Memorial Gardens
The Abbey's

This page is for The Abbey's that I have been to around Ohio they are in much needed repair and are kept locked up tight except for the family's who have a key to get in. On occassion they do open them to the public.

Here are two Pictures of the outside of the Green Lawn Abbey formally known as Columbus Cemetery.

MAGICIAN HOWARD THURSTON, A COLS NATIVE WHO
DIED APRIL 13, 1936, VOWED TO ATTEMPT A VISIT
FROM THE SPIRIT WORLD, BUT THERE HAS BEEN NO
SIGN, EVEN ON THE 57TH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS DEATH

The Green lawn Abbey is Rumored to be haunted by Howard Thurston The Magician it  has been said that he had  made a vow to his brother to come back from the grave on april 13th the date of his death, and if he is succesful he will move his magic wand that is placed in front of his crypt. So far nothing has happened, also there is a rumour of a little girl and an older woman in an old fashioned dress who roam the halls of the second floor of the building calling out to anyone who will listen to their cries. There has been alot of paranormal voices being heard on tape saying things inside the building such as Save our souls, ask me, behind you etc..

Other notable people buried in the abbey are: former Columbus Mayor George Karb, Anchor Hocking founder Isaac Collins,  Edward Swisher of Swisher Sweets cigar fame, Columbus Showcase founder William Aschinger, Charles Foster Johnson, one of the area's first real estate titans; members of the Sells family, owners of the second largest traveling circus in America; James K. Polk Barber, the county's oldest Civil War veteran at the time he passed away,  Herbert Rice Penney, brother of J.C. Penney. and Howard Thurston's brother Harry is also entombed there.
  I will continue posting more people as I find them.

The Greenlawn Abbey was considered the finest community mausoleum in central Ohio when it was built in 1927, it has a marble interior, decorative fireplaces, marble statuary and well-made furniture. But it fell into disrepair, largely because early endowments were lost in the 1929 stock market crash. Also it has been vandalized over the years by thrill seekers to see if Howard Thurston spirit will return from the grave as promised.

Members of the Ohio Historic Site Preservation Advisory Board voted this month (December) to have the Greenlawn Abbey nominated for the National Register of Historic Places. They should hear by the end of February. Supporters of the Abbey hope that such a designation will boost fund-raising for the landmark, leading to restoration and eventual opening to the public. I will keep you updated!

Update the Greenlawn Abbey is now  considered a Historical Landmark!!

Below is some photo's of the inside of the abbey Taken on Memorial Day this year (2008) It was open to the public to help raise money for it's restoration because of vandalizim and years of neglect it is in dire need of some help. The larger images are quite blurry even though when i took them they  showed up fine on my camera screen. To see photos and more History and possibly donate got to www.greenlawnabbey.com.

Winchester Abbey
It is located on the grounds of Arlington Field of Honor Memorial Gardens in Canal Winchester

Delaware Abbey Mausoleum
was located in Oak grove Cemetery
What remains of the people who were entombed at the Delaware Abbey Mausoleum that was torn down because of decay and old age. They were taken out and buried in other cemeteries. Here is a list of all of them.

Amaranth Abbey

The Greenlawn Abbey