H.P. Lovecraft's Grave in the Early Twenty First Century

As a follow up to yesterday's post, I've culled several images of H.P. Lovecraft's grave site at Swan Point Cemetery. Most of these range from 1999-2008, and comprise the closest thing I can piece together of my earlier suggestion about cataloging Lovecraft's grave every month. The pictures selected are intended to show the various trinkets placed on HPL's resting place, as these are the main locus of change over time at the grave.


This one dates to November, 1999, apparently not long after Halloween (as the pumpkin indicates). A miscellaneous bottle, a pile of colorful figurines, and green symbols ringing the tombstone can be observed.


A large plant, bottle, and several other ambiguous items serve as offerings in this photo of the grave from 2003. The seemingly withered state of the plant reveals a possible slowness among Swan Point's staff in tending Lovecraft's grave. Although the site is said to be closely monitored,
it appears they understand the cemetery tribute and leave each batch alone for a little while.


This undated image (presumably sometime in the middle 2000's) shows several further charms left beneath the slab. A bouquet of flowers and a large stone are apparent. The latter may even be a seashell, which would be fitting for a writer who chronicled so many oceanic horrors.


This photo, taken in July, 2007, reveals the usual small trinkets as well as a larger bottle. From three images spaced over the years, Lovecraft pilgrims look partial to leaving H.P. Lovecraft bottles which may or may not contain alcoholic beverages. This is touching and traditional, but ironic for a man who had a notoriously puritanical attitude about alcohol. Based on Lovecraft's true taste, a sugar-filled mug of coffee might be more appropriate.


A dried out set of flowers is the only thing visible in this relatively clean photograph of Lovecraft's grave from March, 2008. However, note the grayish patches of earth around the headstone. While this might be from the winter, it's a recurring feature in other images as well. Ebay auctions and boastful Lovecraft aficionados have claimed to remove bits of dirt from around the grave marker, which easily explains the messy look of the surrounding lawn.


The significance of stones at Lovecraft's grave isn't terribly clear. Nevertheless, this April, 2008, picture depicts several nestled under the headstone and on top of it. A note is stuck in another barren patch of ground. Given Lovecraft's legendary devotion to the art of epistles, these letters from adoring readers and disciples are probably the most suitable tribute offered. H.P. Lovecraft: still inspiring correspondence from admirers over 71 years after his demise. Impressive!

-Grim Blogger