True Tales from the Tombs

                                                      

When I mention cemeteries, what is your first thought? Did you know that cemeteries are for the living as much as they are for the dead? I’ve been posting about my favorite cemetery, Laurel Hill, over the years and there is a reason that I love this place. This cemetery is a good place for me to communicate with the souls on the other side of the veil. I love learning about their history and the history of Philadelphia. But, there is so much more to like at the cemetery because of their kick-ass events.

My friend and fellow ghost investigator, Rita, and I began volunteering at the cemetery because of the many events offered during the year. One of our favorite is the one offered during Halloween. Last night Rita and I manned the refreshment table along with three other volunteers. The event was True Tales from the Tombs presented by the “Not Ready for Afterlife Players & Friends of Laurel Hill Cemetery.
                                                           

After visitors stopped at our refreshment table for their hot cider, cookies and candy, they were led by guides to visit several grave sites where the actors portraying the spirits of notable people like: Benjamin Hodgson, Maurice Fagan, Martha Drinnan, Margaret and Elisha Kent, Anne W. Penfield, Singleton Mercer, Margaret Fox, Nathan Dunn, and Mahlon H. Heberton talked about their life and unexpected deaths. Isn’t any death unexpected when the Grim Reaper points at us?

Under the skilled supervision of Nick McAllister, Beth Savastana, Emma Stern, Carol Yaster, Suhee You, Casey Cappello, Bill Doran, David Gurmai, and Shawn Jacobsen, the event ran smoothly and all the guests, both living and dead enjoyed a fabulous show in the crisp fall night.
                                                               

Check out the event page for Laurel Hill Cemetery to see the upcoming events and say hello to the spirits for me.

Party at the Cemetery

                                                              

Yes indeed! You read this blog title right. The cemetery that I speak of is the Laurel Hill Cemetery located at 3822 Ridge Ave in Philadelphia. I’ve been attending the different events at this fabulous historic landmark for years. The events are top class and the staff is awesome. I love this cemetery so much that my friend and I volunteer there. There are lots of events coming up this month and you’ll want to check out the event page as soon as possible.

                                                            

There is a special event coming up on Saturday, September 10 from 8pm to 12am called Into the Veil.

“Life is eternal. Death is merely a change in condition…" Join Atlas Obscura and Laurel Hill Cemetery for an immersive evening as we explore the liminal world that exists between the land of the living and the realm of the dead. Inspired by the innovative event originated by Atlas Obscura and Brooklyn’s Green-Wood Cemetery in 2015, the souls of Laurel Hill invite you to contemplate the veil between life and the afterlife. An evening of hidden art, music, cocktails and entertainment will await under the cover of night as you choose your own path of discovery through the Cemetery’s enchanting hallowed grounds.

In case of rain, the event will be moved to September 11from 8 to 12.

Laurel Hill is America's first National Historic Landmark Cemetery, boasting art, architecture, nature and stunning river views. This final resting place of numerous historic notables is open daily with free admission for self-guided tours or recreation. Joggers, dog walkers, bicyclists and photographers are welcome. Unique public tours and events are offered throughout the year, with all proceeds benefitting the preservation and educational mission of Laurel Hill Cemetery. www.thelaurelhillcemetery.org

A Serenade for the Living, Dead, and Mother Nature

                                                          

I’ve posted about the many events offered at the Laurel Hill Cemetery way too many times to count. I guess you can say that I am a big fan of this Historic Philadelphia Gem near to the Zoo and you would be right on target. My friend and I volunteer whenever I’m not busy doing a book signing, psychic reading or ghost investigation. I love this place that much.

                                                       

This past Friday, Rita and I headed over the bridge and to the cemetery to see the Divine Hand Ensemble. This is about the fourth year that I’ve been fortunate to see these amazing performers. The Divine Hand Ensemble consists of Mano Divina Giannone who plays the Theremin, Monique Canniere who does vocals and violin, Julie Myers who does vocals and violin, Brit Walmsley who does vocals and violin, Hannah Richards on the Viola, Jonathan Salmon on the Cello, Gloria Galante on the Harp, Mary Kelso Bryson on the Harp and Randall Rudolph on vibes and percussion.

