA encourages publicity: newspaper, magazine, radio, 
television, parade floats, cemetery tours, fair exhibits, and can often provide interesting speakers and slide shows."

"Our organization has led the way for other states to participate in cemetery restoration: New Hampshire, Maine, and Wisconsin have followed VOCA's example."

"VOCA encourages memorial gifts of any denomination, for by memorializing your own, you promote the work of VOCA and contribute towards the attainment of its goals. Gifts are tax-deductible."


"We have hundreds of members: a dozen charter members, groups such as towns, historical and patriotic societies, Granges, Home Demonstration and other community groups, individuals and families scattered throughout the entire United States."

FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF VETERAN GRAVESTONES:

The National Cemetery Administration in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) furnishes upon request, at no charge to the applicant, a Government headstone or marker for the unmarked grave of any deceased eligible Veteran in any cemetery around the world, regardless of their date of death.

For eligible veterans that died on or after Nov. 1, 1990 and whose grave is marked with a privately purchased headstone, VA may also furnish a headstone or marker to supplement the graves or a Medallion to be affixed to a privately purchased headstone.

Flat markers in granite, marble, and bronze and upright headstones in granite and marble are available. Bronze niche markers are also available to mark columbaria used for internment of cremated remains. The style chosen must be permitted by the officials in charge of the private cemetery where it will be placed.

When burial or memorization is in a national cemetery, state Veterans' cemetery, or military post/base cemetery, a headstone or marker will be ordered by the cemetery officials based on inscription information provided by the next of kin or authorized representative.

Spouses and dependents are not eligible for a Government-furnished headstone or marker unless they are buried in a national cemetery, state Veteran's cemetery, or military post/base cemetery.

SUBMISSIONS

"If you hear about something in the news or in your community that you think would make a good item for our web page, please drop us an email. Links to relevant articles and pictures are appreciated.
If you have a story that you want to tell about a Vermont cemetery, gravestone, cemetery project, or other cemetery related matter, please contact us at your earliest convenience. Pictures to help tell the story are also very much appreciated.

If you have an instruction, correction, addition, or subtraction for the web site, our contact information is given below.

If you have an idea for a new web page or new content for the web site, we are all ears.

If you have information about a Vermont cemetery that will expand, enhance or correct our database, please contact our Cemetery Database Administrator."

Contacts:

VOCA Webmaster
Barry Trutor
btrutor@burlingtontelecom.net 

VOCA Cemetery Database Administrator
Tom Ledoux

cemeterydba@voca58.org

The website is:  http://www.voca58.org/

Odd Fellows and Knights

While traveling through Hyde Park, Vermont a couple of weeks ago, I stopped at the Village Cemetery to take some pictures, and I was struck by all of the strange Veteran grave medallions and flags that were in this grave yard. Some of them are identifiable, others - not so much.  One thing was certain, this town was bursting with pride for those who gave the "ultimate sacrifice".  I also learned about the "I.O.O.F.", and the "Knights of Pythias" grave medallions and flags, which was an interesting twist to this adventure!

I.O.O..F.  Grave Marker (see below)

1883

An example of an Independent Order of Odd Fellows flag (See definition, below)

"Several theories aim to explain the meaning of the name "Odd Fellows". One is that they were called "odd" because in the beginning of Odd Fellowship in the 18th century, at the time of industrialization, it was rather odd to find people who followed noble values such as benevolence, charity and fraternalism.

A variation on that theory states: "The Odd Fellows, at least according to one story, got its curious name from the fact that it was a lodge that opened its doors to the working class who at that time did not ordinarily belong to fraternal orders—and were thus 'odd'. This may or may not be true as the Odd Fellows have been around for a long time and a good many things get lost in the fog of history." Another theory states that Odd Fellows were people who engaged in miscellaneous or "odd" trades. In the 18th century, major trades were organized in guilds or other forms of syndicate, but smaller trades did not have any social or financial security. For that reason, people who exercised unusual trades joined together to form a larger group of "odd" fellows. Finally, a slightly different version of this second theory states: "By the 13th century, the tradesmen's Guilds had become established and prosperous. During the 14th Century, with the growth of trade, the guild 'Masters' moved to protect their power (and wealth) by restricting access to the Guilds. In response, the less experienced (and less wealthy) 'Fellows' set up their own rival Guilds. In smaller towns and villages, there weren't enough Fellows from the same trade to set up a local Guild, so Fellows from a number of trades banded together to form a local Guild of Fellows from an odd assortment of trades. Hence, Guilds of Odd Fellows.

