The term “mausoleum” is derived from the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This monumental tomb was built for Mausolus, a satrap in the Persian Empire, and his wife Artemisia II of Caria, around 350 B.C. The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus was celebrated for its grandeur and artistic beauty, setting a precedent for future generations. Mausoleums, from their ancient origins to their modern iterations, serve as a testament to humanity’s enduring respect for the dead and the desire to memorialize loved ones in a manner that transcends time.

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Community Mausoleum

Woodland takes immense pride in offering one of the country’s most distinguished enclosed Community Mausoleums. This remarkable facility boasts more than 4,000 crypt spaces and 2,500 niches (refer to Cremation Services and Products for more details), along with a beautiful chapel and a variety of themed and family estate rooms. Highlights of the mausoleum include an award-winning Bronze Wall and an array of stunning stained glass windows, celebrated for their literary and biblical themes.

Family Mausoleums

A Stately and Dignified Memorial

Opting for a private mausoleum entombment embodies a profound statement for many families, whether it reflects a unique personality or serves as a grand gesture of remembrance and honor. The desire to craft a lasting legacy, be it through a monumental mausoleum or a dedicated family cremation columbarium, underscores a deep-seated value: the unity of family in memory and spirit.

In collaboration with the dedicated team at Woodland, families are guided through the process of selecting an ideal location and designing a memorial that not only complements its surroundings but also fulfills the spatial and aesthetic needs of the family.

Custom-designed with precision, private family mausoleums offer a tailored solution, accommodating a specified number of crypts or cremation spaces. This approach not only meets the immediate needs of existing family members but also anticipates the inclusion of future generations, ensuring a legacy of togetherness and remembrance.

Historic Receiving Vault

After passing through the main gates of Woodland Cemetery, you will come to a fork in the road. Located on the north side of the Main Drive, you will see what is known as the Woodland Receiving Vault, one of the Cemetery’s oldest structures.

The Receiving Vault was constructed in 1847 by Joseph Wuichet, who was Dayton’s “premier” Stonemason during that time. It is constructed of giant limestone slabs and was designed as an exact replica of the Egyptian style temple of “Thebes and Karnak.” Mr. Wuichet agreed to receive payment for his services in grave spaces, which sold for $20.00 each at that time. The total bill for the construction of the Receiving Vault was $471.63.

The purpose of the Receiving Vault was to temporarily and securely house the remains of those who could not be immediately buried. The capacity at that time was 16 caskets (caskets being much smaller at that time). The main reason for storage in the vault was due to cold or severe weather. Graves were dug by hand in the 1800’s, it took 2 men working 8 hours to dig each grave. When the ground was frozen, burials had to be delayed therefore the Woodland Vault was used. The original cost to be placed in the vault was $1.00, an additional rental fee was charged if the remains were to be secured for a more substantial length of time.

The longest resident of the Receiving Vault was Matilda Stanley, The Queen of the Romani. She died in 1878, her body remained in the vault for nine months, awaiting the arrival of all the Romani clans to attend her service. Her family entered the vault daily placing flower petals on her casket until the day she was buried. It was estimated at the time that 25,000 romani attended her burial service.

The Woodland Receiving Vault exterior was recently restored to its original appearance and the area was landscaped.

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Our Family Service Representatives are skilled in providing you and your loved ones with clear information and thoughtful options. Let us guide you through the planning process with care and understanding.