Woodland is Forever ~ this is our HISTORY
For more than 180 years, Woodland Cemetery has stood as a hallowed sanctuary for eternal peace, safeguarding the remains of over 112,000 individuals. It serves as the final resting place for many of Dayton’s illustrious citizens, including aviation pioneers the Wright brothers, celebrated humorist Erma Bombeck, renowned poet Paul Laurence Dunbar, and inventive genius Charles Kettering.
Established in 1841 on what was then the periphery of Dayton, the cemetery was created to meet the burgeoning city’s growing demand for burial spaces. Through the decades, Woodland Cemetery has remained a steadfast beacon of memory and solace for the people of Dayton. Looking forward, it is committed to the diligent preservation of its rich heritage and ensuring its continuity. With thoughtful foresight into adapting to the community’s evolving needs, Woodland is poised to maintain its relevance and accessibility well into the future, seamlessly integrating with both new developments and rejuvenation projects.
Significant historic dates for Woodland Cemetery and Dayton, Ohio:
1841 – Ohio Legislature commissions the “Woodland Cemetery Association of Dayton.”
1843 – Cemetery dedicated June 21st. July 9th first interment, Allen Cullum.
1844 – Construction of Sexton’s house, fencing and roadways.
1847 – Egyptian styled Receiving Vault constructed.
1887 – Construction completed of the Peter, Burns and Pretzinger Architects designed Gateway, Chapel and Administrative office in the Richardsonian Romanesque style.
1882 – Easter Sunday of this year allowed horse and carriages on the property.
1898 – The Chapel is enlarged to its present size and a basement was included to be used as a receiving vault.
1904 – Henry C. Lowe provided $10,000 in funding as a memorial to honor his daughter Marianna. Tiffany Studios of New York were hired to redesign the interior of the Chapel. Windows, flooring and frescos were all completed.
1908 – 35 acres were purchased from University of Dayton. The tunnel under Stewart Street constructed connecting the two sides.
1910 – Permitted automobiles on cemetery grounds, limited to hearses for cemetery purposes.
1912 – Wilber Wright interred at Woodland. Waldo Street entrance completed with a shelter house and iron gates.
1913 – March, fifty flood victims were interred.
1951 – City water becomes available to the cemetery, the pump house is closed and boarded up.
1961 – Property sales in the Southern District started.
1969 – Public Mausoleum was opened and included Dayton’s first crematory.
1979 – The 1887 Administrative Office, Chapel and Front Gates placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
1980 – Lawn Crypts installed along with a 96 niche unit columbarium. The central statue, “Soaring Spirit,” created by Dayton sculptor Robert Koepnick was placed on top.
1984 – First computer purchased for cemetery recording.
1991 – Woodland celebrates 150th anniversary. During this year a $1.2 million building and renovation project is completed. The Woodland Arboretum Foundation is established.
2000 – Renovations completed to the Mausoleum, including an additional annex, the Victorian Room with Fountain and the Bronze wall.
2001 – Woodland establishes website presence.
2004 – Development of “Pine Ridge” area within the Historic District of the cemetery.
2009 – Woodland places its historic records at Wright State University Libraries Special Collections and Archives for cataloging and preservation.
2010 – The Lookout Columbarium Plaza with a 1800’s replica tower is dedicated.
2011 – Lookout Terrace is established. 105 acres, comprised of the 1912 acre boarders, is approved by the Department of the Interior as a ‘Historic District’ on the National Register of Historic Places. 60 new hardwood trees are planted to repopulate the Arboretum.
2016 – 175th Anniversary. Capital fund raising begins for the restoration of the 1887 building and gateway. Discovery of fountain at the pond, and installation of Fountain Garden cremation burial area. Recycling area established for production of top soil and mulch for cemetery use.
2017 – Achieve Level II Arboretum Status. Redesign of “Sanctuary” area located in section 309 with completion of layout, landscaping and walkway.
2018 – Completion of the Family Services Center addition to administrative building. GPS mapping of all burials completed.
2019 – Odd Fellows area created to offer burial options within the cemetery’s Historic District. Restoration and preservation of The Historic Chapel begins.
2020-2022 – The Covid-19 pandemic gripped the globe, Ohio led the nation in enacting shutdown measures aimed at curbing the virus’s spread. During this challenging time, the Woodland staff adjusted to new operating protocols to continue providing compassionate care to families navigating the grief of losing loved ones amidst the necessity for isolation and social distancing. The 180th anniversary of Woodland Cemetery’s establishment in 1841. This milestone, though significant, was commemorated quietly, as Dayton and the wider world grappled with the ongoing effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and an escalated need for end-of-life services.
2023-2024 – The restoration of the Chapel and Administration Building was brought to completion. The project involved the replacement of over 700 red sandstones and unveiled previously lost details of the Chapel, reinstating its historical grandeur and architectural integrity for future generations to appreciate. The interior of the chapel was completely restored including the 17 Tiffany windows and Tiffany mosaic tile floor.
