Unique Memorial Art Gallery Celebrating Life
November 1, 2009
Tucked away on a quiet American hillside is one of the most stunning and unique art exhibits in the world. This amazing exhibition isn’t in a museum or a gallery – it’s in a cemetery. Hope Cemetery is located in Barre, Vermont, home to one of the world’s largest granite quarries. Early in the 20th century the abundance of quality granite attracted many gifted European stone cutters and sculptors to Barre, where the craft still thrives today.
Hope Cemetery, created by renowned landscape artist Edward Adams, opened in 1895. Its location in Barre provided local stone artisans with a gallery for their work. When it first opened it was 53 acres and has since expanded to 65. The outdoor exhibit contains an amazing 10,000 monuments, many of which are distinctly unique and intricately carved. All are created from Barre Grey granite. One of the cemetery’s most unusual monuments is a pajama-clad couple holding hands in what looks like a bed, their torsos against a single headboard, and their legs in twin tomb beds. The inscription on the monument reads: “Set me as a seal upon thine heart for love is strong as death – Song of Solomon 8:6.” Another loved one is remembered in a raised relief of a soldier smoking; a woman’s face floats in the haze wafting from the cigarette. Other stone sculptures feature items such as a large soccer ball, a race car, lumber trucks, airplanes, a life-sized, stuffed easy chair with Bettini inscribed into it, and a square monument simply inscribe “Hurry.” One riveting monument is cut from a single block of granite and is inscribed “Elia Corti.” It features a life-sized image of a man sitting on a rock ledge in a contemplative pose. The hand-carved sculpture is so detailed and intricate that the figure looks as if it might spring from the rock. The carving was done by the brother of the deceased. Both brothers were stone cutters. In fact, many of the monuments were created by stone cutters for other deceased stone cutters or their families. There are stories that suggest some cutters created their own unique monuments before passing on. “The desire to be remembered is something that differentiates human beings from other animals,” says Dave Reeson, president of Remco Memorials, a close follower of memorial practices in North America. Reeson said more and more people are looking for special ways to keep the memories of their loved ones alive. “It’s one of the last things a family can do for a loved one that has passed on. It allows those who are grieving to say goodbye, while knowing there is a permanent spot where they can return, to visit.” Reeson says monuments such as those at Hope Cemetery allow families to memorialize the personality of the deceased. “It’s not the recording of the date of birth and death that’s important, it’s everything in between. What’s important is what the monument says about the life of that individual.” Hope Cemetery attracts thousands of visitors from around the world. All visitors share in the warm memories that creatively and permanently honor those who have gone before.
The Teardrop Monument Memorial and Teardrop Granite Monument
October 14, 2009
The Teardrop Monument Memorial
This is the “TEAR DROP” constructed and installed by the Russians to honor those who died in 911 and a statement against terrorism presented 9/11/06. This tear drop monument is very impressive. The tear drop is lined up with the Statue of Liberty.
This Tear Drop Monument Memorial is a gift from the people of Russia.”Monument to the struggle against world terrorism, according to artist ZurabCTesereteii”.
This Teardrop Monument is a very impressive memorial and statement against terrorism and makes a very strong statement.
Look at the walkway which is made of stones.
Names of the persons killed on 911 are inscribed on the base, such as base of the Vietnam Memorial wall. It is down in the shipping yards across from “The Statue of Liberty”.
Teardrop Monument
In my experiences, time cures everything, but there are things we cannot and must not forget. It stands more than 100 feet tall, “To the Struggle Against World Terrorism” honors victims of 9/11 and the 1993 World Trade Center bombings and serves a symbol of solidarity in the fight against world terrorism. Created by Russian sculptor Zurab Tsereteli, the memorial was a gift from the Russian people.
The Memorial was dedicated on the fifth anniversary of 9/11, in a ceremony attended by President Bill Clinton, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff, Governor Jon Corzine, Senator Frank Lautenberg, Senator Robert Menendez and family members of World Trade Center victims. Grammy award winner, Leann Rimes, sang the National Anthem.
By day, or nighttime when it is lit, the Memorial is clearly visible from lower Manhattan, the Staten Island Ferry, ships passing through New York Harbor and airplanes approaching Newark Airport.
