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Wednesday, 16 February 2011

American Headstone

A recent aquisition from America was a glass plate negative of a grave in an unknown cemetery. I estimate it to date from about 1900 and made a scan from it this evening. The name John E. Gibbs can clearly be read on the headstone which looks brand new. A sign to the left of the stone has the letters NB above VFA on it. Perhaps that means something to North American students of funerary architecture? Fascinatingly, a small plaque to the right reads 'Perpetual Care'. I wonder if the headstone has been crafted from Vermont Marble? I am intrigued by the white stone borders which seem to separate the plots as far as the eye can see. Comments are most welcome! Click twice on the image for a close up look!

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5 comments:

  1. Owen16 February 2011 at 23:16

    Could be just about anywhere. I'd guess the VF part of VFA is for Veterans of Foreign... but the A leaves me perplexed. There is an active group in the US called the VFW, veterans of foreign wars. The NB doesn't ring a bell with me at all. Sorry, I'm not much help here...

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  2. Tammi Thiele17 February 2011 at 00:49

    The shape looks to me like a fireman's shield. which leads me to believe the VFA stands for the VETERAN FIREMAN'S ASSOCIATION I believe the NB stands for New Bedford which is in Massachusetts, USA. Hope that helps.

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  3. Laurie17 February 2011 at 21:33

    Thanks Owen. It's always a highlight when you call by!

    Tammi, Thank you, that's very helpful.

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  4. Margaret Pangert18 February 2011 at 00:44

    Hi Laurie~
    You've made me curious! I had to google these initials: VFA could be a moniker for Volunteer Fire Assistance; this organization could be responsible for upgrading the plot... NB could be New Brunswick, a province in Canada. Interesting puzzle... Margaret

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  5. Laurie18 February 2011 at 17:15

    HI Margaret,
    New Brunswick - I hadn't thought of that. I'll check it out!
    Laurie

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