Hi Stefani- I have no doubt that what you wrote about (domed tops/ 15 inches in height) is accurate. I think my general question is, from the various Quaker burial grounds and the varied styles of stones (from crude field stones of earlier years to huge granite monuments I've seen in Portland Maine) there must be an explanation for the differences. I know that there were 3 divisions at one point of Quakers : Orthodox (Gurneyites), Hicksites and Conservatives (Wilborites)..the latter being named for John Wilbor of Hopkinton, RI who espoused a traditional following. It is possible that different time periods, different followings (conservative toward more liberal) set their own burial traditions. In England in the 1600s stones were not used at all. I suppose because the religion is based on personal relationships with God, and that God leads people through his own personal revelations, the traditions evolved and at different rates depending on the location. Quakers are an interesting study and certainly had a great impact on New England, Rhode Island in particular. As to vanity and photography... like gravestones, I'm not sure if this too was regional, time period dependent but in the "Images of America; Portsmouth, RI" pg 117 there is a picture of women dated 1883 called women from the Friend's School in Providence" (one being y grgrandmother Annie Earle) where the editor even comments they look a little "dressy" for Quakers.. So by 1883 they were photographed and their dress had changed as well. Maybe your friend knows how different Meetings held onto traditions. You say she in Bristol County, MA (as am I) is she from the Dartmouth Meeting? Anxious to learn more! Laurie