In October, Harbor View Park officially opened to the public. Harbor View Park was built by the BLRA and funded in part by the Hudson County Open Space Trust Fund and a contribution from Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. Its centerpiece is the 9/11 memorial “To the Struggle Against World Terrorism.” With $600,000 in Green Acres funding from New Jersey’s Department of Environmental Protection, the BLRA will construct a new bulkhead along Harbor View Park’s eastern boundary, stabilize the shoreline, and extend the park all the way to river’s edge.
Monuments Speak to Genealogists
March 17, 2009
“If only these monuments could speak” is a sentiment often expressed by poets and songwriters. In fact, monuments do speak, as any genealogist will tell you.
Genealogy is the study and tracing of families, and cemeteries are vital sources of information for genealogists. When searching for family information, cemetery records and your local library database are invaluable aids, but most would recommend visit to a cemetery.
Monuments often reveal the correct spelling of names, which sometimes get muddled in the telling and re-telling of family stories. Monuments – especially the older ones – may also provide a more complete picture of the person’s origin and interests, and the maiden names of family members. Monuments or symbols used by fraternal orders might indicate what kind of religion or background a person came from.
An iron cross could indicate that the person was of Russian-German descent, for example, says Laura Grzyb, a dedicated genealogist. She has been filling in
branches of her family tree, and her husband’s, since she received a baby book when her first child was born. She has visited every cemetery (and lots of other monuments) where her family monuments are located.
As you would expect, there are active genealogical societies in every corner, but if you’re looking for a cemetery, check first with the searchable index offered by most libraries or historical societies. If you are planning a monument for a loved one, consider how a symbol or a photo would add meaningful information to the monument for generations to come.
There is renewed interest in memorializing important parts of an individual’s life, choosing the right monument and new technologies have created more options for you and your family to make that monument “perfect”.
Top Choice Monuments, Grave Markers, Headstones and Tombstones are SELECT
February 23, 2009
Top Choice Monuments, Grave Markers, Headstones and Tombstones are SELECT
Montana-Monuments now offers an extraordinary monument (headstone, grave marker, or tombstone) which is specially created and distinguishes itself from the rest. By choosing a SELECT monument (headstone, grave marker, or tombstone) for yourself, you can give your loved ones some much-appreciated peace of mind during their time of grieving. You can also be assured that your monument (headstone, grave marker, or tombstone) will be exactly how you envision it.
SELECT MONUMENTS HAVE CUSTOM-MADE SHAPES
Montana-Monuments.com has a wide variety of SELECT monuments (headstones, grave markers, or tombstones) styles, sizes and options. These SELECT monuments (headstones, grave markers, or tombstones) reveal the numerous hours of alert attention to detail that only the premium artisans can provide.
TOP QUALITY VALUE WITH A NEW STANDARD
With attractive prices like never before, this level of craftsmanship is striking. Montana-Monument’s prices give every individual or family the affordability to a monument (headstone, grave marker, or tombstone) with true imaginative merit.
CUSTOMER GUARANTEE
You deserve high-quality granite that is precisely cut and carefully polished, and knowledgeable consultants who are dedicated to helping you select a monument (headstone, grave marker, or tombstone) which truly represents your feelings and sentiments. At Montana-Monuments, you can rest assured knowing that your monument (headstone, grave marker, or tombstone) will be created by caring, experienced professionals.
Montana-Monuments have an “Everlasting Guarantee” which is furnished by custom-made skilled craftsmen experienced in the ancient art of Memorialization and is certified:
• To be selected and crafted from only the finest quality natural granite
• That no chemicals were used to obtain the high polished mirror-like finish on the granite
• That no artificial coloring was used so that the color of the granite is its natural color
• That unconditionally, with no time limit, the granite will not check, crack, or disintegrate from exposure to the elements in any season or in any climate
• That the lettering and design are cut using the modern sandblast method and will remain legible for all time.
Granite Quality on the Internet
January 26, 2009
Granite Quality on the Internet
Granite, NOT the same!
Granite is the most attractive, durable and long lasting surfaces you could have for a family monument - granite is a great reward from nature and the toughest surface for a family monument!
There are a few things that consumers buying a granite monument over the internet should be aware of before they purchase their family granite monuments.
Not all granite is the same quality!
