Back in November of 1882, a letter was written by Elias Stover and printed in the Albuquerque Morning Journal, informing the Board of Trade Association that individuals were burying their friends along the side of a sand hill which was never intended to be a cemetery. Thus, we have the humble beginnings of Historic Fairview Cemetery. Not too long after this letter, a group of local prominent individuals came together and formed the Albuquerque Cemetery Association. Wanting to mimic cemeteries on the east coast they designed the Family Estate sections lining long curvy roads. The first documented burial at Fairview was on February 23rd. 1881; Mosheim Perea, a young lad from Corrales. Individuals who did not own a family estate were interred in the northwest area of the cemetery in long rows beginning north to south and winding back from south to north. The dates of these burials are from 1881 until 1908. During these hard years in history, many a child and infant died from disease or were stillborn. Fairview has designated special areas for these poor unfortunate children.
As more people came to Albuquerque either to start a new life or to find the cure at a Tuberculosis Sanitorium, more area for burials was needed. The old part of the cemetery seems to have developed in a “little here and a little there,” not totally planned manner. During the early 1900’s many that had come to Albuquerque for its sunshine and fresh air did not make it and ultimately died from TB. The records show grave after grave listing this devastating disease as the cause of death. Many of those who died were poor and buried in pauper graves right next to those who were the known in society as wealthy socialites, merchants, governors, Buffalo soldiers, as well many who served our country in the military. TB and death showed no mercy; making it a sad time for all stricken by this disease.
If a family wanted a loved one to be cremated, the deceased had to be shipped to Denver and his cremains shipped back to Albuquerque. So, in 1934, the newer area, Fairview Memorial Park, opened its doors to Albuquerque’s first crematory. It was located south of the older historic section. The building was a beautiful Spanish design constructed by Kilbourne L. House. The crematory remained in this building until a small fire in 1982. The building was then redesigned to hold offices, a family consulting room and the columbarium. The crematory was relocated to a building just east of its original site. To the west of the crematory/office, three perpetual care garden areas were opened for burials. Grass and trees lined these beautiful gardens. More than a few that had loved ones buried in the older historic areas, asked to have them moved to this beautiful new area.
As mentioned earlier, Fairview has grown throughout history. As one comes in the front gate, he will see a Mausoleum on the south side with its owners name proudly engraved on it. As one tours Fairview Memorial Park, he will find many different people and cultures. Fairview is and always has been a cemetery where many of Albuquerque’s communities have come together for their final resting place. It is an important part of Albuquerque history with over 40,000 burials (including the historic side), uniting families both past and present.