Life's Many Stories...A Headstone Blog

A Trip to Mount Holly Cem.

2012-01-20T08:32:00.000-08:00

This past week I had the honor of visiting the Mount Holly Cemetery in Little Rock, AR and wanted to share my experience with you.

The Mount Holly Cemetery is on the National Historic Register of Cemeteries and is home to some of the most beautiful old memorials!

This beautiful cross is inscribed with "INRI" in the middle. Now...I have seen this before and always wondered what it meant. So, I looked it up and learned that the acronym represents the Latin inscription which translates into English meaning "Jesus the Nazarene, King of the Jews". I found this information on wikipedia and you can click here to read the entire article.

Another popular inscription on memorial crosses is "IHS". Many customers have asked what the monogram means and it is actually the monogram of the name of Jesus as it is derived from the first three letters of the Greek version of this name. Those letters are" Iota, Eta and Sigma.

This monument for the Keene family caught my eye for several reasons. While it is not as old as some of the surrounding stones in the cemetery, it boasts a great deal of intricate hand-carvings at the top. I don't know about you, but I would love to have watched the monument builder carve all of that detail!

The Oliver monument caught my eye because of the beautiful raised letters for the last name. You will notice the letters "stand out" against the panel on which they sit, thus the term "raised letters". Raised letters were very popular (you will notice them on many of the stones) and are actually making a modern day come-back! Raised letters are one of the few lettering styles that truly look nice on just about any color of granite.

A beautiful old memorial

A hand-carved marble memorial.

This mausoleum door is absolutely stunning. It appears to be made of iron and has beautiful iron work on the front of the windows.

A close-up of the iron work on the mausoleum doors

This beautiful pink monument boasts beautiful raised letters! The other thing I noticed is a signature from the monument company that created the stone (see photo below). Decades ago it was customary for the monument builder to sign his or her work just as an artist signs a canvas. In more recent years the practice is considered tasteless as many people associate it with advertising in the cemetery - and we do not take part in such practices. However, I thought the practice was definately worth noting for history's sake!

This gentleman's bust is hand carved from marble and was then added to this beautiful Barre granite memorial. Notice the raised letters and the handcarving around the top of the stone. The craftsmanship of this stone is absolutely amazing!

More mausoleum doors.

I hope you have enjoyed this post; I know I certainly enjoyed my visit to this historic cemetery. You know, if you are currently looking for a memorial, you might consider taking a stroll through a local cemetery to help you gain an idea of the styles and artistry that you like and dislike. Northwest Arkansas is blessed with numerous cemeteries that boast countless monument ideas. Or...if you are simply not a cemetery person, just come on in Emerson Monument Company and I will be glad to listen to you ideas, show you some pictures, and help you create something that is perfectly stunning for your loved one.

A custom Memorial

2012-01-11T09:42:00.000-08:00

Perhaps one of the things I love most about my job is getting to know the families that I serve. And, as I get to know them, I also get to know the loved one that they have lost.

When I first met Mrs. Brodersen she expressed her desire to find a memorial that is both tasteful and representative of her husband and the things he loved. As we visited I learned that Eric had owned and operated a successful tree cutting business and also enjoyed the outdoors.

Determined to help Mrs. Brodersen create a unique memorial for her husband, I searched through photos and drafted ideas and we finally arrived at this beautiful stone.

Please excuse the photography! The monument is not leaning- I just can't take a straight shot! :)

Sometimes all we need is just an idea to spark the creation of something so beautiful.

A Veterans Memorial

2011-12-08T08:55:00.001-08:00

If there is a group of folks who deserve a memorial, it is the Veterans who have proudly (and bravely) served our country.

Memorial Day weekend of 2009, we erected a beautiful Veterans Memorial in Farmington, AR. It was here that a small committee of folks belonging to the Farmington Veteran's Council, brought some ideas together to honor past, present and future Veterans of our United States Armed Forces. When they came to us they had a general idea of the memorial design and looked to our expertise to help make it happen.

We recommended a Georgia Gray granite for the memorial and further recommended using laser etched black granite tiles for the Great Seal and the seal of each branch of the military. By laser etching each seal, we were able to obtain a level of detail that is crisp and accurate. We then inlayed the black tiles into the gray granite.

Now, I will tell you, there is a fine art to inlaying any kind of tiles into granite. Why? Because the inlaying needs to be precise and accurate so that there are no holes or gaps between the base stone and the inlayed stone. Tiny holes, cracks and gaps could potentially set the base stone up for future problems and are certainly something to avoid. Here at Emerson Monument Co, our craftsmen are second to none and did an absolutely amazing job with this memorial.

"A tribute to all veterans, past, present and future."

Although some of the memorial was donated by local organizations, the group also needed to do some fundraising to make this memorial possible. They achieved the necessary funds by selling engraved bricks that were inlayed into a concrete block wall. Engraved bricks are a lot of fun and very popular because it gives each individual his or her own little tribute within the encompassing memorial.

One of the walls hosting engraved bricks.

I truly enjoyed attending the dedication and memorial service hosted when the memorial was erected. There was a great turn out of Veterans and their families, as well as some members of other interested organizations. Several Veterans spoke and told heroic stories which deeply touched my life forever; yes, I am grateful to have attended.

Many of the Veterans who were at the dedication service.

2011-12-06T09:07:00.001-08:00

While the weather isn't great for setting monuments, it sure is perfect for admiring them!

