I actually recently read a study about these that I believe was originally a
master's thesis: "Roadside Crosses in Contemporary Memorial Culture" by Holly
Everett, published by University of North Texas Press, 2002.  It gives some
background to the topic as well as a case study.  We don't see a lot of them
around here, but there is one just outside town (Manhattan, Kansas) from an
accident a couple years ago.  It is actively maintained and changes
configuration every few months.

Donna Roper


>===== Original Message From Museum discussion list
<[log in to unmask]> =====
>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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