Remember, when the wake took place in the family home there was no air-conditioning. The Funeral Director would bring fans as needed to circulate the air. Also, in the summer, it was often necessary to drape the open casket with cheesecloth to prevent flies, etc. Sounds awful I know, but it worked.

Wakes back then and for many years after last two full days. The hours being 1 pm to 9 pm or so....quite long.

In the old ethnic neighborhoods, like the buckeye road community, many folks had no car. Most of the men worked in factories and the women were mothers or homemakers. So to attend a wake, they simply walked. On the day of the service the Funeral Director would look for transportation with someone with a car.

Another interesting option would be to have a limousine available for which a passenger was charged $1.50. It might seem odd but there was a need back then.

People seemed to be much closer and compassionate back then. Some would walk a mile or more to a wake and pay their respects.

Then there were those who had cars and they would line the street by the home. Not much different should a funeral home be used. Most funeral homes had no parking lot.

Getting back to limousines, most services required one for family and one for pall bearers. Not quite as common today in many respects. People have larger vehicles, so why rent one?

Pallbearers were either friends or member of a lodge, not family members. They were provided with cloth gloves to wear and then placed on the casket at the cemetery.

Well, as we have moved on to become modern funeral homes, it has been a blessing in disguise. It gives family a chance for some privacy and to relax. Funeral Homes now provide space and comfort with assistance from Funeral Director and staff-- arranging flowers and providing seating for guests. A home, it was near impossible.

More to remember of the first half of the 20th century and on. I'll get back to you.

"I hope I remember"

Chuck St. John