Bruce Goff

Bruce Alonzo Goff was another American architect, this is the cemetery of architects after all, who was actually famous for his houses. Now, Goff’s houses are crazy cool. He produced some of the most eclectic and flamboyant designs we had ever seen, using creative material such as turkey feathers, cellophane strips, and glass cullet like you see on his tombstone.

Goff’s career culminated in becoming the Chairman of the school at the University of Oklahoma where he hit his architectural stride, creating works that were controversial but inspiring. Some of his houses would later be added to the National Register of Historic Places and become National Historic Landmark, which is the blue ribbon of historical recognitions. However, in 1955, the University forced him to resign because he was part of the LGBTQ community. His tombstone here was designed by one of his students.

Next to Goff’s you’ll find the black monolithic tombstone of famous Chicago Ballerina & choreographer, Ruth Page. Page built the Chicago Opera Ballet company which later became the Ruth page International ballet and in 1970 founded the Ruth Page Foundation School of Dance. Next to her grave is that of baseball Hall of Famer and Cub’s player, Ernie Banks. Banks is often regarded as one of the greatest baseball players of all time, as a first baseman and shortstop. As you can see on his very unique grave marker, featuring a ball and a glove on the top and a Baz relief sculpture of him on the front, Banks was awarded the presidential medal of freedom by President Obama two years before his death by heart attack at the age of 83. Graceland Cemetery sits just blocks north of the historic Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs. On a summer afternoon, you can hear the roar of the ball fans and maybe even the crack of a wooden bat. In the front of the stadium is a tall statue of Ernie Banks, at bat.

Use the map to help you find our next stop – a tall, pointed Obelisk. Good luck!