"The Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) is a global altruistic and benevolent fraternal organization derived from the British Oddfellows service organizations of the 17th century. There are a number of explanations of the origin of the name – for example:  

    In 17th century England, it was odd to find people organized for the purpose of giving aid to those in need and of pursuing projects for the benefit of all mankind. Those who belonged to such an organization were called "Odd Fellows".

The Order is also known as "The Three Link Fraternity", referring to the Order's "Triple Links" logo - three links contain the letters F, L and T, (Friendship, Love and Truth).

The word "Independent" in the organization's name was given by the English parent organization as part of the chartered title of the new North American chapter:

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows was founded on the North American Continent in Baltimore, Maryland, on April 26, 1819 when Thomas Wildey and four members of the Order from England instituted Washington Lodge No. 1. This lodge received its charter from Manchester Unity of Odd Fellows in England.

Odd Fellowship became the first fraternity in the U.S. to include both men and women when it adopted the "Beautiful Rebekah Degree" on September 20, 1851. This degree is based on teachings found in the Holy Bible, and was written by the Honorable Schuyler Colfax who was Vice President of the United States during the period 1868-1873. Odd Fellows and Rebekahs were also the first U.S. fraternal organizations to establish homes for senior members and for orphaned children." 

"The Knights of Pythias is a fraternal organization and secret society founded at Washington, DC, on 19 February 1864.  Knights of Pythias in a parade in Racine, Wisconsin, ca. 1910
The Knights of Pythias was the first fraternal organization to receive a charter under an act of the United States Congress.  It was founded by Justus H. Rathbone, who had been inspired by a play by the Irish poet John Banim about the legend of Damon and Pythias. This legend illustrates the ideals of loyalty, honor and friendship that are the center of the order. The order has over 2,000 lodges in the United States and around the world, with a total membership of over 50,000 in 2003. Some lodges meet in structures referred to as Pythian Castles.


History

Early in the group's history, when a man was inducted into the Knights of Pythias he received a ceremonial sword.  Such swords might be given to a Pythian by family members, business associates, or others as a token of esteem. In recent decades, rather than require each member to own a sword, the local chapter maintains a collection of swords for use by its members. Long, narrow swords are generally used in public during parades and drills, while short swords are used in displays.
Markings on swords varied widely. Most swords were inscribed with the acronym "FCB," which stands for the Pythian motto ("Friendship, Charity, Benevolence"). Images on swords were also somewhat common, and included: A man, woman and child (symbolic of Pythias saying good-bye to his family); a man looking out of a building, with a group of people below (symbolic of Damon's pending execution); a man between some pillars, pulling them down (similar to Samson destroying his enemy's temple); or various types of weapons (swords, axes, hammers, etc.). A full Knight of the Pythian order often inscribed his sword with the image of a knight's helmet with a lion on the crest. Many also carried the image of a sprig of myrtle (the Pythian symbol of love) or a falcon (the Pythian symbol of vigilance).

Organization

The structure of the Knights of Pythias is three tiered. The local units used to be called "Castles", but overtime came to be called "Subordinate Lodges". State and provincial organizations are called "Grand Lodges" and the national structure is called the "Supreme Lodge" and meets in convention biennially. The officers of the Supreme Lodge include the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, Prelate, Secretary, Treasurer, Master at Arms, Inner Guard and Outer Guard.

The order's auxiliaries are the Pythian Sisters, and two youth organizations: the Pythian Sunshine Girls and the Junior Order of Princes of Syracuse for boys.
The Knights of Pythias also has a side degree, the Dramatic Order of the Knights of Khorassan,  which itself has a female auxiliary, the Nomads of Avrudaka.  Finally, members who have obtained the Knight Degree may join the Uniformed Rank, which participated in parades and other processions. Swords owned by a member of the Uniformed Rank might be inscribed with the acronym, "UR," a dove, or a lily. (The Uniformed Rank was banned in the organization in the 1950s.)

