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Understanding Cemetery Symbols: Book & YouTube Series Trailer by Tui Snider

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Book Trailer & YouTube Series Trailer

Yee haw! I finally made a video for Messages from the Dead: Understanding Historic Cemetery Symbols. The video is actually a two-for-one deal. It’s a Book Trailer *and* a YouTube Series Preview all in one.

About the book: If you are a genealogist, taphophile, history buff or paranormal researcher, you might enjoy my upcoming book, Messages from the Dead: Understanding Historic Cemetery Symbols. Basically, it’s a field guide explaining the meaning behind historic cemetery symbols.

About the YouTube Series: Each episode of my YouTube series will focus on the meaning behind one historic cemetery symbol or interesting graveyard story.

About my obsession: I’m fascinated by historic graveyards and cemetery symbols. (And of all the presentations I give, this is the most requested topic!) In 2017, I will continue sharing a weekly article on this site about the meaning behind different cemetery symbols.

Please note: This book and YouTube series come out in 2017. To be notified when they are available, be sure to sign up for my weekly newsletter (There’s a form below the video.)

I’m a video newbie, so this video trailer took all day long to create. It was fun, though, because I love the topic. Check it out, below. And make sure your speakers are on, because I composed a theme song for it, as well. Let me know what you think:

 

 

FREE Cemetery Symbols Guide:

Would you like a FREE guide to historic cemetery symbolism? If so, click the image below:

Hey, you! Want to know when the book & YouTube Series are available?

No matter where you live in the galaxy, Tui's books can take you on a FUN adventure!
No matter where you live in the galaxy, Tui Snider’s books can take you on a FUN adventure!

FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER: For updates on my offbeat travels, historic cemetery symbols, YouTube series, speaking appearances & other fun stuff (such as postcards from the road!) subscribe to my newsletter using the form below.  You can also mix & mingle with me by clicking this link & “liking” my Facebook Author Page:

Want to read my books?

I currently have 4 books out, with plenty more on the way! 

Unexpected Texas – This is a travel guide to offbeat and overlooked places in the Dallas – Fort Worth region. (You can see photos and read travel essays on my site, as well.) More here.

Paranormal Texas – This travel guide to paranormal hot spots and haunted lore of the Dallas – Fort Worth area. (I often research haunted sites and share my experiences on this blog!) More here.

The Lynching of the Santa Claus Bank Robber – This book tells the strange-but-true tale of a very bad Santa, a crazy crime saga from the 1920’s in which a mysterious blonde-headed woman may very well have gotten away with murder! More here.

Filed Under: Blog on Writing & Life, Blog Posts, Haunted Travel, Travel Photo Essays Tagged With: author Tui Snider, bnb, chestnut tree, Cisco, coffee, day trip, historic, history, iPhone photography, paranormal, photo essay, road trip, Texas, travel, Tui Snider, Tui Snider photographer, west texas, writer, xmas

#Review Log Cabin Guest Haus in Cisco, Texas

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Weekend getaway in West Texas

Last weekend, my husband, father-in-law, and I had a weekend getaway at the Log Cabin Guest Haus in Cisco, Texas. [Please note: While our lodging was provided free of charge and this post may contain affiliate links, the opinions expressed here are wholly my own.]

Log Cabin Guest Haus bnb in Cisco, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)
Log Cabin Guest Haus bnb in Cisco, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)

Historic cabin purchased on eBay!

This historic log cabin dates back to the 1840’s but it was not built here in Texas. BnB hosts, John and Mary Kay Williamson, purchased the building on eBay, yes, eBay! I had no idea you could buy a house on that site, but there you go. The cabin was disassembled and shipped all the way from Pennsylvania! Once it arrived in Cisco, John spent a few years reassembling it to create a rustic-yet-modern bed and breakfast inn.

I met John a couple years ago while researching my book, The Lynching of the Santa Claus Bank Robber. I arrived in Cisco with a list of museums, graveyards and people to interview, but every person I spoke to added something more to my list. It was so much fun! Dropping by the log cabin one of these impromptu additions. Although John Williamson was clearly in the middle of a hard day’s work, he took the time to give us a tour of the house and explain his plans. I was immediately impressed and have wanted to stay there ever since!

