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Hi folks! I believe someone asked about future restoration workshops the
IHS would be offering. Sorry it's taken me a while to reply.
Currently, the IHS is planning on offering two workshops next year: a
basic preservation workshop, like the one we held earlier this year in
Camby, as well as an advanced restoration workshop, which will deal with
making minor repairs to stones. People must have attended one of the
IHS's basic workshops to attend the advanced workshop. The dates and
locations of the workshops have not yet been set, although I can tell
you that the basic workshop will probably be held north of Indianapolis
and the advanced workshop will be held either in Indianapolis or at
least in the central part of the state. I will be working very closely
with Walt to ensure we are educating people about the correct techniques
and emphasizing the importance of perfecting basic skills before moving
on to more complicated restorations.
I will post more information about the workshops as planning gets
underway.
Katherine Dill
Indiana Historical Society
In a message dated 8/27/03 11:11:52 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
tielking(a)knightstown.net writes:
> One could always hope.
> How are you doing?
>
Don't get your hopes up. It only works that way in the movies. As for me,
i'm about as well off as someone who has had their heart cut open and put back
together
Jack
What are the chances of getting a cemetery person
appointed as a layperson to this committee?
--- GTielking <tielking(a)knightstown.net> wrote:
> Hello folks,
>
> I have important news regarding the next legislative
> meeting that is scheduled for Sept. 3, 2003 at 10:30
> a.m. The meeting will NOT include pioneer cemetery
> issues! They will be talking about septic systems
> only. I have copied and pasted Legislative Aid Bob
> Sigalow's e-mail response to some questions I had
> below.
> Angela Tielking
>
> Hi Angela,
> I'm sorry that the meeting notice went out without
> the agenda on it. The second meeting (Sept. 3) of
> the Commission will focus only on septic systems.
> The committee still has lots of questions about that
> subject. Cemeteries will not be on this agenda but I
> would imagine that they will be discussed further at
> a future meeting. We'll keep you informed of future
> meetings.
>
> There are supposed to be 24 members: 4 Senators, 4
> House Members, 8 laymembers appointed by the Senate,
> and 8 laymembers appointed by the House. However,
> the House has not made all of its laymember
> appointments. There are currently 17 members
> appointed to the Commission.
>
> Thanks,
> Bob.
>
>
>
>
> ==== INPCRP Mailing List ====
> "Show me your cemeteries, and I will tell you what
> kind of people you have."
> Benjamin Franklin (1706 - 1790)
>
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Jack,
This company is also in Georgia, some years ago they gave me several
"sample"
products, and good stuff it was. Wish I could afford to buy alot more,
if you manage to be there in person, they are very generous.
Lee Creed
Greencastle
I have literature from MILES SUPPLY CO. INC. Ph. Office (802)
476-3963
Box 237- 143 Boynton Street Home
(802) 223-3916
Barre, Vt. 05641-0237
They have what they call "Nu-Stone" cleaner. They also have other stone care
products. The Cleaner was $ 26.00 gallon. $ 2.00 for an 8 oz trial size.
They also Have "Barre* Pak" TM. The special Epoxy developed expressly for the
Stone Industry. "Barre*Pak" is easy and simple to use. Anyone can use it and be
assured of a good bond by following the simple instructions. "Barre*Pak' has
removed the guess work by using 70 Gram pre-measured kits. It can be mixed in
its own container (without opening the package) and then applied. Clean and
neat, No mess. If the joint is reasonable free of oil, dirt and moisture, a
permeant bond will be made. By using "Barre*Pak" the cemetery can be assured that
the monument will remain upright, even when severe side pressure is applied.
They also have "CP*Bond". Adhering stone to concrete, everything from setting
stones to repairing your boat. "CP*Bond" works extremely well on vertical
surfaces when a joint has to be tougher than the stone. Large Mausoleums have been
lifted by their roofs when using only CP*Bond'. (Note The above is their
words, not mine. If you are interested give them a call and get them to send you
their literae. I have had this in my files since Nov. 1999 when I worked with
stone and received this kind of mail, "Barre*Pak" epoxy in 70 gram kits is $
6.25. Just Information I ran across. They will send out Literature
Jack
In a message dated 8/26/03 9:44:02 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
elasley(a)sigecom.net writes:
> The heat has caused irreparable damage to the stone and it
> will deteriorate rapidly no matter what you do.
