How the best laid plans for a community mausoleum at the Oakland Cemetery and Memorial Park in Sandusky, Ohio ended up with one built entirely different from the original drawings.

One place to look for the "real story" regarding the history of just about anything is to search historical newspapers.  Today, more than ever, it is easier to do just that because of the internet and websites like "NewspaperArchive.com" that can be accessed as a non-subscriber through some local libraries from just about anywhere. 

Thus, I researched the Sandusky Star-Journal and the Sandusky Register newspapers to learn what changes had evolved over time regarding the plans of the City of Sandusky, Ohio to construct a community mausoleum at the Oakland Cemetery around 1917 that never came to fruition until many years later.  

The accounts published down through the years reveal details of the proposals, and "false starts" that occurred before a mausoleum was built. 

In the end, though, the mausoleum design was one that in no way resembles the original drawings that the city has found worthwhile to still retain. I feel it's important that the drawings were saved so we could view them today.

Below is a sampling of some of the newspaper stories that were published from 1917 through 1979 about the proposed community mausoleum at the Oakland Cemetery (aka Oakland Cemetery and Memorial Park).:

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Below are images of the drawings for the original mausoleum, not appearing in any particular order.:

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Thanking Mr. Vern Margard who so kindly shared the two photographs shown below.: 

Below is an aerial view of the new mausoleum.

Below is a view of one area of the garden mausoleum at the Oakland Cemetery and Memorial Park.

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For further reference.:

The Oakland Cemetery on Find A Grave

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From the website of the City of Sandusky.:
"This garden-type mausoleum was constructed and dedicated in 1979. 

Its unique open-air construction and use of native sandstone and marble create a beautiful blend of contemporary function and historical quality."

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Noting that per the May 29, 1979 Sandusky Register story.:  

"There are four galleries in the mausoleum which have been named the Gallery of the Cedars, the Gallery of the Maples, The Gallery of the Elms, and the Gallery of the Oaks.  The names depict the trees located near each gallery."

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Below is a self-guided historical walking tour brochure.  

It has a helpful cemetery map pinpointing 34 landmarks to stop at during your visit. The brochure was created in partnership by the Sandusky Recreation Division and the Sandusky Library. 

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