One of the best sources (perhaps one of the only comprehensive ones) for the
information Randy is seeking on cemetery restoration is the Association for
Gravestone Studies - an international organization furthering the study and
preservation of gravestones. Their website is at:
http://www.berkshire.net/ags/
One of the publications available from the AGS is "A Graveyard Preservation
Primer" by Lynette Strangstad.
"Written for non-professional and professional preservationists
involved in small to mid-size graveyard preservation projects, this basic
primer explains in step-by-step fashion how to preserve and restore a
graveyard. After reading the suggestions outlined in this book, you will be
able to plan a well organized preservation project. In this way the common
mistakes and waste of resources that characterize many well-intentioned
graveyard preservation efforts can be avoided.
"Restoration is discussed with recommendations as to what lay people
should and should not undertake."
144 pages, Index, Illustrations
$15.95 for AGS members, $17.95 for non-members
I have read this book and shared it with others in this area. IT IS
AVAILABLE THROUGH INTER-LIBRARY LOAN. I obtained a copy at the
Jeffersonville Library from the Evansville Library. I have been intended to
purchase my own copy, but just haven't gotten around to it.
Randy, I also recommend that you cultivate a relationship with a monument
maker so you can ask his/her/their advice on the special epoxies you are
going to need to do repairs. For instance, the approaching frigid weather
will certainly have an impact on the ability of the epoxy to cure appropriately.
I strongly urge you to read Lynn's book before you start making repairs. It
would be a shame if, no matter how well-intentioned, you did repairs that
were detrimental to the markers you are trying to save. I think you will be
glad to took the time to read her book before proceeding into the tricky
area of stone repair.
One last piece of advice: If in the process of the probing I presume you
intend to do you find buried stones and attempt to excavate them -- TAKE
PICTURES OF THE STONE before you attempt to lift it from the earth.
Oftentimes they crumble as soon as you try to lift them. If you get lucky,
you will find them face UP when you do your excavation.
Good night.
Lois Mauk
Jeffersonville, IN
At 05:42 AM 11/23/1997 +0000, you wrote:
I can't tell whether I am receiving my PCRP messages from the list
or
not. I posted a couple of days ago what was happening in my project
cemetery and still have not ever received that request. So I do not
know whether it has gone out to everyone or not.
I am kind of stuck at the moment. I am ready to upright and repair
tombstones, but I am not sure what is the safest and best way to do
this. Can anyone enlighten me?
Randy Klemme
Franklin County PCRP Coordinator
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