Photos by Cheryl Meints
I love Fun Fridays, especially when I get to tell you things about places like the Coon Dog Cemetery and next month the Rattlesnake Saloon.
You first encounter the cemetery on Highway 72, near Cherokee, Alabama.
.JPG)
I had passed the sign for years, always meaning to turn at the crossroads and wander back to Freedom Hills, but never did until last year. It was well worth the trip.
The Coon Dog Cemetery started on Labor Day, 1937, when Key Underwood lost his beloved coon dog, Troop, and buried him at the Freedom Hills camp where coon hunters gathered to plan their hunting strategy...and whatever else coon hunters do. The two had hunted together for fifteen years.
.JPG)
In 2012 the 75th Anniversary was held on Labor Day and people came from all over the country. I'd even bet a few International visitors were there.
One of the interesting things I discovered was money on top of the tomb stones. If you'll look closely at the top of this tombstone you can see what I'm talking about. I've looked several places and can't find a reason for leaving the change...unless it's as a remembrance or respect. Some of the memorials are not typical tombstones.
Once a lady from California wrote Key Underwood, wanting to know why he didn't allow other breeds of dogs to be buried in his now famous cemetery. Here's his reply:
"You must not know much about coon hunters and their dogs, if you think we would contaminate this burial place with poodles and lap dogs."
More of the history of the cemetery can be found here. Check it out. It's a really interesting story, and there's a photo of Troops tombstone.
Oh, and those other things coon hunter do...not sure if this is one of them, but...
.jpg) |
| Moonshine still? |
I believe change is left to let people know that the grave has been visited.
ReplyDeletemauback55 at gmail dot com
I agree. In some cultures a stone is placed on a grave to say you have visited and paid your respects. Perhaps here it is coins.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the post - very interesting. I like the idea that it might be a way to say the grave has been visited. I wondered if it is somehow tied to coon hunting (of which I know nothing!)
ReplyDeleteThis post is so interesting. I wonder if the coins are a way of showing respect like posted above? Or value? This really is interesting. Great post.
ReplyDeleteMelanie, Mary, Linda and Michele...I do believe you are right. Maybe. With coon hunters one never knows. :-) Thank you for the input!
ReplyDeleteI discovered that the Coon Dog Cemetery isn't the only cemetery where change is left on the tombstones.
From what I've read, there are so many versions of reasons to leave the coins (or stones) that vary from mythology to practicality. It all seems to boil down to a show of paying respect for the one who died.
ReplyDeleteInteresting to learn about the coon hound cemetery. Enjoyed it, Pat!
Thanks, Sandra. It is quite the place to see. I've seen pet cemeteries before, but never one dedicated to coon dogs. :-)
DeleteHow interesting! I didn't know there was a cemetery especially for coon dogs.
ReplyDeleteOnly one of it's kind, Amber. And coon hunters are definitely a different breed. :-)
DeleteLots of blue grass music, dancing, people, and just plain fun at the annual Coon Dog Cemetery festivities. However, an out-of-state friend and I drove up to the cemetery only to find a tour bus load of individuals amid the tombstones. Yep, it's quite the place and a stopover for sure if you're in the area.
ReplyDeleteFunny, Cheryl. The only visitors we had when we were there were the two suspicious park rangers that seem to be checking us out. lol Thanks for stopping by and for the photos!
DeleteThe Jewish cemetery next to where my parents are buried, there is a custom where stones are place on top of the markers. They are left to let the family members know someone visited and that they won't be forgotten.
ReplyDeleteJanet E.
von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com
I love that, Janet! And I think the consensus is that items are left so others will know someone has been there.
ReplyDelete