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More Cemetery Stories
RECEIVED Wed., April 26, 2006
Dear Editor,
I greatly enjoyed Cheryl Smith's article on Oakwood Cemetery and those who seek to foster its recognition and preservation [“City of the Dead,” News, April 21].
There is more to say about Oakwood than is included in the article. First, while there are a number of old graveyards in Austin, Oakwood is really the grande dame, rivaling the State Cemetery. There is a who's who of Austin buried there, including Elisha Marshall Pease, James S. Hogg, and two other Texas governors; capitalist Maj. George W. Littlefield; Alamo survivor Susannah Dickinson; writer O. Henry's first wife, Athol Estes Porter; educator Annie Webb Blanton, and many other Austin greats.
Also, the value of the tombstones as funerary sculpture is considerable and underestimated. The Stasswender family referenced in the article have sculpted many very fine headstones over the past century, and the craft of other stone carvers, artisans, and architects may be seen there, dating over a 167-year period.
Finally, Oakwood is a dandy place to spend a spring afternoon, soaking in its slightly threadbare beauty and fascinating history. A useful Oakwood Heritage Walking Tour brochure is available from the ACVB Visitor Information Center, 209 E. Sixth, Austin 78701 (866/GO-AUSTIN).
Thanks for your consideration.
I greatly enjoyed Cheryl Smith's article on Oakwood Cemetery and those who seek to foster its recognition and preservation [“City of the Dead,” News, April 21].
There is more to say about Oakwood than is included in the article. First, while there are a number of old graveyards in Austin, Oakwood is really the grande dame, rivaling the State Cemetery. There is a who's who of Austin buried there, including Elisha Marshall Pease, James S. Hogg, and two other Texas governors; capitalist Maj. George W. Littlefield; Alamo survivor Susannah Dickinson; writer O. Henry's first wife, Athol Estes Porter; educator Annie Webb Blanton, and many other Austin greats.
Also, the value of the tombstones as funerary sculpture is considerable and underestimated. The Stasswender family referenced in the article have sculpted many very fine headstones over the past century, and the craft of other stone carvers, artisans, and architects may be seen there, dating over a 167-year period.
Finally, Oakwood is a dandy place to spend a spring afternoon, soaking in its slightly threadbare beauty and fascinating history. A useful Oakwood Heritage Walking Tour brochure is available from the ACVB Visitor Information Center, 209 E. Sixth, Austin 78701 (866/GO-AUSTIN).
Thanks for your consideration.
Peter Flagg Maxson
President
Austin History Center Association
President
Austin History Center Association