With poinsettas and snow, our sign is definately ready for Christmas.

I love how the snow mounds in the engraved letters.

A Custom Tribute, Post 3

2011-12-01T12:32:00.001-08:00

I never knew what a Tesla Coil was until I met Cassie. In fact, when she mentioned she wanted one on her father's memorial, I had to look it up to see what one was; and they are actually pretty cool!

Cassie went on to tell me that her father built Tesla Coils in his free time and loved Science. Therefore, she felt confident that incorporating one into his memorial would be very appropriate. She went on to show me some photos of what she had in mind (see above) and, after further discussion, decided that the coil would be most recognizable if it was laser etched as opposed to sandblasted.

Why?

Because we are able to pick up so much more detail with the laser than we are with standard sand blasting.

However, as we visited with Cassie we learned that her father was terminally ill and had a short time to live. This information was very important for us to know because it meant that we would need to sandblast her father's first name and his date of birth.

Why?

Because her father's memorial would likely be placed in the cemetery before he passed, it was important that we accommodate her need for future lettering (i.e. engraving his date of death on the stone). You see, all final date cuts are done at the cemetery with a portable sandblaster. There is not a portable laser capable of doing final date cuts and, thus, not a way to match the style of a laser etched birth date.

Working with both sandblasted and laser etched designs on the same memorial is really very common. Working with two mediums adds a variety of textures to the memorial and looks really good.

Keeping that in mind, we explained why we needed to both sandblast and laser etch the stone and provided Cassie with the following proof. The blank space below his last name is the area in which we would sandblast his name and birth date.

Once Cassie approved the drawing, we had the stone etched for her father.

After laser etching the stone we added the sandblasted inscription. You will notice that the family decided to arrange his birth date a little less traditionally with the month spelled out and the "rd" after the 3. It is important to note that there is no "right or wrong" way to inscribe one's dates of life. We have inscribed dates in several different languages, numerically and even symbolically.

At Emerson Monument Company we take pride in our ability to create beautiful custom memorials that may be found no where else.

A Custom Tribute, Post 2

2011-11-22T08:37:00.000-08:00

I will be honest, little Joel Smith captured my heart from the moment I saw his sweet pictures. His smile was so big and bright and hid the fact that he was actually fighting a very difficult battle- the battle against cancer. Aside from his smile I also noticed something else about Joel, something that everyone who knew him also knew- Batman was his hero.

Working on a child's headstone is always extremely difficult for obvious reasons. Of course part of me always wants to cry for (and sometimes with) the family, for all of the pain and heartache they have been through. And then the other part of me wants to give the family my absolute best efforts in honor of their child. So, when I begin working on a child's stone, I always listen to the parent's ideas and try to come up with a design that is both beautiful and appropriate given the child's interests and hobbies. While many parents do know exactly what they want for their child, others have no clue what they would like and simply want us to take an idea and expand upon it.

In Joel's case we visited with the family and then got the opportunity to "meet" Joel through a news broadcast about the Make a Wish Foundation and how they made Joel Batman for a Day. Check out the link below to learn about Joel and what an amazing super hero he truly was.

Joel as Batman by the Make a Wish Foundation

Of course, after watching the videos we knew that the memorial needed to incorporate Joel as Batman and, with the help of his family, came up with this proof....

One of the wonderful things about technology is that we can make changes to monuments until the family is 100% satisfied with the way the memorial looks, and this case was no exception. The family wanted to move some text to the back thus resulting in the second proof:

Many families choose to put information on the back of their memorials and there is really no right or wrong inscription to use. Of course I prefer to recommend that you go with an inscription (or epitaph) that is natural and truly "fits" your loved one's personality. In this case "Our Little Super Hero" is completely appropriate.

Joel's memorial is absolutely beautiful and is such a special tribute to an amazing little boy.

Keeping Your Vases from Freezing

2011-11-10T09:06:00.000-08:00

Granite vases are fantastic for keeping flowers at your loved one's grave. However, they do tend to be a little bit of a maintenance issue if they are not tended to in the fall and winter. Why? Because water may accumulate in the vases if their drain holes are clogged. Then, when freezing temperatures hit, the water will freeze, expand and bust the vase. With that being said, a common question folks ask around this time of year is how to keep their vases from freezing and busting.

At Emerson Monument Co. we always recommend that you go out to the cemetery with a coat hanger or other narrow object and thoroughly clean out your flower pots as winter draws near. Doing this will ensure that debri is not clogging the vase's drain hole. Once the vase has been cleared, there are several different ways to ensure your granite vases remain in tact through the winter. Common approaches include:

Consider placing a coffee filter or florist foam inside the vase. This will prevent the drain hole from being directly blocked.
Consider placing a plastic zip bag on top of the vase and securing it tightly with a rubber band. This will prevent water from getting in.
Consider purchasing a metal vase insert to protect the vase (cost is approximately $20 and may be ordered at Emerson).

Many are often surprised to learn that there is not a good way to fix a broken vase. We have experimented with Gorilla Glue, Super Glue, Epoxy, Vase Tape and other forms of adhesive and have not found one that will hold a vase together for a speakable period of time. Therefore, the only solid way to correct a broken vase is to completely replace it.

Have a question about preventing the vase from clogging or replacing a busted vase? Email us and we'll be glad to help!

