ABOUT
For generations, Cortland Rural Cemetery has provided our community with a place of remembrance, reflection, history, and natural beauty. Your support helps preserve the cemetery’s historic grounds, monuments, and landscapes while funding ongoing care, restoration, and future improvements. Every donation helps ensure this treasured local landmark remains peaceful and dignified for generations to come.
CORTLAND'S
"RURAL" CEMETERY
In early winter of 1853, an association was formed to purchase land and establish a cemetery on what was then the western edge of the village of Cortland. (See official charter document.) Beginning with twelve acres, and initially accepting re-burials of over 800 early settlers of Cortland County from nearby smaller burial grounds and churchyard cemeteries, the Cortland Rural Cemetery today memorializes the remains of 18,000 people (roughly the present living population of the City of Cortland) in a centrally located 50-acre park.
Over the last century and a half, the cemetery's gentle hills and lush greenery have manifested and continued the original concept of the "garden" cemetery ~ which became popular in the mid-1800s. The concept valued openness and rusticity, welcoming families to visit and remember those they had lost. (Learn more about garden cemeteries on our Wikipedia page!)
STILL BEAUTIFUL & SPECIAL TODAY
Today, Cortland Rural Cemetery is a historic but still-operational cemetery where monuments honor humble and great citizens alike.
In addition to families paying their respects to their loved ones, visitors from the general public are invited to stroll our beautiful grounds, enjoy a few moments of quiet contemplation in a natural setting, and learn about Cortland's history by following the interpretive signs of our "cemetrail."
Along the way, visitors will see the graves of the last Upstate Governor of New York, Nathan Miller; the graves of veterans of all American wars, including that of Brigadier-General Joseph Reynolds, who served in the War of 1812 and Colonel Andrew J. Grover, who died at Gettysburg; the grave of Dr. Julia Spalding, who arrived in Cortland in 1883 as one of the nation's earliest women doctors; among many others.
MANAGEMENT, GOVERNANCE & RULES
The Cortland Rural Cemetery is a non-profit (501c-13), non-denominational cemetery managed by a modest, largely seasonal staff; overseen by a volunteer Board of Trustees; and regulated by the New York State Division of Cemeteries (Department of State).
Rules: The Cortland Rural Cemetery seeks to provide a peaceful, aesthetically pleasing, and well-maintained resting place for deceased any and all members of our community entrusted to our care. In order to fulfill this commitment ― while also fostering a setting that is equally respectful to all ― we have established these General Rules & Regulations (as of February, 2013). We very much appreciate the public's help in complying with them.
A note about dogs: We love dogs as much as anyone, but they are fundamentally incompatible with cemeteries: The final resting places of our loved ones is no place for leg-lifting and dog droppings.
And a note about winter: For your safety and to reduce liability/accidents we cannot afford ― our cemetery grounds are generally closed during the winter months: If our barriers have been placed across our roads, please do not proceed up the hill.
NEWSLETTERS
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Spring 2022
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Fall 2021
HAVE THE TALK
OF A LIFETIME
Whether its establishing a last will and testament, pre-planning one's funeral arrangements, or making clear to loved ones your final wishes for burial, cremation, or other aspects of memorialization ― it is worth it to "Have the talk of a lifetime." It will provide you and your loved ones peace of mind, and clarity and a measure of comfort in an otherwise difficult time that we must all face.
OUR FACILITIES
Located within the Tompkins / Main Street Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places, the Cortland Rural Cemetery features two structures of historic and aesthetic significance to the Cortland community. Read more about them below!
HISTORY OF THE GIBSON MEMORIAL CHAPEL
Designed by the celebrated architect and Cortland native George W. Conable, and constructed in 1922, the Cortland Rural Cemetery's beautiful chapel had fallen into disrepair over the ensuing decades. Largely through the determined efforts and financial support of former CRC Board of Trustees member/President, Charles Gibson, the chapel was restored to its original beauty in 2008-09 and dedicated in honor of the Gibson family. (Read a more extensive, 2009 historical perspective on the chapel, written by one-time CRC Trustee Christine E. Buck and previous cemetery supervisor Andrew Palm.) To recognize the support of Charles Gibson (1927 - 2007) and Margaret Gibson (1925-2013), the Cortland Rural Cemetery and its Foundation dedicated the chapel in October of 2009.
More about Charles Gibson: Long a public-spirited citizen in Cortland, and a member of the Cemetery's Board of Trustees, Charles Gibson devoted his endless energies and wide-ranging talents to improving the community and its institutions. In his roles as Member, Assistant Treasurer, Treasurer, and President of the Cemetery Board, he initiated and supported numerous improvements, particularly what might be deemed the 'rescue' of the chapel. The passing of Charles Gibson in 2007 did not end his philanthropic assistance to the cemetery. His bequest inspired the Foundation to initiate an Endowment Campaign in 2008. His sister, Margaret Gibson, then generously matched his gift, making the total Gibson contribution the largest share of the nearly $300,000 raised during the campaign.
More about Margaret Gibson: Margaret Gibson's generous nature and community spirit matched that of her brother Charles. Drawing on her innate talents, as well as her professional experience as Director of Publications for Ithaca College, she has always made a difference in the charitable organizations of both Ithaca and Cortland. Her influence and legendary persistence have persuaded others to support such causes, which notably include the Cortland Rural Cemetery. Indeed, as a member of the Cortland Rural Cemetery Foundation, Margaret never failed to offer financial assistance when it was needed -- including a significant gift made following her passing in 2013.
