Living Stones Vol. 1 by Buck Thor Emberg and Joan Dehle Emberg

THE LIVELY WORLD OF GRAVEYARDS

You may wonder, "Why graveyards?"
In Tasmania the nearly 1500 graveyards or burial sites tell stories. Contained on stone or pine head "stones" as epitaphs, these stories frequently tell incredible tales. These tales can be humorous as well as enormously sad. The saddest? It is either the death of the Large family in the 18th century or the scattered burial sites of the Aborigines at Wybalena on Flinders Island. We think the latter.
   The most humorous? At Bagdad there is a gravestone where one is forced to unceremoniously stoop to read the epitaph. In essence it states, "Now that you are stooped in this silly position ... think about how you too will soon join us."
   Sometimes the misspelled stones of the convict days lead to great mirth. Another stone, now corrected, said of someone who was killed in an early auto accident that "... he is in God's car."
   Combine these discoveries to the facts that graveyards are usually great picnic spots and are frequently associated with the oldest areas of villages and towns, together with your research in local libraries, and you have a very inexpensive and satisfying hobby. The children seldom wish to accompany the dedicated "graveologist" ... this is a bonus for those who want time to themselves.
   Most of Tasmania's graveyards still exist. They are on mine tailings, overlook wonderful beaches, on stately rocky outcrops, on islands and yes, even in swamps.
   If you pause at some of the many graveyards or burial sites in Tasmania, you will be rewarded with insights into our Colonial past and with a fresh appreciation for our unique island history.
   Welcome to the living world of Tasmania's graveyards!

Buck and Joan Emberg

Nonfiction - History - Tasmania - Australia