Preserving a Slice of History

2011-11-01T13:28:00.000-07:00

Emerson Monument Company is pleased to announce they have accepted an invitation to participate in the 2nd Annual Arkansas Historic Preservation Program Cemetery Information Fair. The fair will be held on Saturday, November 5, 2011 at the First United Methodist Church in Little Rock from noon to 4pm.

This is the second year that Emerson has participated in the program and, in doing so and with the assistance of other organizations, helps to teach fair participants proper cemetery preservation techniques.

We hope to see all of our Little Rock area readers and customers there!

A Custom Tribute, Post 1

2011-09-24T08:46:00.000-07:00

What a blessing it is to work with families and create stunning memorials that truly capture who they are and what they were "all about"! And while it is SO difficult to truly capture a life story on one single piece of stone, the Reeves family has done a great job of honoring the husband, father and son that they love and miss.

Franklin & Anita Reeves memorial.

Racing was a family affair at the Reeves' home. It was a sport that Franklin was passionate about and his wife, Anita, was supportive of. In fact, even the kids got involved, eventually earning them the title of "Reeves Racing pit crew"! As I sat and listened to Anita passionately describe her husband...and the father that he was...and the abilities he had...I couldn't help but to suggest a memorial that featured the car- a piece of their lives that the family enjoyed together.

After much discussion and planning, it was decided that we would use an actual racing photo that, I believe, was taken by Franklin & Anita's daughter. If you look closely below at the space just behind the back window, you will notice the words "Pit Crew" followed by the Reeves' family's names.

Original photo provided by the family.

When we received the photo we immediately had it cropped and enlarged to fit a double stone. This part was tricky because we had to ensure that the car would enlarge without losing the level of detail that we desired. But it all worked out! Calculations were then made to determine the exact size of the stone and the positioning of every cut to ensure the stone would be an exact fit to the image. Once that was done, we sent a series of proofs to the family for them to review and change until they had it just the way they wanted it.

Final proof.

Once we had a final approval from the family it was time to begin etching. Of course the first photo I posted is a photo of the semi-complete stone. It was laser etched and, at this point, is awaiting lettering on both the front and the back.

What a beautiful tribute!

Placed in the Cemetery!

At Emerson Monument Company there is nothing we love more than to help families design and create lasting tributes in honor of their loved ones.

In the News...

2011-09-12T06:23:00.000-07:00

The spotlight was on Emerson Monument Company in the September issue of the MB News!

Emerson Monument Company recently teamed up with Love Ashes to create an afordable alternative to pricey cemetery cremation memorials.

While many families choose to simply bury their loved one's cremains and erect a headstone, just as they would if their loved one was buried traditionally, some families choose to go a different route. These families may choose to place a small quantity of their loved one's cremains in the cemetery and then keep a majority of them at home where they may be safeguarded for years to come. Now, thanks to Emerson Monument Company and Love Ashes, families can do that in a whole new way!

Beautiful Adornments are vibrant dichroic glass tiles that contain a small portion of a loved one's ashes. They utilize an industrial strength 3M tape to adhere them to the back of granite memorials and look absolutely amazing in the sunlight.

This stunning memorial was made by Emerson Monument Co. and utilizes one of our Beautiful Adornments in honor of a son who had passed away. Here the Beautiful Adornment gave a family the flexibility to to include the son's memorial with that of the parents.

We are proud to have teamed up with Love Ashes to offer new and unique products to the customers we serve.

Decorating Ideas

2011-08-30T06:20:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things to do is to stroll through local cemeteries on or around their decoration days. These days are designed to bring families together to help beautify the cemetery and give them an opportunity to honor their loved one with flowers, trinkets and more. Of course in doing this I have gained several decoration ideas that I would like to share.

Of course the most popular way to decorate a loved one's grave is by simply utilizing the granite vases that are commonly attached to the base of the memorial. You can purchase pre-arranged silk floral bundles that are perfect for cemetery use at stores like Hobby Lobby or you may have some made at a local florist shop. To keep your flowers from blowing away, try using florist foam in the vases (the trick is to cram as MUCH as you possibly can into the vase).

Another popular way to decorate is to use a saddle on top of the monument.

I have found that the prettiest saddles come directly from a florist and they are typically reasonably priced. When purchasing a saddle it is important to know the size of the monument (you don't want a small saddle on a large stone or vise versa). If you are working with a florist you can also have him or her incorporate trinkets (can you see the ornaments in our Christmas saddle?) and other unique items into the design.

Some other decoration ideas include:

-Shepherd's Hooks. These are iron hooks that allow baskets of flowers to hang from them. Check with your cemetery to see if these are allowed.

-Blankets. These are flat mesh coverings that are covered with flowers. Check with your cemetery to see if these are allowed.
-Sprays. You have probably seen the little metal stands with floral attangements on them. Those are called sprays. Check with your cemetery to see if these are allowed.

I hope you find these decorating ideas helpful. Add your favorite decorating idea in the comments section below if you have an idea to share.

Planning Ahead

2011-08-05T05:48:00.000-07:00

I often think the most difficult purchasing processes one may go through is that of pre-planning his or her funeral, burial and memorial arrangements. It's even true for those of us who work in the industry; I spend each day creating monuments but, when it comes to my own memorial, I am at a loss!

But as much as we would like to avoid it, there comes a time when we realize it would be nice to get the planning out of the way so that we don't burden a loved one with the task.

If you are at that point in your life you probably have several questions regarding pre-planning for a headstone and I am here to help.

