Graceland Cemetery, 4001 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL

I've passed by Graceland so many times, and once, on a very hot, humid day, after visiting Wunder's just across the street, stepped a few feet into the cemetery. I'd already become sick from overexposure to the heat and sun, and not seeing anything off the mark which intrigued me, went back to my car.

After searching Chicago's Rosehill Cemetery for two markers and not finding them, I realized they were in Graceland. I knew I must go back.

Upon driving in, moving past the average, mostly more modern markers near the entrance, I found beauty I'd not quite anticipated. First, I saw a virtual avenue of gorgeous old masoleums. Just beyond them, I found the renown Laredo Taft piece, "Eternal Silence," which was one of the pieces I was looking for in Rosehill.

Later, after much driving, and even more ooohing and aaahing, I found the second of the two, the grave of child Inez Clarke. Unfortunately, my digital camera did not hold enough photos to capture all the markers I'd wanted to.

I will be returning periodically to this cemetery, with film for my 35 mm as well as my digital.

- August 3, 2002