Preserving bodies, preserving buildings : funeral homes in east-central Indiana

• Main Author: Sievert, Sheree L.
• Other Authors: Glass, James A.
• Format: Others
• Published: 2011
• Subjects: Funeral homes > Indiana > History.; Funeral homes > Indiana > Conservation and restoration.; Funeral homes > Indiana > Case studies.; Undertakers and undertaking > Indiana.; Family-owned business enterprises > Indiana.
• Online Access: http://cardinalscholar.bsu.edu/handle/handle/186571; http://liblink.bsu.edu/uhtbin/catkey/1133728

Traditionally, funeral homes have been family-owned small businesses which pride themselves on their personal, caring service. Many are located in historic houses worthy of preservation. In the past few decades, however, many family-owned funeral homes have been bought out by large, national corporations in search of big profits. The future of oldhouse funeral homes is uncertain. An inventory of funeral homes was conducted in a ninecounty area of east-central Indiana, including Blackford, Delaware, Grant, Hancock, Henry, Jay, Madison, Randolph, and Wayne Counties. Findings show that a majority (59%) of the funeral homes in the nine-county area of east-central Indiana inventoried are located in former residences built before 1950, with varying degree of modification. While some have had minimal or moderate alterations, a large percentage (54%) of these have been extensively altered over the years. Case studies of four pre-1950 funeral homes in the inventory area revealed that alterations, many of which reflect the needs of the funeral business, have affected not only their integrity but also their ratings in the Indiana Historic Sites and Structures Inventory. Recommendations include greater communication between the funeral industry and preservationists, and the establishment of guidelines for sensitive additions that are addressed specifically to the needs of the funeral industry. === Department of Architecture