>
>
Ernie,
I agree with you. Why the State takes a different view on burning than all
of those that work with the stone is a complete mystery to me.
Jack
In a message dated 8/26/03 4:03:26 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
tielking(a)knightstown.net writes:
> Hi Angela,
> I'm sorry that the meeting notice went out without the agenda on it. The
> second meeting (Sept. 3) of the Commission will focus only on septic systems.
Angela,
Same old, Same old, with politicians
Jack
Francis,
An interesting observation, except when they got carried away with
cement, it is
costly, and very difficult to sandblast it
away. Sometimes nothing can be done.
Speaking of mortaring, I have done that for the last two decades,
basically because thats what was done in the 30's and 40's, and are
still holding. Mine are still standing from the earliest days. I
couldn't afford to do strictly anything else, just keeping other
products in stock and with a useable shelf life this late in the year is
something I don't do.
There is always an "expert" touting their own method, and thats usually
fine. Its up to each of us individually to find a method
we approve of, are good at, and is affordable. I often forget that most
of us are working out of the trunk of their car
and on a strict budget. Its amazing that
they are able to accomplish so much and
consider that this has got to be some of the hardest work you can do.
Lee Creed
Greencastle
I have a question for those who about such things .
My question is this :
While I do not post as often as I would like to I really enjoy reading all the msgs posted and do not want to leave the list ... here is the "but"
I have an in box that fills up quickly with list msgs , is there a way to get one large daily/weekly msg like the digest option on Yahoo groups ..
Either way I look forward to learning and hope to share with all of you .
Thanks ! Scott B. Bush
____________________________________________________________
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Hello folks,
I have important news regarding the next legislative meeting that is scheduled for Sept. 3, 2003 at 10:30 a.m. The meeting will NOT include pioneer cemetery issues! They will be talking about septic systems only. I have copied and pasted Legislative Aid Bob Sigalow's e-mail response to some questions I had below.
Angela Tielking
Hi Angela,
I'm sorry that the meeting notice went out without the agenda on it. The second meeting (Sept. 3) of the Commission will focus only on septic systems. The committee still has lots of questions about that subject. Cemeteries will not be on this agenda but I would imagine that they will be discussed further at a future meeting. We'll keep you informed of future meetings.
There are supposed to be 24 members: 4 Senators, 4 House Members, 8 laymembers appointed by the Senate, and 8 laymembers appointed by the House. However, the House has not made all of its laymember appointments. There are currently 17 members appointed to the Commission.
Thanks,
Bob.
Thanks Ernie,
No tar and feathers. I work by just repairing what I can.
I don't believe in raising a stink with anyone. A new owner
has given permission with the trustee to fix this cemetery,
so that is what I'm attempting to do. The folks of -today-
didn't do this damage.
I think you are right about the plastic. I will take out a
container next time to soak the stones in water & Orvas and
see if that will help some. I didn't want to harm them
any more that they have been. I may try and locate descendants
to replace them later. I'm in no hurry here.
Good idea!
L.A.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Ernie & Connie Lasley" <elasley(a)sigecom.net>
To: <INPCRP-L(a)rootsweb.com>
Sent: Tuesday, August 26, 2003 8:42 AM
Subject: Re: [INPCRP] New Question about cleaning stones
> I am assuming you have already tarred and feathered the person that did
this!
>
> Some appear to be beyond repair, at least to the point of restoring to
near original condition. The charred black stuff . . sounds like plastic .
. .
> try heating it with a heat gun to see if it can be removed. The major
problem will be that if he was burning trash there, the stones were
probably heated enough that the foreign material has penetrated the stone
deeply and it will be impossible to remove it all. The second major
problem will be what we have been discussing concerning burning cemeteries.
