Cemetery Ramblings..

SO I've been on a kick to visit old historic cemeteries. So far as I know, Portland has quite a few. I visited the Lone Fir on a great evening. There was a Twilight Ceremony going on when I went. There were Buddhist Chanters that sprinkled petals and holy water over what's known as Block 14 so the spirits there would be at rest. Back in the day, Chinese immigrants that died were buried there temporarily until they could be sent back to China. However, not all made it back. The city decided to excavate and get rid of the bones and built a government building on top of the site know known as Block 14. After a big fight, members of the cemetery were able to prove there were still bones underneath and the city had to give it back.
The tombstones themselves were very old and really neat. One in particular is supposed to be well known for its carving. A picture of the couple was taken and carved into a great piece.
Today I also went to Columbian Cemetary in North Portland. It's a very small cemetery where I guess not many people visit.. So said the man who was walking his dog when I stopped and asked for directions. When I say small, I mean small. There were a few trees and a small hedge garden but not that many headstones. There were mainly placards, most could not be read anymore. Sadder still, it seemed to be a baby cemetery. The majority of markers were all babies or kids under 10 years old. Many were twins who had died on the same day of their birth, or a few days apart. It's pretty well kept for an old cemetery, but the website talks about financial struggles. The cemetery is owned by the family of the people buried there and funds are limited.