Here is my lovely wife Donna at Laurel Hill Cemetery this afternoon.
Donna and our younger son Chris came with me to Laurel Hill so that I could rehearse the tour that I’m giving tomorrow for a group of college students who are studying Philadelphia history. They’re coming to a great place for such study–many of Laurel Hill’s “residents” loom large in the City of Brotherly Love’s history. David Rittenhouse. George Gordon Meade. Harry Kalas. All famous in particular circles and all with Philadelphia connections.
The rehearsal tour seemed to go very well, at least that’s what Chris and Donna told me. We did my entire tour, which should take about 1.5 hours. The tour covers the basics, enough to give visitors an overview of the cemetery and to encourage them to come back for other tours, or to wander around on their own.
Fortunately, I will have a very experienced Laurel Hill tourguide with me to back me up tomorrow and offer suggestions for future tours. I haven’t met this particular guide yet, but I’m looking forward to it. Everyone I’ve met who is connected with Laurel Hill has been an interesting person. Plus, it’s always fun to meet other cemetery lovers.
So, tomorrow should be fun. Thanks to Donna and Chris for helping me out today!
Cemeteries usually creep me out, but there is something about this one that interests me. My friends ashes are there, and the service in their chapel/crematorium was beautiful. I will have to come on one of your tours!