Woodmen of the World was a fraternal organization begun in Nebraska in 1890. It sought to give financial help to its members primarily through insurance plans.
One of the perks of membership was a free grave marker in the form of a tree stump. Several can be found in both Mountain View and St. Mary's cemeteries.
They typically include branch knots, ferns, a hatchet, and a dove of peace.
The practice was discontinued sometime in the 1920s due to the expense involved. The company continues to exist today as an insurance company in Omaha.
Linked to
Taphophile Tragics hosted by Sydney Eye.
Those are pretty cool looking, but I am in no hurry for one for myself.
ReplyDeleteStrange practices.
ReplyDeleteFantastic post. Such a shame we don't have markers like that over here in the UK. Maybe the odd one or two. I think they should be made an opition again as they're so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteBeneath Thy Feet
Interesting story and "gravestones" (woods). Never seen this before.
ReplyDeleteHow very interesting!
ReplyDeleteWhat incredibly detailed grave markers! I haven't seen anything like them before.
ReplyDeleteNow, this is VERY strange. As the say, I thought I had seen and heard it all when it came to gravestones.
ReplyDeleteI have seen gravestones like this one before, but I didn't know the story behind it. Very interesting symbols. I sort of like it!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely fascinating piece of history. These are really rather gorgeous in their craftsmanship.
ReplyDeleteThe mould on that third marker really adds to the 'vegetative' feel. Here in Australia, we do not have the fund, but we do have half stumps and branches, to indicate a life cut off in its prime.
ReplyDeleteLove the variety of markers we are all finding.
Great idea, membership of the club continued even after death!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting. I find it fascinating how many expensive practices of the past have been discontinued, even though people are more affluent now and the population has increased. I guess the expectation for higher profits has something to do with it.
ReplyDeleteMy sister lives in Omaha and we have a habit of visiting old cemeteries when we are there. So much interesting information on those old tombstones compared with the ones today.
ReplyDeletehahaha, that is very interesting.
ReplyDeletearound here there are some tree-stumps too.
Woah..never heard of that. Considering the high cost of grave markers in general that's a pretty nifty membership perk I'd say.
ReplyDeleteHow interesting and what a discovery. It would have been a very welcomed benefit for the surviving family. I love reading the dates and names of those past lives.
ReplyDeleteBises,
Genie
«Louis» had forgotten all about Woodmen. He thinks perhaps the organization is not as well-known out west as it is in mid-America. It was quite well-known in his native Texas.
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