History can be found in Lakeview Cemetery.

April 4, 2021April 3, 2024 MyOhioFun

Why you ask, would I be talking about a cemetery on a tourism website? Because this cemetery is truly a destination.

Notable stops within the cemetery:

James A. Garfield Memorial

The memorial was dedicated in 1890. President Garfield’s casket still lays in state draped with an American Flag inside the memorial. On the exterior of the monument there are terra cotta panels with life size figures depicting President Garfield’s life and death. Inside the memorial you will first see a statue of the President, surrounded by beautiful gold mosaics, colored marble, and stained glass windows. There is also an outdoor balcony that allows for beautiful views of the cemetery and on clear days Lake Erie and Downtown Cleveland.

Garfield Monument Dome | Photo credit: A. Gacom

Other notable James A. Garfield historical stops in Ohio:

James A. Garfield National Historic Site – Mentor, OH
James A. Garfield Birthplace – Moreland Hills

Wade Memorial Chapel

The Wade Memorial Chapel was built in memory of the founder of The Western Union Telegraph Company. What makes this chapel so special is the interior. The interior of the chapel including the gorgeous “The Flight of Souls” stained glass window is “one of the few interiors left in the world that was totally designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany and his studios”. The chapel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The mosaics on the walls are stunning. A beautiful spot to just sit and enjoy a moment of reflection.

Wade Chapel | Photo credit: D. Rock MyOhioFun.com

When open the chapel is staffed with a guide to assist with any questions you may have.

Haserot Angel

Probably one of the most photographed grave monuments in the cemetery. At first glance the angel appears to be weeping, which offers a haunting look. The angel however was cast from bronze and over time the weather has caused the black streaking, creating the look that the angel is crying.

“The Angel of Death” guards the Haserot family grave site. The Haserot’s made their fortune in the canned goods industry.

You will find other angel statues throughout the cemetery.

Famous People

Eliot Ness – Eliot held the position of Cleveland’s Director of Public Safety. Best known as the person who wanted to bring down Al “Scarface” Capone.
Click here to learn more about Eliot Ness.

Lakeview Cemetery | Photo credit: A. Gacom

Levi Tucker Scholfield – Architect
Three of his more famous works included the Soldiers and Sailors Monument located on Cleveland Public Square, the Columbus Asylum and the Mansfield Reformatory.

John D Rockefeller – Industrialist, Philanthropist and the first billionaire. He founded The Standard Oil Company.

Alan Freed – The disc jokey who coined the phrase “rock and roll” and helped to organize the first Rock concert.

Sam Sheppard – Now here is a story.
Click here to read more about the murders.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

The cemetery is located just east of University Circle and Little Italy. The grounds are open daily to the public. The chapel and Memorial are seasonal. Check their website for open dates. Throughout the warmer months the cemetery periodically hosts walking tours, concerts, and special events.

When visiting please remember to be respectful of the area. No “selfies” by the monuments. This is a cemetery where burials are still happening and family and friends come to grieve. The grounds are to be treated accordingly.

Bring your camera. Especially when the trees and flowers are in bloom and also in the fall. In early spring you can view a hillside just filled with daffodils.

Tour maps are available at the main gate.

LAKEVIEW CEMETERY

ADDRESS: 12316 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106

TELE: 216.421.2665

WEBSITE: lakeviewcemetery.com

ADMISSION: Free

HOURS: Open every day of the year
Nov 1 – Mar 31: 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Apr 1 – Oct 31: 7:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Gates may close early due to inclement weather.