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About Maine Old Cemetery Association (MOCA)
The Maine Old Cemetery Association was founded in 1968
to foster interest in the discovery, restoration, and maintenance of Maine cemeteries, and to preserve records and historical information which relates to them.
The Maine Old Cemetery Association was founded in 1968 through the effort of Dr. Hilda M. Fife of Kittery, Maine, and several of her friends. Dr Fife's interest in caring for Maine's long neglected cemeteries evolved from her concern for a small cemetery near her house. She and her friends determined that the many small graveyards throughout the State must be protected from neglect and vandalism. Dr. Fife died in 1990, but the organization she founded continues. And, in fact, MOCA flourishes - it has more than 1,000 members from forty-odd states and several Canadian provinces. Three meetings are held each year in various parts of the State where the public is invited to hear speakers, tour local cemeteries, and learn about MOCA's activities. In addition, MOCA sends a quarterly newsletter to its members and friends that provides solid information: reports of specific concerns and current legislation; instructions on care and restoration of gravestones; and updates from individuals and organizations who share in similar endeavors. MOCA awards certificates to acknowledge the work of individuals or groups who are working to preserve Maine's old cemeteries. MOCA volunteers have gathered burial information, directions, and other data on over 7,100 cemeteries. The result of MOCA's work to preserve and care for Maine's neglected cemeteries provides invaluable information to families in search of their roots. To the ardent genealogist, the transcriptions taken from the gravestones and entered into database are gems. MOCA holds extensive records, some of which have been published. | Improved Order of Red Men
Grange: The sheaf is flanked by the letters "P" and "H' which stand for "Patrons of Husbandry"
International Association of Car Workers (Railroad)
Farewell to earthly existence. Also unity. Often used as a Masonic and I.O.O.F. symbol.
Hand Pointing Up: Showing the way to heaven.
Gates may mean the passage from one realm to the next or death, departure from life; entrance to heaven.
Cross and Crown symbolizes both victory and Christianity. This symbol also denotes a member of the York Rite Masons.
GAR - Grand Army of the Republic a fraternal organization of men who fought and were honorably discharged from the Union Army during the Civil War.
Cross with Ivy - the cross represents Christianity and the Ivy denotes friendship.
Lambs are often seen on children's gravestones. A lamb represents innocence.
Rose symbolizes beauty.
A sheaf of wheat represents harvest, usually found on older peoples' gravestones.
The willow usually represents sadness or mourning. In the Native American culture a willow represents an Iroquois grave. The urn and willow can mean many different things.
Floral wreath means victory in death.
United Methodist Church
Winged Face: A symbol of the soul in flight (normally to Heaven); at times an effigy of the deceased soul.
Order of the Eastern Star - See http://www.easternstar.org/ for more information about the organization and its history.
Modern Woodmen of America. This was the original name for the Woodmen of the World organization.
The Square and Compass is the single most identifiable symbol of Freemasonry. Both the square and compasses are architect's tool
The Doubleheaded Eagle signifies a 32nd degree Mason or Freemason. Note the "32" centered in the triangle over the two heads.
Ships are generally used to mark a grave of one who led a seafaring life.
Christians also use the symbol to represent passage to afterlife as shown in this image which includes an angel guide.
The Anchor signifies hope or eternal life. It is often on sailors' graves. Anchors are also a Masonic symbol for well-grounded hope, therefore they are often found on Masons' graves as well.
Signifies membership in the American Legion.
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