Gardens of Stone --- A Cemetery Blog by Alexandra Kathryn Mosca

  Did a bit of cemetery exploring out east last weekend despite the unusually cold temps. Bridgehampton Cemetery --a quintessential churchyard cemetery --is located between two beautiful Protestant churches. The cemetery serves not only as a resting place for those who have passed but also as a reminder of the community’s growth. It is fascinating to think that, as I explored the grounds, families and individuals have returned to this very place for generations to honor their loved ones. I imagined them gathering to commemorate anniversaries, share stories, and keep the memory of their ancestors alive. It’s a continuity that truly embodies the essence of community ties.

It took me three determined attempts to locate the grave of author Mario Puzo, buried in North Babylon Cemetery (not to be confused with Babylon Rural Cemetery) on Long Island. The third time was the charm, and I finally found it. On Sunday evening, after dinner, my cousin joined me in the search. We split up and walked through the rows of the cemetery.  Despite coming across many noteworthy monuments, I still couldn't find Puzo's grave. Suddenly, it occurred to me that he might be buried in the small --and less occupied-- graveyard across the street.  It turned out that it was another section of the cemetery, and I spotted Puzo's grave nestled within some bushes as soon as I entered. He is buried with his wife Erika who died in 1978. Surprisingly, the rose granite monument makes no mention of his fame as a writer.  Standing before the grave, I couldn't help but recall the day long ago when, as a teenager, I and some friends eagerly made our way into the city to see the...

  Sometimes some of the most interesting finds are right in your own backyard. Such was the case when I recently went exploring in Roslyn Cemetery, one of my local cemeteries. It's been a while since I visited, and I saw some new monuments and revisited some older ones.  While the cemetery is small in size, it is filled with history. So much so, that it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is the final resting place of William Cullen Bryant, Christopher Morley,  Bessie Abott and Thomas Watson Story, and Frances Hodgson Burnett, and her son Lionel.  The grounds are diverse with --often unique -- memorials to those of many cultures, including Russian, Iranian, and Asian Indians.  Thomas Waldo Story followed in the footsteps of his father William Wetmore Story, finding success as a sculptor. He was married to opera singer,  Bessie Abbott. Poet William Cullen Bryant is buried beneath an obelisk with his wife, Fanny. 

  This month's 'American Cemetery & Cremation'  magazine contains my article 'Windows into Long Island's Past.' For the piece,  I profiled six of the Island's noteworthy cemeteries --Long Island National, Mount Ararat, Holy Rood, Locust Valley, Memorial Cemetery of St. John's Episcopal & All Saints --along with photos. American Cemetery & Cremation is a must-read magazine for taphophiles, and now is a perfect time to become a subscriber, if you're not already. This month,  American Cemetery & Cremation  is offering a year's worth of issues at the low price of $25.00 (that's little more than a $1.00 per issue).  You can click on this link to subscribe .

  In August, I was given a tour of All Saints Cemetery, on Long Island in preparation for an article I was working on. It was a real thrill for me, as a writer -- and taphophile -- to be shown the grave of William Zinsser, the author of "On Writing Well." Such an unexpected name in an unexpected place. I've included the cemetery & his name, along with my latest article --Windows into Long Island's Past -- for American Cemetery & Cremation magazine.

Little has been written about Long Island's many historically rich cemeteries. So, I was most pleased to write about ten of them for Newsday . My story is the cover for today's Long Island Life section. The history of us: Tombstone tourism connects visitors to Long Island's past