Glenwood Cemetery

Glenwood Cemetery Since it was established in 1871, Glenwood Cemetery has been recognized as one of Houston’s special landmarks.

www.glenwoodcemetery.org

Office Hours:
Mon – Fri from 8 AM – 4:30 PM

Gates Open:
Daily from 7 AM – 5:30 PM

08/06/2025

Our black-bellied whistling ducklings (Dendrocygna autumnalis) are growing up fast!

These striking ducks stay close to their little ones for about six months, guiding and protecting them until they’re ready to venture out on their own.

Lately, you can spot them foraging in our lake, which connects to Buffalo Bayou. They’re most likely snacking on seeds, snails, and insects.

Not only are they charming to watch, but they also play an important role in Glenwood’s ecosystem by managing aquatic plants and helping spread native seeds.

Keep an eye out for them on your next walk through Glenwood!

At Glenwood, we love exploring the fascinating stories found in the history, designs, and architecture of Texas cemeteri...
08/04/2025

At Glenwood, we love exploring the fascinating stories found in the history, designs, and architecture of Texas cemeteries. Recently, while reviewing our archives, our team discovered an impressive collection of artist mockups and visuals that depict the planned mausoleums before any construction began. Among these treasures are the elegant designs for the peaceful Lufkin Cemetery and the historically significant mausoleum in Nacogdoches.

These sleek mid-century designs convey a modern sense of dignity and architectural beauty. The artist's vision for the Lufkin mausoleum features a striking, clean-lined structure with a grand glass front. A handwritten note in the collection proudly states that the building could look even better if it were based on the artist's creative vision. Surprisingly, the completed structure closely resembles this concept, with 312 crypts sold within just four months before construction had even begun!

Equally impressive is the artist's design for the Nacogdoches mausoleum, which combines stone and glass to create a calming atmosphere. Notes with this concept reveal that 120 crypts were sold in just three months, and as the project neared completion, only a few remained. This rapid pace of sales shows the public's trust in the vision and artistry behind it.

As you look at these enchanting images, we invite you to compare the mockups with striking photos of the actual mausoleums. Each comparison tells a unique story of vision, craftsmanship, and lasting respect, bringing life to these sacred spaces and encouraging you to reflect on the stories they hold.

08/01/2025

July at Glenwood 🦆🌿🐝🍯

This month, Glenwood has been alive with small wonders. Our bees have been busy making honey, the greenhouse is thriving, and our little duck families have been right at home by the lake.

We’re grateful for every moment that helps us care for this beautiful place and share it with you. Stay tuned for what’s coming next!

This captivating postcard invites you to step back in time and witness the remarkable creation of one of Glenwood Cemete...
07/31/2025

This captivating postcard invites you to step back in time and witness the remarkable creation of one of Glenwood Cemetery's most impressive obelisks. In the photo, we see the dedicated Steve Tick standing proudly alongside the colossal granite base during its installation. As part of the talented Frank Teich Monument Works from Llano, Texas, Steve and his team were true artisans, transforming stone into lasting tributes that honor those who came before us. This image beautifully embodies the passion, craftsmanship, and meticulous care that went into sculpting Glenwood's iconic monuments. Bill and Janette Schaefer generously donated this treasure, adding a personal touch as Bill reveals that Steve Tick was his great uncle. This connection weaves a thread of family history into the rich tapestry of Glenwood's enduring legacy. Glenwood Cemetery stands as more than just a final resting place; it's a living chronicle of the skilled hands and heartfelt stories that built it.

Daylilies have long held a special place in cemetery landscapes. With their fleeting yet radiant blooms, they symbolize ...
07/29/2025

Daylilies have long held a special place in cemetery landscapes. With their fleeting yet radiant blooms, they symbolize the transience of life, and the beauty found in each passing moment.

The American Chief daylily (Hemerocallis), with its deep red petals and golden center, brings a quiet strength and peaceful beauty to places of rest. It stands as a gentle reminder of the lives remembered and the love that endures.

Commonly found in cemeteries, daylilies offer more than ornamental beauty, they serve as living tributes that return and bloom year after year as an expression of remembrance.

Fresh from the Glenwood hives! We’re excited to share that our locally harvested honey jars are now available. Carefully...
07/25/2025

Fresh from the Glenwood hives! We’re excited to share that our locally harvested honey jars are now available. Carefully collected and crafted by our resident beekeeper, Shelley Rice of All Things Bees Texas, each jar reflects the natural beauty and rich biodiversity of our grounds. Floral, golden, and 100% pure, these small-batch jars are perfect for gifting or enjoying at home.

Limited quantities available. Stop by our office to get yours today!

07/23/2025

Did you know we have 7 active beehives on our grounds?

Since the start of our apiary, the amazing Shelly Rice of All Things Bees Texas has lovingly cared for our hives and handles every step of the honey harvesting process.

With years of experience and a true passion for beekeeping, Shelly brings expertise when it comes to hive health and identifying unique tasting notes in each batch of honey.

