Who Owns the Mausoleum?

Private mausolea are usually owned by the family of the deceased. Community mausolea, on the other hand, are more likely to be subjected to questions of ownership.

This was certainly the case this week in LaHarpe, Illinois, a small town of approximately 1,100 residents. The city’s attorney and city council are investigating the ownership of a mausoleum in the city’s cemetery. The investigation began after it was learned that county documents pointed to the municipality as having sole ownership and, therefore, sole responsibility for the monument that is believed to contain the remains of eight to ten individuals.

The mausoleum is currently in disrepair. If the city is ultimately deemed as the entity responsible for the property, upkeep and maintenance will fall to the city council. As it appears the council will have to act in this matter soon, as certain contingencies were considered in dealing with the mausoleum.

Once such contingency, supported by city councilman Brian Lovell, is to surround the mausoleum with a metal structure that would prohibit access to the deteriorating memorial. This, he contends, would save the city money as compared to bringing in a team to excavate the mausoleum and then tear it down.

Mausolea have been built since before the time of Christ. The best representations remain today thanks to unrivaled craftsmanship paired with the finest construction materials. Those maintained properly through the centuries were, no doubt, done so because their ownership was always clearly understood by all concerned.

To begin the process of crafting a community mausoleum for your organization, call one of Ingram Construction’s professional staff to begin your consultation today: (800) 346-3395.