Some granite sold over the internet may carry the same name as those stones seen in granite monument showrooms, the granite dealer may even say it’s the best quality, but if its ultra cheap, I can assure you - it is almost certainly not! Granite monuments vary in quality, with some types varying quite a lot! One of the main problems with granite is with the surface colors and blemishes which could be visible within. Although there may be several other problems that could be present, including; crack or fault lines in the granite, the surface could be over treated with resin or the stone could vary in thickness across its length - or simply, the granite supplied may differ greatly from the color and pattern profile commonly seen with that type of stone! Unfortunately with lower grades of granite, blemishes can be extremely noticeable and spoil the effect of the surface color and pattern. These blemishes found in the cheaper granite can be very ugly and must be cut around and confined to the waste pile…
Montana-Monuments.com has over 80 years experience in finding defaults within the granite body and this is why we offer an Exclusive Everlasting Guarantee which is available on all products. In other words, even our warranty gives you a promise of quality that will stand the test of time … forever. Montana-Monuments.com only buys and sells Superior quality granite and has each piece examined and tested for deep interior body defects which may become apparent in the future. Montana-Monuments.com’s Exclusive Everlasting Guarantee will assure your granite monument will stand the test of time.
Be advised!
A time-tested granite monument dealer will not sell any customer a piece of granite that has interior defects. The cheap suppliers cannot afford to cut out all problem marks and blemishes, or their profit would also be in the waste pile… Cheap granite monuments with customer “unknown” interior defects will make the future look of your family monument transform in an unfavorable way.
Montana-Monuments.com has over 80 years experience in finding defaults within the granite body and this is why we offer an Exclusive Everlasting Guarantee which is available on all products. In other words, even our warranty gives you a promise of quality that will stand the test of time … forever. Montana-Monuments.com has each piece checked and tested for inner blemishes which may become apparent in the future. Montana-Monuments.com Exclusive Everlasting Guarantee will assure your granite monuments will stand the test of time.
Be alert!
Again, it is difficult for the very cheap suppliers to reject such granite as they should, and still make a profit. Yes, there are bargains on the internet, but be aware that granite is far from all the same - if your granite dealer hasn’t a showroom, is ultra cheap, or hasn’t somewhere you can visit if things go wrong, think very carefully before purchasing! Many of the better granite monument dealers are also on the internet; some being established granite dealers, often with showrooms - check them out, they may not be the cheapest, but they may well be your best choice!
Granite Monuments
January 19, 2009
Granite Monuments
Do you remember being six? Getting ready for the new school year? Being worried about getting on the wrong bus? Do you remember a favorite teddy bear? Watching clouds drift by on summer days? Running barefoot through the grass and sledding down the big hill alone for the first time? Does being sixteen ring a bell somewhere in your memory? Do you remember trying out for the football team, the cheer leading squad, the lead in the class play? Being nervous about giving a speech or asking someone to dance? Can you recall the first time you ever fell in love? How you managed to survive the first break-up, and then the second one, and the third? And then swearing you would never fall in love again? And then you did… Do your memories bring comfort or pain or a little of both? What do you remember and what are you going to do with all those memories? I want to remember Grandma’s special cookie recipe and Grandpa’s stories. I want to remember the warmth of being held, and I want to remember the joy of being loved. I will remember the fears, the guilt, the funeral, the gloom, the thunder and the rain, because I want to remember the sun, and the joy and the love. I cannot separate my life into neat little compartments, each designed to hold only selected memories. As I continue to thrive to separate compartments, they become full, select memories seem to fade with time.
These select, boxed-up memories can fade, but not with granite. Granite monuments stand the test of time, FOREVER. Don’t let your tribute (granite monument) diminish, be sure your family knows what is important to you and exactly how you would like to be remembered, then picture this on a granite monument.
Granite Monuments, one of the most durable stones in the World, is an excellent way to create a lasting tribute. Montana-Monuments.com specializes in the production of a comprehensive range of granite monuments (tombstone, grave marker, gravestone, headstone) and memorials as well as correlative accessories in different sizes and style combinations such as upright granite monuments, flat markers, bevel pillows, slants, benches, signs, vases, posts, urns, etc. We can supply any custom design in a wide variety of sizes, styles, colors and finishes.
