Thursday, June 11, 2009

More Cemetery Dirt ~ Giveaway Day 5


I promised you more tidbits about the two cemeteries that we visited in New Orleans. And here it is!

Lafayette Cemetery I ~ This cemetery is located near the Garden District of New Orleans. {The Garden District is a huge neighborhood of some of the best preserved Southern Mansions in the U.S. Most of which have immaculate landscapes.}


This cemetery features prominently in Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicle books. A portion of the film, 'Interview With a Vampire' was filmed in this cemetery. This is a city owned cemetery and people of all races and religions were entombed here.



St. Louis Cemetery I ~ This cemetery is owned and administered by the Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans. At the rear of the cemetery is a small section set aside for Protestants and within that was a tiny parcel for Blacks. St. Louis I was once larger than it is today. 'Progress' has encroached on the fringes of the cemetery with homes being built where once there were tombs. Even part of the Louisiana Supredome sits on what was once grave sites. {Don't worry! The evicted residents were re-interred within the current cemetery walls}


This cemetery is also featured in Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicle books. And a part of the movie 'Easy Rider' was filmed here.


General Cemetery Dirt ~ The practice of above ground burial is of Spanish-French influence. Though it was quite practical in an area where the water table is usually only a matter on inches below the ground's surface. A Tomb's design was a matter of personal (family) preference, with the style being whatever was fashionable at the time of construction (and the size of the wallet as a determining factor).


Marble was the main construction material but brick (covered with plaster) is also commonly used. Few tombs made from Cast Iron have survived due to the humid climate and constant care that is required to maintain them to prevent rust. Wrought Iron (much sturdier than cast iron) fences and adornments can be found in both cemeteries. Law prevents a tomb from being opened less than one year and one day from the previous entombment - this is to aid in disease prevention.


I hope you have enjoyed your tour of just two of the numerous cemeteries that can be found in the Crescent City. So until tomorrow...
"Who Knows What Evil Lurks in the Hearts of Men....."

10 comments:

JenW!~ said...

Thanks for the interesting facts. I didn't know that about Anne Rice's books and I never watched Interview with a Vampire, but that sure makes me want to.

Unknown said...

They are awesome!!!

AwtemNymf said...

What great facts I learned here (and all week long). Thank you! I think it was smart NOT to open a current tomb for a period of 1 year and a day for disease prevention. SMART! And I love the rustic look! Love the wrought iron too. Thanks for sharing- I enjoyed visiting- always!
Hugs!

Anonymous said...

LOVE the pictures and the cool facts!
hugs,
Missy

ps.. I'm having an anniversary giveaway on my blog right now!

Haunted Swamp Designs said...

OMG! I love cemetery's! Great pic's! I bet you had a wonderful time!
:-)

Anonymous said...

You're making me want to go even more! ☺

Renee said...

Jeanne did you read the Anne Rice books. They were fantastic.

I love the cemeteries.

Zan Asha said...

Hey Jeanne, awesome! I worked in NOLA for a short time, and you can't touch on it without talking about the tomb of Marie Laveau the Voodoo Queen! The cemetaries are strangely beautiful, all in all!

Jeanne said...

Hubby & I had the MOST AWESOME time in New Orleans! And will go back again first chance we get! And yes, I've read all of the Mayfair Witch books and the Vampire Chronicle books.
So glad everyone enjoyed the visit to the cemeteries! :0)

Tammy said...

lOVING ALL YOUR POST ON CEMETERIES, WOULD LOVE TO GO AND VISIT SOMEDAY..
AFTER I AM THROUGH WITH THE ART AUCTION FOR ALEXIS, I WILL GO TAKE SOME PHOTOS AND STORIES ON THE GRAVES IN OUR CEMETERY NEXT DOOR..
HAVE A GREAT NIGHT!
THANKS FOR SHARING!
TAMMY