Oconomowoc cemetery invites public to enjoy its peaceful 'park-like' space
OCONOMOWOC, Wis. (CBS58) – A lively scene, where you'd least expect it… the La Belle Cemetery in Oconomowoc is looking to attract more people to use its space as a park.
“We have this little gem in the middle of the city of Oconomowoc that not a lot of people know about,” said David Voigt, president of the Oconomowoc Cemetery Association.
The cemetery is a place to walk your dog, take a stroll, and enjoy all that nature has to offer. For Jim and Landon Swan, it was no question they'd come to the Oconomowoc River to go fishing. “We went to church this morning. I asked him where he wanted to go fishing, and this is the first spot that he picked,” said Jim. It’s an extra special spot for the father and son, says Jim, as his mother Nancy is buried on the hill next to the spot he used to fish at when he was little. Now, he takes his son.
Nancy is one of approximately 15,000 people with the La Belle Cemetery as their final resting place. This cemetery dates back to the 1850’s with the oldest grave dating back to 1700. “We’ve got people back here from all different ranges. That’s what I like about it. We have your typical farmer, a person who’s lived in Oconomowoc their whole life, we’ve got people from the lake country who want to be here, we have people from Milwaukee that lived in the city their whole life,” shared Voigt.
“When you walk around here, you see a lot of the history, how things were done, it takes you back in time to how things were done back then. We just love that you can walk in a park-like setting… get history, it’s just calm and peaceful. And just enjoy your day. We really encourage people to go back here,” he continued.
Nestled right next to the water with about 5 miles of pavement, trees, and benches, the cemetery does, at times, feel like a park.
Dozens take advantage of this space each day, like Libby Jordan, “I have three dogs, so we do a lot of walking. There are so many paths weaving in and out of the cemetery, you could just come down to walk 45 minutes to an hour easily. That’s what we do!”
Jordan describes the cemetery as beautiful and appreciates the peaceful and tranquil nature it provides. She says, “you do see people here mourning the loss of friends and family, but I like to think a lot of those buried here had pets and enjoyed the company, I think. I don't feel like it needs to be thought of as sad or scary ... celebrate the people that are buried here.”
The use of cemeteries as more than a place to mourn was popular during the 19th century, when epidemics raged across the country and families went to spend time with their deceased loved ones. “A long time ago, they’d have picnics, they would do on certain days, they’d remember their family members. We’re seeing a little resurgence of that, and we’re glad it’s taking place,” shares Voigt.
While some people may be scared of cemeteries, thinking they’re haunted, Voigt says he hopes to change that perception, “I walk this thing all hours of the day, and I've never had anything other than good experiences. It’s a warm feeling when you walk around here. If that’s a ghost, then that’s what it is.”
Eventually, he hopes to host events there like an ice cream social, in addition to their tours for students.
“We want to make sure we remember the people that are in here. We don’t want a big gate and lock and key, and keep them out. Make sure people come back here and enjoy it like we do.”
A gem - forever loved, by the living, and the dead.
You can find La Belle Cemetery at 700 E Grove St, Oconomowoc.