Forbidden City Tour: Charles Schroer

With profound gratitude extended to Downtown Mansfield Inc. and Preservation Ohio, the public recently gained access to explore the former Charles Schroer Mortuary.

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With profound gratitude extended to Downtown Mansfield Inc. and Preservation Ohio, the public recently gained access to explore the former Charles Schroer Mortuary. What initially appeared as an unassuming edifice along North Diamond Street in Mansfield, Ohio, revealed itself to be an integral component of the extensive Schroer business, which, at its zenith, occupied half of the block spanning from East Temple Court to East Fifth Street.

The Charles Schroer Company traced its origins to 1857 when Charles Schroer Sr. established the enterprise in a modest structure at the intersection of Diamond and Fourth Street. Schroer commenced his endeavors by constructing caskets, and as the business flourished, a three-story building was erected in 1863 at 117-133 North Diamond Street. This larger facility housed the family’s casket-making operations on the ground floor, while the upper levels accommodated residential apartments, including one occupied by Charles Schroer Jr., who was born within one of the elegantly appointed units. Eventually, Schroer Jr. joined the family trade, leading to the company’s renaming as Charles Schroer and Son. It became evident that an expansion into funeral directing services would be a prudent fiscal decision.

In 1914, a fireproof mortuary was constructed adjacent to the existing premises, becoming the first such structure in Mansfield. An embalming and preparation area was established in the basement, facilitated by a hand-operated elevator that transported the deceased to the first level, where a chapel was situated. Subsequently, the remains were elevated to the second floor, featuring a viewing room illuminated by a substantial skylight.

The mortuary ceased operations during the 1930s. However, the Charles Schroer Company persisted, shifting its focus to the sale of furniture and carpets. On November 29, 1963, the Charles Schroer Company conducted its final liquidation of stock, announcing its decision to cease business operations, thus concluding the tenure of the city’s oldest enterprise.

Through this remarkable opportunity, we are granted a glimpse into the storied past of a establishment that once held a prominent place within the fabric of Mansfield’s commercial landscape.

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