I thought I heard that someone was writing their dissertation about this
practice from a public art perspective...we see it all the time in the
Midwest too.

Julia Muney Moore
Director of Exhibitions and Artist Services
Indianapolis Art Center
820 E. 67th St.
Indianapolis, IN  46220
(317) 255-2464 x233
FAX (317) 254-0486
email <[log in to unmask]>
website <http://www.indplsartcenter.org>


-----Original Message-----
From: Keni Sturgeon [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Tuesday, May 13, 2003 12:48 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Memorials


I seemed to recall reading a history of this while I was in grad school
at Arizona State University.  I thought I'd check on-line and this is
the first entry I found:

From Lincoln University in New Zealand
The Origin and Significance of Road Side Crosses as Elements of the
Landscape of Remembrance The practice of erecting roadside crosses in
memory of road accident victims has escalated in New Zealand in recent
years. Although there is some belief that the concept developed in
Italy, it is largely a New Zealand phenomenon. The appearance of
roadside crosses has transformed the landscape in parts of New Zealand,
and demonstrates the desire for a visible expression of grief. There are
a number of issues associated with the roadside crosses that have
implications for our experience of the landscape - extending from the
issue of safety (will the crosses provide a visual distraction for other
motorists?), to the perceptual ownership of the landscape (what rights
do individuals have to erect memorials in public places?). .

Also from a different site:
Various states have developed policies about these markers:

*California and Florida ban them outright.
*Texas has allowed them at sites of fatal car accidents but only where
alcohol was a factor. However, in 2000-APR the state Department of
Transportation determined that they are unconstitutional and is
considering having them removed. *Montana allows the American Legion to
erect crosses at the site of fatal accidents. [We wonder whether the
Legion checks first to make certain that the deceased was a Christian.]
*Florida attempted to remain within constitutional bounds by adopting a
Red Cross symbol in 1997. This has since been replaced by a circular
placard displaying the words "Drive Safely." *Oregon currently permits
families to install signs at fatal vehicle accident sites where alcohol
was a factor. The state charges $500.

Finally, this website has some information and some links:
http://members.tripod.com/jwhiting/roadside.html

Keni Sturgeon
Jensen Arctic Museum
Monmouth, OR

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