The Ensemble played in front of an ancient mausoleum and the music was a collection of a multitude of styles including funerary, classical, rock, and spiritual. The best part of the show was when the Ensemble performed a David Bowie tune and their rendition of the theme from Edward Scissorhands. I particularly love the Funerary tunes.

                                                                

While the music played and the bats flew overhead, I was watching a female ghost along with the several spirit children who stood at her side. I’ve seen this spirit before. She usually stays close to the old tree to the left of Benson’s mausoleum. The dead really enjoy the activities at the cemetery as much as the living does, but we were not the only ones enjoying the music this past Friday night.

Intermission

The guests and the performers took a thirty minute break, which gave everyone enough time to head to the restrooms and stretch our legs. On the way back from the restroom at the rear gate, Rita and I were surprised to see four young foxes outside their den. These animals were not frightened by the small crowd that gathered to watch them play out in the open. The crowd stood silently as the foxes chased each other or investigated their admirers from a safe distance. I was even able to film one of the more playful of the foxes.

                                                          

I didn’t think the magical evening could get any better, but it did. Monique Canniere was kind enough to serenade the foxes with her violin and beautiful voice. The human onlookers were not the only ones mesmerized by the spiritual connection between beauty and beast. Music is the communication between all living things.

                                                            

Conclusion

Cemeteries are not only for the human vessels left behind by souls. Cemeteries are home for the many creatures in nature. Laurel Hill offers nature walks in their long list of events. Become a member! Volunteer! Help keep the cemetery vibrant for the dead and the living...the foxes will thank you.

                                                              

A Grand Opening, Laurel Hill Cemetery and the Blue Bridgade: Volunteers

                                                             

 

My friend Rita and I have been visiting the Laurel Hill Cemetery for the last three years, but we’ve been volunteering for the cemetery for almost two years. What can I say? That place is amazing and it doesn’t matter if you are living or dead. Did you know that you could pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic at the cemetery? The Cemetery offers some amazing shows done right amongst the tombs.

                                                                                                                         

Rita and I have volunteered for some rather unique events with our favorite being the Mischief Night Event and the Zombie Run. Today was a special day for the cemetery. It was the grand opening celebration of the Kelly Drive Pedestrian Entrance.

                                                        

 

Rita and I along with all the volunteers received our blue shirts today. Very snazzy don’t you think? We are the Blue Brigade (I made up the name, but it’s not official...not yet). We helped with the many family fun activities that went on throughout the afternoon.

                                                          

The event began with a few speeches, then a performance by the Invisible River dancers and aerial performers almost brought the busy traffic on Kelly Drive to a standstill with their outstanding act. Music was provided by The Divine Hand Ensemble.

                                                                                                                        

Rita and I were assigned the table where young and old had a chance to paint flower pots before adding soil and a beautiful plant to take home.

                                                             

Go on the site for the Cemetery’s Event Page and check out all the activities they have lined up for October. Make sure to come out on Mischief Night. The Blue Brigade will be there is assist you.

                                                             

 

TRUE TALES FROM THE TOMBS: MISCHIEF NIGHT by FIRELIGHT

This Mischief Night, performers will regale you with true tales from Laurel Hill Cemetery’s historic tombs. From the desecrated grave of a prestigious doctor; to the woman who is buried in two places, True Tales from the Tombs will feature stories of the Cemetery’s most provocative and memorable permanent residents, as they return from the dead to tell their stories.                                                                                                                                                          

Featuring The Not Ready for After-Life Players as storytellers of these otherworldly tales, the candlelit tours will depart every half hour through the stones and mausoleums of Laurel Hill. Afterwards, slow your slow heart rate with hot cider and cookies. Bring your own flashlights.

