Remembering how funeral service was provided at the beginning of the 20th century might not be remembered by many reading this blog post, if any ----- but you will find it interesting.

There were very few funeral homes as we know of them today, at the turn of the century. Most funeral directors simple had an office, an embalming room, a few caskets to show, extra space if needed, and the stable housing horses and carriages.

In 1913, my grandfather opened an office at 9105 Buckeye Road in Cleveland, Ohio, and then moved to 2844 Woodhill Road. Finally, in 1930, built a large home at 2934 East Blvd. This was used as our family home and as a funeral home for visitation, a wake.

Previously, all wakes took place in the home of the deceased, as small as it may have been. The funeral director had portable equipment for proper and dignified presentation; drapery (scaret) with overhead lamp, torcher lamps, candelabra, kneeler and catafalque. The deceased was transferred to the home by horse and carriage, with casket, and all was respectfully set up in the parlor. On the day of the funeral, the deceased was transferred to a church or simply to the cemetery.

Most of the wake periods were two full days. A purple wreath was obtained from a local florist. For us, this was Orban's Fruit and Flowers on Buckeye Road. The wreath was hung on the entrance door of the home recognizing the death.

More interesting facts of the past in the next blog post. Do you remember?

Chuck St. John