The heat has caused irrepairable damage to the stone and it will
deteriorate rapidly no matter what you do.
>
> I would be tempted to take the worse stone there, one that is badly
charred and cannot be cleaned with traditional methods, order a replacement
stone, and then experiment with different cleaning methods and solutions on
the old stone. As far as "First, Do No Harm" is concerned, I think the harm
is already done. Experimenting with that one stone may provide a clue to a
way to un-do the harm on some of the other stones.
>
> Or take the conservative approach, clean and repair them as best you can,
and let time and weather take it's course.
>
> Ernie
>
> At 08:49 AM 08/25/2003 -0500, you wrote:
> >HELP, I have a new question on cleaning.
> >Haven't had this kind of problem before.
> >
> >We have many stones that were burnt. Previous owner used this as
> >a trash dump to burn everything.
>
Hi,
I have a lady that is wanting to hire someone to repair a sandstone
tombstone located in Greene county Indiana. Do any of you know of anyone
that would be willing to help her out. Also, I am the County Coordinator
there for USGenWeb and if that person has a web site I will be more than
happy to provide a link to your service.
Warm regards,
Katy Hestand
USGenWeb Obituary Archives Coordinator
Debbie,
This looks really good. So glad to have you aboard. With a Saving Graves
website for Indiana perhaps the legislators will see that the interest
transcends that of the Indiana Pioneer Cemetery Restoration Project and will
know that many others are also involved.
My experience with the folks at INPCRP is that they will bend over backwards
to help you. I'm sure they will value the Indiana Saving Graves website as
well.
Sue Silver
California
----- Original Message -----
From: <debbie.jennings(a)att.net>
To: <SGSC-L(a)rootsweb.com>
Sent: Sunday, August 24, 2003 1:24 PM
Subject: [SGSC] New State Page Active
> Hello Fellow State Coordinators:
> My name is Debbie Jennings and I have recently become the new Indiana
State
> Coordinator.
> I just wanted to write and let everyone know that the Indiana State page
is
> really taking shape, although I am still working on it.
> I would be interested in any opinions from more experienced Coordinators.
> http://www.savinggraves-us.org/in/index.htm
>
> --
> Debbie
>
>
> ==============================
> To join Ancestry.com and access our 1.2 billion online genealogy records,
go to:
> http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=571&sourceid=1237
>
Walt,
Congratulations on your appointment! Maybe you can bring the program back
the way it was before you left. The Fayette County cemetery program was what
every county should model after.
Angela
----- Original Message -----
From: "John Walters" <graveyardgroomer(a)skyenet.net>
To: <INPCRP-L(a)rootsweb.com>
Sent: Saturday, August 23, 2003 12:27 PM
Subject: [INPCRP] on a lighter
> News from Fayette County,
> The Fayette County Commissioners made a new appointment to their Cemetery
Commission. It took them awhile and I do not think they are thrilled with
their decision.The new appointed member to Fayette County Cemetery
Commission,is John Walters, pretty cool huh!.
> Since I resigned from the Cemetery Dept. the budget was cut
drastically,they converted back to only maintaining the Cemeteries visible
from the road,and not one TOMBSTONE has been reset,repaired,restored,or
cleaned.
> Yeah they were real reluctant to appoint me,If they did, they knew they
would have me asking, why we were stepping backwards? If they did not
appoint ,me the public would wonder why they wouldn't want someone with the
most knowledge of their cemeteries on the board.
> Anyway, I am happy to fill the void,and when I get some answers from them
,I will fill you in.
> Walt
>
>
> ==== INPCRP Mailing List ====
> THIS IS A CEMETERY -----
> "Lives are commemorated - deaths are recorded - families
> are reunited - memories are made tangible - and love is
> undisguised. This is a cemetery.
> "Communities accord respect, families bestow reverence,
> historians seek information and our heritage is thereby enriched.
