Wildwood through the Years
A timeline of Wildwood Cemetery, in the order it happened — from our founding in 1863 to today.
Wildwood’s Founding
August 18th, 1863
Founded by the prominent leaders of Williamsport’s industries — including Clinton Lloyd, James Armstrong, Thomas Smith, John McMinn, George White, George W. Youngman, William H. Armstrong, V. S. Doebler, and Peter Herdic — Wildwood Cemetery was incorporated because of the tranquility found in its lush, rolling hills. The natural landscape has been paired with ornamental Victorian-gardenesque additions to match the beauty envisioned by its advisors, for a cemetery of the future, and for its future citizens.
Chapel Construction
June, 1896
Under the supervision of John McMinn and Robert Faries (the engineers responsible for Wildwood’s design), the cemetery received its chapel. Made of sandstone, terracotta, stained glass from the F. J. Riester Glassworks of Buffalo, NY, and Pennsylvanian lumber, its one of the finest structures completed by either men during their time in Williamsport. Contact our office to reserve our chapel space.
Cemetery Expansion
1930s
As the cemetery expanded, so did its volume of needs. In 1931 the cemetery had an addition constructed for its office, the roads improved, and a reservoir developed to feed water to the eastern grounds. Old water spigots can still be found throughout the grounds, though they are now inactive. During this period, Wildwood’s Board of Directors also purchased Mound Cemetery, a section of burial land adjacent to the west half of Wildwood. The cemetery during this time grew to its largest size of over 600 acres.
Crematorium Opening
1972
The first crematory in Lycoming County was built at Wildwood Cemetery in 1972. Our staff have performed tens of thousands of cremations since then. With two on-site retorts and five total, we service over a dozen funeral homes. Our staff is CANA and NFDA certified, and our crematory can be visited upon request.
Alternative Interments
1972 through 2022
Throughout the next 50 years, Wildwood incorporated many new interment options to meet the needs of our community. Our Garden of Memories has expanded over the years, and now houses new jet black granite niches with custom laser-engraved nameplates for the deceased, alongside in-ground bronze cremorials. Just a stone’s throw from the office, we also offer community mausoleum spaces.
Our Cemetery in the Contemporary
Now
With over 160 years of service, 60 thousand burials, and thousands of cremations, our cemetery has been utilized by society to ensure the proper treatment of the dead. We also own Pomfret Manor Cemetery in Sunbury, PA, which provides a major portion of cremation services in the Northumberland area. As the years go by, we look to do everything in our power to ensure the degradation which comes with the passing of time does not affect those resting in our grounds.