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The Piano Tuner’s Grave

A grave commemorates piano tuner F. W. Schlieffen, who drowned in floodwaters in 1906.

Sapphire Central, Australia

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Dennie
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  Dennie / Atlas Obscura User
  Dennie / Atlas Obscura User
  Dennie / Atlas Obscura User
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In 1906, a piano tuner arrived at the Anakie train station in very wet weather. When he ignored locals’ advice and decided to walk to the town of Sapphire, he tragically drowned in May Creek. Because of the boggy ground, it was impossible to carry the coffin, and the decision was made to bury him in this spot. When they dug the grave, it quickly filled with water. So to complete the burial, they drilled holes in the coffin to stop it from floating to the top of the grave.

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Graves Gravestones

Know Before You Go

There is an information board beside the grave. It is well worth a stop on the way to—or back from—the gem fields of Sapphire and Rubyvale.

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Dennie

Published

January 29, 2025

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