> "Testimonies of devotion, pride and remembrance are carved
> in stone to pay warm tribute to accomplishments and to the life -
> not the death - of a loved one. The cemetery is homeland for family
> memorials that are a sustaining source of comfort to the living.
> "A cemetery is a history of people - a perpetual record of
> yesterday and sanctuary of peace and quiet today. A cemetery
> exists because every life is worth loving and remembering - always."
> --Author unknown -- Seen at a monument dealer in West Union, IA
>
In a message dated 08/23/2003 12:30:59 PM Central Daylight Time,
graveyardgroomer(a)skyenet.net writes:
> I am happy to fill the void,
No pun intended, Walt?
Congratulations....
Kyle
Well Put Ernie:
I also went to a workshop a year ago on a cold March day in Fairmount,
Indiana. I was sure hesitant until the day of the workshop was over. The
biggest thing it gave me was the feeling that now I can do this. It had
nothing to do with being an expert but maybe the courage to TRY!
My team of three, have now been out in Tipton County for 1 1/2 years and we
are learning all the time. Most of the time we are successful, but
sometimes we have some glitches that give us fits, but we approach this with
the feeling that we will find the right way to do this and we usually do.
I wrote a letter to all the Township Trustees that we work under and
expressed our interest in doing the repairs and that we would not be using
anything harmful or damaging. Also, I stated that some of the stones (slab)
would be removed to take home for further cleaning or epoxying at home and
then returned in about three days. I also stated we would be probing in
order to find hidden stones, etc.
We have not had any problem with getting permission and even supplies that
we would need on the abandoned cemeteries in their township.
We make sure that we all have a copy of the permission letter from the
Township Trustees in our vehicles at all times just in case we someone would
stop us.
There is such a good feeling when a row or stone looks so much better that
when we started. I would hate to discourage anyone who is "bit" by the
cemetery repairing bug. Every stone is different, what works on one may not
work in another circumstance.
Walt, you instilled that confidence that I can do it into me, and I have
passed this on already to the other 2 members of my team. We have had
others off and on work with us, and we share what we know with them. We
also use the saying "do no harm".
Just had to get my 2 cents worth in. Keep up the good work everyone!!!
Joan Wray
Tipton County
----- Original Message -----
From: "Ernie & Connie Lasley" <elasley(a)sigecom.net>
To: <INPCRP-L(a)rootsweb.com>
Sent: Saturday, August 23, 2003 9:23 AM
Subject: Re: [INPCRP] Question about cleaning stones
> Walt,
> I have thought this over for a couple of days now, and cannot figure out
> exactly who this is aimed at or what your point is. Maybe I have missed
> something out there, or did not understand exactly what was said in one of
> these posts. I went back to the original post of this "Question about
> cleaning stones" thread, and Joyce Haibe was talking about a person who
has
> never been to a workshop, trying to figure out a tactful way to educate
him
> without offending him, and inquiring about any upcoming workshops.
>
> I have yet to hear of one person who has claimed to be an "expert" at
this,
> and doubt that there are a "lot of people" that think they are. We have
> more people doing restoration work now, many of them were workshop
> attendees who paid money to to learn correct procedures from people they
> felt were qualified to teach them the various aspects of restoration.
And
> that was the whole purpose of the workshops, to educate people on the
> various processes so we would have more people out there working with the
> proper techniques to save these old Pioneer cemeteries And I would
> imagine they have learned from several sources, not just the
> workshops. The problem seems to be those who are not associated with
> INPCRP or any of the workshops that are calling themselves the
> "professionals" and "experts".
>
> I have several hundred dollars invested in materials and supplies, but
> never charge for any work. I have received a few unsolicited donations to
> help cover expenses, but they come nowhere near covering what I have
> spent. I could very well imagine why some charge a fee for their work,
> Mastico, etc. is not cheap. I think they have every right to recover
their
> expenses. I just read the article about Matt Campbell and the $8,000
City
> Cemetery Preservation Fund in Shelbyville. We all wish we had that kind
> of money to work with, but most of us do not. We pay our own way, accept
> small donations, or charge a small fee to help cover expenses. We do it
> because we love our work, not because we want to make money or start a
> business.