The first thing people ask me when they begin pre-planning for their headstone is: "Do I get the headstone now or just pay for it to be placed later?"
The answer is that you have it placed now. Most monument companies do not have the insurances, bonds, trusts or anything else in place to safeguard or track your funds for years to come. Therefore, it is the industry norm to make the stone and immediately place it in the cemetery. Of course your name and birth date will have been engraved and there will be a blank space for your death date inscription.

The second thing people ask is what needs to be done to the stone after they pass. The answer to that varies depending upon the familiy's situation. In most cases you don't need to do anything more than to contract us to engrave the date of death on the stone. However, in the case of a Veteran you will need to order your VA stone and contact us to place it for you.

The third thing people are typically surprised about is that all future engraving, including the inscription of the date of death, IS NOT included in the price of the headstone. The reason for this is that we do not have the ability to track or safeguard your funds for years to come. Therefore, we only accept payment when the services are needed.

The last question most folks ask is how to get started. If you are interested in pre-planning for your headstone, we recommend that you start by gaining an idea of what you are interested in. This may be done by simply walking through cemeteries or browsing through photos online. In doing this you will discover elements that you do and do not like about memorials and will gain a sense of what you think is appropriate for yourself.

If you are considering pre-planning for your memorial or have questions about creating a headstone, please contact Emerson Monument Company and visit with us about the process. Our staff is kind, friendly and informative and will "hold your hand" through the entire process.

A Hawaiian Cemetery

2011-07-18T13:44:00.001-07:00

As a person living on the US mainland, it never truly occured to me that Hawaiians would have different burial traditions than the rest of us. Sure, I knew that the traditions would vary depending upon cultural and regious preferences, but I never really thought about the way they might memorialize their loved ones...until I had the opportunity to go to the small Hawaiian island of Kaua'i.

While in Kaua'i I stopped by a large cemetery on the North side of Kapaa. It is built up on a hill with all individuals being buried facing the East (towards the ocean). I did climb to the top of the hill and took a moment to enjoy the serene beauty of the ocean side cemetery before visiting with a sweet lady who had come to visit her grandmother.

As I spoke to the lady, a Hawaiian native, she told me that the majority of Hawaiians prefer to be cremated. The family and friends then gather to sprinkle the ashes in the Pacific Ocean. She said there are companies that will take them out by boat and hold a nice ceremony for them to do this.

As I looked around I noticed the large marble crucifxion in the far Southwest corner of the cemetery. When I asked her about it she indicated the cemetery was a Catholic cemetery.

Now...in Northwest Arkansas many Catholic cemeteries bury individuals to where they are facing a statue of Mary or so forth. However, that was not the case in this cemetery. When I asked her why she shrugged her shoulders, pointed towards the ocean and laughed, "I guess they liked that view better!"

I wanted to post some photos of the cemetery and some of the memorials that I visited. You will notice each plot has a wall around it in order to keep the plot from washing down the side of the hill.

More Than Just Monuments

2011-06-27T09:52:00.000-07:00

Did you know that Emerson Monument Company is more than just monuments?? Most people don't realize that they have seen our work in everyday places...not just the cemeteries.

At Emerson Monument Co. we provide custom engraved signs, sidewalks, windows, floors, tiles and more! Check it all out below!

Are you familiar with the Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Benton County? This is a great organization that strives to provide single parents with the resources needed to make gaining a higher education possible. We are proud to have incorporated their logo into this custom engraved stone.

Most NWA Residents are familiar with the Har-ber Meadows Master-Planned Community. This is a cute residential area that is close to shopping and home to both people and wildlife alike. We recently provided a custom-engraved and handpainted native stone sign for them.

Check out those Springdale Bulldogs!! The new campus is beautiful and we are proud of the custom engraved mascots that have been incorporated into the Emma Street entrance. The bulldog seen below was engraved into a custom-cut circular piece of Georgia Gray Granite and then layed into the brick wall. What a fun project to have been involved in!

Check out this custom engraved glass for Tyson Foods! Great job, guys!

How Do I Clean THAT??

2011-05-24T05:30:00.000-07:00

Okay, so we all know the feeling. It's the heart-sinking moment when you stand, looking at a loved one's memorial, realizing that you are going to have to clean an unidentified mess from his or her stone. Maybe it is bird poo or perhaps it is berry stains or moss; whatever the substance may be, we have some solutions. BUT, before cleaning a memorial, there are some important factors to consider.

1. It is important to always check the color of the granite with which you will be working. Black granite tends to scratch a little easier than gray granite. SO, if you are working with black, you will want to avoid rubbing, stiff bristles or anything else that could cause scratching.

2. Check the engraving on the stone. If the engraving appears to have been done by a laser, please avoid rubbing or scrubbing over the laser etched portion. This will ensure any potential scratching will not impact the etching.

3. Always check the material the stone is made of. If it is marble please do not take the advice found on our blog!

4. If the stone you are cleaning appears to be damaged, please refrain from cleaning it and contact your monument dealer immediately.

Now that you know what you are dealing with you will initially need to gather a few materials:
-A large jug of water
-A spray bottle
-Bleach
-A soft bristle tooth brush

We recommend mixing one part water to one part bleach in your spray bottle and beginning with a small portion of the soiled area. Simply spray some solution and lightly scrub for a few moments. It is important to note that, after scrubbing, you need to rinse the area REALLY well with your water. Why? Because the bleach could lighten your memorial if you don't.