Membership

Membership has historically been open to white males in good health, who believe in a Supreme Being. Maimed individuals were not admitted until 1875. Though the whites only clause was officially adopted in 1871, no black members had been admitted since the founding of the Order. The question of repealing the whites only clause came up in the 1964 and 1968 Supreme Lodges, but was not definitively acted upon. The Order remained whites only until at least 1979. Members are accepted by blackball ballot.  In the early 1920s the Order had nearly a million members, however by 1979 this number had declined to less that 200,000.

Ritual 

Once an initiate is accepted, he must go through a mandatory initiation rite. This includes being blindfolded, kneeling before an altar, and swearing a series of oaths. The candidate must also endure a set of tests to measure his honor and character.

The degrees of Pythian Knighthood in a subordinate lodge (or "Castle") are:

    Page

    Esquire

    Knight

In 1877 the Order adopted an optional fourth degree, called the Endowment Rank, which provided fraternal insurance benefits. In 1930 this department split from the Knights of Pythias and became a mutual life insurance company, later known as the American United Insurance Company.

A member must be at least 18 years of age. He cannot be a professional gambler, or involved with illegal drugs or alcohol and he must have a belief in a Supreme Being. The oath taken by members:

 'I declare upon honor that I believe in a Supreme Being, that I am not a professional gambler, or unlawfully engaged in the wholesale or retail sale of intoxicating liquors or narcotics; and that I believe in the maintenance of the order and the upholding of constituted authority in the government in which I live. Moreover, I declare upon honor that I am not a Communist or Fascist; that I do not advocate nor am I a member of any organization that advocates the overthrow of the Government of the Country of which I am a Citizen, by force or violence or other unlawful means; and that I do not seek by force or violence to deny to other persons their rights under the laws of such country.'

Philanthropy

The Order provides for "worthy Pythians in distress" and has given aid to victims of national or sectional disasters. It runs camps for under-privileged youth and homes for aged members. It has sponsored scholarship funds, blood drives, highway safety programs and the Cystic Fibrosis Research Foundation."

Source: - Wiki

GRAVESTONE SYMBOLISM

Grave Markers, mostly made of stone such as marble, granite, and on early graves, slate.  Generally the type of stone used was abundant in the region from which that person came.  Gravestones are memorials which often depict a symbol representing the deceased, where "funerary art" is often used to commemorate that persons life.  The central focus of gravestones are for mourning and remembrance.

Great links, for more information:

http://headboardsofstone.blogspot.com/2010/01/cemetery-headstone-symbols.html
http://iagenweb.org/ringgold/cemeteries/gravestonesymbols.html
http://www.vintageviews.org/vv-tl/pages/Cem_Symbolism.htm

GRAVESTONE SYMBOLISM

Religious:

Angels - Angels mean spirituality and they guard the tomb.

Bible - A single Holy Bible is often found on Christian stones.

Holy Books (2) - on Mormon headstones indicates the Bible and the Book of Mormon.

Holy Books (3) - on Mormon Headstones, these indicate The Scripture of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints - the Bible, Book of Mormon, and Doctrine & Covenants.

Chalice - Usually used to represent the Sacraments.

Crescent - The deceased was probably a Muslim.

Crown - The soul's achievement and the Glory of life after death.

Cross - The Cross is an emblem of faith. There are many different types of crosses and each may mean something different.

Heart (Sacred) - Usually found in Catholic cemeteries, this heart refers to the suffering of Christ for our sins.

Menorah - An emblem of Judaism

Star of David or Mogen David - Recognized as the international symbol of Judaism.


Mortality:

Arrow - Mortality

Broken Column - This image represents the decay. It usually represents the loss of the Family head.

Candle being Snuffed - Loss of life.

Coffin - Mortality.

Figure with Dart - Mortality

Grim Reaper - Death personified.

Hourglass - Time has run out.

Scythe - An instrument of the harvest, death cuts us down.

Skull and or Skull/ Crossed Bones - Death.

Spade or Crossed Spade and Shovel - Death


Trade and Occupation: (emblems that MIGHT indicate a person's occupation in life)

Barber Bowl (for bleeding) & Razor.

Butcher - An axe, steel knife and cleaver.