Log Cabin Guest Haus bnb in Cisco, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)
Log Cabin Guest Haus bnb in Cisco, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)

 

Logs from an extinct American tree

Any do-it-yourself types who book a room at the Log Cabin Guest Haus will enjoy leafing through the hefty photo album showcasing the Williamson’s progress as they reconstructed the building in West Texas.

One surprising and unique feature to this historic log cabin is that its rugged wooden beams are made from American chestnut. While American chestnut was plentiful in the 1840’s, a blight struck in 1904 and quickly wiped the trees out! (Excellent article about that here: American Chestnut History) Very few chestnut trees remain in America.

Log Cabin Guest Haus bnb in Cisco, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)
Log Cabin Guest Haus bnb in Cisco, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)

Modern comforts combine with rustic charm

The couple did a wonderful job of combining the rustic charm of the historic cabin with the cozy comforts of the 21st century. Sure, it’s a historic log cabin, but we had indoor plumbing, hot and cold running water, screaming fast WIFI, hot showers, great water pressure, a Keurig coffee maker, and heaters to keep us warm and dry during the rainy weekend. Plus, my father-in-law, Bob, can’t fall asleep unless the TV is on, so we were able to pop a DVD on for him each night.

And despite all the aforementioned modern conveniences, it was easy to pretend my husband and I were frontier settlers as we cozied up beneath the antique quilts and listened to rain on the tin roof. Hey, I didn’t read all those Little House on the Prairie books as a kid for nothing!

Log Cabin Guest Haus bnb in Cisco, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)
Log Cabin Guest Haus bnb in Cisco, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)

Great space for families

Cisco’s Log Cabin Guest Haus sleeps six people. In our case, Bob slept on the fold out couch downstairs. His bed was big and comfortable. My husband, Larry, and I slept in the upstairs loft, which includes another bed and has its own toilet and shower. I love that loft! Thanks to the open floor plan, we learned that Bob talks in his sleep – a LOT! So, keep that in mind with your guests.

In fact, I’d say that the Log Cabin Guest Haus is best for family and close friends. If you feel comfortable enough with the folks you’re staying with to holler out “good night, John boy” from your bed before falling asleep, then go for it. If not, maybe you should simply book it for you and your partner. Either way, it is definitely worth the stay!

Log Cabin Guest Haus bnb in Cisco, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)
Log Cabin Guest Haus bnb in Cisco, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)

Tasteful decor, like something out of a magazine

The Williamson’s are expert decorators, as well as renovators. In fact, in addition to running a bed and breakfast, theWilliamson’s own an antique shop in downtown Cisco called Log Cabin Antiques. (Are you sensing a theme?) Some of my favorite touches were the stencils on the staircase, the handmade wooden door latches, and the pattern Mary Kay painted on the wood floor in the upstairs loft. We stayed in December, so the cabin featured tasteful Christmas decorations throughout.

By the way, if you like the cute little old-fashioned nightie I’m wearing in the photo, you can buy one for yourself by following this link: lace & ruffle trim nightgown. I’ve been really happy with it. It washes and wears well and it’s modest enough to wear to breakfast in the morning.

Log Cabin Guest Haus bnb in Cisco, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)
Log Cabin Guest Haus bnb in Cisco, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)

Sleep late or get up early, breakfast time is flexible

Each morning, John Williamson would deliver a wonderful breakfast cooked by his wife, Mary Kay, to our back door. The menu and delivery time were easily worked out via text message the night before.

The first morning, Mary Kay sent over a hearty egg casserole in individual ramekins, along with toast, a fruit cup and orange juice. The fridge was stocked with an array of tasty jams and preserves. I really enjoyed the peach butter – yum!

Log Cabin Guest Haus bnb in Cisco, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)
Log Cabin Guest Haus bnb in Cisco, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)

Oh, those cinnamon chip scones!

The second morning we opted for decadent cinnamon chip scones, sausages, and orange juice. Mary Kay sent 6 scones over, but we only ate 3 that morning. We saved the rest for a treat the next day, and they were a tasty reminder of our delightful West Texas getaway. I really like how the Williamson’s allow their guests to set the breakfast time of their choice. Early risers will be just as happy as those who want to sleep in and take their time enjoying the log cabin.

For our other meals, we dined at Waverly’s coffee shop and Shannon’s Burger Barn. (I will add links to my reviews of both of these eateries here soon!) For a little West Texas town, Cisco has some surprisingly tasty family-owned restaurants. We really enjoyed them both.

