Funeral Service History - Exam Questions with Latest Update

Late 19th Century Funerals - Answer-Most deaths occurred at home. If not, the body was prepared and returned to the home as soon as possible . In the cities, the undertaker prepared the body on cooling boards or by embalming. * * Embalming was beginning to catch on after the funeral of Abraham Lincoln and as people overcame their fears about mutilation. In rural areas, the family still took care of laying the body out. Visitation was in the home and very often, so was the funeral. Late 19th Century Mourning Dress: - Answer-Widow: Wore black for a minimum of one year. After 2 years, she could return to normal clothing. Widower: Wore black for a maximum of one year. In general, everyone wore black for a funeral - undertaker, pallbearers, drivers, minister, family and friends. Late 19th Century Mourning Symbols - Door Badges - Answer-These were ribbons or crepes hung on the door of the house where the deceased lived. Don't forget, that's where the wake was. It showed that the home was in mourning as well as indicating where the wake was. Black door badge — indicated an older person had died. White — a young person. White with rosettes and ribbons - a young adult . Late 19th Century - Cremation - Answer-Cremation was referred to as 'Flame Burial'. In the period from 1881 to 1885, a number of cremation societies were organized. 1876, Dr. F. Julius LeMoyne - What is he known for? - Answer-1876, Dr. F. Julius LeMoyne, built the first crematory in the USA. It was in Washington, PA and he built it primarily for himself and his friends. In the period from 1881 to 1885, a number of cremation societies were organized. The Undertaker Associations - Answer-The Undertaker Associations were designed to make the Undertakers more professional. What year was The Undertaker's Mutual Protective Association Of Philadelphia formed - Answer-1864 What year was the Chicago Undertaker's Association formed - Answer-1868