If the bleach and water solution does not work (and occasionally it will not), you might consider purchasing a Dupont Alkaline Cleanser that can be found at nearly any counter top store in your area. Please note that you need to read the instructions for this cleanser very carefully prior to using it.

If the alkaline cleanser does not work or if you are physically unable to clean your loved one's memorial, please contact Emerson Monument Company and we will be glad to cleanse your stone for you.

Preserving a Slice of History

2011-04-28T06:04:00.000-07:00

This past weekend my husband and father-in-law took me to a remote civil war memorial near New Edinburgh, AR. Now, I will admit, I am not as educated in the Civil War as those who grew up in the Deep South or near a battle field. However, after visiting the Marks Mill State Park, I am very interested in learning more and returning to the site when we have more time to really study the memorials.

The Marks Mill State Park features numerous memorials (most of which are engraved into granite) to commemorate the battle that took place and preserve history for generations to come. It is truly a neat little place to visit and I wanted to share what they have done. It is worth noting that Emerson Monument Company did not make or erect any of the memorials at the Marks Mill State Park. However, we are certainly capable of creating monuments such as these to memorialize any family or historical site.

Marble upright Veteran's memorials. These may have been issued by the Veteran's Administration or made to duplicate those that are typically issued by the VA.

Georgia Gray polished 2 (meaning only the front and the back are polished and the top and sides are rough) oval top monument with Vermarco lettering. A red lithichrome paid was also used on the text "The battle had begun!" This memorial was placed upon a tall brick base.

This exhibit boasts several engraved memorials. While some of the memorials are Georgia Gray slants, others are engraved Georgia Gray tiles that have been layed into a rock or brick structure.
This appears to be a Dakota Mahogony oval top stone with vermarco lettering.

This memorial appears to be Academy Black with vermarco lettering and other decorative engravings. It stands on top of a white brick base.

Marking Graves

2011-03-12T08:07:00.001-08:00

Yesterday Emerson Monument Company had the pleasure of placing new granite markers at the Spade Mountain Cemetery in Adair County, Oklahoma.
Years ago - no, decades ago- families would bury their loved ones in Spade Mountain Cemetery and then mark their graves with homemade headstones. These stones typically consisted of sand or lime stone that had been engraved by hand. And while these stones are invaluable slices of history, they are becoming difficult to read.

Determined not to lose the memory of each individual buried in the cemetery, the Spade Mountain Cemetery Board chose to have each individual's grave marked with a fresh new stone while still keeping the old stone in tact. What a great way to preserve history!

If you are a board member, geneology enthusiast or interested family member who desires to preserve or mark historical graves, please contact us for information on our "Mark Every Grave" program.

Now You Can Shop Online!

2011-03-04T06:02:00.000-08:00

Each day we connect with folks all over the US via our website. Some prefer to initiate the purchase process by requesting a proof based on their preferred design information while others prefer to call us initiate the purchase process via phone. But one thing we have not offered in the past is the ability to purchase monuments and monument accessories on our website. But we are getting there!

During the month of March Emerson Monument Company is introducing an online store in which new and existing customers may order small cemetery markers and headstone accessories. We anticipate adding products on a daily basis throughout the month and will combine the products with our well-known level of customer care.

If you are interested in purchasing a monument or would like to purchase accessories for your existing monument, please check out our website, drop by our store or give us a call- at Emerson Monument Company we are always here to help!

Memorial Day

2011-02-25T06:49:00.000-08:00

You may have driven past our office and noticed the sign out front: "Now Accepting Memorial Day Orders". So what is so special about Memorial Day anyway?

Many cemeteries have designated an annual Decoration Day in which families may gather and visit and decorate their loved one's graves together. Some cemeteries also incorporate a celebration service into their Decoration Day festivities and others solicit volunteer clean-up efforts on that day. Whatever the case surrouding your cemetery may be, it is a special time of year indeed.

Naturally, families like to have their loved one's headstones in place before Decoration Day so that they may honor him or her with flowers and other tokens of love. Because the standard delivery time for a monument is between 4-6 weeks, weather permitting, it is a good idea to begin your Memorial Day shopping at least two months prior to the holiday.

It is also important to note that there will always be time to decorate your loved one's grave. SO, if you do not feel ready to make a memorial purchase, don't push youself. It is better to take your time and get what you really want rather than rush into something you may not be as happy with in the future.

If you have questions about purchasing a memorial or would like to view our standard selection, drop by our office in Springdale or check us out online.

Purchasing a Monument Ahead of Time

2011-01-24T11:53:00.000-08:00

Today many families and individuals choose to pre-arrange their end of life care. And, while such arrangements commonly include a fuenral service, they may also include honorary services such as creating and placing a monument.

Because monuments are accepted as universal symbols of rememberance and honor, they play an important role in the way we memorialize our loved ones. And, if you are particular about what a memorial in your honor will look like, it may be a good idea to arrange for it ahead of time.

When designing a monument for yourself it is important to begin with a solid piece of inspiration. Perhaps you have seen a stone you like in the cemetery or in the showroom. Or, perhaps you enjoy a certain color, religion, or hobby. If so, you need to communicate your ideas to our staff to ensure that the memorial is designed as a lasting tribute to you.

If you or a loved one are interested in designing a memorial on a pre-need basis, please contact the staff at Emerson Monument Company today, where it is our pledge to provide the highest quality service at the most reasonable price.