One evening of True Tales from the Tombs is scheduled at Laurel Hill: Friday, October 30 at 7:00pm. Tours will last approximately one hour and depart every half-hour, with the final tour departing at 9:30pm.

Steampunk Granny chats about Godzilla, Cemeteries, Rabbits and Gardens Gnomes

                                                             

Since my last post about Godzilla's battle against the worse case scenario of a yeast infection, my husband and I now had him on grain free foods for almost a week and, we've been washing him every couple of days and rinsing with a baking soda rinse. They did say that the condition will appear worse the first week and then, hopefully, begin to disappear, but we're talking a few months here. His immune system is compromised from chemo and steroids.

                                               neck area              

Here are a few pictures to show you that the skin under Godzilla's neck is almost free of hair and his skin feels like elephant skin. The skin under the fur on his lower back, is raw. I sure hope this treatment of foods and meds works because I hate to see the little guy suffer like this.

                                                  rear area                  

Today, my friend Rita and I were at the Laurel Hill Cemetery for their Bones, Bells & Whistles Event which ties in with Philadelphia's Science Festival Event. You can learn more about this event here: http://www.philasciencefestival.org/calendar

                                                          

I love the Laurel Hill Cemetery and its a place rich in history. They have a neat gift shop, too. If you look closely you'll see my book on the shelf. While we were packing the activities to be used at today's event and gentleman came in to buy my book. Lucky him, I was there to sign it for him.
                                                            

My magnolia tree is in bloom and so is my cherry blossom tree.
                                                                

There are rabbits living under our shed in the back yard and you can see that Snowflake and LeLe are trying to introduce themselves.
                                                                

I just took out all my garden stuff, fairies, dragons, frogs and lots of gnomes. I try to set up a mystical theme in my secret garden. I'll take a picture when I'm done setting up Gnome Town.

                                                                       

Steampunk Granny’s Cabinet of Curiosities: Cemeteries, Divine Hand, Body World, Grounds for Sculpture

                                                                  

I've been busy this past month with attending events all over the place. Just a few weeks ago, I headed over to the Laurel Hill Cemetery in Philadelphia to listen to the marvelous music of the Divine Hand Ensemble headed my Mano Divina.  The ensemble played funerary music...music that was commonly played from sunset to sunrise the next day at the graves of the newly departed to help them on their journey past that thin curtain that separates the living from the dead.

                                                                  

 

It was a custom that had fallen out of favor with the church during Pope Leo’s reign and that is such a shame because the music is beautiful and haunting at the same time.

                                                              

While my two friends and I enjoyed the music, I witnessed the spirit of a woman dancing around the tree above and to the left of the mausoleum when the Mano played the theremin. The cemetery, although very old, is well kept and the lovely and helpful staff plan out all kinds of activities during the year.

                                                                 

                                      

Please check their event page and do visit this cemetery. It is a step back into time and it is alive with natural beauty. Check it out here: http://www.thelaurelhillcemetery.org/index.php?m=1&p=1&s=1

Mano Divina and the members of his orchestra will mesmerize you with the beauty of their music.  

You can catch the Divine Hand this Friday at:

Friday, October 10, 2014
REEFER MADNESS with a live improvisational score by The Divine Hand Ensemble!
Plus vintage animated shorts with live scores!
Doors 7:30, Program at 8:00
$10, advance tickets:
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/863924

Anti-drug cult classic REEFER MADNESS will be screened at PhilaMOCA accompanied by a live improvised performance by the theremin-led chamber orchestra The Divine Hand Ensemble. The evening will begin with vintage animated shorts accompanied by live scores.

http://divinehand.net/
http://www.philamoca.org/

                                                                                             

Body World Animals Inside & Out

When I’m not visiting Laurel Hill, I’m visiting museums. My friend, Denise, recently invited me to the Franklin Institute’s members’ opening night of Body World.

                                                                                             

You might, at first, think the subject matter more on the level of gore, but you would be mistaken. Our bodies and that of animals are so much than bone, muscle and arteries. We are all works of art.  Do yourself a favor and check this exhibit out.