HISTORY OF OUR SUPERINTENDENT'S HOUSE
Designed by Carl Wesley Clark and built in 1928 in the Tudor style, our Superintendent's house and matching office/garage include distinctive features like prominent cross gables, steeply pitched Vermont slate roofs, and decorative half-timbering. Set back from the busy traffic scene, they have retained much of their large lawns from the encroaching Tompkins Street.
More About Carl W. Clark
It was fortunate for the city of Cortland that Carl W. Clark married Ann Taylor of Pitcher, as Cortland was the closest city to her home town without an architect.
Born in Denver, educated in Brooklyn, Clark went to work for a general contractor in New York City from 1908-1911 and to night school at Cooper Union (1909-1910) to begin his professional studies. His draftsman skills were recognized by his next employer who encouraged him to attend the University of Pennsylvania's College of Architecture's special two-year program which he completed in l914. Later that year he opened his first officein Cortland in the Squire's Building (Clock Tower Building). War in Europ e put a shadow on local building and Clark's first year's gross was only $700.
Few people influenced the education of New York State's youth more than Carl Wesley Clark, who was responsible for the design and construction of more than 150 primary and secondary schools during the mid-twentieth century. His architectural achievements also included libraries, churches, residences, commercial and industrial buildings, college facilities, as well as additions to and remodeling of a large number of buildings.
A few examples of his work are the fernery of the 1890 House, the sun-room area of Alumni House, both A. B. Parker and Randall Schools, the bungalows along Huntington St. (built for Smith-Corona workers to purchase), Cortland Free Library. In 1946, Clark relocated his firm to Syracuse, but Cortland continued on his drawing board. Between l949 and l966 he received his largest academic commission of twelve buildings for today's SUNY Cortland: Brockway Hall (for which Clark is said to have convinced George Brockway to invest $100,000), Moffett Center, Neubig Memorial Hall, and nine resident halls.
Clark retired in l972, after which his son, Robert T. Clark (also an architect) took over practice and led it until 1992. Carl W. Clark died at his Fayetteville home on November 7, l985 at the age of 92. Among other honors, he was a fellow of the American Institute of Architecture. See more examples of his significant and lasting architectural contribution to the Central New York community here: This portfolio (also referred to as an AIA Fellowship Book) comes to us compliments of Richard A. Pallone of Syracuse, NY ― who worked with both Carl W. Clark and his son Robert at the firm.
For Veterans
The Cortland Rural Cemetery is honored to be the final resting place of hundreds upon hundreds of American veterans. We take seriously our role in memorializing the lives and service of these brave men and women ― representing all branches of the armed services and having served in all American wars and conflicts the Revolutionary War onward. And we offer the following information to veterans and their family members, for your convenience and information.
ABOUT U.S. VETERANS AFFAIRS MARKERS & MONUMENTS
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers a range of benefits relating to headstones, markers, and medallions for qualified veterans. The excerpt below from the VA website provides a general summary of such benefits, but interested parties are encouraged to visit the VA website (click here) for the most current and complete information — and to download applicable application forms and instructions.
Please also note that, while the VA may provide qualified veterans with free headstones, markers, and medallions — private cemeteries (including the CRC) do charge a nominal installation fee; please contact the cemetery office to learn more about pricing.
Excerpt from US Dept of Veterans Affairs website:
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) furnishes upon request, at no charge to the applicant, a Government headstone or marker for the unmarked grave of any deceased eligible Veteran in any cemetery around the world, regardless of their date of death.
For eligible veterans that died on or after Nov. 1, 1990 and whose grave is marked with a privately purchased headstone, VA may also furnish a headstone or marker to supplement the graves or a Medallion to be affixed to the privately purchased headstone.
Flat markers in granite, marble, and bronze and upright headstones in granite and marble are available. Bronze niche markers are also available to mark columbaria used for inurnment of cremated remains. The style chosen must be permitted by the officials in charge of the private cemetery where it will be placed.
When burial or memorialization is in a national cemetery, state veterans' cemetery, or military post/base cemetery, a headstone or marker will be ordered by the cemetery officials based on inscription information provided by the next of kin or authorized representative.
Spouses and dependents are not eligible for a Government-furnished headstone or marker unless they are buried in a national cemetery, state veteran's cemetery, or military post/base cemetery.
Note: There is no charge for the headstone or marker itself, however arrangements for placing it in a private cemetery are the applicant's responsibility and all setting fees are at private expense.
FLAGS FOR MEMORIAL DAY & VETERANS DAY
The Cortland Rural Cemetery allows and, indeed, encourages the placement of American flags on veterans' graves for Memorial Day and Veterans Day. While limited financial and manpower prevent us from being able to erect flags, we do offer the following comments in support of this important tradition:
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A limited supply of flags will be available at the cemetery office for any individuals who wish to mark a veteran's grave.
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Any individuals or groups of volunteers (including veterans groups, schools, scouts, etc.) who are interested in marking multiple veterans' graves with flags are encouraged to contact the CRC for flags and tips on locating veterans graves. (Each year, our volunteer board members donate their time to mark as many as they can ― and will welcome the help!)
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The cemetery must, of course, reserve the right to collect flags in the weeks following the aforementioned holidays. Any flags that can be re-used the following year, will be added to our collection.
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Donations of small, wooden-dowel flags are greatly appreciated and will be put to good use, as our supply of flags does deteriorate over time.
USEFUL LINKS