Missouri Crematory - Establishment

Establishment

In 1885, an informal association of cremation advocates was formed, and for several months, meetings were held in various places and the idea of building a facility and apparatus for performing cremations in St. Louis was discussed thoroughly. More precise action followed and, in July, 1887, the Missouri Crematory Association was organized and incorporated with a capital stock of $10,000. When enough money had been raised, a 5-acre (20,000 m2) plot of land was purchased on Sublette Avenue, just south of Arsenal Street, near the State Mental Hospital.

Prior to the completion of the crematory, those desiring cremation had to have their remains transported to Lancaster, Pennsylvania for this process to be done. Many of those who supported and desired this method for themselves had to be buried, as there was not an apparatus locally to facilitate their wishes, and their family did not want to incur the expense and stress of traveling such a far distance.