>
> Why would you stop doing workshops? I thought your intent was to share
> what you had learned through your years of experience so others could do
> proper repairs without experimenting or using trial and error methods, and
> to instill on them the "do no harm" approach to restoration. You said at
> a workshop once that we need more people out there doing this work, and
now
> we have. But we need more, lots more, and we need more workshops to
> counter the problem like the person that approached Joyce about cleaning
> the stones with a pressure washer. We think Township Trustees need to be
> selective of who they give permission to for cleanup and restoration work,
> then it is up to us to educate enough people so the trustee can make that
> decision based on where that person obtained their training and
experience.
>
> We are all still learning, and we all do some head scratching now and
> then. And that is probably one of the most important things learned at a
> workshop, no two stones are alike and every repair is different. We
> learned to think about what we are doing, and figure out the best "do no
> harm" way to tackle every single project. We ask questions on this forum
> or share our experiences, we search the internet, read books, or seek out
> knowledgeable people to ask questions, always looking for a better way to
> do things. But I do not fault those who have gained that knowledge and
> experience through the workshops and other means, and have forged ahead as
> the leaders and doers of restoration projects. I wish we had more of
them.
>
> Ernie
>
> At 08:32 PM 08/21/2003 -0500, you wrote:
> >It seems to me that a lot of people think they are experts after a
workshop!
> >I have been working with restoration for seven years now .I have been
asked
> >to do workshops and have done so,sharing what I know and was more than
happy
> >to do so.
> >I have never stated that I was an expert and to this day still do not
> >consider myself an expert.
> >How do we even know that what we are trying to do to restore these stones
> >will be like in 5,10 ,20,years from now will be sufficient in preserving
> >them for any length of time,only time itself will prove that.
> >I was so excited ,to start sharing what I had learned with others,just to
> >find that some folks think that a few hours with Walt and they are
> >experts.I, to this day, scratch my head and wonder how I am going to do
a
> >certain stone and feel confident that I am not doing more harm than good.
> >I have watched recently ,several restoration companies pop up charging
for
> >there services.It is just my opinion ,but I do have this right,people
that
> >attended workshops that I was involved in ,that now charge for their
> >services stating that they are experts/professionals are not.
> >Laws have just recently changed that charges a vandal for the damage they
> >did in a cemetery,and yet some folks that think they are restoring,do
more
> >harm than good,and yet they get a paycheck.
> >You asked what makes an expert anyway.I can honestly say that it is not
> >someone who attended a workshop or two.
> > I have decided that I will no longer do workshops, I have read articles
> >written that I trained certain INDIVIDUALS,this is not true,I only shared
.
> >Good luck in finding an expert and if you do please send them my way so
that
> >I can learn something from them.
> >Good luck and God bless!
> >
> >Feed back is more than welcomed.
> > Walt
> >
> >
> >==== INPCRP Mailing List ====
> >If you know of some good cemetery related links, send them to Scott
> >Satterthwaite at sjsattert(a)earthlink.net.
>
>
> ==== INPCRP Mailing List ====
> "Show me your cemeteries, and I will tell you what kind of people you
have."
> Benjamin Franklin (1706 - 1790)
>
>
"I am not going anywhere and I am always willing to help,just that some
folks seem to want to rub me the wrong way."
Yea!
I have never seen a world not heard of one where there aren't jerks floating
around; I've heard of Heaven and Hell, but maybe there is some special place
for jerks. Keep the faith and keep rollin'.
MaryAlice
----- Original Message -----
From: "John Walters" <graveyardgroomer(a)skyenet.net>
To: <INPCRP-L(a)rootsweb.com>
Sent: Saturday, August 23, 2003 12:42 PM
Subject: [INPCRP] workshops
> I will try to better explain my concerns.
> When we started doing workshops It was to my understanding that we could
teach the basics of restoration,that would help interested people to enhance
the appearance of cemeteries they were concerned with.
