The INCREDIBLE STORY of this HEADSTONE! Eldren Bailey
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- Опубликовано: 7 сен 2024
- Join us on this fascinating episode of Adventures into History as Dan, Joy, and I explore the St. John Cemetery in Waverly Hall, Georgia. This African American cemetery, originally a burial ground for enslaved people on the Boddie Plantation, holds a wealth of historical significance and unique artistry.
In this video, we delve into the distinct characteristics of historic African American headstones, with a special focus on those created by the talented artist Eldren Bailey. As we walk through the cemetery, we'll examine the differences in headstone styles and craftsmanship, shedding light on the cultural and historical contexts that shaped these memorials.
Eldren Mathew Bailey, born on July 17, 1903, in Flovilla, Georgia, was a remarkable artist whose work has left a lasting impact on the communities he served. After moving to Atlanta at a young age, Bailey worked on the railroad before transitioning to a career as a plasterer. He eventually settled in the Pittsburgh neighborhood of Atlanta, where he began creating sculptures in his front yard in 1945.
Bailey's sculptures, made of cement and originally brightly colored, often featured funerary symbolism drawn from African American and African cultural traditions. His most famous works include a depiction of the crucifixion and a statue of Hank Aaron, which he completed on the day Aaron hit his historic 715th home run.
Bailey's grave markers, found in cemeteries across Georgia, are notable for their concrete construction and bright white plaster fronts. These markers often include the names of the funeral homes that handled the deceased, such as Hanley, Haugabrooks, Moreland, Cox, and Murdaugh. Despite their simplicity, Bailey's markers are a testament to his artistic vision and dedication to memorializing the lives of African Americans in his community.
During our exploration of the St. John Cemetery, we highlight several headstones crafted by Bailey, discussing their unique features and the stories they tell. These markers serve as a tangible connection to Bailey's legacy and the rich history of the African American community in Georgia.
Our journey through the St. John Cemetery is not just about uncovering history but also about understanding the profound impact of artists like Eldren Bailey on preserving cultural heritage. We invite you to join us as we share our findings and insights, providing a deeper appreciation for the artistry and history that lie within these hallowed grounds.
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Lots of history to be discovered in a cemetery, from the people who are there to the people who made the stones…
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Always appreciative that Robert allows me to share local history that interests me and is so giving of his time in the filming and editing of these videos. I feel super lucky to be a part of it and love seeing Robert's discoveries and hearing Dan's stories as much as everyone else. This channel is such a gift! Thank you, Robert!!
Always glad to see ya Joy.
It's an education throughout learning through your history. I'm from the UK so we have plenty history. I love it that you can trace back the ancestors and talk about them in general. And the links between these families is quite amazing whether they were wealthy or not. They've been recognised once again and not forgotten. Great teamwork throughout 🇬🇧🇺🇲👍
That was so interesting Joy. Thanks for the history lesson of these amazing stones.
@@user-yt6hf4mp2i Thanks, kind of you to say!
@@gigicostlow4414 So glad you enjoyed it!
Dan's alive!!!!! Welcome back Dan!!!
He's like a cat with 9 lives!
Out of 1.2 thousand views , 900 of you couldn’t hit the like button? Come on guys. Remember to hit the like button when you’re watching! Robert works really hard on these videos! so does Mr. Dan and Joy and Cecil and everybody else that helps on here! Hit the like button!
I always hit the like button before I leave, and generally before I even watch!
I do the same@@sharmaineburnside9154
The only reaon i dont is cause i use my likes list for only my music playlist, ive been watching religiously for several years now❤
I've always hit the like button and notifications are always popping up 👍
Same happens in my channel 😢
Excellent to see Dan back again!! 🎉
Yes! We’ve missed him
Dan is the best 💗
@@forevr_disturbd Ditto!
A fascinating story from Joy about Bailey stone markers. Respect!
ITS GOOD TO SEE DAN
Incredible amazing graveyard, headstones and history.
Yaay!!! Dan and Joy with our Robert! Wonderful!!
