1. Cemeteries as Historical Repositories: A
Survey of Cultural Memory
By Krystal Yandle, Ann Waltrip, & Parth Patel
2. The inevitability of death and the anxiety it causes for the living triggers the universal
reaction of mourning regardless of time or culture. Mourning allows for those alive to find
closure in the passing of life and manifests itself in various manners across contexts. Essential
to this process is the careful disposal of the physical body. In America the most common
method is ground burials which are concentrated in what would become known as “cities of the
dead”. These cities provide a hallow space where family and friends go to communicate with
their loved ones and memorialize their lives (Francaviglia, 501). Many aspects of the landscapes
of cemeteries reflect much more about the needs of the culture of the living rather than that of
the deceased. Cemeteries serve as an archive of historical events and highlights significant
societal changes telling us a great deal about the culture and economics of those who practice
this ritual.
To discover these aspects our group visited the Sunny Lane Cemetery complex in Del
City which uniquely contains three separate cemeteries within its perimeter: The Old Sunny
Lane cemetery, The New Sunny Lane cemetery, and a Muslim cemetery. The three cemeteries
provided an ideal cross-section of older, newer, and culturally diverse examples of grave
markers allowing for easy comparison of styles across time and culture. Additionally, the layout
of the cemeteries and their spatial relationship to each other follows the expected patterns
found in other sacred spaces reserved for this purpose all while reflecting the culture of the
living.
In the southwest corner of the property and on top of a hallowed hill sits the Old Sunny
Lane cemetery. This is where the Sunny Lane Church, the first church established in Oklahoma
shortly after the 1889 Land Run, once stood. The land itself was donated by John George one of
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3. Oklahoma’s original pioneers (Dignity Memorial, history). This follows the early pattern of
graveyards being placed in close proximity to churches which often resulted in overcrowding
(Miller & Rivera 335). This pattern would shift by the time of the founder’s passing due to
increasing health concerns surrounding the care of the deceased. The new pattern is evident in
the shift away from the Old Sunny Lane Cemetery forming the more spacious and acropolis
centric New Sunny Lane Cemetery. Nearby a separate Muslim cemetery borders the north edge
of the older plots and creates a buffer between the original graves and the contemporary
burials.
The burial dates in the Old Sunny Lane cemetery range from the time of the 1889 Land
Run up to as recently as 1999. This wide time frame is apparent in the style and materials of the
grave markers and can be seen in the juxtaposition of these stones with the original grave
markers in the old cemetery (Fig. 1). At first it was surprising to see this contrast of modern
stones with old markers in what is part of the original cemetery but then it became obvious
why this was so. Although many of these were family plots reserved at the time of the founding
of the Sunny Lane Church & Cemetery it would not be until decades later that the graves would
actually be used once the original purchasers passed away. As a result the styles of grave
markers are separated by nearly a century creating the visual contrast we see at the site today.
Another definitive example of style separated by time can be seen in the graves which
date from the time of the Great Depression, although this was more out of necessity. Four such
markers which date from that time are made of a simple slab of concrete with hand written
names and dates embedded in the material, not unlike what is seen today when laying a new
sidewalk (Fig. 2). The simplicity of the material and method used to make the markers reflect
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4. the economic hardships present during that time. Yet another example which shows the
evolution of material aspects of the landscapes which no longer proved important or necessary
as priorities and styles changed over time is the use of cornerstones to mark the burial plots of
entire families within the Old Sunny Lane Cemetery (Fig. 3). Presumably this practice was
eliminated over time as it only added to the cost of grave plots and was no longer perceived as
necessary generations after the 1889 Land Run.
