It makes sense that choosing locally-sourced granite would be a more sustainable choice for a memorial simply by virtue of cutting down on the effort needed to transport the stone. Less transport = lower carbon footprint But one couple who…
Grieving Through the Holidays – by Neil Fogarty
The most wonderful time of the year? I was talking to a wonderful lady whose memorial we placed. Needing to do some additional work on the memorial, I called her to coordinate. Before calling, I noticed that her husband’s date…
A History You Probably Didn’t Know: George Harper – by Desiree Roose
The citizens of Cedarville have driven by the George Harper Mausoleum, at North Cemetery, quite a few times in their lifetime but probably do not know the contributions that he made to the town itself. George Harper was born in…
Cremation 101 – Understanding the process of cremation – by Neil Fogarty
Cremation 101 The first part of this series discussed the myths surrounding cremation. Now the focus turns to the methods used in cremation; this will provide better information as we consider cremation and other options. Before choosing cremation, one should…
A History You Probably Didn’t Know Part 3 – by Desiree Roose
Over the years Dodds has been a part of numerous veterans and civic projects, but few appear as towering as Battle Monument located on Trophy Point at West Point Academy in New York. Designed by Stanford White, it was dedicated…
10 Reasons to Pre-Plan Your Memorial – by Amanda Pittsley
Today more than ever, people understand the wisdom of planning ahead by taking out insurance policies, setting aside savings and making out a will. Advance planning for a memorial is no different. In each case, it’s the wisdom of planning…
A History You Probably Didn’t Know Part 2 – by Desiree Roose
Many consider the sculpture of General William Tecumseh Sherman as one of the finest sculptures by American sculptor Augustus St. Gaudens. In 1892, St. Gaudens modeled a bust of the general who lived in New York after the Civil War….
When We All Get Through This – by Neil Fogarty
Today we find ourselves in an unprecedented time of firsts: social distancing, school and business shutdowns, and stay at home orders have us wondering how to respond to this new normal. With people avoiding large gatherings and funerals discouraged or…
A History You Probably Didn’t Know – by Desiree Roose
A rich history Most of the people in Xenia and the Miami Valley know about Dodds Memorials, because we have been in the area for over 155 years. Many, however, do not know the part that Dodds has played in…
An Honest Look into the Perceptions and Realities of Cremation – by Neil Fogarty
This is the first blog in a three-part discussion concerning how we understand, discuss, and properly view the cremation process. Cremation is now the norm in our society. As of 2018, more than 50 percent of deaths lead to a…