Visit Antioch Cemetery
Marjorie Rawlings and Norton Baskin are buried side by side in the Antioch Cemetery on the outskirts of Island Grove, about seven miles east of her home in Cross Creek. Some of her neighbors mentioned in Cross Creek, such as Zelma Cason, Berney Bass, Tom Morrison, and Chet Crosby, are buried there also. Look for the markers that note that they were "Immortalized by the writings of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings." Someone has placed statues of three deer on Marjorie's grave, and many of the other graves are extravagantly and lovingly decorated, with benches nearby to encourage quiet meditation. Tall cedar trees enclose the small country cemetery as well as a sturdy chain link fence.
Directions to Antioch Cemetery from the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park
- Drive east on CR 325 to Island Grove, about 3.8 miles.
- Cross US 301 and continue straight east on SE 219 Avenue through Island Grove. You will cross over railroad tracks and the pass the old red packing house on your left.
- Continue east on SE 219 Avenue for about 2 miles to SE 225 Drive, an unpaved road, and turn left. This road meanders through the woods for 2 miles before coming to a sign reading SE 189 Avenue.
- Turn right and you will see Antioch Cemetery just ahead.
- Park and enter the cemetery on the left side of the road at the gate located in the middle of the fence. It may be chained, but not locked.
- To locate the pair of flat grave markers for Marjorie and Norton, walk about 40 paces to the small utility building, turn left and walk about 45 paces to the west. You will pass the Cason and Crosby family plots on the way.
Family of deer on Marjorie Kinnan Rawling's grave.