Very interesting history. Thank you Joy, Dan, and Robert.
First time I have seen personalized headstones with funeral home name.
The history of the old stones is very interesting. The work on some of them is just beautiful.
Thank you Joy
Great fun All. I just love these explores .Thank-You Joy for honoring the artist. Wish I was there. ❤
💕 Incredible video. History teaches, I now know Eldren Bailey’s art. Your team’s research is a gift 💕
That is an impressive walking stick you have there, Dan!
Love finding out the history of the people who are buried there. %hank you, Dan, Joy and Robert.
Thank you Joy, Robert and Dan for preserving the history of African Americans. That photo of little Clarence and his lonely little grave hurt my heart.
Some of my paternal ancestors were buried in a cemetery for Black people near Augusta, Georgia from the 1870s through the early 1900s. Most of the graves, as documented in a letter to my grandmother, were marked by wooden slabs. The letter was written in the late 1940s and the writer said the markers were in such poor condition, he expected no one to know who was buried there in the "near future".
@@YT4Me57 Wow...I wonder if they can be found...
I’ve seen the wooden slab markers at a large cemetery in Charlotte. Personally I think it’s sad.
Always great seeing Dan, Joy, and Robert together! Enjoyed learning the interesting history of the Eldren Bailey headstones. Thanks, Joy!
Brother Dan and Miss Joy! Always a pleasure with both. Nothing lights up a scene, even a cemetery in the dark Georgia woods, like Miss Joy's smile! God bless one and all...
You are very kind as always, Alvan. Thanks!
Aloha Dan! Good to see you again! Interesting headstone.
Joy always seems happy. Thats great
beautiful walking stick you have there, Dan
It really is!
It’s alway nice to see Dan in your videos. He’s a walking history book of that area. Keep up the amazing videos.
Yep, lovin' the history.
These plaster stones are holding up purty good. Always enjoy y'alls video's. ❤
Not just enough to know the history but to present it in a way as you all do make you feel like you know them a bit.
Love the stories & the history
HOORAY! DAN & JOY are back! Thank you Robert, Dan and Joy for the fascinating and very informative cemetery visit! It was so interesting to hear about Mr Bailey and to see a number of examples of his headstone work. I loved seeing the variations of particular letters, like the “S.” He also did a very stylistic “9.” The addition of an honorific for each deceased was poignant and touching. I loved Dan’s photo of Mrs Culpepper standing beside her beautiful automobile, and the photo of her only son, who must have died not long after the photo was made. I deeply appreciate the work of all 3 of you in researching and tying together the few known facts into a cohesive story. It makes the little footnotes of history come alive. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I feel very greedy saying this, but, I’m sure hoping for more of these informative excursions with Dan and Joy!
Watching from 🏴 UK.
love the channel.👍
Love your videos and enjoy watching them. May the lord bless and protect you Robert and Dan and your guest and bringing out the past history
Great to see the three of you together again out there giving us the history both fascinating and important. I'm a bit of a cemetery junkie myself and I love to go to Old cemeteries and look at the headstones. My wife has even grown to enjoy it too.
Great video, Dan, Robert & Joy! Another wonderful history walk.
Dan's snake cane is one of a kind. I tried to order one from Fashionable Canes in Largo, Florida and they said they had nothing like that. But, thanks for the idea. So, maybe one day they will make one.
@@davidcarroll1883 if you Google vine curled walking stick (also called a Kentucky walking stick) and use shopping you can find similar. Either finished or blanks that you could stain & polish as you desire.
Like button first thing I do before watching.. incredible history story..
Hi Joy & Dan, nice to see you both again. I so enjoy your presentations on early cemeteries. Great info once again. Good job Robert too!
Love their stories from the history of our country ❤ thank you Robert, Dan and Joy, appreciate much.
I love watching and listening to these wonderful stories. Love from New Zealand
Watching from Texas but always enjoy learning about history as i have been a history buff most of my life. Thanks Robert, Dan, and Joy for all you do. Don't leave out Cecil whom is awesome too.
Thank you. Much appreciated!
