Discuss Detroit » Archives - Beginning January 2006 » Oldest Cemeteries in the city? « Previous Next »
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Chitaku
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Username: Chitaku

Post Number: 348
Registered: 03-2006
Posted From: 68.43.107.72
Posted on Friday, May 19, 2006 - 12:42 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I'm looking for grave sites of extremely old Detroiters. I'm thinking early 1800's up, if not earlier. Anyone know of any?
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Crew
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Username: Crew

Post Number: 959
Registered: 02-2004
Posted From: 146.9.52.18
Posted on Friday, May 19, 2006 - 1:28 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Nope. Prior to 1860 they would put the deceased on barges on the Detroit River and start them on fire, Viking Style. God, I miss the old days.
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Livedog2
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Username: Livedog2

Post Number: 280
Registered: 03-2006
Posted From: 24.223.133.177
Posted on Friday, May 19, 2006 - 1:36 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Elmwood Cemetery!

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=447



elmwood

Livedog2
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Kathleen
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Username: Kathleen

Post Number: 1325
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 140.244.107.151
Posted on Friday, May 19, 2006 - 1:45 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

And prior to Mount Elliott, there were cemeteries located closer to the downtown area. In fact, many of the graves of the early settlers were moved from Ste. Anne's cemetery to Mount Elliott Cemetery in 1869 and reinterred there in a mass unmarked grave. There was also a Russell Street Cemetery over in what is today's Eastern Market area; bodies were moved to other cemeteries.

I know others can add to this and/or fill in the details.
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Mikem
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Username: Mikem

Post Number: 2535
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 68.43.15.105
Posted on Friday, May 19, 2006 - 1:52 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

https://www.atdetroit.net/forum/mes sages/23585/30364.html
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Esd
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Username: Esd

Post Number: 13
Registered: 05-2006
Posted From: 160.109.103.190
Posted on Friday, May 19, 2006 - 3:13 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Is using the search engine that hard?
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Jams
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Username: Jams

Post Number: 3354
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 68.252.68.130
Posted on Friday, May 19, 2006 - 3:16 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Mt. Elliot Cemetary predates Elmwood Cemetary. Both have records of burials that you can get at the offices.

Kathleen, you rock!!
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Kathleen
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Username: Kathleen

Post Number: 1326
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 140.244.107.151
Posted on Friday, May 19, 2006 - 3:31 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Thanks, Jams!

Esd: Are you referring to the Forum's search engine? Sometimes it is difficult to retrieve a particular post if you don't recall the wording used to discuss the topic.
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Livedog2
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Username: Livedog2

Post Number: 281
Registered: 03-2006
Posted From: 24.223.133.177
Posted on Friday, May 19, 2006 - 3:35 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

The point is that some people are good at doing searches and some people are good at asking about searches, a perfect marriage of asking and searching! That's why it's called a forum!! Got a problem with that make your comments on your "search engine" and you won't be bothered by the way people do things on this site!!!!

Livedog2
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Esd
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Username: Esd

Post Number: 14
Registered: 05-2006
Posted From: 160.109.103.190
Posted on Friday, May 19, 2006 - 3:58 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Or you could take the time and do a search on Google, amazing what information is out there if you actually take the time to look instead of asking others.
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Ray1936
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Username: Ray1936

Post Number: 576
Registered: 01-2005
Posted From: 207.200.116.139
Posted on Friday, May 19, 2006 - 4:02 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Elmwood Cemetery is probably the best place to look for historic Detroiters. It's just fascinating.