When to Order a Headstone

2011-01-18T06:21:00.000-08:00

After losing a loved one you may hear several theories concerning the "right time" to buy a stone. Some folks say to wait 6 months while others say to wait until the burial ground settles. However, at Emerson Monument Company we take a different approach.

Each individual and family is different than the next, meaning they grieve in different ways and for different lengths of time. With that being said, it is important that those who are considering the purchase of a memorial wait until they feel comfortable going through the memorialization process.

If you feel comfortable going through the process immediately following your loss, then you are welcome to drop in and begin getting some ideas. However, if you are not yet comfortable with discussing your ideas or feel that you just "aren't there yet", it is in your best interest to wait until you do feel more comfortable. For some people this takes a matter of months while, for others, it may take years.

Also, if you don't feel comfortable designing a memorial just yet but can't stand looking at your loved one's grave without a stone, you might consider purchasing a small 1 foot by 6 inch marker and having "In Loving Memory of (insert your loved one's name)" engraved on it. This is an inexpensive purchase ($65) and will act as a temporary memorial until you are ready to come in and begin designing a headstone.

Press Release- Teaching About Cemetery Restoration

2010-11-09T12:51:00.000-08:00

Springdale, AR- The Arkansas Historic Preservation Program has invited Emerson Monument Company, of Springdale, AR, to act as the leading expert in cemetery and headstone restoration and repairs. The Cemetery Information Fair, to take place at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center in Little Rock, AR, will be held on November 13, 2010 from noon until 4 pm.

"Over the past 96 years our company has been involved in several cemetery and monument restoration projects, including the project at Evergreen Cemetery in Fayetteville," states CEO Alison Raymer. "We are proud to honor our community, state, and loved ones past by being involved in educating people in these projects."

Emerson Monument Company is a full service monument company that has been serving Northwest Arkansas, Southeast Missouri, and Northwest Oklahoma since 1914. The Company donated service hours to the widely-publicized Evergreen Cemetery Restoration Project at historical Evergreen Cemetery in Fayetteville, as well as mutliple smaller projects in the surrounding area.

You're Buried Like You're Married....

2010-10-29T06:09:00.000-07:00

Have you ever heard that saying? There is a lot of truth to it if you or a loved one is having a traditional burial in a double plot. What is tradition? Good question.

Traditionally the woman is buried in the plot to the North while the man is buried in the plot to the South.
Also, in accordance to tradition, in MOST cemeteries (in NWA the Catholic cemeteries are an exception), the head is rests on the West side of the grave and the feet rest on the East side of the grave.

Do non-traditional burial occur? Sure. And, what may be tradition in some parts of the country or some cemeteries, may not be the case in others.

That is why it is important to know if your loved one is buried traditionally or non-traditionally.

If you are purchasing a double headstone, it is important to know who is on which side. Why? Because we want to make sure the correct name is placed on the correct side of the monument!
With that being said, it is always a good idea to check with the caretaker of the cemetery and ask him or her who is buried on which side and if the face of the monument should be looking towards the East or towards the West.

If you are considering purchasing a double headstone for yourself or a loved one, and are a little confused about the above information, please contact us and we will be glad to visit with you and provide you a worksheet to help you understand more clearly.

The Setting Process

2010-09-09T13:32:00.000-07:00

When you purchase a monument it is important to note that the setting process is just as important as the selection and design processes. Why? Because it is not uncommon for monuments to settle, lean, or even sink over time. And, while you can't prevent these actions from occuring, you can select a monument company that guarantees their setting process and promises to raise or straighten the monument at no additional charge.
SO, no matter where you are shopping for your memorial, it is imporant to ask the following questions:

1) Do you place a foundation underneath your monuments?

2) If so, what type of foundation do you use?

3) Do you guarantee your setting work?

4) If so, what are the steps I need to take if my monument begins to settle or lean?

At Emerson Monument Company we dig a footing and place a dry pour foundation underneath each and every stone we set. We guarantee this method and will go correct your monument if it ever settles, sinks, or leans.

If you have had the unfortunate experience of purchasing at a company that does not guarantee the quality of their work or has since gone out of business, please give us a call and we will be happy to discuss our ability to provide such services to you.

Thinking Outside the Box

2010-08-24T15:09:00.000-07:00

Our loved ones are special. They have interests, dislikes, and "quirks" that set them apart from everyone else. Today, more than ever, generations are focusing on celebrating the things that make their loved ones unique.

It is no secret that Mr. Graham loved to fly. It was his passion. And when those who did not know Mr. Graham look at his stone, they, too, will gain a sense of both his humor and his hobby.

So what qualities set your loved one apart? How can you incorporate their passions into their memorial? Would you like something that stands out from surrounding memorials or something that conforms to the general style?
Those are great questions to ask yourself before shopping for a memorial and are good things to go over with our staff if you are a little uncertain of what you are looking for.

Epitaphs

2010-08-12T08:32:00.000-07:00

Epitaphs are tricky sometimes. It's not because they are difficult to write but because it is often difficult to think of the perfect words to use to sum up our loved ones' lives. Many families come to me and express a desire to write something but they just aren't sure what that something is and look to me for help. For that reason I have made a list of popular epitaphs that are used today and have posted that list on our website. If you are also struggling to come up with an epitaph please check out the list on our Frequently Asked Questions page at http://www.emersonmonument.com/.

