13 May 1885
The Atlanta Constitution

EVEN funeral fashions change. In New York and Brooklyn there is a
disposition on the part of the best families to avoid the pomp and display
of public burials. Almost all funeral services are now held from the
homes of the deceased. A few personal friends are invited and the others
are made to understand that they are not wanted. Very often the
notice, "Funeral private," is attached to the announcements of death
printed in the daily papers. When a daughter of the late William Cullan
Bryant died in New York last week, the funeral notice informed the public
that there would be funeral service at the residence at nine o'clock in
the evening, and that the burial would be at the convenience of the
family. There were no curious strangers crowding the parlors of the
house. Only real mourners came. The house was cheerfully lighted. The
body was attractively attired, resting in a coffin. There was little
formality, and when the service was over the people went away quietly.
They were not invited to follow the body to the grave. The next day the
nearest relatives went with the undertaker and his assistants to the
cemetery where the clergyman uttered a prayer. People are gradually
coming over to the opinion that burials should be private and without display.




Back to Historical Death Industry News

Southern Graves Home

Old News Home