Super interesting! Joy's info about the Bailey headstones was fascinating. Mr. Bailey put his talent to use and made some beautiful stones. They've held up really well. Even with weathering you can still see the deep layered details of the roses and lettering.
Another cool history lesson!🕵🏼♂️
Great, presentation.
Thank you for the information. In Overton County, Tennessee, there are metal headstones in a cemetery. They are hollow inside and the information on the stone is very readable.
I wonder if it is a Zinker headstone. You can Google it and see pics. We have some in an 1850’s cemetery in Joliet Illinois.
@@user-qk9vg3pb1e I believe it was a Zinker.
@@user-qk9vg3pb1e yes they are.
@@user-qk9vg3pb1e I believe it is one.
Thanks Joy
Fascinating video, thanks for keeping history alive.❤
I really appreciate you taking the time to teach this history. It local to you all, but is interesting because it's our American history and heritage.
We missed you Dan ❤ welcome back🎉 great video as always❤
So good to see Joy and Dan enjoyed so much
Very cool!!!! Thank you for the lesson on these headstones. I've always been curious about what the different shapes of headstones were called over the years. Maybe a lesson on those in the future??? Again, thanks to Dan, Joy and of course Robert for taking the time to take us on another fascinating trip!
Thank you.. love the history !
Love the history of these stones
So good to see Dan! Thanks Joy and Robert for the headstone history
It’s always great to see the lovely Joy in your videos! She always brings some awesome interesting history and all of you together are truly the dream team of cemeteries and area history. I just moved to Virginia from Arkansas because I wanted to be closer to older history and I love all your videos and they inspire me to want to explore the area I’m in too!
Wow, it's always neat to see all the ways Robert's work has inspired others. Love hearing that you enjoy history so much!
Very fascinating grave yard and amazing what you can learn from history thanks for sharing take care 😊
I could listen to Dan all day!
Hello to Dan and Joy. Haven't seen you for a while.
Hi, Paul! 👋
While stationed at Fort Knox my unit was tasked with the upkeep of a couple of old graveyards that were within the base boundaries when Fort Knox was established. They were deep in the woods and you wouldn't even know they were there if someone didn't tell you. Some of tombstones dated back to the 1830s. Im glad they haven't been forgotten and are being treated with respect.
Have you ever been to Henry County (Ola) there's a old cemetery off of highway 81 I can't find it I don't know how to find it don't know the name I just thought if you've ever been down this way you might know of it
Local history is very important.
It's only important for those who care about the truth.
Very interesting finds love the history and information on such a talented artist this gentleman was. Shame the symbolism flowers wreath and other pieces were not included anymore. Thanks to all for this great find and history glad you all are recording and documenting this history. ❤️❤️❤️
Vary interesting ❤
I found this episode particularly interesting. I'm a sculptor and have recently started working on concrete work.I enjoyed seeing this beautiful work!
This is a really cool, educational video. Mr Bailey sounds like he was a really neat person and I loved hearing about the headstones he made.
My husband’s father made a few headstones back in the 1920s Eastern Kentucky. We have yet to find one. My husband was born when his parents were in their 40s and he just celebrated his 81st birthday.
Oh, that's cool. You should post to the FB Fan group page if you do ever coming across one. That's neat family history!
Just amazing to know the history..
Hey Robert
Very interesting and well done video. Had a question kind of related. Having watched the channel over the years and your uncovering of grave stones, I always wondered were those beautiful and sometimes sad epitaphs original and made up by the family, or would it have been offered and arranged by the undertaker like today when families decide on prayer cards, casket choice, etc. sometimes from a prepared selection.
Most of the time they are from a prepared selection, some of the more unique and personal ones of course may have been done by the family
Always so interesting guys ,good work.
Thanks once again😊
Thanks!
Super interesting!!! Great job. 👍🏼
Thank you Miss Joy, for your excellent narrative on these stones. I learned a lot tonight. Thanks Mr Robert for another great video that also showed one of my favorites, Mr Dan. Love ya'll.