Farmer: - Coulter (type of hoe), flail (threshing implement), swingletree (rod for beating flax), stalk of corn.

Gardener - Rake & Spade.

Mason - Wedge & Level

Mariner: - Anchor, Sextant & Cross Staff.

Merchant - Scales, some type of sign.

Minister - Bible

Shoemaker - Leather cutter's Knife, Nippers, Sole cutter & Awl

Smith - Crown, Hammer & Anvil

Teacher - Open Book.

Weaver - Loom, Shuttle & Stretchers.

Wright - A worker skilled in the manufacture especially of wooden objects --usually used in combination , such as a shipwright or wheelwright - Compasses


Resurrection, Eternal Life, Immortality:

Angel - Flying or Trumpeting - Rebirth; Resurrection.

Bird or Bird Flying - Eternal life, Resurrection.

Cross - The Cross means resurrection to many Christians.

Dove - Flying - Resurrection.

Flame, Light, Lamp or Torch - Immortality of the Spirit, Resurrection.

Garland or Wreath - Symbol of saintliness and glory, Victory in death.

Horns - The Resurrection

Ivy - Immortality

Rooster - Awakening; Resurrection.

Star - Death could not overpower the Light of the Spirit which still shines in the darkness.

Sun - A symbol of light and warmth, renewed life and life everlasting.

Trumpeters - Harbingers of the Resurrection

Urn - Immortality (The storing of the vital organs was of extreme importance to the ancient Egyptians who believed that life would be restored through the vital organs placed in the urn).

Animals:

Birds - Eternal life or resurrection.

Butterfly - Short-life.

Dog - Implies a good master worthy of love.

Dove - Seen in both Christian and Jewish cemeteries, the dove means innocence and/ or peace.

Lamb - Usually marks the grave of a child and means Innocence.

Lion - The Lion's eternal watch guards the tomb and stands for Courage.

Rooster - Awakening; Resurrection.


Plants:

Fruits - Eternal plenty as in the fruit of life.

Full-Blown Rose - The deceased died in the prime of life

Ivy - Ivy stands for friendship and also immortality.

Laurel - A symbol of worldly accomplishment and heroism.

Lily - The virgins' flower and also the symbol of innocence and purity.

Morning Glory - Signifies the beginning of Life

Oak., Oak Leaves and Acorn - Oak leaves on tombs can stand for power, authority or victory. Often seen on Military tombs.

Palm Branch - Signifies Victory and Rejoicing

Poppy - Eternal Sleep.

Roses - Roses signify completion and the brevity of earthly existence.

Rosemary - Rosemary is for remembrance. Thistles can also stand for remembrance.

Thistle - Deceased was of Scottish descent.

Tree or Trees

    A Tree stands for life.
    A Tree Sprouting stands for life everlasting.
    Tree Trunk stands for the brevity of life.
    Stones shaped liked Tree Stumps usually signify that the deceased was a member of The Woodmen of the World

Weeping Willow Tree - Perpetual Mourning; Grief.

Wheat Strands or Sheaves - The divine harvest.


Miscellaneous:

Broken Ring - The family circle has been severed.

Cherub - Cherubs are angelic and signify innocence.

Crossed Swords - Military person of high rank.

Hands:

    Hands in cemeteries are usually in one of the following four positions; clasping, praying, pointing, and blessing.
    Hand, Pointing Up - Pathway to heaven.
    Hands, Clasped - Farewells or the bond of marriage
    Hands, Praying - Asking God for Eternal life.
    Hands, Blessing - Blessing of those left behind.

Harp - Praise to the God.

Heart - Love. Stylized hearts stand for the affection of the living for the dead. Two joined hearts on a stone mark a marriage,

Rod or Staff - Comfort for the bereaved.

Stars and Stripes Around Eagle - Eternal vigilance and liberty. Often seen on military markers.

