Lakewood Cemetery Association

Lakewood Cemetery Association is a nonprofit organization founded in 1871, aimed at providing a serene and beautiful environment for commemoration and remembrance. It is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and is one of the most prominent cemeteries in the United States.

History

The Lakewood Cemetery Association was established by a group of progressive leaders, including Colonel William S. King, George Brackett, Dorilus Morrison, Charles Loring, Thomas Lowry, and William Washburn. They envisioned a public, nondenominational cemetery available to all citizens, distinct from traditional churchyard burials[1][2]. The cemetery was officially dedicated on September 16, 1872, with its first burial being that of Maggie Menzel earlier the same year[1][2].

Design and Landscape

Lakewood Cemetery is a classic example of a "garden cemetery," modeled after the rural cemeteries of 19th-century France, such as Père Lachaise in Paris. It spans over 250 acres and includes rolling hills, picturesque views, water features, and abundant trees, designed to create a peaceful retreat for both mourning and reflection[2][3]. The landscape was influenced by C.W. Folsom, who was the superintendent of Mount Auburn Cemetery in Massachusetts, and based partly on the design of Spring Grove Cemetery in Ohio[1][2].

Architectural Features

• Administration Building: Constructed in 1929 in the Neoclassical style by local architect Ernest Kennedy, it serves as the main office and meeting space for the cemetery[1].
• Memorial Community Mausoleum: Completed in 1967, it is a Modernist structure featuring Minnesota granite, bronze, and steel, with 24 stained glass windows[1][2].
• Garden Mausoleum and Reception Center: Dedicated in 2012, designed by HGA Architects and Halvorson Design Partnership, it offers a contemporary architectural style emphasizing natural light and connection to the surrounding landscape[1][2].
• Chapel: Designed by Harry Wild Jones and completed in 1910, it is renowned for its beauty and acoustic qualities, featuring a high dome and intricate mosaic artwork[2].

Operations and Services

Lakewood Cemetery Association operates as a nonprofit, nondenominational organization providing various memorial services, including graveside ceremonies, chapel services, and cremation options[3][4]. It conducts over 300 casket burials and 400 cremation urn placements annually, with more than 1,400 cremations performed at its on-site crematory[1].

Governance and Mission

The organization is governed by a Board of Trustees and is committed to serving the community by offering commemorative services in a setting of beauty and solace[1][4]. The mission of Lakewood is to honor, celebrate, and remember the lives of loved ones while reimagining the role of cemeteries in modern society[1][4]. The Lakewood Heritage Foundation, established in 2018, supports the preservation of the cemetery's landscape and architectural heritage[1].

Notable Memorials

Lakewood Cemetery memorializes over 200,000 individuals, including notable figures such as former Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey and Senator Paul Wellstone[2]. It stands as a testament to the cultural and historical legacy of Minneapolis and Minnesota.