GREENLAWN CEMETERY
895 East Seneca County Road 36
Tiffin, Ohio 44883
419.447.2010
Established: Unknown
Acres: Unknown
No Official Website
Bella Morte Rating: 1 Tombstone
We have been unable to discover much by way of historical information on this quiet little cemetery. What we do know is that it serves as the eternal home of four U.S. Congressmen and two Union soldiers who distinguished themselves through acts of valour during the Civil War.
Probably the most notable feature in this burial ground is the number of zinc headstones, many in remarkable states of preservation. Sadly, the one exception is also the most damaged zinc we have ever viewed “in person.” (see gallery).
For those not familiar, zinc headstones, also referred to as “white bronzes,” were much maligned as being “fragile.” Their manufacture ceased long ago and this is tragic, as, in our experience, they often stand the test of time unscathed while their marble neighbors are whittled away by seasons, acid rain and vandals. Another great thing about zinc is its ability to allow for intricate detailing. Look closely in a cemetery. When you see a “stone,” (usually an obelisk) that is blue-grey in colour, has crisp, raised lettering and, oftentimes, details such as garlands or faces, it is probably made of zinc.
But back to the cemetery…or…errr…we’re not sure if this building is part of Greenlawn or not, to be honest….
We are referring to the hulking, cruciform, community mausoleum which lies along the eastern border, but well away from the rest of the cemetery (just off County Road 36).
There is evidence of an old, unpaved driveway, but it seems long-disused. And, while it does appear, from the freshly-painted exterior, there has been some attempt to maintain the building, such efforts have been woefully inadequate. The foundation is clearly failing in many areas and the interior hints of gross neglect. A peek inside the locked front doors revealed a stand decorated with American flags and medallions honoring veterans of various wars. These rested, dead center, beneath the copper cupola that juts from the building’s core. Off to the right, a smaller display of the same type could be seen. Other than that, there was only the dust-covered floor and evidence of massive leaks in the ceiling. It was a sad sight for us, and difficult to consider the future of those laid to rest within.
Aside from what has already been mentioned, there are a number of private family mausoleums which are worth a passing glance. Still, there is nothing whatsoever in this cemetery we would recommend traveling more than twenty or thirty minutes for unless you have a specific reason for choosing to go.
NOTE: County Road 13 bisects Greenlawn, so keep that in mind when exploring if you care to see the entire cemetery.
[F]
895 East Seneca County Road 36
Tiffin, Ohio 44883
419.447.2010
Established: Unknown
Acres: Unknown
No Official Website
Bella Morte Rating: 1 Tombstone
We have been unable to discover much by way of historical information on this quiet little cemetery. What we do know is that it serves as the eternal home of four U.S. Congressmen and two Union soldiers who distinguished themselves through acts of valour during the Civil War.
Probably the most notable feature in this burial ground is the number of zinc headstones, many in remarkable states of preservation. Sadly, the one exception is also the most damaged zinc we have ever viewed “in person.” (see gallery).
For those not familiar, zinc headstones, also referred to as “white bronzes,” were much maligned as being “fragile.” Their manufacture ceased long ago and this is tragic, as, in our experience, they often stand the test of time unscathed while their marble neighbors are whittled away by seasons, acid rain and vandals. Another great thing about zinc is its ability to allow for intricate detailing. Look closely in a cemetery. When you see a “stone,” (usually an obelisk) that is blue-grey in colour, has crisp, raised lettering and, oftentimes, details such as garlands or faces, it is probably made of zinc.
But back to the cemetery…or…errr…we’re not sure if this building is part of Greenlawn or not, to be honest….
We are referring to the hulking, cruciform, community mausoleum which lies along the eastern border, but well away from the rest of the cemetery (just off County Road 36).
There is evidence of an old, unpaved driveway, but it seems long-disused. And, while it does appear, from the freshly-painted exterior, there has been some attempt to maintain the building, such efforts have been woefully inadequate. The foundation is clearly failing in many areas and the interior hints of gross neglect. A peek inside the locked front doors revealed a stand decorated with American flags and medallions honoring veterans of various wars. These rested, dead center, beneath the copper cupola that juts from the building’s core. Off to the right, a smaller display of the same type could be seen. Other than that, there was only the dust-covered floor and evidence of massive leaks in the ceiling. It was a sad sight for us, and difficult to consider the future of those laid to rest within.
Aside from what has already been mentioned, there are a number of private family mausoleums which are worth a passing glance. Still, there is nothing whatsoever in this cemetery we would recommend traveling more than twenty or thirty minutes for unless you have a specific reason for choosing to go.
NOTE: County Road 13 bisects Greenlawn, so keep that in mind when exploring if you care to see the entire cemetery.
[F]
