Woodlawn is the final resting place for more than 10,000
By From the Woodlawn Cemetery Association
Visitors recently had the opportunity to explore Woodlawn Cemetery and learn about Wellsville’s history during a guided tour. The Woodlawn Cemetery Association and the Thelma Rogers Historical Society organized the event that was well attended and raised funds for ongoing tree care and cemetery upkeep.
The tour’s first point of interest was an antique horse-drawn hearse built around 1875 and purchased by Embser Funeral Home in 1913. Built of wood with steel suspension, the hearse features glass side panels draped in deep purple fabric. Six ornately carved draped urns, traditional symbols of mourning the deceased, line the top of the polished funeral carriage. The high driver’s box is upholstered in leather, and its large-spoked wheels could be replaced with sleigh runners during the winter months. Embser’s used the vehicle to transport the deceased to Woodlawn and Sacred Heart cemeteries.
The large community mausoleum was open, giving visitors a rare opportunity to view its beautiful marble interior, many entombments, iron fixtures, and its large stained-glass window. The mausoleum has a Board of Directors separate from Woodlawn Cemetery. Board President Robert Christman and Trustee Eric McEnroe served as guides.
Fifteen additional stops shared stories about an early state trooper who patrolled his assigned area on horseback, veterans, early business owners, a well-known lumber dealer, donors of the Jones Memorial Hospital and its first maternity ward, and other residents whose lives helped shape the town leaving a lasting impact on the community. In addition to the guided stops, markers with information and photos were posted for an additional self-guided tour.
Woodlawn extends sincere thanks for the financial donations received during the event, as well as the guides who generously gave their time and spent many hours in research for this well-received tour. Special thanks also go to those who helped with advertising.
Plans are underway for future annual tours featuring various themes. In the meantime, summer is an ideal time to wander through the cemetery, read the interesting epitaphs, and notice the beautiful carvings and symbols on memorial stones. Woodlawn is the final resting place for more than 10,000 people. Their voices may be silent, but each person has a story to tell, and those stories can still be heard.
Wellsville is fortunate to have a local museum filled with artifacts and information. The Dyke Street Museum at 118 Dyke Street is open Wednesdays from 1 to 4 p.m. through October, or by appointment by calling President Anne Comstock. Admission is free, making it a fun afternoon destination for exploring local history further. Visitors may run into old friends, reminisce about “the old days”, or share family history while there. The museum gratefully accepts donations of items, photographs, articles, and other materials related to Wellsville. All donations are cataloged, carefully stored, and made available to the public to see. Contributions are important as they become a valuable resource for future generations.
