History of Gingrich Memorials - Photo History Below
 

In 1921 Harvey Gingrich purchased the memorial company owned by H.I. Dougherty in Lebanon, PA. His three sons (Elbert, Russel, and Mark) all worked in the memorial business throughout their lifetimes. Russel, father of Gingrich Memorials present owner Jim Gingrich, purchased Luckenbill Monuments in Middletown, PA in 1951. The Middletown location has been a continuously operated monument business since 1886. Russel and his younger brother Mark ventured into Cumberland County with the purchase of Ruhl Memorials in 1967. Mark sold his share of the Mechanicsburg location to Jim and his wife Karen in 1977. They then purchased the Middletown location when Russel retired in 1983. In 1985, Sam Rice of Rice Memorials, New Bloomfield, retired and sold his monument business to Jim. Two of Jim's uncles retired in 1988 which led to the acquisition of the original Gingrich Memorials in Lebanon. Haldy/Keener Memorials (since 1859) in Lancaster became part of the corporation in 1992. Palmyra's Horst Memorials was added to our company in 2001 and the name was changed to Gingrich Memorials. The most recent addition to the Gingrich Memorials corporation was Eitnier Memorial Design Studio in Ephrata, Pa. The business was started by Barry E. Eitnier in 1986 and has continued as a successful monument business to this day. With the purchase of Eitnier Memorials by Jim Gingrich, his son Nathan purchased the adjoining cemetery Cedar Hill Cemetery therefore establishing Gingrich Inc.  

Jim Gingrich is the current President of James R. Gingrich Memorials Inc., parent company of Gingrich Memorials, Rice Memorials, and Haldy/Keener Memorials.  His wife Karen and their oldest son Nathan also work in the business. Many of our current employees have been with us for over twenty years. Each of them is committed to bringing the best quality product to you, our customer. Our caring staff is ready to help you create a personalized memorial for your loved one. Our monuments are a "tribute to life."

Jim Gingrich is also the Executive Director of the Mid-Atlantic Monument Builders. The group hosts a yearly industry-wide trade show. Continuing education and updates on the newest product lines are the focus of the show. Karen serves as the Registration Coordinator for the group. Nathan Gingrich presently serves on the board for the Monument Builders of Pennsylvania. Gingrich Memorials is also a member of the Monument Builders of North America.

Photograph at the Middletown location taken circa 1897

Monuments outside Luckenbill circa 1906.

Photograph of the Middletown location taken circa 1907

Craftsmen tooling monuments circa 1906.

Photograph taken inside present day showroom circa 1906

Photograph taken north of Middletown location. On North Union Street circa 1918.

Middletown location circa 1918.

Old steam engine truck transporting granite.

Postcard of Middletown location in the early 1960's.

Photograph taken of Middletown showroom prior to  renovation in the 1980's.

Click here to see hand written letters and checks from the early 1900's.

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