Log Cabin Guest Haus bnb in Cisco, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)
Log Cabin Guest Haus bnb in Cisco, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)

More info & how to book your stay at the Log Cabin Guest Haus

If you’re looking for a romantic getaway or just a break from your hectic routine, I highly recommend booking a room at the Log Cabin Guest Haus and exploring all that the friendly little West Texas town of Cisco has to offer! The three of us had a wonderful time and plan to return the first chance we get.

For more information & to book your stay: click here to visit the Log Cabin Guest Haus official website. And, remember, when you book your room, tell them Tui sent you! :)

FREE Cemetery Symbols Guide:

Would you like a FREE guide to historic cemetery symbolism? If so, click the image below:

Filed Under: Blog on Writing & Life, Blog Posts, Haunted Travel, Travel Photo Essays Tagged With: author Tui Snider, bed and breakfast, bnb, chestnut tree, Cisco, day trip, historic, history, iPhone photography, paranormal, photo essay, road trip, Texas, travel, Tui Snider, Tui Snider photographer, west texas, writer, xmas

Did you know? “Xmas” is NOT a Disrespectful Way to Spell “Christmas”

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All roads lead to Greece

When researching the meaning behind historic cemetery symbols, I often joke that instead of finding that “all roads lead to Rome,” it seems that “all roads lead to Greece.” Here’s a good example: While looking into the meaning of the XP symbol that is such a common sight in historic cemeteries, I had a realization.

The Chi Rho symbol helped me learn the true meaning of Xmas! (photo by Tui Snider)
The Chi Roh symbol helped me learn the true meaning of Xmas! (photo by Tui Snider)

Xmas is perfectly respectful

When you see an XP symbol on a headstone it is a Christian symbol. Since Christ’s name starts with the letters X and P when spelled in Greek, XP (pronounced KEE-roe) is often used as shorthand for “Christ.” (I will go into more detail about the XP symbol in a future post.)

That’s when it hit me: You see, up until that moment, I had assumed that “Xmas” was a non-religious way of spelling “Christmas.”

As it turns out, there is nothing secular or disrespectful in the use of “Xmas” for “Christmas.”

Xmas is ancient Christian shorthand

In fact, “Xmas” traces its origins back to ancient religious scribes. There is nothing new about it at all! It’s just that 1000 years ago, a clever scribe realized that the Greek letter Chi, which is written as X, was a useful substitution for “Christ,” not just in the word Christmas, but in other words such as Christian (Xtian) and Christianity (Xtianity.) To them, “Xmas” was a perfectly respectful shorthand for “Christmas.”

It’s not just religious scribes who avoid hand cramps with this clever abbreviation. Florists have been known to prune the lengthy word “Chrysanthemum” by spelling it “Xant.” And in the 17th and 18th centuries, “Christine” was often spelled “Xene” or “Exene.” (Another epiphany for me as a fan of the punk band X, who’s lead singer changed the spelling of her first name to Exene! )

I should also point out that when you pronounce the word “Xmas” as “exmas,” you are again missing the point!

Xmas is NOT pronounced “Exmas”

In more recent times, the mistaken idea that Xmas is a disrespectful term took hold. Many modern style guides, for instance, discourage the use of Xmas and it’s rare to see Christmas spelled “Xmas” on today’s holiday cards.

For now, at least, you and I both know the true meaning of Xmas! Merry Xmas to you and yours. :)

Are you interested in cemetery symbolism?

To read more about historic cemetery symbols,  I invite you to check out my book on the topic, Understanding Cemetery Symbols, which is a handy-dandy guide for taphophiles, genealogists, ghost hunters, and anyone else interested in the forgotten symbolic meaning behind tombstones and burial ground architecture.

Would you like a monthly Historic Cemetery Postcard?

Would you like a monthly postcard from me featuring a photo of a historic graveyard or cemetery symbol, along with a detailed description? If so, check out my Patreon page. You can follow my public posts for free or become a patron if you would like to support my creative journey.

Hey, you! Want to keep up with me?

BLOG POSTS: I’ve got 700+ articles here and am constantly adding more!

READ MY BOOKS: Check out my books, including Understanding Cemetery Symbols. It’s available on Amazon in paperback and ebook form.

Want a FREE Guide to Historic Cemeteries?






