If you have visited many cemeteries, you undoubtedly have run across a stump or tree style monument. There were several sources to these stones. From the late 1800s into the early 20th century there were two groups of fraternal benefit societies that sought to protect families and their financial futures in case of the death of the familys breadwinner. One was Modern Woodmen of America (MWA), the other was Woodsmen of the World (WOW). They both offered an early type of insurance plan that included the benefit of a stump or tree type of monument...generally carved from limestone. There were also stones made during the rustic movement that sought to maintain a park like atmosphere in cemeteries...thus using naturally occurring tree forms as headstones. Often these were imbued with much symbolism, in the form of doves, ivy, flowers, etc. Other symbols included on WOW and MWA stones were axes, mauls, wedges...any woodworking tool and often a Dove of Peace with an olive branch. They were often inscribed with Here rests a Woodman of the World. However, the owners of these stones were not necessarily lumbermen or loggers. Sears and Roebuck and the Montgomery Ward catalog also offered tree stones at the turn of the century. Taller tree forms (4-5 feet) were usually reserved for older people. Shorter stumps or three small stacked logs were used mainly for younger people. Any thoughts? Do you look for these stones when you visit a cemetery?
Posted on: Mon, 26 May 2014 23:00:01 +0000
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