Stay tuned for more sweet updates!

Huge thanks to River Oaks Theatre and Preservation Houston for the opportunity to share Glenwood’s archives at Sunday’s ...
07/22/2025

Huge thanks to River Oaks Theatre and Preservation Houston for the opportunity to share Glenwood’s archives at Sunday’s Brewster McCloud screening! We had a blast connecting with everyone and diving into Glenwood’s role in Houston’s rich history.

Couldn’t make it Sunday? There’s another screening this Wednesday! Just a heads-up, our archives won’t be on display then. Want to explore them? Give our office a call to schedule an appointment. 📚✨

Symbols in Stone: The Hidden Language of HeadstonesAs you wander through Glenwood, you’ll find more than names and dates...
07/21/2025

Symbols in Stone: The Hidden Language of Headstones

As you wander through Glenwood, you’ll find more than names and dates etched in stone. Many monuments are adorned with symbols that quietly speak the language of love, loss, and remembrance. Angels are one of the most enduring symbols as they represent protection, guidance, and the soul’s journey to the afterlife.

Pictured: Nicknamed the “Tiniest Angel,” the Rougagnac Monument depicts an 18” cherub guarding the tomb of Lorraine Rougagnac. The epitaph beneath reads: “Thy loved spirit shall solace us in the hour of death.”

Next time you visit, take a closer look. There’s a world of symbolism waiting to be discovered in the details.

John H. Freeman was a respected attorney and one of the founding trustees of the M.D. Anderson Foundation, he played a p...
07/19/2025

John H. Freeman was a respected attorney and one of the founding trustees of the M.D. Anderson Foundation, he played a pivotal role in shaping the early vision and impact of what would become the world-renowned M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. In 1936, he drafted the legal documents that formally established the foundation and, alongside Monroe D. Anderson and his law partner William B. Bates, helped guide its mission from the outset. Under his leadership, the foundation directed critical early funding to the University of Texas cancer hospital in Houston, establishing a legacy of support that continues to define the Texas Medical Center today.

His distinguished career included service as:
• Houston City Attorney (1928–1929)
• President of the Houston Bar Association (1933)
• Director, First City National Bank of Houston
• General Counsel to Anderson, Clayton and Company

He passed away in Houston on July 13, 1980, and is interred at Glenwood Cemetery. He is remembered for his profound contributions to the legal, civic, and medical institutions of Houston.

From the Archives of Glenwood Cemetery: Exploring History Through InkStep into the fascinating world of the early 1900s ...
07/17/2025

From the Archives of Glenwood Cemetery: Exploring History Through Ink

Step into the fascinating world of the early 1900s with a captivating journey through the Glenwood Cemetery Archives! Here, you will discover a spectacular collection of original memoranda from the United States Fidelity & Guaranty Co., intricately handwritten in 1912. These are not just ordinary notes; they are vivid snapshots of Houston's rich history, detailing the sale and transfer of burial lots with exquisite artistry. Each note, featuring unique handwriting and official stamps, transforms each document into a captivating work of art.

Every piece of paper you uncover feels like a hidden gem, weaving an intricate narrative of Houston and Glenwood's illustrious past. These remarkable records not only trace the evolution of Glenwood Cemetery but also reflect the sweeping changes in land use, business practices, and urban planning that occurred during the dynamic early 20th century in Houston.

Now, fast-forward to the present, and you will find that the transformation in how we manage burial records is nothing short of remarkable! At Glenwood, we have adopted cutting-edge digital databases to track every sale and transfer of burial lots with meticulous precision. This modern approach not only guarantees accuracy but also ensures the enduring preservation of these invaluable records.

Our state-of-the-art digital infrastructure pays tribute to our legacy of careful record-keeping while enhancing efficiency, security, and accessibility. Although we have transitioned from charming handwritten notes to sleek digital formats, our commitment remains unchanged: to honor and preserve memories with the utmost care and respect.

Have you ever unearthed similar treasures in your family archives? What captivating stories might they hold?

We’ve been honored to welcome guests through our gates for guided tours in collaboration with Preservation Houston to sh...
07/15/2025

We’ve been honored to welcome guests through our gates for guided tours in collaboration with Preservation Houston to share the rich history, architecture, and stories that make Glenwood a truly special place.

Past tours have explored Glenwood’s remarkable women in history, its rich art and architecture, and the lives of early Houston pioneers. Each experience offers a unique glimpse into the people and stories that shaped our city.

Up next: a walk-through Glenwood’s 20th-century legacy. This guided tour will highlight some of Houston’s most influential modern figures, including George and Herman Brown, Edgar Odell Lovett, Judge Roy Hofheinz, and Ron Stone.

🗓️ Saturday, September 27, 2025 | 10 AM – 12 PM
📍 Glenwood Cemetery

🎟️ Advance ticket purchase is required — visit the link in our bio for details.
We look forward to welcoming you as we continue to explore the history and legacy of Glenwood together.

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Houston, TX

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