Sign up below to grab your FREE Cemetery Symbolism Guide:

Filed Under: Cemeteries & Symbolism, Travel Photo Essays Tagged With: author Tui Snider, cemetery, cemetery symbols, field guide, graveyard, history, symbolism, taphophile, Tui Snider photographer, xmas

Memorial Day’s Surprising Origins

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Children placing flags on the veteran's graves in Weatherford, Texas
Children placing flags on the veteran’s graves in Weatherford, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)

Memorial Day’s Surprising Origins

Did you know that Memorial Day began as a remembrance for Union soldiers who lost their lives in the American Civil War (1861-1865)? After World War I, this federal holiday was changed to honor all men and women who lost their lives in any US military conflict.

Before that, Memorial Day was all about the north!

Decoration Day

Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day. The word “decoration” refers to flags and bouquets with which citizens decorated the graves of fallen soldiers.  This name wasn’t changed until after World War II.

Boy Scout troop placing flags on soldier's graves for Memorial Day in Texas
Boy Scout troop placing flags on soldier’s graves for Memorial Day in Texas (photo by Tui Snider)

Why is Memorial Day in May?

The reason we observe Memorial Day in May is because so many flowers bloom this time of year. When this annual observance began, folks couldn’t simply dash over to the florist or grocery store and grab a bouquet to take to the cemetery. They made their own floral arrangements for the most part. So, it made sense to set this holiday during a time when flowers would be available in home gardens.

Memorial Day versus Veteran’s Day

I used to confuse Memorial Day with Veteran’s Day, and I’m not the only one. So here’s the scoop, in case things have gotten fuzzy in your noggin: Memorial Day honors those who died in the military, while Veteran’s Day honors those who served in the military, living or dead.

Historic Greenwood Cemetery in Weatherford, Texas is the final resting place for many US veterans.
Historic Greenwood Cemetery in Weatherford, Texas is the final resting place for many US veterans. (photo by Tui Snider)

National Moment of Remembrance

In 2000, “The National Moment of Remembrance Act” was passed by the U.S. Congress and signed into law by our president. This act encourages all US Citizens to spend a minute in silence at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day as a way to honor all those who have died in military service.

I’ve set my alarm for 3 p.m.

What about you? Will you be taking a minute out of your day at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day to remember those who have lost their lives serving our country?

Want to keep up with me?

BLOG POSTS: I’ve got 650+ articles here and I’m constantly adding more!

READ MY BOOKS: Check out my books, including Understanding Cemetery Symbols. It’s available on Amazon in paperback and ebook form.

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Filed Under: Cemeteries & Symbolism, Historic Cemeteries, Travel Photo Essays Tagged With: author Tui Snider, cemetery, decoration day, historic cemetery, history, holiday, memorial day, soldiers, Texas, Tui Snider photographer, veterans

Para Mysteries: Mortsafes & Caged Graves

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FREE Cemetery Symbols Guide:

Would you like a FREE guide to historic cemetery symbolism? If so, click the image below:

Historic Cemetery Symbol of the Week

This week’s Historic Cemetery Symbol post is about mortsafes and Resurrectionists. The topic was inspired by my friend, Teal Gray, when she told me about the mysterious Caged Graves of Catawassa.

In fact, Teal and I will be discussing everything in this post during a one-hour radio show, as you can see in the graphic below: 

Para Mysteries is a new weekly radio show. Tune in... if you dare!
Para Mysteries is a new weekly radio show. Tune in… if you dare!

 

Historic Cemeteries: Who were the Resurrectionists?

These days, people often make arrangements to donate their body to science after they pass away. We accept the fact that medical students need cadavers to learn about human anatomy. But this was not always the case.

Up until the mid-1800’s, the only way for medical students to get practice cadavers was to steal them from graveyards!

As a result, professional body snatchers, called Resurrectionists, sold stolen cadavers to anatomists, hospitals and universities.

To discourage Resurrectionists, the UK passed a law in 1752 called the Murder Act, which allowed medical researchers to use the bodies of executed criminals for educational dissection.

You’d think this would meet the demand of scientists for study cadavers, but it did not! So despite these legal concessions, Resurrectionists were still in high demand.

What are Mortsafes?

As you can imagine, no one wanted the body of their beloved family members snatched away by Resurrectionists. To combat this, elaborate metal cages, called mortsafes, were placed over graves by those who could afford them.

