Strangers, as you might imagine based on the title of this episode, we cover the topics of death and dying in this story.

So, discretion might be advised for our youngest listeners.

I'm Lauren Norton, and this is one strange thing, the show where we search the nation's news archives for stories that can't quite be explained.

Richmond, Virginia, is known for many things, both contemporary and historical, but one of

particular interest to us, as students of the strange, is the Hollywood Cemetery. Most cities

have a famous cemetery or two, and if they were designed in the 19th century, when the garden style was in

fashion, a loved one could be laid to rest in what amounted to a beautiful public park

among trees and benches and fountains. These cemeteries encouraged visitors and leisurely strolls

and even picnics. It might seem foreign when you imagine graveyards full of

uniform monuments or lonely little fenced-off alcoves where we might quietly visit and then leave,

where graves might even be overgrown, not at Hollywood Cemetery, where the landscape is scrupulously

attended and locals are always welcome.

And that was always the plan since its inception in 1847.

According to the official website, quote,

Landscape architect John Notman specifically left trees and other plants untouched

when designing the cemetery's landscape

in order to create a peaceful haven for Richmonders.

In fact, Hollywood Cemetery is even an official accredited arboretum, which is a real thing

we checked due to the incredible number of trees on the property.

It's even named for the famous

stand of holly trees that grow there. Unlike Hollywood in L.A., where there was no preponderance

of Holly at all, Tinseltown was christened as such because Holly brings good luck, or so the story goes.

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