Forest Lawn Memorial Park (Glendale)

Forest Lawn Memorial Park (Glendale). Founded in 1906 by a group of businessmen, the cemetery was transformed into its modern form after its 1917 purchase by Hubert L. Eaton, whose "Builder's Creed" revolutionized American funerary practices. This 300-acre park in Glendale, California is renowned for its meticulously landscaped grounds, extensive art collection, and as the final resting place for numerous iconic figures from Hollywood and beyond. It eschews traditional upright headstones in favor of flat bronze markers, creating the atmosphere of a memorial park rather than a conventional cemetery.

History

The original Tropico cemetery was established in 1906 but struggled financially until Hubert L. Eaton, a Missouri-born sales manager, acquired it in 1917. Eaton implemented a radical new vision outlined in his "Builder's Creed," which rejected "unsightly stone markers" and gloomy atmospheres for a park-like setting filled with art and celebrating life. Under his direction, the park expanded significantly, acquiring major artworks like Jan Styka's "The Crucifixion" and constructing landmarks such as the Great Mausoleum. The park's growth mirrored the rise of Southern California and the Golden Age of Hollywood, becoming an integral part of the region's cultural landscape. Its model proved so successful that Eaton's company, Forest Lawn Memorial-Parks & Mortuaries, established several additional locations across the Los Angeles metropolitan area.

Notable burials and memorials

The park is famed as the burial site for a vast array of celebrities, particularly from the entertainment industry. Legendary film stars interred here include Humphrey Bogart, Clark Gable, Carole Lombard, Jean Harlow, Spencer Tracy, and Elizabeth Taylor. Other notable residents include cartoonist Walt Disney, aviation pioneer Jimmy Doolittle, and famed pianist and composer Liberace. The Great Mausoleum houses the remains of many, including L. Frank Baum, author of "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz." The grounds also feature cenotaphs and memorials, such as the one for Irving Thalberg, and the dedicated "Garden of Honor" for veterans of the United States Armed Forces.

Art and architecture

Forest Lawn Glendale functions as a significant art museum, housing an extensive collection of original works and reproductions. Its centerpieces are the two massive cyclorama paintings: Jan Styka's "The Crucifixion" and Robert Clark's "The Resurrection." The park features faithful replicas of famous sculptures, including Michelangelo's "David" and "Moses," and the Gates of Paradise from the Florence Baptistery. Architectural highlights include the soaring Memorial Court of Honor, the intricate Great Mausoleum inspired by the Campo Santo in Pisa, and several historic churches like the Wee Kirk o' the Heather, modeled after a church in Anwoth, Scotland.

Cultural impact and events

The park's unique aesthetic and celebrity associations have made it a frequent subject in popular culture. It was satirized by Evelyn Waugh in his novel "The Loved One," which was later adapted into a film by Tony Richardson. It has appeared in episodes of television series like "The Simpsons" and "Family Guy." Beyond being a burial ground, it is a popular venue for weddings, held in its picturesque chapels, and attracts tourists visiting the art and celebrity graves. The park also hosts annual public events, including Easter sunrise services at the Forest Lawn – Hollywood Hills location and patriotic concerts on Independence Day.

Management and operations

The park is owned and operated by Forest Lawn Memorial-Parks & Mortuaries, a private company that manages several locations. Its operations are guided by the enduring principles of Eaton's "Builder's Creed," emphasizing perpetual care, aesthetic beauty, and a non-morbid atmosphere. The company oversees all interments, memorial sales, and the extensive maintenance of the landscapes, buildings, and art collection. Forest Lawn is also a fully operational mortuary, providing comprehensive funeral and cremation services. Its business model, integrating burial, memorialization, and artistic exhibition, has been studied as a unique phenomenon in both American business and cultural history.

Category:Cemeteries in Los Angeles County, California Category:Glendale, California Category:Art museums in California Category:1906 establishments in California