Thursday, June 27, 2019

A Mother's Love...!

While it may seem a bit strange to us now, back then this probably made a lot of sense to many.

The Grave of Florence Irene Ford
Florence’s mother built a stairway down to her daughter’s coffin so she could comfort her during storms.



During her short life, Florence, born September 3, 1861, was terrified of storms. As soon as one rolled in, she’d run to her mother, Ellen, who would patiently comfort her until the storm passed.

In 1871, at the age of 10, Florence died of yellow fever. Her mother, naturally distraught, couldn’t bear the thought of Florence being buried, as she still wanted to comfort her during storms, even as she lay at rest.

So Ellen had a small window fitted at the head of her daughter’s casket, and a narrow stairway built six-feet down to the level of the window. Ellen had hinged metal trap doors installed at the top of the stairs so she could shut them during storms, protecting her from the wind and rain as she sat by her daughter’s coffin, reading or singing to her until the storm passed.

The grave has changed very little since 1871. The epitaph on the gravestone is still easy to read: “As bright and affectionate a Daughter as ever God with His Image blest.” And behind the gravestone lie the metal trapdoors, which can still be opened today, so cemetery visitors can still comfort Florence during storms.

The only real change came with the addition of a concrete wall in the mid-1950s, erected at the bottom of the stairway to cover the glass window, preventing any potential acts of vandalism.

Natchez City Cemetery sits on the banks of the Mississippi River, its white tombstones neatly arranged on the green grass of Adams County. It’s a quiet spot, and home to a handful of notable tombs. There’s the tomb of Rufus E. Case, a large three-tiered structure that contains both Case and his favorite rocking chair. And the Turning Angel, a monument that watches over five graves and appears to turn to look at people as they walk towards it. But the grave with the most peculiar and arguably most touching backstory is Florence’s.

I don't think this would be allowed today, but it was comforting to the mother, I'm sure.

Coffee out on the patio this morning.

8 comments:

Mamahen said...

That's quite a story...a mothers love is deep for sure. I pray I never know the pain of losing my daughter!

Gorges Smythe said...

Wow.

linda m said...

Nothing is stronger than a mother's love for her child.

HermitJim said...

Hey Mamahen...
I hope so too!
Thanks for stopping by today!

Hey Gorges...
That about says it all.
Thanks for coming over today!

Hey Linda...
I have heard that many times.
Thanks for the visit today!

JO said...

Sad story. Couldn't bare it to lose one on my kids

Meeting new Dr. this morning.

HermitJim said...

Hey Jo...
Hope all goes well with the new doctor.
Thanks for dropping by today!

Dizzy-Dick said...

Yes, a Mother's love is so strong and so special. This story actually brought a tear to my eyes.

HermitJim said...

Hey Dizzy...
True emotions can do that at times, my friend.
Thanks for coming over today!