Submitted by Margo Caulfield
In keeping with Memorial Day, many people will be going to local cemeteries to lay flowers on graves. There are many gravestones that have no one to remember them and are left to weather the best they can. