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Topeka, Kansas: Child Grave Mystery Dress-Up

Carrie Kiene died in 1885, but an anonymous series of pranksters -- or one immortal -- keeps putting clothes on her tombstone statue.

Mount Hope Cemetery

Address:
4700 SW 17th St., Topeka, KS
Directions:
Mt. Hope Cemetery. At the corner of SW 17th St & SW Fairlawn Rd. First road on the right after entering the main gate. South Memorial 1 Section.
Hours:
Gates open M-F 8-5, Sa 9-1 (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:
785-272-1122
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Child grave is seasonally dressed.

Child Grave Mystery Dress-Up

I'm back on the road in Kansas and Oklahoma, and stopped by to see what Carrie is wearing this season.

[Phil Pasquini, 08/22/2008]

Child grave is seasonally dressed.

Child Grave Mystery Dress-Up

In the South Memorial 1 Section (first road on the right after entering the main gate) is the grave of 5 year old (1880-85) Carrie Frances Kiene.

According to the people who work there, for the past 20 years, someone unknown and unseen has dressed the marble portrait of the child in various seasonally appropriate clothing. In the summer she has on a sun hat and now in December she has a warm blanket and hat to protect her from the snow. The statue receives a change of clothes 3 to 4 times a year. A fitting tribute to a child who died so young.

[Phil Pasquini, 12/31/2007]

Nearby Offbeat Places

The Equality HouseThe Equality House, Topeka, KS - 1 mi.
Goony Golf Green DinosaurGoony Golf Green Dinosaur, Topeka, KS - 2 mi.
No Spit Brick and Lincoln Blood SplatterNo Spit Brick and Lincoln Blood Splatter, Topeka, KS - 2 mi.
In the region:
Chief Drive-In Theatre Sign, Topeka, KS - 3 mi.

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