I used to live in the Acworth area in Georgia. I am certain that I took photos of this gentleman's work multiple times around Cherokee County. I immediately recognized that style of headstone.
I hit the like button right off the bat. I like all of Robert's videos
Me too, you know you'll like all of his videos.
Great video. Joy really made this an informative explanation about those Bailey Headstones.
Thank you for the amazing education, of an incredible man 👍👍👍👍👍
I have binge watched your vids all day. Really enjoyed them. I live north of atlanta but have traveled through just about every town in Georgia for work.
Love watching these episodes 💖🇨🇦
Your videos are always so beautifully edited 🪦 🖤
I agree. Robert does a great job with the editing and music choices. I know it is time consuming for him. What a kind thing to say!
@@joyfisher2128joy I adore all of you! 4 years ago, these videos gave me a purpose.. my life is cemeteries now ❤️ just know I would give anything to walk one with you guys
Thank you that very interesting
Very interesting!
Fascinating !!! ❤️❤️❤️
White washing was the key for those
Cement and plaster.
Especially if it’s falling apart.
Live this special program girl and guys. Keep up the good work.
Love
I have enjoyed this very much thank you so much. God bless all of you 🙏❤️🌹
What a fascinating discussion of Eldren Bailey's work! I wonder how many cemetrries have his work? Such a unique art form. Thanks for the local history, Mr. Dan, and Joy's research. Little Clarence Culpepper, Jr. was such an adorable little boy and gone too soon.
Heartbreaking.
A wonderful story and one awesome photo she shared with you. 🙏🕊️ Very enjoyable story.
I especially love these when you have pictures of the people!
Thanks for giving us this information.
I walk a lot of cemeteries and I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for these.
I know I’ve seen them before.
I love videos with Dan the historian, his information is really fascinating
Very interesting
The original shape of those Bailey stones is a cut down version of the very old "head and shoulders" stones. They were popular in the 17th and 18th centuries. If memory serves, there are some examples from the 19th century that were still used in old Ozarks cemeteries. The "head" was perfectly round, there would usually be a small neck that went into the lower, rectangular stone that formed the shoulders. An obvious design flaw, because it was easy for the head to get knocked off. Over time, that design got simplified down into what you see on these Bailey stones. Did you notice there is no funeral home noted on Mrs. Annie Black Davis's marker? A mystery we'll probably never know the answer to.
I have seen a few of the "head and neck" stones you are talking about around Harris and Talbot. They were locally made, I believe. The ones Dan is standing in front of and talking about in the beginning are like that though rectangular "heads" and the little neck. Does seem precarious but thankfully they have withstood the test of time so far! Thanks for the info!
HEYYY DAN IS BACK 🎉🎉
Great to see Dan back !
Awesome video yall thanks for the history Mz Joy, if its like NC down there yall better check for ticks and chiggers take care 👍
Definitely did and the red bugs always eat me up. No getting around it!
@@joyfisher2128 I hate those little buggers they itch forever
@@cliffyarboro1163 Not sure if I hate them or the poison ivy more. At least sometimes I can avoid the poison ivy, I guess!
@@joyfisher2128 Yes I always have to watch for the poison ivy also
DId yall loose Dan again?
I hit the like button FYI.
Great video.
Fascinating history, wish i was there really 😊
Well done thanks, Joy is knocked this video out of the park ! I wonder if Asheville North Carolina has any of these grave markers ?
I think it may be unlikely as it would have had to have been an Atlanta area funeral home providing the services. Maybe a good question for Dan as to a senecio that might have happened under. I would think it possibly that someone who died in NC but had Georgia/Atlanta ties might contract an Atlanta Funeral home for removal of the body and burial in GA but then the headstone would remain in Georgia as well.
Interesting video packed with history.
Considering the stones are in the wooded areas they seem to show the lettering better than actual stones do.
Very interesting thanks
Never heard of MTA. Is that a southern organization? Fascinating video!
❤ I have relatives buried in there. My great uncle use to preach at Saint John.
Hi joy, hello Dan
Howdy, Scott!