> With the teaching of epoxies,piecing together multiple breaks,etc.. I have
seen stones being stuck back together without proper alignment,excess
material dripping from the seams,sloppy void fills, I have been asked to
come and redo what some "attendees" have tried,because they jumped to soon
on their experience. If I could teach the world to sing I would expect them
to sing beautifully.
> I know of a couple of people on this list that recently went to a
cemetery that Matt Cambell is working on in Jay County.They did not
introduce themselves as restorationist nor explain to him what their
interest was at this particular cemetery.Instead they started sending
e-mails bashing his work,and name calling,this is not right.They also went
to another cemetery he had worked in and started checking under the small
obelisk to see if he had used stack mix,by doing this they broke the seal
between the mortar joints.Matt uses setting compound,there is nothing wrong
with this method,setting compound just does not have any adhesive
qualities,I still use setting compound on certain stones.So you could say
these same people actually minimally vandalized a yard that had been
restored and restored properly.
> Another situation that bothered me was a couple that attended the
workshop in Madison, returned to their area and started doing work,but yet
they wrapped their Mastico cans and other material containers with brown
paper so no one else could see what they were using,this is not right
either, I do not feel that when I share knowledge it should become a trade
secret.
> I have been told by certain authorities not to
teach,probing,epoxies,anything that requires generators etc.
> That does limit a workshop.
> I know for a fact that many people, including myself gained alot at these
workshops as I have seen tremendous results at Fouts Cemetery done by a
couple that has attended three workshops,but to watch people jump into
cemetery restoration for the reason of making money,and only have a few
months experience,this is wrong too.
> As hard as it is for some Townships,Counties,or others to get funding,I
think there funds should be protected and not become a public embarrassment.
> I made the statement five years ago that everybody and their brother
would have signs on their vehicles that say " I DO CEMETERY RESTORATION"
that probably use to say "WE DO WINDOWS".
> I guess that time has come, I will continue my work and hope I did not
insult anyone that truly has a heart for their work.
> As I was quoted many years ago I will say it again, "It does not take a
rocket scientist to do this work but it does take a heart".
>
> I am not going anywhere and I am always willing to help,just that some
folks seem to want to rub me the wrong way.
>
>
Walt
>
>
> ==== INPCRP Mailing List ====
> This list is for discussion of topics related to the Indiana Pioneer
> Cemeteries Restoration Project only. Thank you.
>
>
That kind of clears it up a little. Some of the things that you pointed
out that were going on was news to me. It is a shame that a few go out and
give a bad name for what we are trying to accomplish, bash others' work, or
try to do more than they have the experience to do.
And I agree with you, some probably jump in too soon on the complicated
repairs before they are ready. I suggested at one time that we have
different skill levels of workshops, there is plenty that can be done in
the areas of leveling stones and bases, cleaning and re-setting stones, and
other basic cemetery work without getting into the complicated epoxy
repairs. I think the workshops are important if we do not want to see
more concrete and pressure washers being used in cemeteries. People can
do wierd and damaging things in cemeteries trying to fix things up, and our
best chance of showing them the better ways and techniques is through the
workshops and seminars. We just don't have enough of them.
Ernie
At 11:42 AM 08/23/2003 -0500, you wrote:
>I will try to better explain my concerns.
Walt,
Several people from one group I am in and more from two others have
attended
your workshops, they had vast experience
before and acquired more modern ideas
from you, I understand your concerns
here, its an on going problem. It is good that you speak of it here so
that everyone is aware of it. Perhaps in future workshops you can make
mention of this,
either verbally or even printed. Just bear in mind that sometimes these
people do have prior experience, and I don't mean the "bad eggs". As a
matter of conscience when you see tricks or unfairness (as you
mentioned) I think you should inform the list.
To stop teaching the workshops is not the solution, while I do not
believe you or anyone else has forgotten more than the rest of us, I do
believe in these workshops. Actually I figure there will be several
more sessions added, with even higher skills levels, why stop now ?
What are you going to think of the person (s) who will replace you ?
