#Understanding

Understanding Cemetery Symbols #79 - Dove with Mail in its Beak
Oakwood Cemetery, Troy, NY
As I’ve walked through cemeteries I’ve noticed doves before in fact #40 in this series is about ‘Sitting Doves.’ This time we found a Dove with mail in its beak, although to me it looks more like a note. We’re using the book written by Tui Snider ‘Understanding Cemetery Symbols’ [tinyurl.com/e3...] to find out what the meaning of this.
In general doves have the meaning of innocence, peace and/or the Holy Spirit. What the dove is doing adds extra meaning to the representation. A dove with mail/letter/note in its beak is from the time during the Victorian age that young lovers would send notes at times using carrier pigeons. In this case, however, the grave is for Mary Gary, a little over a year old. I presume that the note is one of love from grieving parents being carried by the dove to their departed child. [1]
The Gary Family was well known in the Troy area. John B. and his wife Elizabeth seem to belong to the William Gary side of the family. John worked as a tanner at the family tannery business on Mc Adam Road (near present day Hoosick Street Wine Cellar on Hoosick St.). [2] The tannery business must have a rough job, John died at 48 years old. [3]
I hope you are enjoying the series and are becoming more aware of the statuary and symbols you find in a cemetery or graveyard. I find this remarkably interesting at what I am finding out. Please, keep following along and I would really appreciate it if you leave a comment. By the way, I’ve noticed that almost 90% of the people who watch my videos aren’t subscribed. I know part of this is the fact that many people watch videos on CZcams but don’t sign in. However, if you’re signed-in please consider subscribing to my channel. I would really appreciate it. And, as always, tell me what you think, or what you find interesting. Thank you!
[1] Tui Snider. Understanding Cemetery Symbols: A Field Guide to Historic Graveyards, Texas: Azle Press, 2017, 191-192.
[2] Articles of Association and Names of Members of the Board of Trade of the City of Troy, Troy, NY: The Daily Times, 1863, pg. 11.
[3] Find A Grave. John B. Gary, www.findagrave..., 2024.
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Please check out my other videos. . . I have different playlists that include:
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Cities-History/Culture
Trains/Railroads & Canals
Historic Cemeteries
Troy, NY History/Culture
The Baker Sheep Farm Archaeological Site
and of course, “shorts.”

[@The_Cultural_Historian_DrRGST]

I hope you are enjoying the series and are becoming more aware of the statuary and symbols you find in a cemetery or graveyard. I find this remarkably interesting at what I am finding out. Please, keep following along and I would really appreciate it if you leave a comment. By the way, I’ve noticed that almost 90% of the people who watch my videos aren’t subscribed. I know part of this is the fact that many people watch videos on CZcams but don’t sign in. However, if you’re signed-in please consider subscribing to my channel. I would really appreciate it. And, as always, tell me what you think, or what you find interesting. Thank you!😎

[@jeffersonspace]

Thanks for showing us around. Maybe if you bring a pocket sized mirror you can reflect the suns rays to better see the names on the stones?

[@The_Cultural_Historian_DrRGST]

That's a good idea. . . I'll have to try it. Thanks for commenting and of course watching. 😎