Learn The History Of Shafer Memorials
Experienced Provider Of Memorials and Monuments
For over 100 years, the business has been located at 1023 North Main in Mitchell, SD. The family-owned business has always had an office in their home. The garage and shop were a combination until 1979 when a new and modern shop was built on West 11th street, just across the alley from the home and office. The new shop area is where the units are engraved now. The office display is still on North Main, just 5 blocks north of the Corn Palace. The office has been enlarged and remodeled many times over the years to fit the growing business.
The first generation of Shafer Memorials began engraving by hand-chiseling the letters into the granite, followed by a pneumatic machine. Today, to do shape carving of flowers and leaves or rounded designs, a mixture of air and sand is forced through a hose and nozzle guided by skilled hands.
All these years not only have the Shafer men completed the engraving but also the placement of the units at the cemeteries. The first erecting crews were mule teams, which then progressed to a truck with carts and manual leverage. Later an automatic hoist was added.
Our Craftsmanship Spans Many Generations
Awards and Recognition