I stumbled across an old cemetery on Milford Road just south of I-96 last year (New Hudson Cemetery) in which I found grave markers of Revolutionary War veterans as well as vets of the War of 1812. I guess the area was settled in the early 1800's prior to statehood.
rev
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Chitaku
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Username: Chitaku

Post Number: 351
Registered: 03-2006
Posted From: 68.43.107.72
Posted on Friday, May 19, 2006 - 4:12 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I know out in the suburbs there are many old small cemeteries. One off of m59 and Romeo Plank. Another on 16 around Schoenner
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Kathleen
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Username: Kathleen

Post Number: 1327
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 140.244.107.151
Posted on Friday, May 19, 2006 - 4:24 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Lighten up, Esd!! I participate on this forum to learn what others have researched and shared and to do the same for them whenever possible. I'm a librarian by education and although I'm not employed as a librarian in the strict sense, I use my librarian skills every day in my job and in my personal life. Any reference librarian will tell you that it takes skill to determine what the user is actually asking for and then to find the source that has the information and is correct. Searching the Open Web via Google or Yahoo or other search engines is not always the best or the easiest way to find reliable information!!

Share on!!
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Esd
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Username: Esd

Post Number: 15
Registered: 05-2006
Posted From: 160.109.103.190
Posted on Friday, May 19, 2006 - 4:42 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I asked a question, Underdog is the one that got his panties in a knot.
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Jams
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Username: Jams

Post Number: 3357
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 70.236.168.42
Posted on Friday, May 19, 2006 - 5:21 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Damn, Kathleen got ticked off.

Maybe it's time for some of you noobies to take some time to understand what a rich resource is available here.

Many inquries have been answered here for no other reason than the sake of passing on the history of this City.

Enjoy what you learn here, I very much do.
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Gargoyle
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Username: Gargoyle

Post Number: 3
Registered: 04-2006
Posted From: 155.139.40.51
Posted on Friday, May 19, 2006 - 5:29 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Here's a noobie who is VERY appreciative of this forum. I have learned more about my native city by just lurking on this site for the last two years than I did in my entire life before. And the knowledge of the forummers is the personal kind not found on any search engine. This is quite the best information base around.
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Goat
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Username: Goat

Post Number: 8470
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 70.54.70.170
Posted on Friday, May 19, 2006 - 6:51 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Welcome Gargoyle. Hope you post again.
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Kathleen
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Username: Kathleen

Post Number: 1329
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 69.14.122.57
Posted on Saturday, May 20, 2006 - 3:17 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Jams...it does happen every once in a while.

Truly just wanted to make the point that anyone can post on the Internet if they have the means to put up a site. Doesn't mean the info is accurate.

Sharing info about our shared passions of things Detroit is what this forum is all about. So again I say...share on!

(Message edited by Kathleen on May 20, 2006)
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Gistok
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Username: Gistok

Post Number: 2128
Registered: 08-2004
Posted From: 4.229.6.64
Posted on Saturday, May 20, 2006 - 3:40 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Even some of us old timers (I've been on and off this site since 2000) sometimes find it easy to just ask a question, rather than do a Google search.

I whole heartedly agree with Kathleen, sometimes the info one finds is not always accurate. As a theatre buff, I get frustrated when I can't find something with a search... and that happens all the time. Just try finding a nice photo of the auditorium of the Downtown RKO Theatre, previously known as the Oriental Theatre... they just aren't out there.

But getting back on thread, I have to say that visiting Elmwood Cemetary is a very rewarding visit, not only because it is so old, but when you're there it is hard to believe that you are in Detroit. The meandering valley with the Mausoleums along the hillside is almost surreal in a Gothic sort of way. And yet it is very pastoral and bucolic. A wonderful place to visit on a sunny spring or summer day.
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K8cpachuck
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Username: K8cpachuck

Post Number: 5
Registered: 05-2006
Posted From: 68.40.45.171
Posted on Saturday, May 20, 2006 - 4:08 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Woodmere cemetery in Southwest Detroit is pretty old too...

