Famous Endings Museum – a tribute to history and pop culture
By Jennifer Kneuss
What do Walter Cronkite, Robert Frost, Eva Gabor, Will Rogers, Jackie Gleason, Johnny Cash, Paul Harvey, Frank Sinatra, Harry Houdini, Jim Henson, Florence Nightingale, Jesse James, Ronald Reagan, Bob Hope, Albert Einstein, P.T. Barnum, Buddy Holly and Andre the Giant have in common? For fans of the unusual, the odd, the unknown, and the legendary, they represent a fascinating destination. All of these famous names, plus countless more, are those of deceased individuals for whom John Herzig has collected funeral memorabilia to be displayed in his unique Famous Endings Museum, located in Dover.
“My favorite memorabilia is probably these original funeral documents from Elvis Presley’s mother,” explains Herzig, who also happens to be the director of the local Toland-Herzig Funeral Home as he points to an elaborate display. “I also have all the original instructions for Gen. George Patton and Will Rogers funerals.”
At first thought, the idea of visiting a museum titled Famous Endings might seem a bit macabre. But Herzig’s tremendous collection of funeral memorabilia is anything but. The fun and quirky are also included. For instance, on display are items that were handed out to guests at the funerals of famous individuals, including small silver flashlights inscribed with “Beam me up, Scotty” (James “Scotty” Doohan, of Star Trek); a red tie and caricature adorned sugar cookie of Rodney Dangerfield; and Tigger stuffed animals (of Winnie-the-Pooh fame) given out at The Last Lecture author Randy Pausch’s (“Are you an Eeyore or a Tigger?”) funeral; the Jewish yarmulkes embroidered with Milton Berle’s name at his final appearance; and personalized handkerchief used in the jazz funeral of Ed Bradley of 60 Minutes.
Herzig is a walking encyclopedia of knowledge and an entertaining storyteller. “I’ve got over 1,200 memorabilia and artifacts from famous funerals,” he said, smiling as he viewed the large glass cases holding a small portion of his collection. It is obvious that he is a true historian at heart. He obtains additions for the museum at historical auctions, private sales, and on eBay, as well as from people all over the country who hear about his quirky collection and send him bits and pieces or entire gatherings of famous endings they have acquired.
Famous Endings Museum doesn’t leave out man’s furry friends, either. “I have memorabilia from Benji, Eight Belles, Man-of-War and other animals,” he says. “Benji, whose real name was Higgins, was actually a rescue dog, saved at the last minute from euthanasia. He went on to star in Petticoat Junction, the first Benji movie, and other popular shows.” There is an original memorial program for the famous pooch, along with other items, displayed prominently.
There are obviously missing pieces to his collection, which, of course, needs constantly updated. He recently added funeral memorabilia from Farah Fawcett, Michael Jackson, Billy Mays, and Walter Cronkite. “I really want Dorothy Fuldheim’s items,” says Herzig. “The other ones are Gilda Radner and Ed Sullivan.” It is evident that Herzig will most likely continue to search for elusive pieces of Famous Endings for a long time to come.
The Final Endings Museum, which has been recognized by Ripley’s Believe It Or Not and Neil Zurcher’s Ohio Oddities, is Herzig’s passion. “My Famous Endings collection has become quite an ‘undertaking,’” he writes on his blog. “If you are like me and enjoy history and pop culture - you will love learning about the lives and deaths of some of the most influential people in American and world history.”
Famous Endings Museum is located inside the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home (where else?) at 803 N. Wooster Avenue, Dover. Visitors and tour groups are welcome. Additional displays can be seen at the New Philadelphia and Strasburg funeral home locations.
For more information and hours, contact the museum at 330-343-6132.
