I’m one of those weird people who love photographing cemeteries.
And I found a cool one in Portland.
Lone Fir Cemetery
I saw the cemetery when I was using Google Maps for biking directions. I was surprised to see a cemetery of this size right in the middle of the city (Southeast 26th Avenue and Stark) and figured it probably had some interesting architectural influences and historical significance.
I was right.
It was obvious from the grandness of some of the structures and intricacy of the designs that some prominent Portlanders are buried here. I would love to take a walking tour with a Portland historian to learn more. I bet there is some juicy gossip similar to some of the stories told about the residents of the famous Recoleta Cemetery in Buenos Aires.
And some “regular folks” too.
Whose grave is marked by a small crumbling tombstone protected by four trees stretching to the clouds?
What is the story behind these cylindrical markers?
And these bizarre stump grave markers?
What is the significance of this symbol?
The trees create a ceiling, making the space seem more intimate and peaceful, protected from the rest of the city. Even if you aren’t a cemetery photography weirdo, this is still a pleasant and interesting place to visit.
Read more about the Lone Fir Cemetery’s history here.
I can say you are daring. I hate cemeteries and don’t i have time to take grave photos.
Looking at those structures there is rich history behind them. I wish you could take a step further to dig deeper for more information.
Jeff recently posted..Maximize Your Vacation by Choosing the Right Flight Schedule
It would have been great to know some of the stories behind these people and the interesting grave markers.
Stephanie – The Travel Chica recently posted..A (short) walk in the woods
I too am one of those people too who find cemeteries beautifully interesting. I always wonder what stories they each could tell.
Annette | Bucket List Journey recently posted..Eat at a Themed Restaurant in Tokyo
me too. I love walking through them and seeing what beautiful tombs and statues people have put there in honour of their family and friends
Hogga recently posted..Seeing Montreal with Le St. Martin
I like cemeteries too. I’m heading up to Portland for Thanksgiving, maybe I can check this out!
It’s definitely worth checking out and easy to get to in the Southeast.
Stephanie – The Travel Chica recently posted..A (short) walk in the woods
Wow, this is certainly an interesting one – I liked George’s stone the best. The symbol is of the Freemasons
I always like to visit cemeteries. There quite a few exceptional in this world. My favorite in Milan, but this one in Portland looks also amazing. I would love to see it for myself someday. By the way, you have amazing photos.
Laura @Travelocafe recently posted..Grand Roc Cave: Nature’s Own Way of Creating Art
Thanks, Laura. I actually went to to this site twice to get photos. The first time it was too dark because the sun was setting and there is so much tree cover.
Stephanie – The Travel Chica recently posted..A (short) walk in the woods
Wonderful photos, Stephanie. The Friends of Lone Fir offer terrific tours well worth checking out on your next visit.
Good to know. I will definitely plan a tour next time. You know I’ll be back at least once next year
Stephanie – The Travel Chica recently posted..Pumpkin Everything