In 1926, the doors of a newly constructed gorgeous mausoleum opened for business. The Mausoleum, was a three-story stone building design, with compartment style walls in which to safely hold bodies and caskets. Although official interment records for the mausoleum no longer exist, it is estimated that over 500 bodies were placed within the structure, which was to serve as their final resting place for generations to come.
When the original owner died in 1938, care of the mausoleum was inherited by his two daughters. Tragically, One died in 2000 and the other passed away just two years later, in 2002. Unfortunately and for some strange and unknown reason, no will or provisions had been made for future care of the mausoleum or the remains inside. In 2005, the mausoleum was finally condemned and closed by the city municipality for being “dangerous and unsafe.” The historic structure was then locked up, fenced off, and plastered with “no trespassing” signs.
Over the past 18 years, the elements of time have taken its toll on the abandoned building. The roof and walls are crumbling in. Rain and snow have entered just as easily as those who have ventured past the no trespassing signs and locks to squat, vandalize, and in some cases even steal from the dead. This has obviously caused outrage amongst the loved ones and people of the local community, but it seems that their calls for action have yielded few efforts. One thing remains very clear. Eventually the mausoleum will have to be demolished. Yet despite years of legal discussions and ideas, there is still no logical solution to dealing with the present tragedy and averting one even worse in the near future.
As of 2023, there seems to be some much needed positive news on the horizon for the once memorable and celebrated cemetery and mausoleum. Many local volunteers have gotten together and are now involved in cleaning up the cemetery, gravestones, and also help keeping an eye on the now vulnerable mausoleum to make sure it stays locked up and protected.