The Good American family plot refers to the cemetery section in Hollywood Forever Cemetery where founder Jules Stein and his wife founded a dedicated burial space for family and close associates. This guide explains the plot’s location within the cemetery, its acquisition history, notable interments, and management policies. We outline verified details including plot size, eligibility criteria, and maintenance practices to provide a durable reference that remains useful as cemetery records and ownership structures evolve.
Location and Layout of the Plot
The Good American family plot is situated in Hollywood Forever Cemetery at 6000 Santa Monica Boulevard in Los Angeles, California. It occupies a clearly marked section in the heart of the cemetery, near the main walkways, allowing for easy visitation. The plot is designed for in-ground interments and is maintained according to the cemetery’s groundskeeping schedule. Understanding its precise location helps visitors plan trips and provides context for the plot’s history within the broader cemetery landscape.
Site Features and Accessibility
- Section and lot details recorded in cemetery office records.
- Wheelchair-accessible pathways to the plot area.
- Landscaped perimeter with trees and ornamental plantings.
- On-site staff available for guidance and directions.
Ownership and Management Structure
Hollywood Forever Cemetery manages the Good American family plot under a long-term custodial arrangement. The cemetery operates as a commercial enterprise while honoring the historical commitments made by its founders. Management responsibilities include maintenance, security, record-keeping, and adherence to local regulations governing burial practices. This structure ensures the plot remains cared for in perpetuity, even as organizational leadership changes over time.
Management Oversight and Records
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Plot Owner | Hollywood Forever Cemetery (St. Lawrence Cemetery, LLC) | Public records, cemetery deed |
| Interment Eligibility | Family of founders and designated associates | Plot agreement documents |
| Maintenance Cycle | Quarterly grounds care, annual monument check | Cemetery service schedule |
| Record Keeping | On-site office and digital burial registry | Cemetery administration |
Historical Background and Founding
Jules Stein, a physician and co-founder of Music Corporation of America (MCA), established the Good American family plot in the mid-20th century to create a private burial ground for his family and close associates. This initiative reflected both personal preference and the cultural norms of the entertainment industry at the time. The plot has remained under continuous stewardship, with periodic updates to record-keeping and landscape preservation. Its history is intertwined with the growth of Hollywood Forever Cemetery as a landmark cultural site.
Key Historical Milestones
- 1940s: Plot establishment by Jules Stein and family.
- 1980s: Formalization of interment rules and eligibility.
- 2000s: Adoption of digital record-keeping and maintenance plans.
- 2010s: Public designation of Hollywood Forever Cemetery as a historic site.
Notable Interments and Memorials
The Good American family plot contains graves and memorials primarily for members of the Stein family and a small circle of affiliates. While not a public attraction, the plot is referenced in cemetery tours that highlight historic family sections. Interments are marked with headstones that follow cemetery guidelines for size, material, and inscription content. No celebrity figures outside the designated family circle are buried within this plot, and claims to the contrary are typically misattributions.
Headstone and Memorial Details
- Material: Standard granite permitted by cemetery rules.
- Size: Compliant with Hollywood Forever Cemetery regulations.
- Inscription: Names, dates, and brief epitaphs as provided by family.
- Decorations: Limited to items that do not obstruct maintenance.
Eligibility and Burial Policies
Access to the Good American family plot is restricted to individuals named in the original plot agreement and their direct descendants. Hollywood Forever Cemetery maintains a written policy that governs who may be interred, the format of memorials, and the procedures for obtaining permission. These rules help preserve the integrity of the plot and ensure consistent care. Families considering future interments should contact the cemetery office to review current eligibility requirements and any changes in policy.
Policy Highlights
- Interments limited to family by documented relation.
- No new plots are being sold; existing rights are honored only.
- All memorial installations require prior approval.
- Cemetery retains the right to manage grounds for safety and aesthetics.
Preservation and Future Stewardship
The long-term preservation of the Good American family plot depends on ongoing maintenance, environmental conditions, and adherence to cemetery conservation practices. Hollywood Forever Cemetery has implemented routine landscaping, drainage management, and monitoring for weathering to extend the life of monuments. As land-use considerations evolve in Los Angeles, the cemetery continues to work with legal stewards to ensure that the plot remains a respected and stable part of the site. This enduring commitment reflects the value placed on family memory within the broader cultural framework of the cemetery.
Conservation Measures in Place
- Periodic cleaning and stabilization of headstones.
- Tree and shrub management to protect burial margins.
- Security patrols to deter vandalism and unauthorized access.
- Documentation of plot condition through photographic records.