General Guidelines For Cemetery Work by Chicora Foundation
We extend our gratitude for all of
Chicora's efforts to educate
researchers for a positive tombstones future!
Information
and images relating to tombstone/monument repair & maintenance
Copyright 2003, Chicora Foundation, Inc.
Michael
Trinkley, Ph.D., Director, Chicora Foundation, Inc., PO Box 8664,
Columbia, SC 29202, 803-787-6910, www.chicora.org
1. Cemeteries are sacred spaces. They must be
treated with respect. This means that you must avoid yelling or loud
talk. You should avoid walking on graves whenever and wherever possible.
The area should be kept clean at all times. You must never leave debris,
such as soil spoil, excess sand or gravel, or any other materials, in
the cemetery C
everything should be removed and the grave area restored to its original
appearance. In particular, avoid working in areas where families are
visiting graves C
give them respect and privacy.
2. You must absolutely never sit, lean, or rest on
stones. Stones are often far more fragile than they at first appear. In
fact, assume that all stones are fragile and contain internal damage.
3. In cemetery conservation work
C
and in all conservation efforts C
it is absolutely critical that the treatment do no harm to the stone. If
at any time it appears the stone is unstable, or the situation with the
stone is worsening C
STOP and get assistance. Avoid the
temptation to go on, hoping that everything will be all right.
4. Although stone is heavy and gives the appearance
of permanence, you must be very careful to avoid damage. Steel tools,
such as shovels, can severely mar stone. And once damaged, there is no
way to remove C
or hide C
the damage. It is left as mute testimony of your carelessness. Don't let
it happen.
5. In general, never use an iron tool if a plastic
one will work. Never use plastic if wood will work.
6. Always inspect the stone before beginning any
treatment C
even the simplest. Although the proposed treatments were appropriate
when originally prescribed, the stone may have suffered additional
damage since that time. Look for cracks or areas where the stone is
spalling. Gently tap the stone to see if it rings solid, or hollow.
7. Always plan ahead and don't handle the stone any
more than absolutely necessary. Don't begin a project and get to an
unanticipated crisis because you didn't plan ahead. For example, when
removing stones, know ahead of time where you are going to lay them and
have some supports ready to receive the stone.
8. Do not use any permanent marker on stone
C
as the name implies, it is permanent. Even chalk is very difficult to
remove. If a stone must be marked, use masking tape, but ensure that it
is placed on sound stone (otherwise even masking tape may cause severely
weakened stone to spall). Do not leave the tape on the stone more than a
few hours.
9. When handling large stones, it is critical that
you work carefully, slowly, and deliberately. Discuss with you partner(s)
exactly what the order of operations will be, before you begin. Everyone
must take responsibility for all of those working on the stone
C
don't let a stone come to rest until you have verified that everyone is
clear, for example. Remember that stone weighs about 170 pounds per
cubic foot. Incorrect lifting can cause back injuries. Although
reasonably sized stones can be handled by two to four individuals,
larger stones will require ropes, slings, and 2x4s (never steel bars)
working as bars and levers. It may also be necessary to use wood wedges
to loosen parts of a monument. Always be careful of edges when using
levers C
they are liable to be damaged or break by force of the lever
concentrated in a small area.
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Examples of Tombstone Repairs By Chicora Foundation. |
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Crayon
Damage |
Examples of Bad Repairs
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