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Last Wednesday, as I was walking to Old City Coffee to grab an Americano, I suddenly changed my mind because the weather that day was my favorite. Which my longtime readers already know from past posts is Goth weather.

I savor those days when the sky is gray and cloudy, and the air is chilly. The kind of day you'd imagine Dracula lurking about.

Yes, I know, I'm weird. 

I've only met one other person in my lifetime who cherishes Goth-like days, as I do. She's someone I work with and have known since 2001, who was born in Germany. In fact, she and I often text each other on Goth days and say things like, "OMG...don't you love the weather today? 🧛 Thinking of you!"

Anyway, getting back to last Wednesday. The weather that day made me think to myself, "You know what? Today is a cemetery day. Let's go!" So, I made a quick detour. 

You see, not only do I have a passion for Goth weather, I also have a passion for visiting cemeteries. Rather than finding them sad, depressing, or scary, I find walking through cemeteries peaceful and comforting. 

Philadelphia, being the historical city it is, has some really beautiful cemeteries with old tombstones. And one of my favorites is the cemetery at St. Peter's Church Yard, in Society Hill. It's an ancient burial ground that dates back to colonial times (first burial was in 1760).

I didn't have my camera with me; therefore, the photos you are about to see were taken with my smartphone. I used a black and white filter to add an authentic Gothic look to the images. I love black and white photos as much as I do watching old black and white movies. To me, there is something powerful and dramatic about minus color. Black and white photography removes any distraction of color and helps the viewer focus on other aspects of the photo, such as the subject, the textures, shapes and patterns, and the composition.

Please enjoy my perfect Gothic day in St. Peter's Church Yard cemetery...




Whenever I read the names on tombstones, I always wonder who they were; what they looked like; what kind of life they had; and how they passed on...










And as I was leaving the cemetery on that beautiful day, I began to feel a strange transformation taking place...


Fangs very much for taking this cemetery tour! 🧛


Dracula joke: When Dracula shops online, he keeps clicking on the button that says, "Your account".

24 comments:

  1. LOVE that joke! No, the account joke, not your transformation! But, I like your cemetery outfit too. For some reason I feel a sharp piercing in my neck. 😉

    I too love walking thru cemeteries, for the same reason...the stillness, the quiet, the ambiance. And never thought to do photos in black & white with all the haunting drama!! Will do that next time I walk with the dead.

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  2. Ron, after these many years of reading your blog, you know how much I'm into all things GOTH. And so is my girlfriend. We actually met at a goth party seven years ago!

    These photos ROCK! And I agree with you about black and white photography. There is something about the contrast bwtween the two that adds a power to an image.

    I love them all, but the one at the top of the post (the bird on the pillar) is insane! I also like how you captured the reflection of the trees in the water on top of that tomb!

    Hope you don't mind, but I'm going to share this post (and photos) with several of my goth friends. They're going to love them!

    That pic of you as Count Ronacula is priceless! And so is that joke -- "Your account" LOL!

    Thanks for the beautiful photos and humor, dude!

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  3. Good morning, Anni!

    Isn't that joke a HOOT? I found it online and LOL when I read it.

    "But, I like your cemetery outfit too. For some reason I feel a sharp piercing in my neck. 😉"

    HA! I made that photo on a website called, Face In Hole. Fun website!

    "I too love walking thru cemeteries, for the same reason...the stillness, the quiet, the ambiance. "

    YES! Meeeeeeeeeee too!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. And Happy Birthday to you!!!!!

    X

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  4. Hiya Matt!

    Yup!!!!! I had a very strong feeling you would identify with this post being a fellow-GOTH lover!

    " We actually met at a goth party seven years ago!"

    OMG, that is so cool! I never knew that! It was as if that party brought the two of you together!!!

    Me too. I love the contrast between black and white. So powerful and dramatic! Two of my favorite photographers were Ansel Adams and Herb Ritts. Their B&W photographs were AMAZING!

    No, I don't mind at all. Please share as you wish!

    Isn't that joke hilarious? I LOL when I spotted it online, so I decided to use it for this post.

    Thanks a bunch for stopping by, Matt. Have a most excellent day!

    X

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  5. I feel the same about visiting cemeteries, Ron! So peaceful and comforting. I have a friend who thinks I'm crazy because cemeteries scare the crap out of her.

    St. Peter's Church Yard and cemetery are so beautiful! Wow....first burial was in 1760!?!? I love old, historical settings. You've shared photographs of the Philadelphia area is several of your past posts and the architecture is incredible. It looks a lot like the architecture in Boston.

    All these photos are fantastic. And I'm so glad you used the black and white filter because it really brought out the beauty of the cemetery. Black and white is so moody and dramatic.