Info:

http://www.findagrave.com/php/ famous.php?page=cem&FScemetery id=2007

More info:
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Andyguard73
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Username: Andyguard73

Post Number: 56
Registered: 03-2006
Posted From: 141.209.33.110
Posted on Saturday, May 20, 2006 - 4:51 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Well said Gargoyle. And Kathleen, I work at the library at CMU and you're right on. Which actually reminds me. Chitaku, have you tried looking in a library? We have the Clarke historical here which is mainly Michigan-related. I can do some searching here. You might want to try over at WSU too. You never know what may be archived some where. Just a suggestion.
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Andyguard73
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Username: Andyguard73

Post Number: 57
Registered: 03-2006
Posted From: 141.209.33.110
Posted on Saturday, May 20, 2006 - 4:55 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

http://elmwoodhistoriccemetery .org/pages/aboutus.html

According to the website: "Historic Elmwood Cemetery is the oldest continuously operating, non-denominational cemetery in Detroit. The cemetery was established in 1846." I know that doesn't tell you about previous sites but its a start.
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Kathleen
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Username: Kathleen

Post Number: 1332
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 69.14.122.57
Posted on Saturday, May 20, 2006 - 6:43 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Of course, the Burton Historical Collection at the Detroit Public Library is THE place to do research relating to Detroit and its people. If you haven't done any research there, you are in for a treat!!

http://www.detroit.lib.mi.us/b urton/burton_index.htm

On the subject of cemeteries, I heartily recommend a stroll through Mount Elliott, Elmwood, Woodmere, or Woodlawn cemeteries. You will find yourself surrounded by history and art!!!
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Jams
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Username: Jams

Post Number: 3358
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 68.79.95.52
Posted on Saturday, May 20, 2006 - 9:00 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I love the Scripps mausoleum in Woodmere, I found it somewhat by accident, when a few years ago while photographing there, a rainstorm hit and I searched for the nearest shelter I could find and that was it.
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Neilr
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Username: Neilr

Post Number: 256
Registered: 06-2005
Posted From: 69.242.223.67
Posted on Saturday, May 20, 2006 - 9:21 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Moses Wheelock Field is buried in Woodmere Cemetery. He was a "suburban" land developer of his day. He owned at least 294 acres in Springwells Township (Southwest Detroit). Field Ave. and Wheelock Street are named after him. Kercheval is named after his mother-in-law, Marie Kercheval, and Agnes is named after his daughter. His house, from the 1860's, still stands on Field Ave.

One of his daughters, Mary, married Maxwell Grylls, president of the architectural firm Smith, Hinchman & Grylls.
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Lmichigan
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Username: Lmichigan

Post Number: 3768
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 24.11.154.56
Posted on Saturday, May 20, 2006 - 10:17 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Off subject, but does anyone know the explanation behind the name "Mount Elliott?"
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Kathleen
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Username: Kathleen

Post Number: 1334
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 69.14.122.57
Posted on Saturday, May 20, 2006 - 11:25 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Here you go, Lmichigan! Check out this Mount Elliott Cemetery thread...scroll down to Jjaba's post.

https://www.atdetroit.net/forum/mes sages/36206/44600.html
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Hornwrecker
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Username: Hornwrecker

Post Number: 1190
Registered: 04-2005
Posted From: 63.41.8.83
Posted on Saturday, May 20, 2006 - 11:41 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

If my synapses are working correctly, unlike my typing, the DFD holds a memorial service, every Memorial Day morning in Elmwood Cemetery. I've played in the DFD band in the past, and it was one of the most moving, and not well known of, ceremonies that I've seen in this area. I'll check with some friends about the details, or maybe a current member of the DFD might know about them.
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Kathleen
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Username: Kathleen

Post Number: 1335
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 69.14.122.57
Posted on Sunday, May 21, 2006 - 7:48 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

From the Elmwood Cemetery events page:

May 29 - Memorial Day Ceremonies.
10am: Sons of Union Veterans assemble. 11am: Civil War Tribute conducted by the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War on the Civil War lot. Members of the U.S. Grant Camp #101 will preside over the ceremony. Some participants will be dressed in Civil War replica uniforms to honor and remember the over 600 Civil War veterans who are buried in the cemetery. A military style salute will be conduced along withthe raising of the flag. The grounds of the cemetery will be open to visitors 7am until 5:30pm. The office and public mausoleum will be open 9am-4pm.