Such mortsafes first appeared in Scotland in the early 1800’s. Why Scotland? Because Edinburgh featured several prominent medical universities.

Mortsafes were often rented by the family from either the church or the cemetery for a certain period of time, after which the cage would be removed and used by another grieving family. Since mortsafes were not meant to be permanent structures, very few remain standing today. Medical students need fresh cadavers for their studies, so the Resurrectionists only targeted the newly buried.

After 6 weeks or so, a mortsafe could be removed from the grave. That way, the family could then tend the grass and keep the headstone clean without a heavy metal cage getting in the way.

Warburton Anatomy Act

Finally, in 1830 the UK passed the Warburton Anatomy Act. This law added even more provisions for legally obtaining medical cadavers, such as using suicide victims and unclaimed or unidentified bodies. Many of these came from prisons and workhouses, and apparently this provided enough bodies to meet the demand. This legislation effectively put an end to the need for mortsafes and the grisly practice of body snatching for medical students.

Mortsafes in the USA?

From my research so far, it does not appear that mortsafes were used much, if at all, in the USA. There certainly were Resurrectionists here, however, and people did worry about body snatching, but it does not seem to have been as big of a problem in America as it was in England and Scotland in the 1800’s.

The closest I’ve seen to American mortsafes are drawings for elaborate burglar-proof coffins and mausoleums. Some of these patented coffins use explosives to deter Resurrectionists!

Caged Graves of Catawassa

So when my friend and radio show co-host Teal Gray told me about two graves in Pennsylvania that feature elaborate metal cages on top of them, I was very curious. As I said earlier, mortsafes were not mean to be permanent structures, so it’s odd that these graves still have them.

In fact, in this particular case, some speculate that the metal cages were placed there to keep dead inside the graves rather than to keep the living out!

I can hardly wait to hear all the details Teal Gray has to share with us about this on our upcoming show! (You can tune in live or catch the replay by visiting this link: Para Mysteries with Teal Gray Worldwide Radio)

These mysterious “hooded graves,” as locals call them, have even inspired a historical novel by Dianne K. Salerno called The Caged Graves. (Looks like an interesting book!)

Tune in live or catch the replay!
Tune in live or catch the replay!

Para Mysteries Show

Teal Gray will be sharing her research into the Caged Graves of Catawassa, Pennsylvania on a brand new weekly radio show we are calling Para Mysteries. Para Mysteries is a weekly one-hour show where Teal and I will have fun sharing the strange tidbits we run into during our travel and research.

FREE Cemetery Symbols Guide:

Would you like a FREE guide to historic cemetery symbolism? If so, click the image below:

As you probably guessed, I will be discussing mortsafes and Resurrectionists on the show! To learn more about mortsafes and see photos of some of the few remaining, check out the link below:

Greyfriars Cemetery Mortsafes

Daniel Jones: Aurora Alien Encounter

Our first guest for this new Para Mysteries show is Daniel Jones of VORTEXAS. Daniel will tell us about the exciting event he organized called the Aurora Alien Encounter, a one-day expo commemorating the April 17, 1897 UFO crash in Aurora, Texas, after which an alien body was recovered and buried in the local cemetery.

Exciting Texas UFO Conference April 16, 2016
Exciting Texas UFO Conference April 16, 2016

Exciting UFO Conference in Texas

If you’re fascinated by bizarre history and/or UFOs, you won’t want to miss this conference on Saturday, April 16, 2016. It takes places at the MD Resort in Aurora, Texas and includes featured speakers, lunch, vendors, a documentary, and shuttle tours to the original crash and burial sites!

Keynote speaker: Travis Walton

The keynote speaker for the Aurora Alien Encounter is none other than Travis Walton. If the name doesn’t ring a bell, then check out the movie “Fire in the Sky.” This major motion picture was based on Travis Walton’s UFO abduction! There is also a book about the Walton’s terrifying UFO experience that is also called, Fire in the Sky.

I’m speaking, too!

I’m super thrilled and honored to be speaking at the Aurora Alien Encounter! Other speakers include Jim Marrs, who is truly an expert on the Aurora UFO incident, as well as Nick Redfern, Noe Torres, Ken Cherry and other special guests (TBA)!

Field Guide to Cemetery Symbolism:

I am currently writing a field guide to historic cemetery symbolism. Each week, I share a small snippet from my upcoming book. It’s my goal to create a handy-dandy pocket guide for taphophiles, genealogists, ghost hunters, and anyone else interested in the historic graveyard symbols that have become forgotten over the years.

