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Pink elephant in Mary Love Cemetary
Posted: Sun December 2, 2012, 1:32 pm
by jamesharoldsmith
I do not know the answer to this but thought i would post this question to help keep this section alive. Perhaps someone does.
Why did this person have an elephant carved from pink granite on his grave? I can't remember his name but am fairly sure it was a man.
Posted: Sun December 2, 2012, 1:35 pm
by jamesharoldsmith
oops Jim Smith HHS Class of '59
Posted: Mon December 3, 2012, 11:35 am
by Malcolm McLellan
The pink elephant grave stone in Mary Love cemetery marks
the grave of Joseph W. Mitchell (1904-1969). It was done by
Cohen Ludwig, a noted master carver and eredted in 1970.
Mr. Mitchell was a committed convervative and requested the
Republican Party symbol for his headstone. His wife Elizabeth
Beacham Mitchell chose pink granite because she believed it
to be the hardest of all stone, able to withstand age. The
elephant's trunk is lifted upward because it's apparently a
symbol of good luck.
RCDJ published an article "The Legend Behind The Pink Elephant"
August 17, 2012. I found it on the website visitrichmondcounty.com
Posted: Mon December 3, 2012, 1:13 pm
by jamesharoldsmith
Thanks Malcolm. Didn't know it had been in a a local paper.
I it has been several years since I have seen it. Hope it has not been vandalized.
Jim Smith
HHS Class of '59
Posted: Mon December 3, 2012, 3:25 pm
by David