The Mourning Society wouldn’t be anything if it weren’t for an amazing group of volunteers that make our events so special. We’ll be shining a spotlight on our members throughout the 2021 fall season.
You still have two chances to come out and meet us in person this year at these upcoming events : Twilight Tours at the Campbell House on October 29 and A Haunted Christmas at the Bissell House on December 4.
If you are interested in joining the Mourning Society of St. Louis, you can find out more by clicking here or sending us a message.
💀 How long have you been a member of the Mourning Society of St Louis and how did you get started?
John is a founding member of the Mourning Society of St. Louis. He had done events with Katherine and Edna at another location for 10 years, then moved with the group to Bellefontaine Cemetery and formed the Mourning Society 6 years ago.
💀 What role do you play in the group?
John is officially “The Undertaker” of the group. He also helps plan the events, and is the group advisor on all things funerary, serving as a font of information regarding all details of 19th century funerals, from the eulogy to the graveside service and all points in between.
💀 What is your favorite Mourning Society event?
John’s favorite event is Consolations of Memory at Bellefontaine Cemetery because it spotlights the Victorian experience of death, mourning, and burial in a way that is unique as compared to how other October events are done. He appreciates the opportunity our group has to be able to reenact this experience in the beautiful surroundings of Bellefontaine Cemetery.
💀 What is your favorite topic that we cover at events?
John’s favorite topic is infant burial. This was his forte’ during his years of working as a Funeral Director at Shrader Funeral Home, where he helped many grieving families begin their painful journey after the loss of a baby or child, drawing a sort of kinship with families of the 19th century where the loss of babies and children was so prevalent.