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).:

~*~*~*~*~*~

~*~*~*~*~*~

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

~*~*~*~*~*~

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.

~*~*~*~*~*~

For further reference.:

The Oakland Cemetery on Find A Grave

~*~*~*~*~*~

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."

********
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."

~*~*~*~*~*~

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. 

~*~*~*~*~*~

Additional W.P.A. Cemetery Plat Maps have been uploaded to the Flickr album for Erie County, Ohio

Additional W.P.A. Cemetery Plat Maps have been added to the Flickr album for Erie County. 

There is a link to the album for these maps on the right sidebar of the blog.

~*~*~*~*~*~ 

Link to Erie County Ohio cemeteries as listed on "Find A Grave."

Exploring Saint Anthony Cemetery in Milan, Erie County, Ohio

Sharing scenes from a recent but short visit to the Saint Anthony Cemetery, which is adjacent to the Milan Cemetery in Milan, Erie County, Ohio.  

This is not a large cemetery but one where a visitor can easily enjoy an interesting time touring the almost hidden away grounds.  Be sure to stop and read the plaques, and markers; and reflect upon the awe-inspiring beautiful religious statues and towering Crucifix that make Saint Anthony Cemetery distinctly remarkable. 

There is only one mausoleum at the Saint Anthony Cemetery and it is a prominent one erected for the Fries, Roberts, and Taylor families who are resting in peace in this majestic looking domed structure that one would normally expect to find in a much larger cemetery. 

On my visit, I quickly realized though that the mausoleum was spared by just a few feet from being seriously damaged by a large tree limb that had come down during a recent storm that had not yet been cleared away from the area. 

***********

The popular blog "Graveyard Rabbit of Sandusky Bay" by Dorene Orshoski Paul, featured the Valentine Fries Family Mausoleum in a blog post of August 30, 2011.  Please be sure to check it out!

************

Also, the "Catholic Architecture and History of Toledo" Blog featured the Fries, Roberts, and Taylor Family Mausoleum, among notable statues and monuments in a May 17, 2011 blog post.  

**************************

 

Jesus statue for Catherine Cozzie

(Above)
Bronze plaque affixed to the back

of the slant marker for 

Edward C. Kaczor

Pearl Harbor Survivor

 

 

Valentine A. Fries

Harvey Watkins Roberts

Irma Brockett Fries Roberts

Spotlighting the Milan Cemetery in Milan, Erie County, Ohio

Below is a random sharing of gravestone and monument photos set amidst the sweeping landscape that awaits the visitors of the Milan Cemetery in Erie County, Ohio.  It is a beautiful cemetery, however, some gravestones need TLC and require repair and resetting work as well as some gentle cleaning.  
******************
Also, be sure and visit the following well organized community website about the Milan Cemetery

******************