Tour Stop 4: Stephen Larrabee
Watch your step as you walk through the stones. Sunken spots, iron posts, small markers are all tripping hazards! Also, please never step backwards unless you double-check what you're stepping on first.
Stephen Larrabee marker (by Ron Romano)
Stephen Larrabee's marker (described by gravestone experts as "wonderful") is carved with the second-oldest death date in the cemetery—1718. Like the Green and Moodey markers, this slate was imported from Boston, since Portland did not have its own stonecutter until 1800. The skull of the death’s head symbolizes Mr. Larrabee’s mortal remains while the wings represent the flight of his soul to heaven. Look carefully at the bottom center border, and you’ll find an hourglass representing of the end of life. Notice the old English spelling of “lyes” instead of “lies” and “ye” instead of “the.”
Later Read
Spirits Alive has a new logo (April 2015 eNews)
Continue to Stop 5: Proctor Children, Great Fire
From the Larrabee marker, look to your right, and walk down about 10 steps to a deteriorated wide but low gray (slate) stone. You have reached Stop 5, the Proctor marker.