If I recall correctly, the ceremony honoring the Detroit Fire Department alternates between Elmwood and Mount Elliott cemeteries. The above announcement may indicate that Mount Elliott will host this year's DFD ceremonies.
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Jams
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Username: Jams

Post Number: 3359
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 68.79.101.235
Posted on Sunday, May 21, 2006 - 8:13 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Robert Thomas Elliot

quote:

Birth: Dec. 20, 1795
Death: Sep. 10, 1841

One of Detroit's first educated architect's. He was the first internment at Mt. Elliot Cemetery. He was one of the original planners and purchasers of the land on which this cemetery is located. The cemetery was named for him.




http://www.findagrave.com/cgi- bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=Elliot &GScid=1128&GRid=13102&
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Krawlspace
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Username: Krawlspace

Post Number: 257
Registered: 04-2004
Posted From: 170.20.11.116
Posted on Sunday, May 21, 2006 - 1:41 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Elmwood is Michigan's oldest incorporated non-denominational cemetery, becoming incorporated in 1854. The oldest stone I have found there was from 1839. The Smart plot is another old one, with persons buried there who were born in 1764.

The "Big Three" old cemeteries in Detroit are Elmwood, Woodmier on W. Fort, and Evergreen on Woodward south of 8 Mile. If you add in Mount Elliott, an all Catholic cemetery, you pretty much have the complete Who's Who of Detroit's past.

Abutting Elmwood in the south east corner is Michigan's oldest Jewish cemetery as well.
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Neilr
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Username: Neilr

Post Number: 258
Registered: 06-2005
Posted From: 69.242.223.67
Posted on Sunday, May 21, 2006 - 4:46 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Don't forget about Woodlawn Cemetery. It's right to the north of Evergreen on Woodward.
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Livedog2
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Username: Livedog2

Post Number: 287
Registered: 03-2006
Posted From: 24.223.133.177
Posted on Sunday, May 21, 2006 - 5:09 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Does anyone know if the Burton Historical Collection at the Detroit Public Library is online? And, if not are there any plans to digitize the collection for the internet? I have been to the Main Library on Woodward Ave. to do research in The Collection and it has been quite torturous. It is cramped, musty smelling, hot, and the staff seem to be understaffed and over worked. Typical Detroit stuff!

Livedog2
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Lowell
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Username: Lowell

Post Number: 2635
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 66.167.58.162
Posted on Sunday, May 21, 2006 - 10:06 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Here's a real old one. I wonder what became of this mass grave at the SE corner of Michigan and Washington.

1812

What a sad disaster and miserable winter this must have been! Even if it happened today 700 dead would be incredible news. Imagine what it must have been for a community under 10,000 counting the troops.

All this only seven years after Detroit had burned to the ground.

Tough time in the D indeed.
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Livedog2
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Username: Livedog2

Post Number: 290
Registered: 03-2006
Posted From: 24.223.133.177
Posted on Monday, May 22, 2006 - 1:00 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Makes our problems today look like nothing, Lowell!

Livedog2
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Thursdaynext
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Username: Thursdaynext

Post Number: 8
Registered: 04-2006
Posted From: 69.212.37.163
Posted on Monday, May 22, 2006 - 11:34 am:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

This link may be helpful in locating some cemeteries.
http://www.geocities.com/histm ich/waycem.html

I don't live far from Grand Lawn and Redford, aka Bell Branch. Both are interesting to go through. Redford Cemetery has a lot of Civil War veterans buried there. My ex works as a gravedigger at Grand Lawn and I remember him once telling me that someone (I believe a WWII vet) needed to be buried at Redford Cemetery, so they called Grand Lawn to see if they could do the burial. Reason is, they're not taking new comers so they don't have the grounds crew or equipment on site to handle these jobs. It's extremely rare for a burial to take place there anymore, if one does, one can only imagine how long ago they had purchased the plot.

