Glenwood Cemetery, established on July 15, 1869, by the Mankato Cemetery Association, holds a significant place in Mankato's history. Founded by 28 Mankato men, with James Shoemaker as its first president, the cemetery began with the purchase of a 25-acre tract from John Bruels on Glenwood Avenue. The land was acquired for $55 per acre, funded by contributions from Mankato citizens. The first burial took place on March 31, 1870, and the name "Glenwood Cemetery" was officially adopted on April 15, 1870. The cemetery has since expanded to 46 acres, though some areas remain undeveloped.
Key Milestones and Features:
1869: Mankato Cemetery Association organized; land purchased and platted.
1870: First burial occurs; "Glenwood Cemetery" officially named.
1912: A mausoleum was built by the Iowa Mausoleum Corporation. The cemetery took over its care in the early 1920s when the firm went bankrupt.
Late 1910s/1920s: Green bushes were planted on a hill and once trimmed to spell “Glenwood Cemetery.” While the lettering is no longer maintained, the bushes remain, and restoring this historic feature is something the cemetery hopes to bring back.
1927: Two red-faced brick entrance pillars, double gates for automobiles, and a pedestrian gate were installed, significantly improving the entrance.
Improvements: In the late 1890s and early 1900s, several improvements were made, including the digging of a well in 1896 as part of a new piped water system. An iron fence replaced the original wooden fence, and new cement walkways and a sarcophagus monument were installed.
Notable Features:
Hubbard Family Marker: The huge stone directly ahead upon entering the cemetery is the Hubbard Family marker. Thirteen family members, including Rensselaer Dean Hubbard (founder of Hubbard Milling Company), are buried in a circle around it.
"Big Hill": Located to the left after entering, this hill features the iconic "Glenwood Cemetery" bushes.
Sarcophagus Monument: A large and beautiful sarcophagus monument, weighing 100,000 pounds and standing eleven feet high on a granite base, was erected in the spring of an unspecified year by a Mankato citizen who also donated the cement walk.
Challenges and Support:
Over the years, Glenwood Cemetery has faced challenges. In the 1970s, dozens of mature elm trees were lost to Dutch Elm Disease. The cemetery has also experienced vandalism, with incidents reported in 1976 where gravestones were toppled, some even described as "exploded." A mudslide in 2014 also damaged graves.
Despite these challenges, the community has shown support. In 2008, the William Radichel Foundation reserved a $12,000 donation for the cemetery, with half designated as a matching gifts challenge grant to encourage additional community contributions. Old brochures also show appeals for tax-deductible contributions for major improvements and perpetual care.