Urn with Flame - Undying remembrance

Source:  http://www.angelfire.com/ky2/cemetery/reid.html

Quick List:
    Anchor/Ships - Hope or Seafaring profession
    Angel, Flying- Rebirth; Resurrection.
    Angel, Trumpeting - Resurrection.
    Angel, Weeping - Grief and Mourning.
    Arch - Victory in death.
    Arrow - Mortality.
    Bird - Eternal life.
    Bird, Flying - Resurrection.
    Book-Representation of a holy book: i.e. the Bible.
    Covenants - All of which are scripture to the LDS Church.
    Breasts (Gourds, Pomegranates) - Nourishment of the soul; the church.
    Bouquets/Flowers - Condolences, grief, sorrow
    Broken Column - Loss of Head of Family
    Broken Ring - Family Circle Severed
    Buds/Rosebud - Morning of Life or Renewal of Life
    Bugles - Resurrection and the Military
    Butterfly - Short-lived - Early Death
    Candle being Snuffed - Time, mortality
    Cherub - Angelic
    Coffin, Father Time, Picks/Shovels, Darts - Mortality
    Columns and Doors - Heavenly entrance.
    Corn - Ripe Old Age
    Cross - Emblem of Faith
    Crossed Swords - High-ranking military person
    Crown - Glory of life after death.
    Cup or Chalice - The Sacraments.
    Dove - Purity; Devotion.
    Dove, Flying - Resurrection.
    Drapes - Mourning; Mortality.
    Flame or Light - Life; Resurrection.
    Flower - Fragility of life.
    Flower, Severed Stem - Shortened life.
    Flying Birds - Flight of the Soul
    Fruits - Eternal plenty
    Full-Blown Rose - Prime of Life
    Garland or Wreath - Victory in death.
    Grim Reaper - Death personified.
    Hand, Pointing Up - Pathway to heaven; Heavenly reward.
    Hands, Clapsed - The goodbyes said at death.
    Hand of God Chopping - Sudden Death
    Handshakes - Farewell
    Harp - Praise to the Maker
    Heart - Love; Love of God; Abode of the soul; Mortality.
    Horns - The Resurrection
    Hourglass - Passing of time.
    Hourglass, Flying - Time flies.
    Imps - Mortality
    Ivy - Friendship and Immortality
    Lamb - Innocence.
    Laurel - Fame or Victory
    Lily or Lily of Valley - Emblem of Innocence and Purity
    Lion - Courage; The Lion of Judah.
    Morning Glory - Beginning of Life
    Oak Leaves and Acorn - Maturity, Ripe Old Age
    Open Book/ Bible - Deceased Teacher, Minister, etc.
    Pall - Mortality.
    Palm Branch - Signifies Victory and Rejoicing
    Pick - Death; Mortality.
    Poppy - Sleep
    Portals - Passageway to eternal journey
    Rod or Staff - Comfort for the bereaved.
    Rooster - Awakening; Resurrection.
    Roses - Brevity of earthly existence
    Scythe - Death; The divine harvest.
    Seashell - Resurrection; Life everlasting; Life's pilgrimage.
    Sheaf of Wheat - Ripe for Harvest, Divine Harvest, Time
    Skull - Mortality.
    Skull/ Crossed Bones - Death.
    Skeleton - Life's brevity.
    Snake (Tail in Mouth) - Everlasting life in heaven.
    Spade - Mortality; Death.
    Stars and Stripes Around Eagle - Eternal Vigilance, Liberty
    Sun Rising - Renewed life.
    Sun Shining - Life everlasting.
    Sun Setting - Death.
    Thistle - Scottish descent.
    Thistles - Remembrance
    Tombs - Mortality
    Torch Inverted - Life Extinct
    Tree - Life.
    Tree Sprouting - Life everlasting.
    Severed Branch - Mortality.
    Tree Stump - Life interrupted.
    Tree Stump w/Ivy - Head of Family - Immortality
    Tree Trunk - Brevity of life.
    Tree Trunk Leaning - Short interrupted life.
    Trumpeters - Heralds of the Resurrection
    Urn - Immortality
    Urn with /Wreath or Crepe - Mourning
    Urn with Blaze - Undying Friendship
    Weeping Willow Tree - Mourning; Grief; Nature's lament.
    Willows - Earthly Sorrow
    Winged Face - Effigy of the deceased soul; the soul in flight.
    Winged Skull - Flight of the soul from mortal man.
    Wreath - Victory.
    Wreath on Skull - Victory of death over life.
    Wheat Strands or Sheaves - The divine harvest.

Source: http://www.olivetreegenealogy.com/misc/grave.shtml

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.  - Mary Frye, 1932