Exploring Almost Forgotten Gravesites in the Great State of Ohio

Dedicated to cemetery preservation in the great state of Ohio


"A cemetery may be considered as abandoned when all or practically all of the bodies have been Removed therefrom and no bodies have been buried therein for a great many years, and the cemetery has been so long neglected as entirely to lose its identity as such, and is no longer known, recognized and respected by the public as a cemetery. 1953 OAG 2978."

Wednesday, September 4, 2019

Paying a return visit to Lakewood Park Cemetery - Rocky River Ohio

Lakewood Park Cemetery and the Lakewood Abbey are definitely final destination "jewels" that are almost hidden away; but worth the small extra effort to find for those seeking the experience of visiting a unique memory gardens/memorial park landscape and atmosphere located in the greater Cleveland area.  It is unique because of its remarkable history with locally famous 'residents' who chose it as their final resting place.
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I recently paid a return visit to locate a newly installed memorial plaque for those who were re-interred at Lakewood Park Cemetery  
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Be sure to visit Lakewood Park Cemetery during the hours that they are open.  Located at 22025 Detroit Road, Rocky River, Ohio 44116.  
Phone number:
440 -333-1922  

Email:

info@lakewoodparkcemetery.com


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The office is open Monday through Friday 8:30a.m. to 4:30p.m. and on Saturday 8:30a.m. to Noon.
Also check out the Lakewood Park Cemetery on Facebook!
  
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I can attest that the office personnel are quite responsive and helpful with answering questions; and supplying cemetery and section maps to help with locating the lot and grave space needed.
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Also, they were kind enough to share that the grounds crew are also approachable for questions!  
That was a key point to learn and keep in mind because both Sections 1 and 2 were on the list to see. All of the markers are flat and most have numbers, however, some numbers may be obscured by grass or mud.
Section 2 was first on the list to drive to.  As we neared section 2 fortunately a kind gentleman who was indeed recognizable as a member of the grounds crew approached us while driving his maintenance truck.  
He slowed down as we waved at him.  After we told him about the newly installed memorial marker we wanted to find, he offered to take us right to it - a most welcomed offer!  
Unknown remains (84) removed from Wagar Cemetery, Lakewood, OH. Interred at Lakewood Park Cemetery on September 25, 1957.
 
There is a marker from Wolslagel on this grave (11-21-1957).
 Section 2/Lot 302/GS/5
Six remains removed from Wagar Cemetery, interred at Lakewood Park Cemetery on October 19, 1926.:
    • Calkins, Charles
    • Calkins, Mary Ann
    • Howe, Baby
    • Howe, Ellen
    • Howe, Henry
    • Howe, Joseph
     

Section 1/Lot 221/GS/3 :
"Our records show March 31, 1915 as the burial date for these eight remains and John French (1841 – 1920) in space 4"  
  • French, Albert (1812 – 1890)
  • French, Almina (1814 – 1888)
  • French, Calphurnia (1815 – 1853)
  • French, Collins (1838 – 1839)
  • French, Price (1777 – 1858)
  • French, Rachael (1785 – 1867)
  • French, John (1841 – 1920) 
  •  single marker next to
  •  Large marker – Grave 4
  • Paddock, Anthony (1768 – 1834)
  • Paddock, Ruhana (1769 – 1835)

 
 
 
  
(Below)
Well known Cleveland sports announcer
 Seen In Section 1 below:
Note the sign in the tree!

Friday, August 23, 2019

Sharing side-by-side before repairs and after repairs photos of the Henry Wilson Irwin Family markers at the Old Burying Ground in Greenfield, Ohio courtesy of Scott Andersen

It is my pleasure to share these side-by-side photographs taken by Scott Andersen on August 22, 2019 of the row of Henry Wilson Irwin family grave markers at the Old Burying Ground in Greenfield, Highland County, Ohio.  
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Another step in this process remains to be completed for these grave markers.  That is cleaning them with D/2 Biological Solution.
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All of this restoration progress for these nine grave markers was made possible through the efforts of Greenfield Historical Society volunteers, Scott Andersen, John King, and Michael Lee Anderson who largely handle the repairs and re-settings of grave markers; as well as the heavy lifting for the larger monuments at the Old Burying Ground. 

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One of Greenfield's most notable native sons and decorated Naval hero was Rear Admiral Noble Edward Irwin.  
His parents were Henry Wilson Irwin and his fourth wife, Lavinia Ann "Lavina" Rogers Irwin.  
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"Rear Admiral Irwin graduated from the United States Naval Academy in June 1891. He was wounded in action on May 1, 1898 while aboard the USS Baltimore at the Battle of Manila Bay. Admiral Irwin was awarded the Navy Cross for meritorious service as director of Naval Aviation during WWI. 
The U.S. Destroyer, the USS Irwin, was named in his honor."
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