Tree Stump Monument at Mount Pleasant Cemetery

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At Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Sioux Falls, SD stands a large tree stump monument carved from limestone. Measuring approximately 6ft (1.83m) in height, the top appears to be broken, though this likely occurred long ago due to lichen and weathering matching the rest of the surface. It should display the name and birth/death dates of the person, with stylized tree rings at the top. This monument is an example of the Woodsmen of the World style, initially provided free for members after death before later coming with a fee due to increasing costs. The style caught on with the public, prompting numerous stonework companies to offer variations in different sizes and appearances. Sears & Roebuck and Montgomery Wards even included tree stump-style monuments in their catalogs. An iconography developed around this style, conveying information through symbols such as anchors, doves, and nests, sometimes incorporating the height and maturity of the stump for added meaning. As costs rose, however, the popularity of tree stump monuments declined. People began to prefer more abstract designs that downplayed death's directness, opting instead for minimalistic, less expensive options. John C. Hout might be the gentleman honored with this monument, who passed away in Denver, CO due to throat issues. For further information about Mount Pleasant Cemetery, visit http://www.mtpleasantsf.com. To learn more about tree stumps as monuments, explore https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/why-gravestones-are-shaped-like-tree-stumps.