Montana-Monuments.com is one of the leaders in the industry of granite monuments. As a respected granite monument dealer, we take pride in our exceptional service, large inventory, reliable delivery, customer assistance and total dedication to the granite monument trade. Quality granite, skilled workmanship, advanced machines together with excellent service and fine processing capabilities and plus the never compromising quality attitude, all contributes to our success in the granite monument business.
At Montana-Monuments.com, we hope to cooperate with you to strive for the mutual benefit.
Music, Headstones, Grave Markers and Monuments
December 24, 2008
Healing through Music
Music can have a huge impact on your emotional and physical health, your general outlook, and your ability to experience life. Whether you’re a musical virtuoso, or have a “tin” ear; and whether you love opera or Alice Cooper, involving music in your life can significantly impact your overall health. Music has been integral to life almost since the beginning of time. However, few of us really understand the important role music can play in our health. The healing attributes of music were recognized as early as the times of Plato and Aristotle. But it wasn’t until the 1940’s, that the first ever music therapy degree program was initiated at Michigan State University. “Music therapy takes a holistic approach to health and wellbeing. We help people work towards their own specific goals, using music as the tool,” said Ruth Eliason, Music Therapist with Palliative Care Services.
Cleaning of Headstones, Grave Markers, Gravestones, and Monuments
December 15, 2008
I often observe Headstones, Grave Markers, Gravestones, and Monuments neglected and are dirty, soiled by birds and grass, and damaged by ants. It is important that a family preserves a loved one’s Headstones, Grave Markers, Gravestones, and Monuments. Headstones, Grave Markers, Gravestones, and Monuments look best when they are sparkling and dirt free.
Ants
A family needs to take care of unwanted ants that often build mounds around graveyards. To avoid discoloration of the Headstones, Grave Markers, Gravestones, and Monuments; be careful to keep the spray off them. Destroy those pesky ants before they damage the foundation or stain the Headstones, Grave Markers, Gravestones, and Monuments. Visiting loved ones is not pleasant with the hurt of ant bites. Cemetery maintenance is the responsibility of everyone, especially the family.
Warnings with Cleaning Instructions
The cleaning instructions for Headstones, Grave Markers, Gravestones, and Monuments have warnings for your annual cleaning. Beware of chemicals; usually the use of chemicals is best left to the pros.
Cleaning Procedures for Headstones, Grave Markers, Gravestones, and Monuments
- Do not apply cleaning solutions to hot surfaces on Headstones, Grave Markers, Gravestones, and Monuments on a hot day. Best time for cleaning is a cool, early morning.
- Before cleaning, check the condition of the memorial for stains that may require special attention before cleaning.
- Check the joints of the upright and base, as they should be repaired before starting the cleaning process. Cleaning solutions will seep through the breaks, under the die, creating streaks in the Headstones, Grave Markers, Gravestones, and Monuments.
Cleaning Process for Headstones, Grave Markers, Gravestones, and Monuments
- Wet the entire Headstones, Grave Markers, Gravestones, and Monuments thoroughly. Clean only on a cool, cloudy day.
- If the Headstones, Grave Markers, Gravestones, and Monument are small, clean the entire base first, and then the upright monument. Clean the Headstones, Grave Markers, Gravestones, and Monument in sections, just like waxing a car. Rinse as each section is completed. 15 gallons of water is needed for a 3-foot monument and base.
- Keep the Headstones, Grave Markers, Gravestones, and Monuments wet with clean water during the cleaning process. Start from the bottom and work up to the top.
- Be sure to clean only one section at a time, rinsing when clean.
- Never let the cleaning solution dry on the Headstones, Grave Markers, Gravestones, and Monuments.
- Never allow any portion of the monument to dry out during the cleaning process.
- Always work with a mild chemical, (I believe hot soapy water is best) progressing to a stronger concentration only when needed. After the entire Headstones, Grave Markers, Gravestones, and Monuments has been cleaned, rinse thoroughly with a hose or, if possible, with a pressure washer. High pressure water will help reduce the hard scrubbing required on many older monuments.
- After cleaning, and rinsing, use a solution of soda and water solution to neutralize and remove any remaining chemical with a baking soda solution. Use this same solution to clean other Headstones, Grave Markers, Gravestones, and Monuments that may have been exposed to your cleaning solution.