Which symbols are you curious about?

Let me know in the comments if there is a certain cemetery symbol that you are curious about. Also, if you would like to know when the cemetery symbolism guide is available for purchase, scroll down and sign up for my newsletter! I look forward to hearing from you!

Want to read more like this?


To read about more weird, offbeat, and overlooked places, check out my best-selling travel guide:
UNEXPECTED TEXAS: Your Guide to Offbeat & Overlooked History, Day Trips & Fun Things to do near Dallas & Fort Worth
.

For ghost hunting hot spots, check out my best-selling travel guide to haunted places:
PARANORMAL TEXAS: Your Travel Guide to Haunted Places near Dallas & Fort Worth
.

For a strange-but-true tale of Texas history, check out this bizarre piece of West Texas history:
The Lynching of the Santa Claus Bank Robber

 


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Hey, you! Want to come along for the ride?

No matter where you live in the galaxy, Tui's books can take you on a FUN adventure!
No matter where you live in the galaxy, Tui Snider’s books can take you on a FUN adventure!

FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER: For updates on my offbeat travels, books, & other fun stuff (such as postcards from the road!) subscribe to my newsletter using the form below. Each week, I’ll let you know the Historic Cemetery Symbol of the Week, who Teal Gray & I are interviewing on our show that night, and any other fun or interesting news. You can also mix & mingle with me by clicking this link & “liking” my Facebook Author Page:

Filed Under: Blog on Writing & Life, Blog Posts, Cemeteries & Symbolism, Haunted Travel, Historic Cemeteries, Teal Gray Worldwide Radio, Travel Photo Essays Tagged With: author, cemetery, cemetery symbols, fire in the sky, graveyard, graveyard symbols, historic, historic cemetery symbols, jim marrs, nick redfern, q1, speaker, symbols, travis walton, Tui Snider, Tui Snider photographer, UFO

Quirky Texas: Life Size Wax Sculpture Replica of the Last Supper

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Quirky Surprise in Fort Worth

When I tell people that Fort Worth is home to a life size wax sculpture replica of Leonardo Da Vinci’s “The Last Supper,” the response is usually, “Huh?” followed by a puzzled laugh.

After all, that’s hardly what we expect from a city that bills itself as “Where the West begins,” right?

In fact, when out of town guests visit, my husband and I generally take them to see the historic stockyards. Sure, some locals turn their nose up at this, just as Seattlites often scoff at the idea of visiting the Space Needle, but I love visiting the Fort Worth Stockyards. Not only is it chock full of history, but seriously: how many towns have an official herd of longhorn cattle?

So, yes, I’ll confess: When I first heard about this quirky wax replica of Leonardo Da Vinci’s classic painting, I thought it was a joke. For one thing, who in their right mind wants to put wax sculptures in the heat of Texas?

Like so many things I research and write about,  this “wax supper” sounds ridiculous at first, but there is much more to the story than first appears.

Check out this adapted excerpt from my book Unexpected Texas (a travel guide to offbeat and overlooked places in the Dallas – Fort Worth area.)

The Christian Arts Museum in Fort Worth, TX (photo by Tui Snider)
The Christian Arts Museum in Fort Worth, TX (photo by Tui Snider)

Wax Sculptures in Texas = Serious Climate Control

 

Fort Worth’s life size wax sculpture replica of Da Vinci’s Last Supper is housed on a stage in a small auditorium where you can take a seat and listen to a short presentation about the history of this unique replica. There have been days when I was certain that I would melt from the heat here in north Texas, so as you can imagine, the temperature and humidity are carefully regulated in this section of the Christian Arts Museum.

Here’s a photo I took while standing in the middle of the auditorium. What do you think?

Life Size Wax Replica of the Last Supper in Fort Worth, TX (photo by Tui Snider)
Life Size Wax Replica of the Last Supper in Fort Worth, TX (photo by Tui Snider)

Life Size Wax Supper in Fort Worth

Hey, doesn’t that disciple on the far left look a bit familiar? Yes, that’s me popping in all Vanna White style. I merely wanted to provide a bit of perspective so you can see what I mean when I say these wax sculptures are life size.

