[2] Established due to a growing demand for crematory services in Portland at the turn of the 20th century, the establishment evolved to house a mausoleum as well, which consists of eight stories and over 5 miles (8.0 km) of hallways, featuring ornate stained glass and Italian sculptures.

[3] Frank Gibson, the secretary of the San Francisco Cremation Company, served as the first superintendent and manager of the crematory.

[3] Upon its opening, the Portland Railway, Light and Power Company operated a funeral car that could accommodate a casket as well as sitting benches for grieving family members.

[3] The mausoleum features numerous marble fronts on crypts which originate from quarries in Italy, while a variety of statues and other religious sculptures throughout were made by the Italian Tavarelli Studios.

Each Memorial Day,[2] the historic private tomb of George Rae, one of the wealthiest men in Portland history, is open to the public for 90 minutes.