The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1886-02-05

commonly stained with pale, red color
ings: occasionally coffin made of
cherry wood was procured for a de-
ceased person belonging to a wealthy
family. The fearse, now deemed al
most indispensable in the larger towns
and villages. came into use not many
years ago. so the hiring OF carriages
at livery stables for funeral occasions
is comparatively modern, unless in
cities. Not to mention all the later
equipments for funerals, it may be re-
marked that many respectable man
in moderate circumstances, who by
prudence and economy has saved lit
sle money, breads to die. because if his
friends should desire what they would
call respectable funeral it would re-
quire all the money he has laid by for
his family to pay his funeral expenses.
The cheap pine coffin is now only for
paupers; the common people mcst
have caskets of more costly materials,
with trimmings to match, and the peo-
pile OF wealth must have mahogany or
red cedar, the latter being preferred
because Of its ndestructibility UNDER
ground. The religious services at
funerals have been much improved.
The practice used to be long sermon,
and often doctriual at that; the tunes
selected for the hymns were Of the
most doleful sort. Near and Mortality
being the standard music. We but re-
peat the sentiment of wiser men in
saying that while funeral discourse
have been much shortened in later
years, they are still quite too long.
Relatives and friends who have been
wearied by watching the sick to the
close of mortal existence are still rest
less in preparing for the funeral: there
fore are in no condition. either physic-
ally or mentally, to listen to protracted
services.
The Chicago Journal of January 2s
contains an article giving much in
formation in detail of the cost and
manner OF conducting funerals in thai
city. Chicago is understood to bs
more extravagant in the matter of dis
play than any other western city
A short extract is taken from the arti
Gle as q sample of extravaganza. On,
of the leading undertakers being in
terviewed as to the cost of an outfit O
a first class funeral. after describD,
the expensive make and furnishment
of the coffin, gives the following state
ment:
"The cost Of our part of ssch an affai
as you speak of would be about as fol
lows: Preparing grave and furnishln,
stone slabs, $75; casket, from 5000 t,
$500; hearse. S.: carriages, $50 to $50
extra chairs, $40; gloves and Grape. SIS
embalming and dressing. $25; maxim,
between $500 and $500 for the bill
with our services as superintendent o
the rites thrown in"
| Another undertaken was inquired O
what it costs the poorer classes, WIN
are satisfied with cheap outfit. HI
gave the necessary items in detail TO
| the lowest price funeral $25.
| 1t is only few years ago that /;
movement was made in several relig
ious bodies to bring about funeral re
form, and it seemed to take strong holt
on the minds of thinking people. Th'
object was to have public opinion sane
ton method or methods whereby th'
burdens which custom imposes shall
| fall less heavily on thousands of re
Ispectable families. This movement
which for little time looked promis
ing for success, has subsidized.