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Budget Burial
It never really occurred to me that you could save a buck on a burial; then again I'm not in the business. Fairfax Mortuary, in Virginia, is.
I watched the mortuary being built, a consequence of its location being adjacent to a main thoroughfare. And when the building was complete I found myself slightly amused at seeing a huge "Now Open" sign draped across its entrance.
Now I suppose mortuaries must "compete" for business like any other establishment, though I'm not sure I really care to delve into or explore just what those competitive practices might be. Some things are just better left mysteries.
But sometimes mysteries have a life of their own and so this past April, while I was out shooting pictures, part of the mystery of the funeral business leapt out at me. I'd almost forgotten about this image until it popped up this morning while I was searching for another shot I'd taken.
Apparently, funeral homes have "sales" just like everyone else. Who knew?
I found this sign conveniently located on the side entrance of the Fairfax Mortuary. Strategically located for visitors; first time "guests" come in through the front entrance and obviously aren't in need of a "deal."
Crowd Power
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Metrix Feet
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amiev
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cobalt
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infinite.magic
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docwill
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Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (5)
at 08:20 on June 11th, 2007
Damn - I want that "NowOpen" foto! I think we should be crowd-sourcing this...someone out there will have something appropriate.
Nice bit, Brock!
at 08:25 on June 11th, 2007
Unfortunately, I didn't get a shot of the "now open" sign.
at 03:56 on June 12th, 2007
Thanks for posting this Brock. I work in No. VA, so will see if the sign is still there. I have to go to Fairfax today actually. I am bringing my camera. Also, as a hospice social worker, I will definitely be checking out this sale!
at 07:01 on June 12th, 2007
Hi Jennifer, the sign isn't there anymore; the photo was taken last April; note that the sign says "cemetary April Sale."
I did see a sign recently that said "Spring Cemetary Sale" at the same place, I didn't grab a shot of it, and I don't believe it's still up. I drive past this place almost every day.
at 16:32 on June 17th, 2007
Hi Brock: I had trouble replying to your email, but was inspired by your article. I started to think about the frightening amount of knowledge of funeral homes I know about for my job. I have been thinking about a follow up article.