    You're sense of humor cracks me up, Ronacula! xo

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  6. Morning, Candice!

    "I have a friend who thinks I'm crazy because cemeteries scare the crap out of her."


    People say the same to me. And I say, "What are you afraid of?!?"

    I know can you believe that the first burial was in 1760?!?!? That's why I love old, old cemeteries. The HISTORY!

    I've never been to Boston, but heard many people say the same. That Philadelphia looks similar to Boston. I think it must be the architecture.

    Using the black and white filter on my smartphone camera was a last second thought. And I'm so glad I thought it because it really captured what it looked like in person.

    Thanks a lot of stopping by, Candice. Have a fabulous rest of your week!

    X

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  7. Ron, what I especially love about these photographs are how the surrounding barren trees and fallen leaves add so much to the Goth feel. That, and your choice in black and white. Fantastic images!

    Did you ever see the Bram Stoker's version of Dracula, with Gary Oldman, Winona Ryder, and Keanu Reeves? It's my favorite. The whole cast is primo!

    I see why you enjoy goth-like weather. It's soothing and calming. I enjoy those kind of days too, especially on a day when I'm at home and don't have to go to work. Perfect day for soup, warm blanket, and watching a black and white movie on TMC!

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  8. Ok, that’s a creepy final photo! Lol! I love how you ended the post with humor because the photos are rather grim. But I would have LOVED a tour with you. I find cemeteries like this to be fascinating. I’m happy that it looks so well taken care of. Some of the cemeteries I’ve visited that have tombstones dating back to 1800 seem abandoned, with the tombstones falling over and such.

    A couple of observations: what in the world is going on with that tree stump that looks like it melted over the side of the fence? And did that rosary on Harry and Fanny West’s cross look old or do you think someone put it there recently? Also, Oswald Chew is a great name for a book character! Lol! Stunning photo of the brick road running through the middle!!!

    By chance, are you familiar with findagrave.com? I use it frequently in my genealogy research. There are sooooo many contributors who volunteer and take photos of graves and you can even put in a request for a photo. It’s a very cool site!

    Thanks for the wonderful tour, Ron. I enjoyed it immensely. XO

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  9. Hey there, Clair!

    ".... how the surrounding barren trees and fallen leaves add so much to the Goth feel. "

    Yes! I thought the exact same thing! And that's why I love going to cemeteries on days like this because it ADDS to whole goth feel!

    "Did you ever see the Bram Stoker's version of Dracula, with Gary Oldman, Winona Ryder, and Keanu Reeves? It's my favorite. The whole cast was primo!"

    OMG, yes! Not only did I see it, I own the DVD. I freaking LOVE that version. I also love the version with Frank Langella as Dracula that came out in 1979. He portrays Dracula is such a sensuous way. If you can find it online, watch it. I think you would enjoy it. Kate Nelligan is in it too. She portrays Lucy. She's wonderful!

    " Perfect day for soup, warm blanket, and watching a black and white movie on TMC!"

    You got that right!!!! A good Bette Davis or Joan Crawford movie!

    Thanks a lot for stopping by, my friend. Enjoy the rest of your week!

    X

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  10. LOL! I know, isn't that photo something? And it took me quite awhile to edit my face into that photo too! The photo itself is from a Boris Karloff Dracula movie. He was so popular back then!

    Yes, if you ever visit Philly, I would LOVE to take you for a tour of some of my favorite spots. Philly is a very walkable city. I never take public transportation other than when I go out to the burbs and take the train. Other than that, I walk everywhere. You'd be a good walking partner too because I know you like to walk. Valerie likes to walk as well. She and I used to walk all over NYC.

    The cemeteries here are kept very well because Philadelphia is very protective over its history and architecture. Even though I'm not a huge fan of this city, I do admire how they honor their history.

    OMG, I KNOW....can you believe that tree stump growing OVER the side of the fence!?! It's sooooooooooooo strange-looking, isn't it? I wish I had kept the other photos I took of that spot because I'd email them to you. But that tree (the roots) DID actually grow over that fence. But HOW, I have no idea!

    Yes, I think someone recently put that rosary there because they looked very newish. They were wooden rosaries.

    Funny you mentioned Oswald Chew because I thought the same thing when I read it. And in another photo that I didn't use, it included his wife's tombstone because it was a female first name, with same last name. I'm assuming it was his wife, but it could have also been a relative.

    Yes...I am familiar with Find a Grave. In fact, years ago I searched for the exact location of my biological mother's grave and found it. My plan is to eventually rent a car and drive out there to visit it. I haven't been there since I was a child. I wrote down the address and tombstone # so that I have it.

    Always a delight to read your comments, my friend. Have a faaaaaabulous rest of your week!

