92 
PARR AND CEMETERY 
CREMATORY OF ODD FELLOWS CEMETERY ASSOCIATION, 
SAN FRANCISCO. 
modate two hundred persons. It is well ventilated, 
light and cheerful, and has free organ service for its 
patrons. 
A neatly furnished and decorated waiting room is 
directly beneath the chapel. The remains are always 
carried to this room by the pall-bearers, and if there is 
no service in the chapel the friends here take farewell, 
and such as do not desire to witness the incineration 
can remain here until that ceremony is completed. 
In the receiving or preparation room the casket is 
prepared for incineration by removing the glass and 
metal timmings, the body remaining in the casket as 
received. The walls of this room are lined with light 
glazed tiling, the ceiling neatly tinted, and the floor of 
cement, covered with rubber matting. The hydraulic- 
lift noiselessly transports the casket to and from the 
chapel. The entire room is thoroughly antiseptic, with 
all appurtenances for frequent fumigation and cleans- 
ing. Two or more witnesses are always present when 
the casket is being prepared for incineration. The cas- 
ket is borne into the incinerating room, by the at- 
INCINERATING ROOM, ODD FELLOWS CREMATORY, SAN 
FRANCISCO. 
tendants, placed upon the steel carriage which is noise- 
lessly pushed forward into the retort. By means of a 
simple mechanism the bed of the carriage is slightly 
lowered, depositing the casket on the floor of the retort. 
The empty carriage is withdrawn and the doors closed. 
This work occupying but a few seconds. Connecting 
directly with the chapel is a gallery, running around 
three sides of the room, where those may be seated who 
desire to witness the work of introducing the casket 
and remains into the retort. 
In the process, as practiced by this association, only 
the hot blast is used, the body supplying the hydrogen 
and carbon. For heating the retort a stream of heated 
hydro-carbon, mixed with heated air, is sent directly 
Into the retort from the gasometer, which is supplied 
from English coke. The fire brick chamber, or retort, 
is thus heated to a high degree (about 2,500) degrees 
Fahrenheit) previous to cremation. Under the action 
of the intense heat disintegration immediately ensues, 
and all disease germs and noxious' gases are destroyed. 
The columbarium, recently completed, is a hand- 
some, elaborate building of classic architecture, con- 
taining over 5,000 niches of great variety in size, style 
and finish to accommodate the means and tastes of all. 
It is entirely separate from the crematorium', unique 
in design, imposing in appearance, and constructed of 
fireproof material. The niches and receptacles are 
easy of access, and so arranged as to secure the great- 
est possible privacy to visitors. All space is sold for 
permanent occupancy with perpetual care, and while 
great latitude will be given purchasers as to style of 
urns, memorial tablets, finish, etc., in order that the 
whole, when completed, shall present a pleasing, artis- 
tic and harmonious effect, all designs and work must 
first be approved by the association. The niches are 
