Cemetery Class trip

Many of the pictures taken from the trip were with a film camera, so while I'm waiting for the 3 rolls to be processed, here's some interesting things we did on the trip.  Our first stop was at Old First Church in Middletown. Our tour guide presented us with stories and artifacts that were found after an early 2000's excavation in a small section in the church basement.  Archeologists found a shoe from the 1600's, just as strong and durable as it was then showing all the details of stitching.

Our second stop was Rosehill Cemetery, a gorgeous garden cemetery to say the least. Next to Old Dutch Cemetery/Sleepy Hollow in NY, this was the nicest cemetery I've ever been in. The landscape was unusual and always changing as you walked.  We could have spent hours at this one spot, especially since Al Savolaine of the Matawan Historical Society is so knowledgable about every person buried on the grounds.  He told our group to pick a stone and he'd talk about it.  This cemetery showcases different styles of tombstones and epitaphs.  People travel from all over to see this cemetery because of those who are buried there.  He told some fascinating stories about the deceased Matawan/Aberdeen residents such as the 1916 Shark attacks victims Lester Stillwell and Stanley Fisher, and Capt. Thomas Cottrell. We learned that there might be buried treasure at the sight because coins have been recovered from Pirate Captain Kidd’s loot.  There have been written documents suggesting that his loot is buried between two trees at Rosehill.  This cemetery is considered the most haunted cemetery in New Jersey.

Our last stop was Tennent Church and Cemetery, which I believe might have been the best spot.  Two of the students' last names were found on stones and we got to bring home some rubbings of epitaphs and names.  Our tour guide explained what some of the stones are made of and described how they were carved.  The red sand stone tombstones are so old that they're slowing falling apart. 

A bloodstained pew! Men fighting in the Revolutionary War were cared for at the church. 

All hand lettered by the pastor.  Unbelievable...

 Since the trip, Daimon and I went with another couple to Sleepy Hollow to visit the cemetery and to  go check out some spooky attractions.  The weekend was so much fun, I can't wait to post pictures and get this film developed!