The Muslim Cemetery is small in numbers in comparison to both the old and new
cemeteries. It is unique that it is included within the larger Sunny Lane complex yet considered
a separate cemetery (Fig 4). This is likely due to the Islamic practice of burying the deceased
facing east towards Mecca, the holiest place within the religion. Because of this the American
Muslim Association is the caretaker of the plots and requested the area be reserved solely for
Muslim practitioners (Monday). This may be due to the religion’s priority for modesty. The
markers of Muslim graves are typically simplistic flat markers that express the tenant of
modesty present in Islam (Fig 5). Grave stones typically feature only Arabic writing however at
this site English is expectedly more common. Out of dozens of graves only two were written in
all Arabic (Fig 6). These markers were also very basic slabs of concrete similar to the ones from
the old cemetery dating from the time of the Great Depression, the only difference is the latter
are vertical standing slabs while the former lay flat as Islamic tradition prefers.
This preference for modesty is reinforced by the lack of elaborate markers and flowers
which turns the focus towards the humble praise for Allah and prayer for the deceased (Dignity
Memorial, The Muslim Funeral). Like the modest markers of the 19th
and early 20th
centuries
when these aspects are contrasted with the elaborate tombstones found in the New Sunny
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5. Lane Cemetery the reasons why the Muslim Cemetery is separate becomes more apparent as
such requirements do not shape the character of the neighboring contemporary American
monuments.
When contrasted with the old and Muslim cemeteries modern burial traditions involve
elaborate memorials varying from double sided monuments to private mausoleums. Like
previously observed in other cemeteries economics and social status is reflected in the style,
size, material and placement of plot markers (Francaviglia, 506). This is exhibited primarily in
the modern cemetery where there is drastic visual variation in the amount of wealth invested in
memorials. Many such examples were seen where the prominent people were not yet
deceased but have already reserved their prime real estate within the “city of the dead” by
marking their land claim with large stone monuments (Fig 7). In many instances these markers
were also engraved with symbols and insignia representing various fraternal societies which no
doubt exhibits the high status membership the individual holds within their communities (Fig 8
& 9). This provides yet more proof that these “cities of the dead” actually cater more to the
needs of the living.
A similar aspect of the graves of veterans shows their high status in our society. Part of
the contract enlistees’ sign with the US military provides a special marker for all veterans who
serve for America. Although a simple and uniform marker, it guarantees that even the most
unfortunate service members are recognized and honored for their commitment (Fig 10). In
many cases the plaque provided by the US Armed Forces is the third marker highlighting an
individual plot of a service member (Fig 11). This is in addition to the even more basic white
temporary marker placed on the grave while the personalized headstone provided by the
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6. family is being engraved. This triple marking of graves shows a special veneration of the soldier
and the services rendered, and fulfills the US Government’s promise to take care of those who
in many cases paid the ultimate price. Add to this the ever present use of flags and we are sure
to never forget their sacrifices.
Many other aspects of the landscapes of cemeteries hold certain significance and
importance. The theme of nature is fully embraced within the somber setting of American
cemeteries and the New Sunny Lane Cemetery is no different. We observed nearby trees being
incorporated into many of these personalized memorials often decorated with bird houses,
ornaments, and ribbon (Fig 12 & 13). Add to this the increasing incorporation of benches into
the landscape and an inviting park like atmosphere emerges (Fig 14). Additionally, the center
point of the New Sunny Lane Cemetery is also the highest point of the landscape and forms a
slight acropolis as the surrounding land slopes beneath it. This feature coincides with the
traditional Judeo-Christian belief which deems hilltops and mountainous areas as sacred places
(Francaviglia, 505). Hills also served a functional purpose as rainwater naturally drained off the
high spots adding to the prominence and value of the real estate (Francaviglia, 505). Many
prominently located plots would be priced accordingly and create an unintentional division
between the rich and the poor.
Surrounding the elevated center point are lower lying areas which are divided up into
various sections by roadways forming a micro-city of internments and memorial spaces which
visitors can easily navigate. Some of these specialized sections include a new veteran’s garden
and Babyland reserved specifically for young children (Fig 15 & 16). Although Babyland is
dedicated to infants and resides separate from the rest of the new cemetery, the area is
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7. actually under developed due to families opting to have their children included in family plots in
the main part of the new cemetery. This is possibly another example of a once useful concept
which has faded over time as medical advances have developed and infant deaths have become
less common.
