Thread: early New England tombstones

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Hi All,
I'm thinking about getting off my butt and doing a few of my own tombstones for the first time this year, and I was wondering if anyone has ever come across any photos/images/designs of what I believe are typical New England tombstones from the 16-1700's (I'm specifically thinking of the ones with winged-skulls forming their arched-tops)?

Also, since I'm using 2" foam insulation board for these, I'm more than open to anyone's hints about the best (meaning the easiest for non-artistic types) tools and techniques for carving them. I've also had problems in the past with effectively anchoring store-bought tombstones due to the wind-factor around our house.

Thanks in advance for any guidance!

Is this what you're looking for?
Burying Point
Here's the home page link. This is about the best site I've found for U.S. cemeteries.
Grave Addiction - Photos of Cemeteries and Haunted Places

Yes! I found an image exactly like I was thinking of on the Burying Point site. I'll have to look through the Grave Addiction site when I'm not supposed to be working!
I still have to figure out how to enlarge the image, or somehow turn it into a template (I can't draw).
Thanks again for sharing these links!

Originally Posted by Haunty McSpooks

I've also had problems in the past with effectively anchoring store-bought tombstones due to the wind-factor around our house.

Thanks in advance for any guidance!

I'm sure there are more "artistic" methods to anchor your tombstones, but last year I used "Powergrab" (it's in the caulk section at Lowes) to attach two pieces of 1/2" PVC to the back of the tombstones. Then I just slid them over rebar.

Wow I never relized there were tombstones with skulls on them.I always thought that was a halloween thing.I have seen retail tombstones that look like some of those.
Thanks for posting the link otaku.