By Michelle Ann Kratts, Library Clerk
Riverdale Cemetery
Riverdale Cemetery is a true genealogical gem. Located at 5605 Lewiston Road, this cemetery is family run and very family history friendly. Upon walking into the main office I was greeted by Mrs. Lela McCollum, president of the Riverdale Cemetery Association of Niagara Falls, New York. With her sweet disposition she told me the history of the cemetery and answered all of my questions.
Genealogically speaking, they have a complete alphabetical listing of all 19, 182 residents and will make a copy of what you need for $3.00 per page. If you have a list of names to look up you are encouraged to leave it behind and the staff will take care of it for you. The information available is amazing. For most residents, they will copy a sheet that has a ton of genealogical data–including dates and locations of birth and death, parents names, whether individual was single or married, last known residence, date of burial, funeral director and more.
According to Mrs. McCollum, Eugene McCollum, her husband and the manager of Riverdale Cemetery, comes from four generations of caretakers. His family “dug” in Lewiston at the Village Cemetery. The couple presently resides in the beautiful stone building which is located within the confines of the cemetery. It was built in 1932 of stones hauled over from Niagara’s Gorge. At one time, the peaceful site was the location of the Colt family farm. And yes–Lela is adament that there are no guests from the other side lingering around. Mr. McCollum is quite proud of the fact that once he buries something it never comes back up!
Riverdale is an exciting array of different ethnic groups, religions, war dead and unique individuals. As it is all-denominational, you may find yourself in a Roman Catholic mausoleum or pondering the inscription on a Jewish grave. I found the graves of Latvian actors Janis and Skaidrite Pence Neimanis to be quite interesting. The playwright, Joseph Kesselring, author of the macabre Arsenic and Old Lace, is also buried here (right across from the stone house). Make sure you read the unusual inscription upon this grave! There are also many strange and delightful headstones to discover. I particularly like the orb or the carefully sculpted tree trunk cut in it’s prime!
Filed under: Genealogy Room
