In a message dated 6/9/2006 3:33:37 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, CercaPenna@comcast.net writes: In 1851 the Quakers approved gravestones saying they were no longer considered an act of vanity. They also had very specific requirements as to the shape. They could be no more than 15 inches high and had to have a domed top. After this many families including my own started to put gravestones on family graves that had died previous to 1851. Hmmm. I wonder if this is regional or certain branches of Quakers (Orthodox/Hicksites). My ancestors in the Oaklawn (Cranston) Meeting House burial ground have quite large stones and the ones behind the Portland, Maine Friends Meeting house are quite large too. Some are "domed tops" but looking at the photos I have many are not. Anyone know if this was regional/branch, etc? Laurie