Tolomato Cemetery

February 24, 2022

St. Augustine, FL

Tolomato Cemetery is a historic landmark in St. Augustine, Florida measuring less than an acre of land. From the 1800s through 1884, about 1,000 bodies were buried under the grounds of the cemetery. Ordinary people, as well as major historically impacting individuals, can be found resting here. People from places and origins all over the world and soldiers who fought in the Civil War are buried here. An important Cuban bishop is also found resting here. This place has undergone many momentous periods such as the First Spanish Period, the British Period, and many more eras that the state of Florida has been through. The special and impactful stories of those who lived before us are recognized and remembered here at the Tolomato Cemetery.

Tolomato Cemetery Website: http://www.tolomatocemetery.com/ 

Artifact 1

The photo above is an above-ground tomb of a 16-year-old girl. She was buried in the year 1798 making this marker the oldest marked burial in the state of Florida. Sometime after she was laid to rest, grave robbers stole the clothes from her tomb. Soldiers from the Castillo de San Marcos Fort were known grave robbers and eventually returned the clothing. 

Artifact 2

The Tolomato Cemetery holds many soldiers buried bodies. Many veterans from the Civil War were buried here. The marker on the tombstone distinguished them as veterans of the confederate army. People buried here most likely did not die in battle but of natural causes. The tombstone holds not only the symbol of a confederate army veteran but also the rank of the soldier. 

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In Conversation Image 1

Above is a photo of King David's tomb in Jerusalem, Israel. The sacred tomb of the Bishop in the Tolomato Cemetery reminded me of King David's tomb because both of these burial sites are sacred places to those of their religion. Just like the importance of the history of King David to the Jewish faith, the Spanish Bishop's history is significant in the Catholic Church.

Photo Link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/k4eyv/50270466978  

In Conversation Image 2

I was reminded of the Arlington National Cemetery pictured above on the right when I saw the markers of the military veterans in the Tolomato Cemetery. In the Arlington National Cemetery, soldiers' markers are organized, polished, and labeled with the soldiers' rank. Just like in Arlington, the tombstones in the Tolomato Cemetery were placed in an organized and clean line, they were all the same white marbled stone, and they were labeled with the rank of the soldier.

Photo Link: https://www.usatoday.com/restricted/?return=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.usatoday.com%2Fin-depth%2Fnews%2Fnation%2F2021%2F05%2F28%2Fphotos-arlington-national-cemetery-flags-in-memorial-day%2F7485347002%2F

In Conversation Literature

Excerpt from Habitat Threshold

Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Glacier

Craig Santos Perez

“We do not know which to fear more, the terror of change or the terror of uncertainty…”

Visiting a cemetery causes a person to reflect. Going to the Tolomato Cemetery made me reflect. It made me think of those I have lost and all that I want to do before I pass. This quote from Craig Santos Perez's "Habitat Threshold" poem reminded me of the feeling that was conjured when I was standing in the cemetery. As humans, we naturally fear the uncertain future and death. The "terror of change or the terror of uncertainty" should not scare us. It should encourage us to live fully and accomplish our dreams because we do not have forever. 

Creative Component

   

Oldest House Museum Complex

St. Augustine, FL

February 17, 2022

The Oldest House Museum Complex is a special part of St. Augustine's history. The site is run by the St. Augustine Historical Society. Many different exhibits are held in the complex that displays the elements and parts of history that shaped St. Augustine into the city it is today. From the Surf Culture Museum to the gallery to the oldest house itself, walking the property brings to life the past in a special way. 

Oldest House Museum Complex Website: https://staughs.com/oldest-house-museum-complex/ 

Artifact 1

The gallery at the Oldest House Museum Complex contains numerous artifacts, maps, and photos of St. Augustine's history. The photo above is a part of a recent collection of glass photos that were found being thrown out. These valuables were taken and turned into a fascinating exhibit for the public to experience. The photos display the African American part of St. Augustine's history which is vital to the shaping of the city. This particular photo above is of St. Benedict the Moor Church. This church was built in 1911 and is located in the Lincolnville district. Recently undergoing renovations, this catholic church still serves the community today.   

Artifact 2

A recent addition to the Oldest House Museum Complex, the Surf Culture Museum is a fascinating part that exhibits the importance of the surf community in St. Augustine. The photo above is a collection of surfboards that have been collected from St. Augustine surf legends. In this exhibit, you can find the history behind the start of surf culture in town as well as the creation of surfboards, oral histories, mementos, and stories from surfer legends. Surfing is a big part of this town's history that built and shaped the community and that history is preserved in a fun and interactive way in the Surf Culture Museum.

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In Conversation Image 1

The Fairbanks House in Dedham, Massachusetts was built sometime between 1637 and 1641 and is considered the oldest wood structure in North America. The house that is still standing is currently a museum but housed Jonathan and Grace Fairbanks when it was built in the 16th century. Jonathan and Grace Fairbanks along with their six children lived in this house and for the next 268 years after them, generations of the Fairbank family resided in the residence. This structure is a historic site that visitors from all around go to see. 

