Lars and Eddie Schmidt |
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Forest Home's most evocative monument is this tiny pair of statues of two brothers. The soft marble is weathered, with the childrens' hair completely worn away, and the legs of the younger child - who is seated - are missing. He wears a dress, as male infants usually did in the nineteenth century. The name "Lars Schmidt" is barely visible. The name of his brother has entirely worn away, but sources indicate that his name was "Eddie". The figures are about two feet tall. Gifts - flowers, toys, beads - are often left here by present-day visitors, a practice that occurs anywhere there are realistic depictions of long-dead children. |