Timeless Treasures

2010-07-15T12:51:00.000-07:00

A few days ago I was driving on Water Tower Rd. in Bentonville when I happened accross a historic cemetery called Maxwell/Mt. Eden Cem. It is nestled under the trees behind College Place Subdivision and would go unnoticed if you were not looking for it. While walking this particular cemetery I noticed the way family names used to be done on monuments and wanted to share that style with you.

Looking at this stone you will notice that it is what we refer to as a "polish 3". Polish 3 means that the front, back, and very top of the stone are polished (i.e. smooth and shiny) while the sides are rough and rocky. This particular family apparently decided to take advantage of this polish 3 monument by have raised letters engraved for their family name, "Alfrey".

Although this style is not as common in modern days as it was years ago, it certainly may still be done today. If you would like this done to your monument just ask for a polish 3 straight top monument with raised letters on the top. This style may also be done on an oval top and a slightly slanted top for increased visibility.

On Geneology

2010-07-06T11:26:00.000-07:00

Have you ever found yourself in the midst of a genealogy project that has you stumped? Many of my customers have found themselves in such a predicament and come to me with hopes that I can help. While I am not a genealogy expert (I am doing good to even begin my own genealogy projects!), I do have company records that date back to 1926 that can help.

Throughout the decades the owners of Emerson have been careful to record details of each and every sell from who purchased it the stone to where the stone was placed. These records have been cautiously preserved and are available to our customers who find themselves in a "genealogy predicament". In fact, I love getting to sit down with folks and thumb through our sales records from the 1920's- our business is reseponsible for a little slice of history and we are proud of that!

Next time you need help locating the grave of a loved one/descendant/relative, give us a call with the approximate date of purchase as well as the name of the person whom you think may have purchased the stone and we will do our best to help you out!

*Note: Our records are exclusive to the customers we serve. If we did not make the monument then we will not have records and suggest you locate the company who did make the monument. If that information is unavailable we recommend you try any online genealogy website to help with your project.

The Purchase Process

2010-06-24T12:36:00.000-07:00

On many occasions I receive phone calls asking what the monument purchase process looks like and I would like to explain that here.

Most often families begin the monument purchase process with a general idea of what they are looking for. For example, some families come to us stating they want something “simple”, “black”, “big”, or “flat”. They often form their ideas based on a combination of the cemetery requirements and what style rock they feel best represents their loved ones’ life.

Once the family communicates their initial ideas to us we are able to offer further ideas, examples, and options to them. After the initial color, shape, size, and style of the stone have been determined we are able to discuss design ideas with the family.

After all ideas have been discussed we are able to design a rendering of the memorial that we provide to the family. The rendering is done in a CAD program which allows us to create the monument to scale, and offer the family an idea of what the stone will look like. Once the family approves of the monument design we are able to begin our manufacturing process.

Once the monument is made we place it in line to be set in the cemetery. We do a large volume of monuments within a 90 mile radius of Springdale, AR, which allows us to visit most cemeteries about once per month. That being said, you can typically allow between four and six weeks from the time you approve your drawing until the time the monument is placed in the cemetery.
Next week I will discuss the various colors of stone and where they originate.

I hope you have found this post helpful and hope you will contact me if you have any questions.

Laser Etching...A New Way to Tell the Story

2010-06-16T05:00:00.000-07:00

You can learn a lot about someone based on the engravings on his or her headstone and, with modern day technology, history is being told in a whole new way. While the traditional method of memorializing has traditionally revolved around sandblasted stones such as this:

It has now shifted to laser etchings. With laser etching we are able to take this photo:

And turn it into this:

Laser etching, although fairly new, is a great way to capture detail in stone and really tell a story in a way that is simply not possible via sandblasting. Some fun facts about laser etching are:

We only laser etch on black. Many monument companies will etch on ebony mist or other colors but we do not recommend it as you need a granite grain that does not vary in color so that it does not distort your image once etched.
By laser etching you can actually fit more text onto one stone. This is because the laser is capable of achieving smaller, more delicate fonts than the sand blaster is.
Laser etching is a method of engraving the stone and your etching should endure the test of time nicely if it is not painted. Painted laser etchings (i.e. etched and then hand painted on top of the etching) utilize paints that are inevitably suseptible to weathering and are rumored to last approximately 25 years. That fact bothers some folks and does not bother others.
The laser etching process is pretty simple. When you come in to begin your laser etching we recommend that you bring your artwork with you. If the artwork is digital we recommend it be at 600 dpi. If you don't know what that means then don't worry, I will help you! We will then work up a proof for you to view and welcome any changes you have to the proof. We will continue to work this way until the proof meets your satisfaction and you give us the "okay" to begin work.

I hope you found this post to be informative and encourage you to drop me an e-mail, post a comment, or give me a call if you have any questions.

Indian Grave Houses

2010-06-14T10:51:00.001-07:00

As a member of the Choctaw Nation I am interested in Native American culture and, as a monument person, have always been interested in Indian Grave Houses such as the ones seen below.

I had always wondered what the purpose of these little grave houses was and had simply assumed they were originally used for memorialization purposes. However, by doing a little research, I learned that the grave houses were not built for memorialization purposes at all; hence the headstones seen erected in front of the grave houses (the headstones are used for memorialization!).

Being a member of the Choctaw Nation I consulted with a member of their historical department regarding the purpose of these houses and was surprised at what I learned. Throughout time much of the Native American history has been passed down orally leaving younger tribal members to rely upon the oral history that has been passed down to their elders. That being said, it is reasonable to believe that there are two common "myths" about the grave houses and I would like to share those with you.