The landscape is broken up in additional ways through the use of monuments,
specialized sections and other land features which provides grievers a soothing natural garden
of remembrance. At the entrance a pair of clenched hands offers a prayer to those entering the
hallow ground (Fig 17). A massive etched monument depicting the Last Supper is also a
prominent feature of the New Sunny Lane cemetery. The new veteran’s garden is accompanied
by the expected presence of flags and a large monument paying homage to those interred on
site (Fig 18). Recently, the Sunny Lane cemetery expanded to include an Our Lady of Guadalupe
garden (Fig 19) to cater to the growing Hispanic population in the area providing them an
inclusive and exclusive area of the landscape to pay homage to their Roman Catholic roots
(Hinton).
Another key component to the visual aspects of cemeteries as a cultural landscape is
the presence and variety of grave goods left at headstones throughout the New Sunny Lane
Cemetery. Traditional objects such as flowers were commonly distributed throughout the
graves regardless of what section it was found; however a broader variety of artefacts were
observed which reflected the interests and preferences of individuals and families (Fig 20). Such
finds included angel figurines, children’s toys, pictures, letters to family members, stones,
candles, incense, coins, and most uniquely a watermelon wishing a deceased loved one a
‘happy birthday’. The presence of grave goods and variety, although may not be unique to our
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8. culture, are a direct reflection of the American mantra of freedom of expression. Such
personalization ensures that the memory of the deceased lives on long after the individual’s
lifetime which reaffirms the role these rituals play in the lives of the living.
As time goes on burial practices have evolved and manifested itself in the ever changing
landscape of internments. This is seen in the growing popularity of highly customized funerary
services beyond those traditional practices. For example, even more elaborate headstones (Fig
21), nontraditional musical accompaniment, and personalized items are options that are now
being offered in addition to more conventional funerary services (Monday). Many details can
be observed within these three distinct cemeteries yet the key patterns which emerge are:
cemeteries are simultaneously sacred and profane; they fulfill the needs of the living to mourn
and memorialize the deceased; they reflect the greater society at large; they are databases of
historical change; they embrace nature as a means to calm and comfort. For all these reasons
cemeteries have become an integral part of the American cultural landscape, and although they
maybe static for the dead they remain dynamic reflections of our own living culture.
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9. Bibliography
"History of Sunny Lane Funeral Home.” Dignity Memorial. SCI Management, L.P., 2014. Web. 20
April 2014. <http://www.dignitymemorial.com/sunny-lane-funeral-home/en-
us/history.page>.
"The Muslim Funeral.” Dignity Memorial. SCI Management, L.P., 2014. Web. 20 April 2014.
<http://www.dignitymemorial.com/en-us/library/article/name/relcul-muslim>.
Francaviglia, Richard V. “The Cemetery as an Evolving Cultural Landscape”. Annals of the
Association of American Geographers. Vol. 61, No. 3 (Sep., 1971), pp. 501-509. Taylor&
Francis, Ltd. on behalf of the Association of American Geographers. 19 April 2014.
Hinton, Carla. “Sunny Lane Cemetery Pays Homage to Catholic Icon”. News OK. Web. 20 April
2014. < http://newsok.com/sunny-lane-cemetery-pays-homage-to-catholic-
icon/article/3684737>
Miller, DeMond Shondell & Rivera, Jason David. “Hallowed Ground, Place, and Culture: The
Cemetery and the Creation of Space”. Space and Culture. Vol. 9, No.4 (Nov.,2006),
pp.334-350.
Monday, Shyla R. “Personal Interview”. Sunny Lane Funeral Home & Cemetery. 19 April 2014.
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