Graves.2C monuments and memorials Drayton and Toowoomba Cemetery

sandstone headstone marble plaques, drayton , toowoomba cemetery, 2003

the many different styles of monuments , memorials found throughout cemetery reflect fashions of eras in created. many of these excellent examples of design work , craft skills of monumental masons. majority constructed sandstone or marble. have been affected erosion weather , staining rust, dirt, mould or lichen. there many granite monuments, both modest , grand, have less weathering. combinations of 2 or more of these materials common occurrence (for example, sandstone headstone marble or granite plaque attached). grave surrounds such concrete curbing and/or slabs commonly used throughout cemetery, decorated ceramic tiles or painted. other materials used surround or fill grave include bricks, stones , gravel. larger enclosures, such numerous family plots, delineated low fences of cast or wrought iron, of ornate. others have low concrete posts chains slung between them or connected metal poles. several have had trees planted within enclosures have grown on time, affecting position of monuments around them.

the more elaborate types of monuments found in cemetery, particularly in victorian , edwardian sections, demonstrate variety of monumental forms including vaults, mausoleums, ledger stones, obelisks, tables, sarcophagi , altars. of more distinctive tempietto-style monuments , twin-column memorials. vault , mausoleum found in south-east corner of old roman catholic section particularly eye-catching. 1937 vault, constructed of sandstone in neo-classical style, dedicated coorey family , includes 4 marble statures of figures such virgin mary , young boy. 1930s mccoldrick family mausoleum houses large , intricately carved angel statue in marble, surrounded 3 stained glass window panels supported between sandstone columns.

a wide range of victorian , edwardian era memorial symbols on display throughout cemetery, including calvary crosses, celtic crosses, draped urns, broken columns, broken chain, mourning angels , cherubs, carved garlands, flowers (passion flowers, roses, poppies), ivy, grapes, , clasped hands. each of these has particular symbolic meaning. ornamentation references deceased s occupation, hobby or sporting interest - such diver s helmet, tools, weaver s apron, tennis racquets , balls, cricket bat , stumps, motor cycles, , camera. there variety of grave ornaments, including many immortelles , urns holding flowers, , graves decorated sea shells. several graves , family plots have symbolic plantings, such olive trees (olea europaea) , cypresses.

headstone inscriptions demonstrate range of languages other english, including chinese, hebrew , german, illustrating presence of non-british immigrant populations in drayton-toowoomba district. inscriptions include interesting biographical information person s life or circumstances caused death.

monuments in mid late twentieth century sections tend more modest, upright slabs concrete grave surrounds or slab , desk monuments. 2 modern mausoleums , elaborate arched granite monument housing marble statues can found in rc9 , rc10. war cemetery section contains seating area, flagpole, brick columbarium, lawn cemetery, , gravelled area simple, uniformly-designed marble headstones placed around 2 memorials.

each grave in lawn cemeteries marked simple plaque set in concrete block @ ground level. memorial lawn has rows of small headstones set single concrete footing. both types of graves have small pots , vases flowers, set ground. memorial gardens scattering or storing ashes , there brick columbarium, surrounded garden beds planted rose bushes, located in 1 corner. other flowering bushes , small trees, associated particular graves, found throughout lawn cemeteries.