                                                       

Chocolate at the Academy of Natural Sciences

Who doesn’t like chocolate? Maybe zombies, but for the rest of us, chocolate makes us happy. Here are some details, but the exhibit opens this weekend. If you go, buy me a bar of chocolate.

Join us THIS weekend, October 11-12, for the opening of Chocolate: The Exhibition! Enjoy activities all weekend devoted to the delicious science behind everyone's favorite treat. And yes, there will be chocolate to eat...
Get all the details and purchase advanced tickets: http://www.ansp.org/Visit/Events/Details/?eid=5859&iid=18112

                                                             

Sculpture for the Soul

This week, my fellow spirit investigators and I headed to Hamilton New Jersey to visit the Grounds for Sculpture. This place is amazing!! The statues were so lifelike and there were several times I made the mistake of confusing a real person for a statue. Don’t ask.

                                                                  

Seward Johnson conceived of and opened the grounds in 1992 with the mission of promoting and understanding and appreciation of contemporary sculpture and to promote emerging artists. The grounds are surrounded by beautiful nature and boasts two cafés and a restaurant. “Grounds for Sculpture” is even more important in today’s world due to the severe cuts to education. The first classes to get cut are always the arts and that is inexcusable. Located on 126 Sculptors Way, Hamilton, NJ 08619

                                                               

                                           

                                            I’ll let my pictures convince you to go.

 

                                                                 

REV Theatre Company's Cemetery Cabaret

                                                        

             "Come down and join the circus, it's the end of the world
               Come down and join the circus, all you dead boys and girls"

                                                             

This is my third year to watch the show at the Laurel Hill Cemetery located at 3822 Ridge Ave. Now everyone that reads my blogs knows that I'm often at the Laurel Hill Cemetery because they offer such awesome events like the graveside cabaret done by the REV Theatre Company which stars Rudy Caporaso, Denise Shubin and Felicia Anderton.

                                                         

                       Denise Shubin Rudy Caporaso  Felicia Anderton

The musical is dark, witty and naughty and it is performed amidst the tombstones. My only complaint is that it ends too soon, at least for me. I wouldn't mind spending the entire night and into the early morning listening to the beautiful and haunting songs that this threesome belts out. Make sure to see this show before the Fringe Festival ends. The dates and information are below and I've included REV's website page too.

When you go to the show, tell them Steampunk Granny sent you.

 

 

BACK - FROM THE DEAD- BY POPULAR DEMAND
AFTER LAST YEAR'S SELLOUT PERFORMANCES REV THEATRE COMPANY RETURNS TO THE PHILADELPHIA FRINGE FESTIVAL!

Spend, a witty, mysterious and haunting evening and sip FREE cocktails while darkness falls with three departed souls as they journey between this world and the next as they ...appear through the mists of Laurel Hill Cemetery for a toe-tapping, spine-tingling good time.

-Bring your beach chairs or blankets-

CONCEIVED/CREATED: Rudy Caporaso
DIRECTOR: Rosey Hay
FEATURING:
Felicia Anderton, Denise Shubin and Rudy Caporaso
MUSICAL DIRECTOR: Rob Borchert

WHEN:
Friday-Saturday: September 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th
Rain Dates: Sunday September 14 & 21

COCKTAIL HOUR: 7:30pm
SHOWTIME: 8:00pm

WHERE:
Laurel Hill Cemetery- 3822 Ridge Ave. Philadelphia PA, 19132

PRICE:
General Admission- $20 (cocktails included)

TICKETS:
At the door or call (215.228.8200) or visit www.fringearts.com under "happenings"

GETTING TO LAUREL HILL VIA SEPTA IS EASY!

Board SEPTA bus route 61, the Ridge Avenue line, in Center City at any stop on 9th Street between Walnut and Arch, and get off at Clearfield Street across from the Cemetery Gatehouse. You can also pick up the 61 bus on 11th & Market . Trip takes about 30 minutes.