1) In the mid- 1800's there was a tradition known as bone picking. According to my source at the Choctaw Nation, when a member of the tribe passed, his or her body was placed above ground and allowed to deteriorate. Once the deterioration process had progressed, an individual known as a "bone picker" would cleanse the bones and then present the bones to the family of the deceased in what was called a "bone house". These bones were placed above ground with the bone house walls and roofs sheltering them. It was not until many years later that missionaries who had come to the area told the tribe that the practices were not sanitary or proper; the tribe began burrying their loved ones at that time.

2) The second myth is that tribe members were burried in the grave houses and that the purpose of the houses was to enclose spirits with the deceased in order to represent an eternal existance harmonic existance with the spirits they believed in.

Whatever the case may be, the tradition of grave houses, although not widely known, is fascinating. If you have not seen a grave house in person you may be interested in taking a short drive over in to Oklahoma to visit some and view an often ignored slice of history.

Flowers Commonly used in Memorial Art and Their Meaning

2010-06-10T10:32:00.000-07:00

When creating a headstone, one may wish to utilize symbols as a means of telling his or her loved one’s life story. Of course there are numerous fraternity symbols, team or company logos, hobby symbols, etc that are often found on headstones. However, did you know that the flowers often carved on headstones have meaning as well?

Whether the individual designing the headstone realizes it or not, each flower has a symbolic meaning and I am going to describe them below.

Wild Rose: In a naturalistic form this design symbolizes love. However, in the conventional form, it means Messianic Promise or Our Blessed Savior. In a heraldic form it means the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Cultivated Rose: This rose is often referred to as the American Beauty Rose and popularly symbolizes Everlasting Love. It may also be representative of persons born in the month of June.
Grape (True Vine): The grape vine represents the Vine of Life or Our Lord. It may also be used to symbolize the Christian Church as it refers back to St. John 15:5 (“I am the vine, ye are the branches”)
Ivy: Ivy is best known to symbolize Memory but may also be used to signify Friendship, Faithfulness and Immorality. If used in the wreath form it symbolizes Conviviality.
Flowering Dogwood: This flower is extremely popular on monuments here in Northwest Arkansas and is the symbol of Christianity, Divine Sacrifice, and the Triumph of Eternal Life. If used combination with the Cross or Crucifixion, it symbolizes Regeneration. The Dogwood may also be used to signify the states of North Carolina or Virginia.
Passion Flower: This is one of the many symbols used to portray the story of Our Lord’s Passion and Death.
Lily: Also known as the Easter Lily, this flower is symbolic of Our Lord’s Resurrection and of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Under the title of Lilium Candidum or Madonna Lily, it is emblematic of the Annunciation, Purity, and Heavenly Bliss.
Calla Lily: Symbolically this flower means Majestic Beauty and Marriage.
Acanthus: This plant is sometimes associated with the rocky ground upon which most of the ancient Greek cemeteries were placed, hence the attributed symbolism, “Heavenly Gardens”
Flowering Laurel: The Laurel symbolizes Atonement, Glory, reward and Victory. In wreath form, it is particularly appropriate for persons who have attained distinction in the arts, literature, military service, or in the services of Christianity.

Of course these are just some of the flowers used in memorial art. While the flowers I mentioned above may be used in the course of symbolism, they are also popularly used simply because they are the flower a family’s loved one adored, or they simply like the way it looks on the monument. As in all memorial art, there is no “right or wrong” way to do things.
I hope you found this post to be informative and helpful!

Marble vs. Granite

2010-06-08T09:02:00.001-07:00

If you visit an older cemetery you will notice breath-taking marble memorials that are unique in shape, size, and carving such as these:

Marble was a very popular material used for making headstones in the US in the 19th century but it not as popular today. Of course many families ask why it is not common to see newer marble headstones and the answer has to do with the differences in the two types of stone.

Marble is a brittle stone composed of dense crystalline or granular metamorphic limestone. Due to the composition of the stone, marble is a softer stone that is at a high risk of cracking, breaking and eroding. You will notice in the photographs above that the carving has become difficult to read over time due to eroding. Unfortunately this is the case with many historic headstones made of marble.

Granite, on the other hand, is an igneous rock composed of primarily quartz and feldspar and some mica. Granite, unlike marble, is an extremely hard rock that is more likely to endure the test of time in the cemetery. Thus the reason that granite is more commonly used than marble.

Introduction

2010-06-02T14:38:00.001-07:00

Hello and welcome to my blog! My name is Alison Raymer and I am the co-owner and CEO of Emerson Monument Company is Springdale, Arkansas. When I first decided to create a blog about headstones I wondered if anyone would be interested in it. Actually, I doubted anyone would be interested. However, after visiting with numerous customers and fellow cemetery-goers, my initial assumption was proven wrong.

I am fascinated by life's many stories, hence the name of this blog. There is nothing more satisfying to me than to sit with a family and learn all about their loved one's dreams, accomplishments, and even their normalties. Often I find myself wishing I could have met the individual before he or she passed and am always honored to get to assist in creating his or her memorial. A true honor indeed.

That being said, it is my plan for this blog to focus on everything headstone related. Here I will be blogging about local cemeteries (both condemmed and fully functioning), historic monuments of interest, cultural differences in memorials, differences in stones used, etc., etc.

If you have a topic you would like to see discussed please drop me a comment and I would be glad to tackle it with you!

Thank you for reading!