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An Asian adage
states: "If you go to the mountain often enough - you'll see the
tiger." Like most Asian adages, it took us a while to figure out
what was meant. We thought it might have been the Asian equivalent
of the West Texas proverb: "Never ask a barber if you need a haircut."
But one thing we all agree on: "If you go to the barber often enough,
you'll get a haircut."
Oyvle Abbott, who is one of our favorite people in Fort Worth that
we've never met, noticed that among the plethora of books on Texas
ghosts and ghost stories - the most logical place to look for ghosts
had been overlooked. Books with titles like Ghosts in the Barbecue
and Haunted Muffler Shops of East Texas abound. Olyve knew without
being told - If you go to the cemetery often enough - you'll find
ghost stories.
We don't know how long it took to do her research, but by reading
the result - we know it was thorough. From
Spanish Fort to Benavides
and from Mineola to
Balmorhea
she covers Texas cemeteries like six feet of topsoil. She braved
uneven terrain, plagues of insects, prickly cactus, poison oak and
dehydrating Texas heat. And that was just getting to her car.
She touches on a few familiar stories - but only a few and her take
is an improvement.
At one graveyard she furnishes you with personal details about the
spirit in question and at the next she may describe the cemetery
itself. She's very convincing when it comes to describing the things
that you see from the corner of your eye on cemetery visits.
Some of her investigations were conducted at dusk or after the sun
had set completely - the better to investigate glowing tombstones
and luminescent phenomena. Better she than we.
Included are photos of tombstones, expressing the good taste (or
lack thereof) of the decedent or the ones paying for the monument.
She thoughtfully gives detailed directions in case you want to investigate
on your own. There is a convenient glossary with a brief explanation
of funereal motifs and a few epitaphs are included for their poignancy
or pithiness.
We would guess that it was Ms. Abbott's genealogical interests that
piqued her interest in cemeteries, and let us say as eloquently
as we can, that we hope that she'll consider doing more of this
cemetery stuff. Besides her slightly tongue-in-cheek approach (and
some pretty good puns) there's a quiet underlying word said for
cemetery preservation
Whispering bridges, crying dogs, armstones, orbs, writhing marble
women and ghosts skipping rope - there should be something here
for everyone.
Olyve Abbott's volume satisfies both the reader who wants simple
ghost stories - and the person who regularly visits cemeteries for
the communion it provides with past generations and with kindred
spirits we never got to know.
October
2002
© John Troesser
Click here: Texas Ghosts
Texas
Cemeteries
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