    X

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  11. This was fantastic, Ron!! I absolutely love the last picture! 🤣

    It's awesome that you enjoy gothic weather; my youngest daughter does as well! When it's raining and the sky is gray, she'll wake up excited. Her enthusiasm is contagious.

    These photos are fantastic. They perfectly captured the goth weather.

    We have so very much in common, Ron. We had a day like this in October (and many more since), but we were near Roseland Cemetery in Chicago, and I told my husband it was the perfect day to go there and take pictures! Unfortunately, on the way there, we were involved in a minor car accident. Everything was fine, but it dampened our spirits, and we decided not to go.

    I felt like I had the chance to remedy this today, so thank you so much for sharing these pictures!

    Have a wonderful week, my friend! 😘

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  12. Ron, thanks for sharing about that Dracula version. I will very much look for it online. I've seen Frank Langella in films before, but I never knew he did a Dracula movie. Looking forward to seeing it!

    Oh yes, nothing like a B.D. and J.C. movie classic! Also Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn!

    And by the way, I forgot to mention in my first comment that I drink Americano's too. Love the caffeine rush, LOL!

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  13. You are very welcome, Clair! I think you'll enjoy it. Lawrence Olivier is in it too!

    And speaking of Cary Grant, I had such a crush on him. Handsome, well-dressed, and such a good, solid actor. I loved him in Penny Serenade. His performance broke my heart.

    I don't drink Americano's all the time, but like you said, when I want a BIG caffeine rush, I have one. I like any kind of coffee drink that has a strong taste.

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  14. OMG Ron, I also share your enthusiasm (is that the right word) for walking through cemeteries, which is why I walk through one here in Nashua, NH, every fall. There are such wonderful old trees and headstones there. As you said, many are so interesting - the older the better. And, as you said, the atmosphere is peaceful and quiet, at least all the times I've walked in one.

    B&W is absolutely the best in my opinion and you did a great job with your cell phone, my friend. As they say, the best "camera" is the one you have with you.

    It seems the headstones in St Peter's have become rather neglected, which is sad, but sort of added to the atmosphere of the place. And, loved your end photo the best, my friend!

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  15. Aw, thank you, Kari! I had fun making that last photo on a website I use called, Face In Hole. It's fun and it's FREE!

    "my youngest daughter does as well! When it's raining and the sky is gray, she'll wake up excited. Her enthusiasm is contagious."

    Wow! Well what do you know, there are MORE people like me on this planet who loves Goth weather! Tell her I said, "Yup....I know how she feels because I get that way too!

    " We had a day like this in October (and many more since), but we were near Roseland Cemetery in Chicago, and I told my husband it was the perfect day to go there and take pictures! Unfortunately, on the way there, we were involved in a minor car accident. Everything was fine, but it dampened our spirits, and we decided not to go."

    You like cemeteries too?!?! We do have a lot in common! I'm going to Google Roseland Cemetery in Chicago because you've got me curious as to what it looks like! And I am sooooooooo happy to hear that your car accident wasn't serious. Whew!

    As always, thanks for stopping by. I always enjoy reading and responding to your comments (and blog posts).

    Have a great rest of your week and weekend, my friend!

    X

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  16. Hey there, D!

    You too? I am so loving that practically everyone who left a comment on this post has an enthusiasm for visiting cemeteries. That's AWESOME! I wonder if there is some kid of national cemetery visiting association we could all join and visit cemeteries all over the U.S.? LOL!

    Thank you! Using the black and white filter was a last minute thought I had. And I'm glad I did it because the images really capture the mood of the day in the cemetery - that GOTH ambiance.

    I think it's because over the many years, those tombstones have slowly been worn by the weather. But (as you mentioned) I actually like that because it makes them look all the more historical and Gothic, which adds to the atmosphere.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a faaaaaaaabulous rest of your week and weekend!

    X

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  17. Thanks Ron! I already emailed the link to your post this afternoon to three of my friends while I was a work. They're going to really enjoy these, I know it.

    And thanks for also sharing the names of those two photographers. I will look them up for sure. Can't wait to see their black and white photographs.

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  18. Ooops, and I forgot about Richard Avedon. Check his B&W's as well. GORGEOUS work!

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  19. "Whenever I read the names on tombstones, I always wonder who they were; what they looked like; what kind of life they had; and how they passed on." --- I think the same things, Ron! And whenever I walk through a cemetery, I try not to step on the actual burial area, out of respect. I feel like cemeteries are sacred places.

    When I was a kid, cemeteries frightened me. But as I got older, my whole perception changed. I found myself wanting to spend time walking through them. And the older, the better. The cemetery you shared in these photos are exactly the kind of cemeteries I love. Where you at anytime in your childhood frightened of cemeteries? I'm just curious.

