Hallowe’en ‘spirit’ celebrates the recently-dead at Davis Graveyard

Published 12:00 am Sunday, October 27, 2024

The Ardenwald neighborhood’s storied “Davis Graveyard” display off Johnson Creek Boulevard at the end of October has created thoughtful gravestones for notable personalities who have recently died. Combined with the meticulous detail with which the displays are crafted, these tributes can be quite moving at times.

“We think this is our 25th season of decorating for Hallowe’en,” commented Jeff Davis, at whose home the display appears, during our visit at dusk.

“We changed a lot this year; our entrance is new, so that visitors can now come inside of our main gate and part way up the driveway to see a little bit more behind-the-scenes,” Davis told THE BEE. “We now have a merchandise booth where we’re selling handmade crafts to help partially cover the cost of this giant thing we do.

“Now on display is a new demon angel, and full-size hearse with driver – and also, a half dozen new tombstones, because we try to keep up with the celebrities who’ve passed away – bringing our total to about 80 tombstones and a dozen statues – making for a very full yard!”

Visitors, many seeing this Hallowe’en display for the first time, fill in comment cards. “What they seem to appreciate most the detail of the displays – and the dedication that goes into our graveyard setting.”

His neighbors are still supportive of their annual efforts, and don’t seem to mind the extra traffic. “They really don’t need to do any decorating for Hallowe’en because we do it all, for everyone on our streets,” Davis commented.

If you want to visit, the address is 8703 S.E. 43rd Avenue, ZIP 97222. For more photos and information, including directions, go online – http://www.davisgraveyard.com