Memorial Park was established in 1878 as a non-profit association which serves all faiths, is owned by its members who have purchased interment rights in the cemetery, and has available space for the next 75 years.
Memorial Park is recognized as one of the most beautiful and well-kept cemeteries in the upper Midwest. The people who organized the Grand Forks Cemetery Association (GFCA), as well as those who have served as its officers since that date, have given their best thought, energy and attention to its growth and conservation.
The Grand Forks Cemetery Association was incorporated on or about July 22nd of 1878 by Frank Viets, George H. Walsh, John McKelvey, William Budge, and William H. Brown, who as directors of the association, purchased from George W. Aaker, a square tract of 20 acres of land.
The first board of directors elected was George H. Walsh, Alexander Griggs, W. J. Anderson and W. H. Brown.
The association's new land was platted by Alexander Oldham.
The association thereafter conveyed to reverend Martin "Marty" Vicar Apostolic of Dakota, (Roman Catholic), the west half of said grounds and on or about June of 1888, purchased from E. T. Skidmore a piece of land 933.43 feet by 466.72 feet to the east of the former property, which with remainder of the first purchase constituted a square tract of 20 acres.
In august of 1907, the board of directors bought from the Kelsey Improvement Co., the tract of land on the south of Memorial Park and also the catholic cemetery containing about 15 acres for $2,700 and was paid for in about 4 years from the sale of lots.
Receiving Vault And Chapel
- In October 1907, a contract was awarded to Bailes and Perkins to build a receiving vault and chapel for $2550 and certificates of indebtedness issued to provide funds for the same.
- The receiving vault and chapel was used from 1907 until 1965 when a new receiving vault was built on the south end of the cemetery grounds.
From 1965 until 1989, the chapel was no longer used but local philanthropist Emma Lou Hariman led an effort to restore the chapel, raising $25,000 to renovate the interior. - Beginning in 1989, the chapel was used for memorial and funeral services. Several local churches used the chapel for Sunday and Easter morning services for several years.
- In 1995 the chapel was torn down due to a crumbling foundation.
Wrought Iron Fence And Cemetery Entrance
- In February, 1909 a wrought iron fence was ordered for the front of the cemetery costing about $1700, the greater part of which was paid by Willis K. and Fred P. Nash, J. Walker Smith, George B. and Joseph E. Clifford, and the balance by the association.
- The Herald, in 1909 said, "These are the handiwork of Joseph Schotthoefer of Reynolds. This fence is the most elaborate in the state and its construction is such that it should endure for centuries."
- During the 1930's, WPA stone structures were completed at Memorial Park, Calvary and Montefioure cemeteries, and the entrance to the fair grounds.
- In July of 2010 these stone structures were listed on the national register of historic places.
Taking Shape
- In 1909 Memorial Park began to take shape.
- The chapel/receiving vault was completed.
- The new wrought iron fence installed.
- The new entrance off Skidmore Avenue was now being used by visitors and funeral processions to enter the cemetery.
- In 1909 several landscape artists worked toward beautifying the cemetery.
- Hardy decorative plants were set out. Several varieties of spirea, hydrangea and iris were used in flowering beds.
- Shrubbery included barberry, red dogwood, Siberian lilacs, burning bush and varieties of hardy roses and lilies.
- Larger trees designed for shade included mountain ash, weeping willow, weeping birch, golden ash and American elm.
Street Car System To Take Visitors To The Cemetery
- In 1909 The Herald stated, "Were counting on the construction of the street car system to make it possible for many who have not been out there to visit the cemetery."
- As shown in the photo taken of the Moore monument facing east toward the city, Memorial Park looks like a prairie cemetery with no visible sign of the city at that time.
- Also, notice the grass and weeds in the photo. It was likely difficult to keep the turf maintained with the equipment they had at that time.
Superintendent's Residence And Additional Land
- During the summer of 1910, a superintendent's residence was built opposite the main entrance on the ground leased from the North Dakota state fair association at the cost of $2500 and certificates of indebtedness issued which were paid from the proceeds of sale of lots.
- In May, 1911, the land south of the Catholic cemetery containing about five acres was deeded to this association a tract lying on the east of Memorial Park containing practically the same amount of land and also paid this association $464 for fence, grading and other expenses incurred on the land and in making the transfer.
- Memorial Park now consisted of about thirty-five (35) acres.
- During the summer of 1962, a new superintendent's residence was built on the southeast corner of Memorial Park. This location was chosen because the cemetery entrance on gateway drive was closed and a new entrance opened on 10th Avenue North. The new residence was also built on cemetery property which allows for closer supervision of cemetery grounds.
New Receiving Vault Paving The Roads
- In 1965, a receiving vault was built by Harpster Construction Co. for storage during the winter months when burials could not be made. Since the winter of 1986, Memorial Park has provided burials on a year round basis to families in our community who do not wish to defer burial until spring.
- Also in 1965, the gravel roads on the east half of Memorial Park were paved with an asphalt overlay. The remaining west half was paved the following year.
Reflection Pond
- In July of 1994 the association began renovation of the overgrown coulie centrally located in Memorial Park.
- Creating a reflection pond where the old coulie used to flow seemed the perfect thing to do.
- One hundred twenty (120) ten-yard truck loads of debris were hauled away to shape the reflection pond.
- Final grading was done with a dozer.
- Water was added and the surrounding area leveled and seeded.
- A new asphalt walkway was also installed.
Lawn Crypt Development
- In 1995 the association began installation of the first phase of lawn crypt garden development. This development will eventually consist of a total of twenty phases installed as needed.
- From 1995 through 2015 the association installed phases 1 through 6 consisting of 1200 burial spaces.
- Implementing the first phase included drafting the master plan, engineering, excavation and installation of drain tile and drain line to the pond, installing 400 vaults, monument foundations and final landscaping.
- The association is now preparing the site where phases 7 through 12 will be installed over the next 25 years.
Mausoleum/Columbarium Development
- During the winter of 1996 the association worked with a mausoleum design company to come up with a conceptual drawing for mausoleum and columbarium installation in memorial park.
- Summer of 1996 the association's first 96 crypt mausoleum was erected along with a 48 niche columbarium.
- A second columbarium was installed in 2006.
- Our newest columbarium was installed in 2014.
- A future mausoleum will be erected 18 feet to the east of the current mausoleum and at the same time a chapel will span the two mausoleum buildings.
Private Mausoleum Development
- In 1998 the association planned for another new development, plotting a total of ten (10) private estate lots for the placement of private family mausoleum and private family columbarium.
Purchase of Additional Cemetery
- From 2000 through 2005, the association began searching for additional land to meet our community's future needs.
- In July, 2005, the association purchased "Sunnywood Gardens" located on the corner of 32nd Ave. S. And S. Washington.
- The cemetery was renamed "Memorial Park South."
- Since purchasing this cemetery in 2005, the association has completed numerous capital improvement projects in the cemetery consisting of:
- Drain tile throughout the cemetery.
- Construction of a new shop building.
- Remodel the office building.
- Installed 400 ton of fractured rock on the roads.
- New landscaping.