FYI - there was a time that Mike Ilitch wanted to buy Grand Lawn Cemetery. He has family there and he wanted to put in a huge mausoleum. The cemetery wouldn't allow it so he decided he'd try to buy the place. Once of the stipulations in selling to him was that he had to repair the roads, which he wouldn't do. Needless to say, he didn't get the mausoleum or the cemetery.

Hmmm, guess you can see why I'm no longer with my ex...it was a dead-end relationship! :-)
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Krawlspace
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Username: Krawlspace

Post Number: 258
Registered: 04-2004
Posted From: 69.14.112.159
Posted on Monday, May 22, 2006 - 12:28 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Neilr-

Thanks for the correction. I always get Evergreen and Woodlawn confused. Woodlawn is obviously the more historic of the two, being the resting place of the Dodge brothers, JL Hudson, and Alexander Groesbeck, et al.

Also... One of the more interesting cemeteries in Detroit is actually in Hamtramck. The Beth Olam cemetery, also known as the Poletown cemetery is in the north west corner of the Cadillac plant property at I-94 and Mt. Elliott. It's open to the public once a year as I recall.
You can see it if you do a Google map search and click the satellite tab.
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Hamtramck_steve
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Username: Hamtramck_steve

Post Number: 2958
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 136.181.195.17
Posted on Monday, May 22, 2006 - 1:40 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

It's open twice a year, and you can check out the current thread "Jews in Detroit" for info about it, too.
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Patrick
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Username: Patrick

Post Number: 3417
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 65.222.10.3
Posted on Monday, May 22, 2006 - 1:49 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I have actually been to the Civil War memorial at Elmwood. I went two years ago. Man, those muskets are loud as hell! Very honorable though!

Where were the cemeteries prior to 1800? I know many dies during Pontiac’s Rebellion. From what I read, a cemetery was located a few hundred yards outside of Fort Pontchartrain. BUT, I have read from other sources that it was right along the walls of it. It may have been desecrated during Pontiac’s Rebellion as well.

There might have been a British Military cemetery as well. I know they buried their Bloody Run dead near the fort, but cannot pinpoint the location. All I know is that a few of these mass graves had to have been built over.

Another one is the Fox Indian Massacre near Windmill Pointe. More to come…
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Jams
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Username: Jams

Post Number: 3363
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 68.79.82.213
Posted on Monday, May 22, 2006 - 2:00 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Google is so easy sometimes:
http://www.anthro.wayne.edu/mu seum/MuseumCollectionSummary/M addenProject.htm
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Thursdaynext
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Username: Thursdaynext

Post Number: 9
Registered: 04-2006
Posted From: 69.212.37.163
Posted on Monday, May 22, 2006 - 2:00 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Patrick, check out my geocities link in my previous post, there is mention of an English Burying Ground, aka Old Woodward Ave. Cemetery, at Woodward and Larned. Could this be what you're thinking of?
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Jams
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Username: Jams

Post Number: 3364
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 68.79.82.213
Posted on Monday, May 22, 2006 - 2:05 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Thursdaynext,
This is what comes up with that link:

quote:

Sorry, this GeoCities site is currently unavailable.
The GeoCities web site you were trying to view has temporarily exceeded its data transfer limit. Please try again later.




You broke it. :-)
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Thursdaynext
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Username: Thursdaynext

Post Number: 10
Registered: 04-2006
Posted From: 69.212.37.163
Posted on Monday, May 22, 2006 - 2:12 pm:   Edit PostDelete Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Jams, I promise if you keep trying at, some point it will come up. It has some nifty info. I'll keep away from it so as not to curse it. :-)

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