If you plan to drive, the Laurel Hill Cemetery website www.thelaurelhillcemetery.org has very clear directions.

http://www.revtheatrecompany.org/

Cabaret Among the Dead

                                                            

 

 

"Come down and join the circus, it's the end of the world 

Come down and join the circus, all you dead boys and girls" to-

 Sip a cocktail or two as darkness falls and lost (singing) souls 

Appear through the mists of Laurel Hill Cemetery for- 

 "We're all just skeletons, reclining on a beach of flesh 

Dancing in a sea of organs through lapping waves of blood" 

SEE a sailor lost at sea as his widow drowns in a bathtub!

MARVEL as a murderous little girl pleads for the electric chair!

BEWARE a serial-killer as he looks for his next victim!

 

All with music from Bessie Smith to The Scissor Sisters,

Cab Calloway to Nirvana, and including many others.

 

So come back indeed and Once again- "Enjoy yourself...it's (still) later than you think!!!"  

 

Re-conceived/re-created by REV'S Co-Artistic Director Rudy Caporaso and directed by Rosey Hay, Co-Artistic Director,  and featuring Felicia Anderton, Denise Shubin and Rudy Caporaso and musically directed by Rob Borchert, THE WAY OF ALL FLESH (SHOW) : A GRAVEYARD CABARET  returns to Philadelphia's Fringe Festival after last year's standing-room-only performances of SIX FEET (ABOVE AND) UNDER: A GRAVEYARD CABARET!

 

COMING SEPTEMBER 2014 

BACK - FROM THE DEAD- BY POPULAR DEMAND 

AFTER LAST YEAR'S SELLOUT PERFORMANCES!

Friday, September 12 & Saturday, September 13  Rain date: Sunday September 14 Friday, September 19 & Saturday, September 20   Rain date: Sunday September 21 Cocktails at 7:30pm & All Performances at 8:00pm 

Bring beach chairs or blankets  General Admission- $20     Student/Senior- $10 A Philadelphia Fringe 2013 offering  at Laurel Hill Cemetery- 3822 Ridge Ave.  Philadelphia PA, 19132

 

Steampunk Granny goes from Coffee To Ghosts

                                                                

 

On Friday, August 15^th, my daughter Marie Reid and I headed out to Mullica Hill and the Crescent Moon Coffee & Tea Shop.

                                                                                      

 

I was there to sell Roof Oasis my first book in a series of apocalyptic tales with a twist and Tall Tales and Short Stories by our South Jersey Writer's group. My daughter was there to sell her lovely jewelry. It was a beautiful day and there were many visitors to the shop. Side note: Great coffee selection.

 

                                                                Marie setting up her stand

I was able to coerce Sharon, the owner of this fabulous little gem of a shop located on 141 Bridgeton Pike, to take a picture with me.

 

                                                                                

Kathy was the first person to purchase a book that day. We chatted about my using what is happening to our food and water supply in today’s world and how it led to the catastrophic events in my book.

 

                                                                              

A very good friend and her son and granddaughter stopped by to visit while I was at the Crescent Moon. Elaine’s granddaughter Autumn seems to like Roof Oasis, too.

                                                                           

 

 

Later that night my ghost hunter buddy, Jean, and I headed to the Laurel Hill Cemetery. It was an event for professional photographers to get some rather unusual night shots of the beautiful site. While the pros were busy doing their thing, Jean and I did ours: ghost hunting.

 

                                                                         

Luckily, the other people there did not have a clue to what we were doing or they might have been a bit frightened to know that the cemetery was extremely active that night especially on the road heading towards Millionaire Row.

 

                                                                                 

I was able to spot a female spirit, but only in mist form, but when I snapped the photo, I got this.

                                                                                 

               All in all, it was a delightful day for selling my book and communing with the dead.

                                                                       

 

You can see a very faint orb lower to the ground between the cross and the large pillar