Photo Link: https://locationsoflore.com/2018/09/29/history-and-hauntings-at-the-fairbanks-house/ 

In Conversation Image 2

The Surf Station is a major part of St. Augustine's community. The Surf Culture Museum referenced a lot of Surf Station in the exhibit. This surf shop started out as a gas station until it was purchased in June of 1984. Troy Strange had big dreams for this shop and little did he know at the beginning how much of an impact it would make on the locals and visitors of St. Augustine. Until 1995 the Surf Station acted as both a gas station and a surf shop. When the gas station became a distraction, the Surf Station truly became its own brand and has since grown beyond Strange's dreams. Surf Station loves its community and the community loves the shop. St. Augustine would not be the same without this place.

Photo Link: https://www.visitstaugustine.com/thing-to-do/surf-station

In Conversation Literature

One Hundred Love Sonnets

Pablo Neruda 

"I love you as the plant that doesn't bloom but carries

the light of those flowers, hidden, within itself,

and thanks to your love the tight aroma that arose 

from the earth lives dimly in my body."

History is kept alive through our acts of preservation. Without taking care of the past, it will be forgotten. I found that Pablo Neruda connected the love of a plant to preserving history. "I love you as the plant that doesn't bloom but carries the light of those flowers, hidden, within itself" can relate to the way that we preserve the memory and legacy of passed people or the architecture of a building even though we did not personally meet that person or live through that time period of that building when it was in full use. The light of memories from the past is carried and kept alive for future generations to learn from and appreciate. 

Creative Component

St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine

St. Augustine, FL 

February 10, 2022

A part of America's Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, St. Photios chapel is a special institution located off of St. George street. Those of the faith, as well as interested tourists, are welcomed to experience the overwhelming peace that can be felt when walking through those doors. The museum exhibits contain fascinating artifacts and pieces of history. According to the information on the site's website, in 1768 the Greeks arrived in America and the displays inside the shrine illustrate the history behind the beginning of the Greek Orthodox community here in the United States. St. Photios is a piece of history from the meaningful story of the first Greek colony. 

St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine Website: https://stphotios.org/about/ 

Artifact 1

The above pictures are photos of what pieces are traditionally used for Holy Communion. Communion represents the Last Supper that Jesus shared with his disciples. These pieces are important and cherished to those of the Greek Orthodox faith. The card in the picture explains the uses and importance of each of the articles of Holy Communion.

Artifact 2

The Nicene Constantinopolitan Creed is what is pictured above. This is a prayer that is said by those dedicated to the Greek Orthodox religion. The creed is a statement of faith. The letters used to spell out the creed were created by Flagler College students. Lots of time and effort was put into creating this inspiring wall. Those who read it are touched by the words.

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In Conversation Image 1

As a child, I lived in Washington D.C. and I remember visiting the National Mall quite often. One of my favorite parts was the Lincoln Memorial. The wall in St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine with the Nicene Constantinopolitan Creed reminded me of the walls of the Lincoln Memorial. The Lincoln Memorial walls hold the words of the Gettysburg Address and many other influential words of wisdom. Just like the memorial, St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine displays words that are impactful in a special way. Both exhibits are presented in a special way so as visitors stand reading the walls, they are overcome by the importance and meaning of both the creed in St. Photios and the address in the Lincoln Memorial. 

Photo Link: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lincoln_Memorial_(north_wall_interior).jpg

In Conversation Image 2

Walking in the shrine gave a sense of peace and sacredness that respects the greek orthodox faith. The Wailing Wall in Jerusalem is sacred for those of the Orthodox Jewish faith. Just as St. Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine is a holy place for those of the faith, the Wailing Wall is that place for Jews. The same spiritual feeling can be felt in both places. 

Photo Link: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/transgendered-woman-barred-from-jewish-western-wall-holy-site-in-jerusalem-9968023.html 

In Conversation Literature

One Hundred Love Sonnets 

Pablo Neruda 

"I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where,   
I love you directly without problems or pride"
 

Pablo Neruda puts the meaning of love in a very true way. I connected to this specific piece of Neruda's poem because his words reminded me of the love that believers have for God. There is no explanation for the love one has for God. It is hard to comprehend the amount of love someone can have for something/someone they have never seen or audibly heard before. It is hard not "knowing how, or when or from where" that kind of love comes from. Christians, Jews, and other religions have a lot of love for such an unknown thing. When believers go to God, they leave all problems and peace behind and trust fully in Him. Loving "directly without problems or pride" is another way to put the love for God into words. God's love is infinite and unexplainable and Pablo Neruda puts that unfathomable love into words. 

Creative Component