In the smaller rural cemeteries we have worked with you bought plots according
to the size of the family then fenced or curbed them. Sometimes people bought
large family plots as a status symbol, like a couple buying or building a
large ostentatious house.
 
Several caretakers remember three grave sizes in their lifetimes. Early 3' x
6'; 4' x 8'; present day 5' x 10'. These sizes reflect increases in coffin
size and the use of buried vaults. Interesting correlation; as families got
smaller, the graves got larger. Check the industry catalogs for dates of
availability.
 
Best,
 
Gene Prince