Life Size Wax Replica of the Last Supper in Fort Worth, TX (photo by Tui Snider)
Life Size Wax Replica of the Last Supper in Fort Worth, TX (photo by Tui Snider)

New Angles on Da Vinci’s Last Supper

You can get pretty close to the Wax Supper sculptures, although just like any museum, you aren’t allowed to touch. From what I could tell, the figures are all quite clean. Next time I visit the Christian Arts Museum, I will ask who dusts them, and how often it’s required to keep them looking so spiffy!

By now you must be wondering how on earth Fort Worth wound up with such an interesting and unique piece of art:

Life Size Wax Replica of the Last Supper in Fort Worth, TX (photo by Tui Snider)
Life Size Wax Replica of the Last Supper in Fort Worth, TX (photo by Tui Snider)

History of the Wax Supper Replica

In 1955, an oil tycoon named Bill Fleming commissioned a version of Leonardo Da Vinci’s masterpiece, The Last Supper. However, instead of a painting, Fleming paid for a life-sized sculpture made from wax. The Fort Worth man had seen a “wax supper” in California and wanted to give his hometown something similar.

To complete this project, Fleming hired the mother-daughter team of Katherine and Katherine Marie Stubergh, a duo well-known for their wax sculptures. There’s a wonderful article about the Stuberghs over on a site called Waxipedia (gotta love that name!) that includes a whole bunch of great photos of the artists here: Katherine Marie Stubergh-Keller: The American Madame Tussaud

The younger Stubergh originally planned to be a dancer. Even so, as a teenager, she produced a wax sculpture of Mae West. West was so impressed with the result that she allegedly told the girl, “Kid, anybody can make a piece of mud look like me shouldn’t be no dancer.” From that point on, the younger Stubergh ditched her dancing dreams to pursue art full force.

Fort Worth’s wax supper took the Stuberghs 18 months to create. It was finished in 1956 and displayed in various locations, from churches to a shopping mall, over the next 40 years. In 1997, it was placed in storage, and for a while, all seemed lost. In 2009, however, the wax display was restored. As of this writing, the Stubergh’s wax supper is on display at the Christian Arts Museum in Fort Worth, Texas.

Life Size Wax Replica of the Last Supper in Fort Worth, TX (photo by Tui Snider)
Life Size Wax Replica of the Last Supper in Fort Worth, TX (photo by Tui Snider)

But wait, there’s more!

The Christian Arts Museum has other interesting items in its collection, including a replica of the Ark of the Covenant. (At least, I assume it’s a replica!) Seriously, though, the museum’s collection includes an impressive cross-stitch version of the Last Supper, as well as a wall featuring a wide variety of crosses – which I will feature in another post sometime.

Other displays at the Christian Arts Museum in Fort Worth, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)
Other displays at the Christian Arts Museum in Fort Worth, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)

Plan Your Trip to the Wax Supper in Fort Worth, Texas:

 

Christian Arts Museum in Fort Worth, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)
Christian Arts Museum in Fort Worth, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)

As you can see from the sign, the Christian Arts Museum is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. It’s near Fort Worth’s Cultural Center, so the next time you’re out exploring the local arts scene, drop by this quirky museum and see the Wax Supper for yourself. When you go, remember to tell ’em Tui sent you!

For more information about the Life Size Wax Sculpture Replica of the Last Supper:
Official website: Christian Arts Museum 
Address: 3221 Hamilton Ave., Fort Worth, TX
Hours: Wed-Sat, 10am-3pm

Want to read more like this?


To read about more weird, offbeat, and overlooked places, check out my best-selling travel guide:
UNEXPECTED TEXAS: Your Guide to Offbeat & Overlooked History, Day Trips & Fun Things to do near Dallas & Fort Worth
.

For ghost hunting hot spots, check out my best-selling travel guide to haunted places:
PARANORMAL TEXAS: Your Travel Guide to Haunted Places near Dallas & Fort Worth
.

For a strange-but-true tale of Texas history, check out this bizarre piece of West Texas history:
The Lynching of the Santa Claus Bank Robber

 


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Filed Under: Blog Posts, Travel Photo Essays, Unexpected Texas Tagged With: ark of the covenant, artist, author, christian arts museum, da vinci, Fort Worth, Ft Worth, historic, last supper, Madame Tussaud, museum, odd, q1, quirky, strange, Stubergh, Texas, Tui Snider, Tui Snider photographer, wax sculpture

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