In this episode of Memphis Type History: The Podcast, we both tell each other a few select stories about being buried in Elmwood Cemetery. First, we learn that Elmwood is the oldest nonprofit in Tennessee. Then Rebecca shares how the cemetery got its name even though it didn't have any elms. I school you on the history of mourning (Queen Victoria is involved) and why Elmwood feels like a beautiful park where you want to spend time. Finally, hear about some people (and one surprising non-person) buried in Elmwood cemetery.
The Civil War doubled the size of Elmwood Cemetery. The six cases of Yellow Fever that occurred in Memphis required mass burials in Elmwood. The 1878 epidemic was the worst one with 17,000 people contracting the disease... and overall the entire sickness led to the creation of the No Man's Land monument.
Rebecca tells the story of the cemetery superintendent's daughter, Gracie, who became know as the Graveyard Girl. But she waits until the end of the episode to tell us all about Rufus the Dog... I dig right in (get it?) with the story of Annie Cook, aka the Madame with a Heart of Gold, aka the Mary Magdalene of Memphis. The upscale bordello owner figures prominently in the Elmwood story and, of course, has everything to do with the Yellow Fever (as does most of Memphis history, it seems).
Finally, we wrap up with an Elvis connection and that story Rebecca's been dangling in front of our ears for the entire show.
For full show notes go to memphistypehistory.com/elmwood
To support the show (and get merch and more) head over to patreon.com/memphistypehistory
Your Attention Please [Hiatus]
Zines 101 with Erica Qualy
Starring Elvis with Sheena and Savannah
TGI Fridays
A Rundown on Memphis Wrestling
Memphis Mansions
Memphis BBQ Part 1: A General History with Brian Crenshaw
The Shadier Side of Memphis with Neil Cameron
Memphis History in Bozwell + Lily
The New Madrid Fault Line
Finding A Place in History with Julie Mccullough
Clarence Saunders: The Man Behind Piggly Wiggly
Bonus Episode: Fallout In China
Ladies Night Part Two
WDIA: USA's First Black Radio Station
The Memphis Red Sox
Robert Church: The South's First Black Millionaire
Ghost Signs with Devin Greaney
Surviving the Bomb: Memphis' Famous Fallout Shelter
The Memphis Mafia
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