Dear Karen,
We have found half shells around the stones at Otwell Cemetery, Franklin
County, IN, too. These were around and under stones of Irish immigrants. We
thought they might have been mementos from their home country, or from their
first homes on the East Coast. The closest body of water around here would
be the Whitewater or Ohio Rivers. At first we paid no attention, but now, I
clean them and leave them. It would be interesting to know if leaving the
shells was a custom...maybe symbolizing leaving our earthly shell behind?
Ruth Cox Schlemmer
SE Indiana
----- Original Message -----
From: Karen Adams <bplheritage(a)bernepl.lib.in.us>
To: <INPCRP-L(a)rootsweb.com>
Sent: Monday, July 26, 1999 10:54 AM
Subject: [INPCRP-L] Clams Shells at grave sites?
Two cemeteries in the Adams County area have seen volunteer cleaning
and
restoration in the last two months: St John's at Vera Cruz, Wells Co., to
the west of the Adams County Line, and Loofbourrow near New Corydon,
Jefferson Twp., Adams Co., near the Jay County Line. Both cemeteries are
offering us a mystery. Beneath the tombstones, sometimes placed besides we
are finding perfectly shaped clam shells. These are full halves. Not
broken shells dumped, carefully placed.
Has anyone else found this? Does anyone know what the purpose was in
placing these
shells or the superstition? Both cemeteries are near the
Wabash River. One is of "American" descent, and the other Swiss and German.
Thanks Karen
Thanks Karen
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