Fostoria Mausoleum
Why it's listed
Built in 1916-1917 at 702 Van Buren (West S.R. 18) in Fostoria, Ohio, this mausoleum is faced in limestone ashlar over concrete. It has Tuscan pillars, a gabled pediment dated 1916, a red French-tile roof with a windowed monitor, and stained glass windows. Inside, Vermont Green Mountain marble covers the walls, and 204 crypts line the interior. The Latchaw Brothers of Findlay built it for about $35,000 and promoted it as a venture owned by crypt-holding shareholders organized as a non-profit corporation. The dedication took place on May 27, 1917. Its listing rests on architecture: it is described as an example of Neo-Classical Revival design from the 1910s and is nearly identical, except for length, to a mausoleum the same company built in Findlay in 1915. The same firm also built mausoleums in Fremont and a second one in Findlay. The form reports no alterations to the structure or its detailing.
Significance in brief: The substituted statement argues it is architecturally important as an example of the Neo-Classical Revival style prominent in the 1910s. It is well documented because it matches a 1915 Findlay mausoleum by the same builders, apart from length. The original text also notes local importance for its prominent siting and ties to prominent citizens.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 78002085, listed August 25, 1978. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | 702 Van Buren St., Fostoria |
|---|---|
| County | Hancock County |
| Listed | August 25, 1978 |
| Reference number | 78002085 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1900- |
| Architect / builder | Latchaw Brothers (Philip S., Eli L., Charles Forney, and Isaac N. Latchaw), of Findlay, Ohio |
| Architectural style | Neo-Classical Revival |
| Areas of significance | Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Listed as occupied and in good condition; the form says no changes have been made to the structure or its detailing. Owned by the Fostoria Mausoleum Association, which was re-instated in 1976 and is working toward preservation. |
| Acreage | 0.3 |
| Coordinates | 41.16413, -83.42739 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 78002085.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikidata Q111022374
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.