Brian:
The INPCRP is an informal mail list who has subscribers from around the US,
but mainly in Indiana, who are concerned with the care, maintenance, and
protection of pioneer cemeteries in Indiana. That is not to say we don't
believe, like you, that all cemeteries are worthy of proper care and maintenance.
The reason this group concentrates on the pioneer cemeteries is for various
reasons, some of which include the fact that many are abandoned and are on
private property. Others are owned by township trustees who don't or can't care
for them. Some trustees don't even know some of these cemeteries exist. You
may be right that the definition of a pioneer cemetery is moot. However,
considering the words "pioneer cemetery" are in our name, it would probably be
less embarrassing if we would once and for all determine the proper
definition.
This issue has come up before and twice has almost been the death of this
mail list. The majority of persons on this list believe this is where we can
share ideas, make others aware of endangered cemeteries, and tout our success
stories. There have been issues arise over the years that this group has
been effective at influencing, including changes in Indiana law regarding
pioneer cemeteries. Another area where we hope to influence people is when they
attempt improper restoration techniques, such as the use of concrete to set
stones.
No, as a group, we are not actively out soliciting funds and restoring
cemeteries. But as a direct result of this list and people whom I have met on it,
I have three township trustees who have collectively paid for the
professional restoration of hundreds of tombstones. I would venture to guess that
about $150,000 has been spent over the course of the past five years. I
attribute that success to my involvement in the INPCRP. I dare say you will find
others on this list with similar successes, whether they did the work themselves
or only encouraged it with those that had the money.
Sometimes people with a common cause need a way to socialize. I would like
to think we do more than that here, but if what we do is not what you were
interested in, maybe you'll find it elsewhere. But that's not to say you
aren't welcome to stay here and pick up interesting information from time to time.
As a mail list, we can only be as effective and active as those that
subscribe. You seem to be interested in the same thing we are. I would ask if you
would let us know a little more about where you are and what cemeteries you
have concerns about. You may find others on here with the same concerns who
you can team up with to "do more than talk".
I hope you understand more about what we're all about and will be willing to
be a regular contributor to the list.
Kyle D. Conrad
Brook, IN
In a message dated 08/29/2007 11:46:48 A.M. Central Daylight Time,
rgreen(a)insightbb.com writes:
Brian,
Ouch! Please don't hijack the 'Pioneer Cemetery Defintion' thread with this
kind of post. We are attempting to have a civil discussion that some of us
consider important. If you don't agree, simply don't follow the thread.
The stated purpose of the group appears just below your signature, but I'll
provide it for you here:
"This list is for sharing pioneer cemetery questions, ideas and restoration
projects"
Regards,
Rich Green
Historic Archaeological Research
4338 Hadley Court
West Lafayette, IN 47906
Office: (765) 464-8735
Mobile: (765) 427-4082
www.har-indy.com
----- Original Message -----
From: "Brian Kelsey" <briankelsey3(a)gmail.com>
To: <INPCRP(a)rootsweb.com>
Sent: Wednesday, August 29, 2007 10:59 AM
Subject: [INPCRP] Pioneer Cemetery Defintion
I've lurked on the list archives for a while trying to gain
knowledge and
decided to sign up and post.
Since the INPCRP has no authority over anything at all what does it matter
what the definition is? Aren't all cemeteries worthy of taking care of?
The INPCRP seems to do a lot of talking with very little action behind it.
It's not like the INPCRP as a whole is going to actually restore
something.
Sure, some of you might do a few stones this year but this list really
seems
like nothing more than a social gathering. Cemeteries deserve more than
talk.
Instead of worrying about definitions why not raise some funds to actually
restore a cemetery? Isn't that the stated goal of this group?
Brian Kelsey
This list is for sharing pioneer cemetery questions, ideas and restoration
projects.
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