The ivy is from Wrigley Field. So are the box seats. Ditto the dugout bench. Ditto the sod. Ditto the pavers. It doesn’t get more real, unless you’re actually at Wrigley Field. But I wasn’t. I was on a walking tour of the Bohemian National Cemetery.
When you’re walking past rows of monuments in sombre grays and blacks and then suddenly wander into what resembles a sports theme park, it’s hard not to smile, laugh even. But sitting on the dugout bench on a warm overcast day, I couldn’t help thinking, this might have been a perfect burial place for my father. He was, as I wrote in an earlier post, a lifelong baseball fan and Bohemian National Cemetery is located in the neighborhood he lived for 50 years. Here, I could remember him enjoying life, the way he wanted to be remembered.
There are several nameplates on the centerfield wall. One reads: “I saw Ruth and Gehrig play at Wrigley.” Another: “Cubs Win.” And, of course: “Wait until next year.” These “eternal luxury skyboxes” are the vision of Dennis Mascari, CEO of Fans Forever. His story received a lot of press when the wall was dedicated last year, so if you’re interested, check out the link below.
Sources: Beyond the Vines
Thanks, Marge. I haven’t seen the niches yet so I’m looking forward to discovering that part of the cemetery.Sounds like a great event.
Frances, this is so well written! It is surely a surprise to see in our historic cemetery, but we are delighted to welcome all those Cubs fans, both those on tours who visit and those who take up residence in the “Eternal Skybox”. I might add that there is a White Sox fan whose niche for cremains is in the east side of the big building to the west of the Cubs Skybox. Within that niche you will see a ticket to the 2005 White Sox World Series game. Obviously the family of the deceased wanted him to know of the success of HIS favorite team! That gentleman could look out one of the etched windows to the east and see that Cubs wall. We all remarked on that the last time we took people into the building.
If you care to join us on Monday, May 31st, Memorial Day, the ceremony is held in that building and someone could show you the White Sox fan I’m mentioning. We begin with refreshments at 9:00 a.m. in the gatehouse with the program starting about 9:45 – music, Czech poem, flowers for the ladies, color guard, etc. Free and the public is more than welcome!
@Rosie, I thought you might have some relatives buried there. Have you ever visited?
Frances, Thanks for providing yet another view of Chicago! I’m going to share this with my best friend’s dad who has many relatives buried there but probably don’t know exists. Rosie
Joan, thanks for telling me about what happened in 2005. If we have a good year, I’ll do the same.
When the White Sox won the World Series in 2005, some of the most heartfelt writing was about the people who flocked to the cemeteries to let their loved ones know the good news. Another time, I wrote about my friend Don Farber under the heading “Another Cubs fan dies too soon.” Thanks for reminding me of the everlasting nature of fandom.
Joan