Ridge Hill Memorial Park

Have you given any thought as to where you'd like to be buried when you, uh, depart this earthly realm? 

It's something that most of us have to deal with sooner or later (preferably later). I know where I'm going to be – right next to my parents in Elmwood Cemetery. 

(After my mother's graveside ceremony back in 2023, I was complimenting the minister on his lovely speech, and pointed out that I was going to be buried right next to Mom. After suggesting that perhaps some day he could do my service as well, I joked (as John Wayne did as Rooster Cogburn in the cemetery scene near the end of True Grit), that I hoped he wouldn't mind that I "don't move in too soon.")

Elmwood is a nice cemetery. It's well-maintained by the City of Lorain and has a lot of history, making it interesting to explore. Most of my father's side of the family that lived in Lorain are buried there; the rest are across North Ridge Road in Calvary Cemetery.

But what about Mom's side of the family?

Well, as Mom used to point out, her mother was a little bit snobbish. Rather than being buried in Elmwood with the rest of the Lorain rabble, she and Grandpa Bumke are buried in Ridge Hill Memorial Park.

But I can't blame Grandma too much. I recently found some articles and ads from the time when Ridge Hill first opened, and the concept behind it was very appealing. Here's an ad from the Lorain Journal of October 19, 1929. The cemetery was still under construction at that time, so this is somewhat of a teaser ad.

It's got some well-written ad copy that positions Ridge Hill as a unique, uplifting alternative to regular cemeteries like Elmwood. The ad notes, "We are creating at Ridge Hill a great park, devoid of mis-shapen monuments and other customary signs of earthly Death but filled with towering trees, sweeping lawns, splashing fountains, sparkling lakes and lagoons, cheerful flowers, singing birds, and noble memorial architecture."

And here's the special section from the Lorain Journal of November 25, 1929, when Ridge Hill was a few weeks away from opening. The lead article notes that 57 acres of the property was previously a farm owned by the late Edward Straw, with another 12 acres "obtained from an adjoining farm."

Here are some ads and articles from 1930.

Jan. 25, 1930

This article from Jan. 28, 1930 reveals that the well-remembered house at the entrance to Ridge Hill was the former farm house of Edward Straw.

Jan. 28, 1930

May 1, 1930

There was a lot of publicity in 1934, the centennial of the founding of the village that later became Lorain.

June 7, 1934

July 14, 1934

July 14, 1934

Remember the old farmhouse at the entrance? It's gone now, but continues to haunt old Google Map views.

Here is a recent photo of the entrance gates. They pretty much resemble the architectural rendering seen in the article from Nov. 25, 1929.

The memorial park itself is still beautiful. It's shaking off the effects of a tough winter and a windy start to spring, but its natural beauty is evident.

It is a different feeling than Elmwood. Good choice, Grandma!  

****

While preparing this post, I was saddened to discover that Bob Cool, Jr. of Boyer & Cool Home for Funerals recently passed away on March 14, 2025. Bob coordinated Mom's wake, and was the minister who spoke at the ceremony at the cemetery. He did a great job and made the day uplifting and memorable. Over the years, Bob's company handled the funeral arrangements of both my parents, as well as my grandparents. 

My condolences go out to his wife and family.