In memory of Lance.

This blog was started by Lance and I to commemorate our time spent with each other visiting cemeteries. Lance passed away on August 3, 2012. I have decided that I would restart this blog in his memory. Please bear with me as I go through our countless photos and post them. I will also include cemetery knowledge and facts. I think that this is a way that can make me feel closer to him and to share his passion with all of you. Thank you for reading. Dawn

Montgomery Ward Monument Catalog

Heres a little bit more on the catalog blog series. This one deals with the Montgomery Ward and has a little comparison to the Sears Catalog.




There are 28 pages to the Montgomery Ward catalog but the Sears catalog was well over twice the size of this one at its peak. The Sears catalog began monument sales in the late 1880’s for several years before the independent production of the Monuments and Markers catalog in 1902. This continued on for several years before ceasing production in the 1940’s.

I am not sure if the markers are identifiable in any way so this makes examples a bit harder to track down. The images depicted in the advertisement are basic images with no outstanding characteristics. I have no idea really if they have no makers mark or if it says Sears, Roebuck and Co. or Montgomery Ward in a corner of the stone near the bottom. Despite searching extensively, I have yet to see any sign of a makers mark while searching online background information. I have yet to notice any in any cemeteries but have not looked for them either. As many sales as Sears had through catalog sales at that time, the potential number of markers in existence is staggering for them alone, not to mention other catalogs. The images are fairly common and may be see in most older cemeteries.


Not only could grave markers be purchases but the catalogs sold other things to decorate the grave site as well. Benches, urns, vases, fencing, and ceramic portraits were popular items as well. FYI for those interested:

http://quarriesandbeyond.org/articles_and_books/pdf/montgomery_ward_monument_catalog_1929.pdf

This a link to the 1929 Montgomery Ward Catalog. Its best to save this to a computer and then print it out if you are interested in doing so. That sums it up this edition on catalogs anyway.


Lance

Heres some examples from catalog pages of tombstone markers that I managed to track down on the web. The Sears catalog began monument sales in the late 1880’s for several years before the independent production of the Monuments and Markers catalog in 1902. This continued on for several years before ceasing production in the 1940’s.

Upon talking to a friend of mine, John Martine, I was impressed with the number of catalogs (at least two other companies produced catalogs) that existed from which monuments could be purchased. The variety of styles is impressive as well. He shared some of the images from these catalogs with me and I am truly grateful.

do's and don'ts to cemetery photography

Take a strong flashlight... use it to shine across the stones, (not directly at stone) ... this will "raise" shadows to read those that are worn away by time.
Take a very soft broom/brush... helps sweep off dirt / debris / bird droppings.
Take a squirt bottle of water... sometimes darkening / wetting the stone makes it easier to read.
Take a digital camera with "many pixels"... this allows you to zoom in and adjust colors / brightness which sometimes helps.
Take Pelon (fabric interface from any fabric store) or large sheets of newsprint paper... to do rubbings if stone is in "safe" condition.. never try to do a rubbing on a stone that is disintegrating. You will also need special crayons / charcoal for the rubbings if you choose to do this.
Take small hand clippers... to trim away overgrown vegetation.
Take gloves to clear vines, dirt, sticks, pricky thorns.
Take bug spray and some bandaids when you do get a thorn in your thumb.
Make sure it is ok with the cemetery to take photos.. on a rare occasion, it will be a private property / need permission to enter.
Make sure you take all angles and sides of stone. Many times names are also on the back and sides of the stones... (4 sides, 4 names etc)
Be sure to photograph the memorials / markers for veterans (there are different ones for different wars.. a bit of history there)
Take a notepad to make notes ... if repairs need to be done, broken granite around "plate", leaning, missing vase, etc. Then report to cemetery "owner/office"
Take knee pads / towel to kneel on.
Take a ziplock / small bag to collect trash / paper/ broken glass... then dispose of.
Take container of baby wipes for your hands / face / and sometimes photos or images on stone that need a touch up of cleaning.
Take a map of the cemetery - showing plots / areas / landmarks.
Make sure you take "surrounding photos" of the graves... so you can share / show that Auntie Em is by the huge pine tree, near the water spigot, across the road from the Veterans memorial...
Always leave the cemetery in better shape than when you arrived. Never leave a mess.

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Below is an excerpt from Lance with Southern Necropolis Photography and a few of his pieces. Enjoy...

I started Southern Necropolis Photography as a way to spend some time with my wife Dawn and to spend time in our favorite places, cemeteries. Most of the ones we visit are rural cemeteries in the south, which many people would overlook as being interesting. Nothing could be further from the truth. Many of the cemeteries are near the thriving and bustling communities from the past that have now lost their luster and appeal to the masses. We have planned several trips to various places, large and small, to visit cemeteries and other historical sites and have yet to be disappointed. Visiting and photographing these locations is a way to relax and learn from the past but to enjoy nature as well. Sharing some of the results of these adventures is only fitting.



I have to say a special thank you to my wife Dawn and those whom have I have met on here to advise and assist me in my photography maturation, Chris and John. Also, an extra special thanks to Meg for making this possible and inspiring me further!



Lance

Welcome to Southern Necropolis Photography

Welcome and thank you for checking us out. We are just getting started so bear with us. All types of new things will be added in the next few days. Any input or comments will be appreciated.