1876: Early Pennsylvania Crematoriums
The advent of the cremation industry in America began in Pennsylvania between 1876 and 1885, and the two nationally significant historic buildings used for the early cremation process remain standing. The earliest, from 1876, is associated with Dr. Julius LeMoyne, who constructed the first machine for cremation as the Lemoyne Crematorium in North Franklin Township, Washington County. His theory was that he was merely accelerating the natural process of decay. His first cremation required four hours, but it took a total of 48 hours to pre-heat and cool down the crematorium. Cremation was a new approach for disposition of the dead and took time for acceptance.
The second American crematorium was the Lancaster Crematorium established by surgeon Miles L. Davis in 1884 in Greenwood Cemetery, Lancaster City. Dr. Davis founded other crematoria in large northern cities. He was also active in cremation societies and studied contagious diseases.
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| Lancaster Creamtorium |