    As some others have mentioned in their comments, I wonder what happened to Fanny West? Like you said, perhaps after her husband died, she lived somewhere else and was buried there. You see, that's what I find so interesting about reading tombstones.

    You choice in taking these photographs in B&W was excellent. Give the images a wonderfully vintage, and definitely goth feel!

    You have such a talent with the camera, Ron! xo

    I love that pic of you, you handsome vampire you!

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  20. Hola Denise!

    "I try not to step on the actual burial area, out of respect. I feel like cemeteries are sacred places."


    OMG, meeeeeeeeeeee too! And it's funny you said that because on the day I shot these photographs, I found myself very carefully walking between the tombstones; avoiding the burial space. I also feel that cemeteries are sacred places, so I try and have respect.

    No, I was never frightened of cemeteries; even as a child. I was always fascinated by them. Even as a child I was weird. LOL!

    Yes, that's the only reason I can think of about Fanny West. I'm thinking she may have passed away long after Harry and may be buried somewhere else.

    Thanks! I'm so glad I thought of using the black and white filter because these photos came out just the way I wanted them to ----- GOTH. And it also captured the weather that day.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, and for your sweet words, girl! Have a faaaaaaaaaabulous weekend!

    X

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  21. Ron, I read this post on the day you posted it but didn't want to comment until I checked out this church/cemetery with my husband over the weekend. It's gorgeous! But it looked completely different on the day we visited. I wish it had been like the day you were there because I like those gray, gothic type days too. Hubby as well.

    I like that area of Philly because all the homes have that wonderful historical feel. Society Hilly looks like a European country (such as the UK) because of the architecture. Like you, I enjoy OLD.

    Thanks so much for sharing your talent with the camera and for recommending St. Peter's Curch Yard. You always introduce me to areas I've never been in Philadelphia.

    Happ Monday, Ron! xox

    Can you believe how insane this city got during and after the Super Bowl? CRAZY! I can't even imagine what it would have been like had they won. South Philly was a mess!

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  22. Hellooooooooooo there, Elaine!

    OMG, I am so happy to hear that you and your hubby actually went down there and visited. Isn't it FAB-U-LOUS?!?!?! Aren't the tombstones incredible? And yes, I've been there before and it does look different. In fact, I was there sometime last summer with a friend of mine and we sat down on one of the benches and had a great time talking and sipping our cool drinks. Compared to now, the whole place was very green and lush. Which is beautiful too.

    "Society Hilly looks like a European country (such as the UK) because of the architecture."

    Yes, it sure does! I read somewhere that Society Hill is primarily English architecture. Very colonial. The homes there are so damn cute and cozy looking.

    OMG, I sat in my apartment last night watching movies and just waiting for the outcome of the game. When I saw the score, I knew it wouldn't be pretty. Center City was a mess too. I could hear it all happening from my apartment. But I'll tell you something. It would have been MUCH, MUCH worse had they won. Trust me, because I was here when they won in 2018.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Hope you had a terrific Monday!

    X

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  23. Good morning, my weird friend! LOL Talk about weird... I never
    usually visit the cemetery where my parents are buried, and we've only
    gone a couple times for Ron's, but going to an OLD cemetery is totally
    cool. I've taken pictures at a few! Black and white ones certainly do give you a way to look differently at a person or scene. You got some pretty good shots with your phone! I like the tombstone that has the scroll/cross (Thompson) and really like the one with the Oswald Chew stone off to the side. You certainly see that first, but then your eye goes back into the depths to see the other cross.
    Have a nice day, Count Ronacula! You might get more gray days this week, BUT if you see Mother Nature maybe bite her on the neck for this warm winter we're having. It might get up to 66 today, grrrr! I will love that in the spring, but not now in February.

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  24. *waving*

    Morning, Mary!!!!!

    Me neither, however, I am trying to figure out a way for me to get to my biological mother's cemetery, which is outside Philly because I haven't been there since I was a child. For some reason, I feel that I need to go there and visit again. It's been well over 50 years.

    Yes, there is something about black and white that gives them a different look - almost mystical.

    "You might get more gray days this week, BUT if you see Mother Nature maybe bite her on the neck for this warm winter we're having. It might get up to 66 today, grrrr! I will love that in the spring, but not now in February."

    A-MEN! Can you believe this winter and how freaking WARM it's been? But of course, most people are happy about that. Last week I saw a girl walking down the street wearing shorts and a cut-off T-shirt. I saw exactly TWO snowflakes this winter. God, I wish we would just get at least ONE really good snowfall. Who knows, I've seen it snow in April!

    Thanks for stopping by, neighbor!

    X

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