Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Gates

With grave stones dating from the late 1700’s, Western Cemetery is Portland’s second oldest cemetery. The land which became the cemetery was purchased by the City in 1829 and was Portland’s primary burial ground from 1829 until 1852. It is a final resting place for many of the Irish who immigrated to the city during the “Great Hunger” in Ireland in the mid 1800s. However, over the years, it has gotten a lot of bad press. It's been one of the most neglected burial plots in the city (it sees a lawn mower about once smmer, if that), and talk about desecration; it has become known as the oh so popular but infamous 'final resting spot' for lots of dog crap. There are signs posted about cleaning up after your pooch, but... But let's end this upbeat. It's one of the most stunningly beautiful spots in the city to watch snow falling in winter.

4 comments:

  1. And there's some really interesting architecture abutting the cemetery. Will you show us that? This is a beautiful shot, Birdman.

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  2. Thank you for sharing, I did not know that about this cemetery.

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  3. This is a great shot and interesting story. Thanks for sharing. I also love your memories of the armory. Good stuff. (Don't we all have special places and times we can return to in our heads?)

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