Are there more things that need to be said here ? While I know that
there are people who suspect nothing more than competition here, rivalry
or whatever, some of the things you said disturb me,
and in fact have happened to me, my sincere regret for that poor guy
getting his work trashed. I hope it does not diminish his work.
Lee Creed
Greencastle
Walt,
Like Ernie, I've though for days about your post. I've attended one workshop
that Mark Davis did in Fort Wayne and I'll tell you right now that I
wouldn't think of doing any kind of repair. Probing and setting up complete
flat stone without bases is all I would think to do. I've never don't this
but before joining this list and attending a workshop, I thought that using
concrete as a base was not a problem. That's just one thing we have learned.
You say you are not an expert and I won't argue with that, however you are a
professional. Walt, you have forgotten more then we on this list will ever
know. Your guidance and leadership in this hobby of ours is greatly needed.
I for one would pay to spend a week in the field with you to learn because I
want to do this, as a hobby, but am very hesitant because of my lack of
knowledge. I know that there are some that just jump right in and become the
bad apples, but please look at the other side of the issue. Look at the
good works of the majority that have learned from your workshops where
nothing would of been done without your help. The good has to out weight the
bad, otherwise restoring any cemeteries would would still be just a dream.
Brian E. Smead
Terre Haute, Indiana
----- Original Message -----
From: "John Walters" <graveyardgroomer(a)skyenet.net>
To: <INPCRP-L(a)rootsweb.com>
Sent: Saturday, August 23, 2003 11:42 AM
Subject: [INPCRP] workshops
> I will try to better explain my concerns.
> When we started doing workshops It was to my understanding that we could
teach the basics of restoration,that would help interested people to enhance
the appearance of cemeteries they were concerned with.
> With the teaching of epoxies,piecing together multiple breaks,etc.. I have
seen stones being stuck back together without proper alignment,excess
material dripping from the seams,sloppy void fills, I have been asked to
come and redo what some "attendees" have tried,because they jumped to soon
on their experience. If I could teach the world to sing I would expect them
to sing beautifully.
> I know of a couple of people on this list that recently went to a
cemetery that Matt Cambell is working on in Jay County.They did not
introduce themselves as restorationist nor explain to him what their
interest was at this particular cemetery.Instead they started sending
e-mails bashing his work,and name calling,this is not right.They also went
to another cemetery he had worked in and started checking under the small
obelisk to see if he had used stack mix,by doing this they broke the seal
between the mortar joints.Matt uses setting compound,there is nothing wrong
with this method,setting compound just does not have any adhesive
qualities,I still use setting compound on certain stones.So you could say
these same people actually minimally vandalized a yard that had been
restored and restored properly.
> Another situation that bothered me was a couple that attended the
workshop in Madison, returned to their area and started doing work,but yet
they wrapped their Mastico cans and other material containers with brown
paper so no one else could see what they were using,this is not right
either, I do not feel that when I share knowledge it should become a trade
secret.
> I have been told by certain authorities not to
teach,probing,epoxies,anything that requires generators etc.
> That does limit a workshop.
> I know for a fact that many people, including myself gained alot at these
workshops as I have seen tremendous results at Fouts Cemetery done by a
couple that has attended three workshops,but to watch people jump into
cemetery restoration for the reason of making money,and only have a few
months experience,this is wrong too.
> As hard as it is for some Townships,Counties,or others to get funding,I
think there funds should be protected and not become a public embarrassment.
> I made the statement five years ago that everybody and their brother
would have signs on their vehicles that say " I DO CEMETERY RESTORATION"
that probably use to say "WE DO WINDOWS".
> I guess that time has come, I will continue my work and hope I did not
insult anyone that truly has a heart for their work.
> As I was quoted many years ago I will say it again, "It does not take a
rocket scientist to do this work but it does take a heart".
>
> I am not going anywhere and I am always willing to help,just that some
folks seem to want to rub me the wrong way.
>
>
Walt
>
>
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> Cemeteries Restoration Project only. Thank you.
>