08/15/2025
Understanding Elmwood Cemetery
The first map of Elmwood (1872) identified many paths throughout the cemetery each given a "street name" based on trees. The contemporary map (above) is the suggested route this information follows. The dotted sections are optional paths you may wish to follow.
A few things that may enhance your understanding of Elmwood Cemetery:
originally 255 plots, each 10'x10', were sold to shareholders and chosen by ballot on November 1, 1872. All of these original plots were adjacent the various paths through the cemetery. The oldest graves are located next to the various paths. The graves towards the centre of each area are the more recent graves, often family members.
to this day it is easy to locate many of the original family plots due to their size. You often see corner markers placed to identify a family enclosure.
the first interment took place only days after the balloting for lots. John Warren passed on November 7, 1872. A builder of castles, his tombstone reflects his profession. (You can see his grave marker by clicking the arrow under the picture.)
the trees were mostly planted in May of 1873 from the nursery of Mr. A.H. Wood.
over the years there have been restrictions placed on the height of memorials. While many have stood solid for over a century, please be careful when approaching any of the taller monuments particularly if they are leaning. This even applies to smaller monuments which can weigh significant amounts.
originally located outside of the Town of Perth, the town lines now include the cemetery within its boundaries. The actual cemetery property extends well beyond the currently maintained area, allowing for considerable growth and expansion.
You will see how you can move forward (or backward) through each suggested stop on the tour. Many of the stops have multiple pictures or media that you can also flip through. The suggested links make for wonderful reading and followup. You will probably find them too much to include while walking around the cemetery but are commended to your attention afterwards.
Again, thank you for the respect you are showing for those who are interred here.
