Ravensdale Cemetery

This one is near to my heart, though this was my first visit. I grew up out in Ravensdale and had looked for the cemetery a few times through the years....never with any success.

During my teenage years there were talks of parties and satanic worships there...but I never actually figured out where.

A few months ago I read an article about it on www.ghosttownsofwashington.com and searched it on www.findagrave.com. Both which are websites I frequent and enjoy immensely.

Finally, this last Sunday I found it. I was both saddened and in awe. The cemetery lies a little off the road in the middle of a newer housing development. From the road you would have no idea there was a cemetery back there.

Findagrave states there are 39 interments buried there, though that seems to be of debate. There are graves but no recognizable names. A sign at the talks of how the cemetery was looted in the 1960's and the headstones were scattered throughout the town. It also talks of the mine explosion in 1915 which pretty much was a catalyst in the collapse of the town.

It was a peaceful setting, though unkept and forgotten by most.

Black Diamond Cemetery

Black Diamond's Historic Cemetery is located at 24431 Morgan Street.

The city-owned Black Diamond Cemetery, founded in 1884, sits on Cemetery Hill Road, hidden by a row of trees and marked by a wooden sign erected by local Scouts.

The cemetery has more than 1,200 graves, giving visitors a sense of the cultural diversity and tragedy that existed in Black Diamond when coal mining was at its peak. Tombstones mark graves of residents who came from Wales, Italy, Australia, Russia, Germany and many other countries.

Mayor Howard Botts says a Civil War veteran is buried there, as are many children who died in the early 1900s in epidemics of small pox and the flu. At least half a dozen graves mark those of mine workers who died in explosions in 1902, 1910 and 1915.

The cemetery was added to the National Register of Historic Places in April 2000.

data from http://www.ci.blackdiamond.wa.us/Depts/PubWorks/cemetery.html

My visit took place on February 4, 2012, we were in the area for a benefit dinner.  When the dinner was over, it was suggested that we go to the Cemetery.  While I didn't have my "good" camera, I couldn't pass up the chance to go!

So my visit to the Black Diamond Cemetery was an interesting one, that is for sure.  While it wasn't my first time there (I had gone on field trips there in elementary school), it was my first visit at night. Growing up I heard stories of the cemetery being haunted by miners and such. I fully believe in ghosts and spirits but don't think that I would want to encounter one in the middle of the night.

On this night we encountered a few people who were at the cemetery looking for ghosts, they seemed a bit put off that I was simply there to take pictures. To each their own.

This is one of my favorite marker from the visit.  Morgan W. Morgans Born December 9, 1900 and died August 26, 1902.  Not even two year years old. 

I love the intricate details

A few of the plots have been separated by fencing, it really is amazingly beautiful.

Some of the headstones were slightly overgrown, and seemed to try to hide from attention.  These always seem to catch my eye.

I am always partial to the markers that have pictures, though you can barely see the name on this grave.  The smiling face catches your eye and demands your attention.

Temperature Lo 41° 

While the temperature this time of year is commonly in the 30-40 degree range, typically I wouldn't post what it is, because it is irrelevant.  However, in this instance it plays into my odd experience at the cemetery.  Like I said earlier, I had attended a benefit dinner earlier and was wearing some awfully uncomfortable shoes.  I proceeded to take them off when we got to the cemetery, I walked and took pictures for the better part of an hour. 

Strangely, my feet were not cold, not even a little bit.  In fact, they were warm to the touch.  Anyone that knows me, knows that my feet are ALWAYS freezing.  How is it that I could walk around barefoot for nearly an hour and my feet be warm?  I should say that my companion on this adventure said his feet were freezing cold.  And was surprised that my feet were so warm to the touch.

I have never had an experience like that before, but it was odd. 

Honestly, I can't wait to go back to the Black Diamond Cemetery in the day time.  It was a great night adventure.

Washington Soldiers Home Cemetery

I have visited this cemetery several times over the last few years (pictures below will be from various visits).  I think it is one of my favorites.  It is located outside of Orting, going up the hill towards Graham.  It is on the left hand side, not to be confused with the City Cemetery which is further up the hill on the right.  Thus locals call this hill, Cemetery hill.  I like that on Memorial day and Veteran's day each grave has an American flag placed on it.  It is surreal and peaceful.  I wander through the markers that seem to salute the American flag at the top of the hill.  I wonder what all these soldiers were like and how they fought for our country, so unselfishly.  I hope that they find as much peace in their final resting place as I do.

This Staircase leads to the back of the Cemetery from Orting Kapowsin Hwy



This is one of my favorite markers

Ghosttowns of Washington also visited this Cemetery.  Please see their website, it is one of my favortie reads.  Plus they take amazing photo's.  http://www.ghosttownsofwashington.com/Orting_Soldiers_Home.html



Calvary Cemetery Sept 2011

On a beautiful day in September, I left work early and headed to the Cemetery. Just off of I-5 and 74th is Calvary Cemetery & Mausoleum. It is a Catholic cemetery, and it is beautifully maintained. I didn't come armed with my camera, but did manage to take a few with my cell phone camera. Though not the best quality, I love them. I sat for a long time with Sister Mary Anastasia O'Reilly, She passed away Sept 2, 1935. It was her Deathiversary, so I spent extra time.  Having a rough day, I cried....I felt like she was there with her hand on my shoulder, embracing me when no one else could.

On this day I also met a man name Jose, he was an older gentleman of spanish descent.  He approached me as I was sitting next to the last marker pictured.  It had a picture of a mother, holding a young child....I had been sitting there for quite some time.  Jose, introduced himself to me and asked if I was there visiting family.  I stated that I was there visiting someone's family, I supposed.  We talked about how beautiful it was outside and how much he loved his job.  He had a similar view on Cemetery's that I do.  He told me that I had an amazing aura, I found this odd since I have heard this before (a few times, stories about that will come later).  He also said that I had sadness in my eyes, but that I should rest easy because it wouldn't be there forever.  I left him to do his job, while I marvelled in his blessing.


The following information is from http://files.usgwarchives.net/wa/pierce/cemeteries/calvary.txt:

This independent Catholic cemetery began in 1905 and was reorganized
in 1933.  Some records were destroyed in 1933 but others are still kept
on site.  The cemetery is well-maintained and has expanded beyond its
original 34 acres.  Adjacent to the cemetery is the Old Tacoma Catholic
Cemetery which is now part of Calvary and is maintained by them.

Sister Mary Anastasia