Cemetery Stroll Seaside and Locust Grove

When I first started family history research in the cemeteries of Gloucester, Seaside Cemetery confused me greatly. I’d been told in strict terms there was a Gloucester side (now I know this is Seaside Cemetery) and the Rockport side (Locust Grove). Although two separate cemeteries, they are both technically located in the City of Gloucester and seem to share a border.

A Guide to Cemeteries in Essex County Massachusetts by the Essex Society of Genealogists (1991) describes Seaside as “flat with many oak trees, granite wall”. Locust Grove is noted to include Folly Cove Cemeter and is “well kept and hilly”.  I agree on these points.  My recent observations are that most of both of these appears to be fairly modern. Most of what I see are modern style granite markers, although, as always there is an older section.

Perhaps due to the time of year, but it also seems there is a great deal of vegetation. It seems to me that there’s more here than in most cemeteries. This is part of what makes each cemetery have its own personality. It’s very pretty and soothing.

The veteran section of Locust Grove was dedicated in 1938 by the American Legion and it was looking spiffy all done up for Memorial Day.

I noticed many many red and yellow flags marking graves. These noted Rockport firefighters. These men and women are well taken care of and I think it’s timely to note this since the Gloucester Firefighters Memorial will be held this weekend.

My uncle was recently buried at Locust Grove and I am happy he’s in such a beautiful, well cared for resting place.