This is from a new mailing list called TOMBSTONES-L my first four digests
are great with much discussion on the topic. It is a RootsWeb list. It
would go very well as a companion list for this Indiana-Cemeteries list. I
subed to be nosie,
to see if I would find anything of interest then I would unsub. I did find
interesting topics and they are all very interesting. Topic of interest to
me was on the use of Shaving Cream on old stones and why it should not be
done. What happens to the grave stones when certain chemicals are used on
them. Resteration is also a topic. Beej
Gravestone Rubbing Dos and Don'ts
http://apocalypse.berkshire.net/ags/qrubbings.shtml
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Some Gravestone Rubbings Dos and Don'ts
From "Gravestone Rubbing for Beginners," a leaflet available
from the
Association for Gravestone Studies
Gravestone rubbing is fun. It is possible to collect some beautiful artwork
that can be framed and displayed. A carver's skill can be preserved, or an
ancestor's stone recorded and appreciated through this craft.
However, gravestone rubbing is also controversial. Especially in cemeteries
where a restoration project is in progress, rubbing is often banned. This is
to enable the restorers to have an opportunity to preserve all the stones
possible before more damage occurs. Even if a restoration project is not in
progress, if the those who care for the cemetery have determined there are
very fragile stones there which may be damaged if pressure is applied to the
surface as happens in rubbing, there may be prohibitionsin place. So be sure
to check.
Below are some Do's and Don'ts that will make your experience in the
cemetery a good one.
Please Do
~Check (with cemetery superintendent, cemetery commissioners, town clerk,
historical society, whoever is in charge) to see if rubbing is allowed in the
cemetry.
~Get permission and/or a permit as required.
~Rub only solid stones in good condition. Check for any cracks, evidence of
previous breaks and adhesive repairs, defoliating stone with air pockets
behind the face of the stone that will collapse under pressure of rubbing,
etc
~Become educated; learn how to rub responsibly.
~Use a soft brush and plain water to do any necessary stone cleaning.
~Make certain that your paper covers the entire face of the stone; secure
with masking tape.
~Use the correct combination of paper and waxes or inks; avoid magic
marker-type pens or other permanent color materials.
~Test paper and color before working on stone to be certain that no color
bleeds through.
~Rub gently, carefully.
~Leave the stone in better condition than you found it.
~Take all trash with you; replace any grave site materials that you may have
disturbed.
Please Don't
~Don't attempt to rub deteriorating marble or sandstone, or any unsound or
weakened stone (for example, a stone that sounds hollow when gently tapped or
a stone that is flaking, splitting, blistered, cracked, or unstable on its
base).
~Don't use detergents, soaps, vinegar, bleach, or any other cleaning
solutions on the stone, no matter how mild!
~Don't use shaving cream, chalk, graphite, dirt, or other concoctions in an
attempt to read worn inscriptions. Using a large mirror to direct bright
sunlight diagonally across the face of a gravemarker casts shadows in
indentations and makes inscriptions more visible.
~Don't use stiff-bristled or wire brushes, putty knives, nail files, or any
metal object to clean or to remove lichen from the stone; Soft natural
bristled brushes, whisk brooms, or wooden sticks are usually OK if used
gently and carefully
~Don't attempt to remove stubborn lichen. Soft lichen may be thoroughly
soaked with plain water and then loosened with a gum eraser or a wooden
popsicle stick. ~Be gentle. Stop if lichen does not come off easily.
~Don't use spray adhesives, scotch tape, or duct tape. Use masking tape.
~Don't use any rubbing method that you have not actually practiced under
supervision.
~Don't leave masking tape, wastepaper, colors, etc., at the grave site
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"Gravestone Rubbing for Beginners" which includes a list of materials
needed and the procedure for using lumberman's crayons is available for $3.00
for members, $3.50 non-members
"A Technique for the Experienced Rubber," using oil paints and an
easily-made applicator is also available for $3.00 for members, $3.50
non-members
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Order leaflets from the AGS Office:
278 Main Street
Suite 207
Greenfield, MA 01301