Description: Cemeteries hold a certain fascination for me and when I found out that Howard Hughes was buried in Glenwood Cemetery along with some of Houston’s other interesting historical figures I had to stop by for a visit. Founded in 1871 and landscaped by horticulturist Alfred Whitaker it has been compared to Laurel Hill in Philadelphia as one of the countries most Romantic Cemetery. There is something about all the Spanish Moss that also adds a touch of suspense.
As you enter the cemetery follow the signs for the office. You will see a very pretty little shed that almost looks like a lighthouse. We also were distracted by a beautiful sculpture in a small grotto on the right hand side. So fascinated that we actually stopped. It belongs to the Sharp family and is an amazing area. The office is a wonderful craftsman house and you can stop in and pick up a map.
Now I have to admit I did some research before I came to find out who was buried in this particular cemetery. Now this is not Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond which has so many famous people but it does indeed have its fair share of Houston’s former elite.
The first grave we went in search of, we parked the car at this point and took off on foot, was the actress Gene Tierney whose married name was Lee. Her grave is located just a little south of the Office. What was particularly interesting was that her stone had an old fashioned movie camera carved into it.
Having found this we just went off looking at what ever interested us weather they were famous or not. This is a truly amazing cemetery. I have never seen anything like it. The sculptures are unique and absolutely stunning. There are also touches that I have never seen anywhere else, at one resent grave wind chimes were hung in the tree above it and there was a photo left on the site of a party obviously with the deceased in happier times. It was very moving.
We were drawn to a huge obelisk which was not on our map but had been placed there by the son of the deceased. It was certainly a wonderful testament to the love his father inspired.
We went back to our map and began to look for some of the historic figures on it. We were distracted by what looked like a Roman legionnaire from the back but was a fireman, it was the fireman’s memorial and some of the graves were over 100 years old.
Charlotte Allen was a little more difficult to find. She is one of the three people who is considered to be a founder of Houston. We also found the grave of former Gov. William Hobby and his two wives. There are fantastic views of the Houston skyline from this area.
The last grave we visited was the one we had really come to see Howard Hughes. As reclusive in death as he was in life his grave is not marked in a way that is easy to see and is surrounded by a fence whose gate was locked. He is buried with his mother and father and hopefully has found some kind of peace.
There are some historic markers placed throughout the cemetery to give you additional information. Allow at least and hour but plan to spend more there is just so much to see here.
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