Buckets of clean water and a soft brush can do wonders on most newly designed monuments. Care should be taken to use clean water, as water lines in cemeteries may be rusty. If cemetery water is used, it is important to run the water long enough to allow rusted water to be discharged from the lines.
Also, chemicals used in city water may react unfavorably with some cleaning materials. Where possible, use spring or rain water. Soda is an effective powder for negating the acid deposit in cleaning compounds.
Headstones, Monuments and Grave Markers can bring a Different Kind of Holiday
December 4, 2008
Headstones, Grave Markers, and Monuments can bring closure during Holidays
Finally finding a reputable headstone dealer, then picking the design is a very stressful process for a family. The cemetery places the headstone in May. Now what; families feel some closure after the headstone has been set. What about the upcoming holidays? All families, whether religious, ethnic or civic, celebrate holidays a little different when someone is missing. Don’t despair. There’s so much you can do to keep the day special.
Holidays are a time for traditions and gatherings with family and friends. Special memories are linked to these special days. Togetherness with family and friends is almost always part of the celebration. If you’re living with the recent loss of a loved one, it’s no wonder if you find holidays suddenly difficult. One holiday that’s challenging for many bereaved Americans is xmas. Rather than being a joyful time, the xmas season can bring feelings of sadness, loss and emptiness. Traditional activities and symbols become reminders of someone who is precious to us, but no longer here to share the festivities. There are many things you can do to help yourself through the xmas season – good ideas that can apply to other holidays as well.
1. Talk openly with caring friends and family about your grief during the holidays.
They will help you feel understood. Spend time with people who will encourage you to be yourself and accept your feelings – both happy and sad.
2. Discuss honestly with family members what each wants to do on the holiday.
It may be more comfortable to follow traditions or make some changes, perhaps for this year only. Give yourself permission to not do things. Once you have your plans in place, let others know your wishes.
3. Carry on with xmas preparations that you enjoy. Feel free to eliminate or
change the ones you don’t enjoy.
4. Get help with decorations.
Decorating together can preserve the warmth of the season. And you should also let yourself be free to save the decorations for another year if that’s what feels right. You can save xmas cards for another year, too, if that activity is a difficult task.
5. Consider shopping early, and in new ways.
Buying gifts may be upsetting. It may be easier to shop by phone, catalog or on-line. You may want to take an understanding friend with you or perhaps a family member will shop for you.
6. xmas dinner doesn’t have to be the same as always.
You can change the menu, the time of day or the room in which you dine. If you don’t feel like cooking xmas dinner, make alternate plans. You could enjoy a meal prepared by family or friends.
7. Take it easy and get lots of rest.
Holidays are tiring – both physically and psychologically. Lower your expectations and give yourself plenty of time to just relax.
Remember, after the headstone, monument or grave marker has been placed the grieving process isn’t always over. Time can; and will heal. xmas gives a family time to reflect on the past and current blessings they have. Families will often reflect on these times being thankful their loved one has a headstone to reflect on. Headstones will “tell your story in stone” and during the holidays, especially xmas, make sure your loved one has a headstone “granite memory” to reflect.
Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year to all in 2009!!!
Pre-Planning of a Montana Monument
November 21, 2008
Today more and more people are making their monument choices ahead of time, as part of their estate planning process. There are countless good reasons for doing so.
A monument should be a joint decision. You’ve shared your lives together. You’ve made important choices together. Since a monument is the most enduring thing you will ever purchase, it should be a joint decision too. Your choice of a home, car or vacation spot reflects your personal preferences. Why let others select your monument? We can work with you to personalize your family monument so that it tells a story in stone - one that reflects your life, your interests, your beliefs and your accomplishments.
Monuments created by craftsmen are timeless expressions of family love and respect. In selecting a monument, you are making a decision that affects not only your present family, but generations of sons and daughters that are to follow. Selecting a monument together avoids placing the burden on family members during an emotional time when good decisions are often more difficult. However you look at it, planning your monument before it is needed makes good sense.
A pre-planned monument from us is now easier to afford than ever. You will be able to personalize your own monument and receive a warranty insuring its beauty for years to come. Most importantly, the price you pay will be today’s price - guaranteed not to increase.