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The American Funeral

When discussing any topic, from medicines to death, history is always relevant. Funeral service dates back to 1685, which involved providing mourning merchandise to the society. Many undertakers at this time in history were also furniture builders, building the coffins for burial, as well as other household furniture. It wasnt until the 19th century that funeral directors were utilized often. Before this time, families took care of their deceased loved ones. Around the time of the civil war embalming was introduced and shed a new light on funeral service. Listed below is a brief summary of some important events in funeral service history.1678- First coffin burials took place.1700- Horse drawn hearse was invented.1768- Cabinet makers became known as undertakers.1820- Iron caskets were constructed so graves could not be robbed.1843- First coolers were used to store bodies1860- Funeral service took the shape of its role in modern society.1861- Colonel Elmer Ellsworth was embalmed, and this became the trade of funeral directors.1865- Embalmers had to be certified to embalm.1870- Most clients of undertakers started to be embalmed.1876- The first crematory was built.1880- The first Funeral Homes were opened, but still 75% of all directors operated out of some other business. Earlier in this paper I wrote about all the great things funerals have to offer, but in order to be comprehensive, I present some criticisms towards my profession. It has been said that funeral directors are in it just for the money, taking advantage of clients in a highly emotional time. I am fairly certain that this does on occasion take place, but I can assure you that it is a rare occasion. Other than that Im not sure of our criticisms, but I bet if you ask Jennifer Mitford she could tell you her opinion, but I forgot, shes dead, thank God!Well, lets get into the economics of funerals. In 1999 the average gross sale of a funeral was $6238.98. Lets look at the expens...

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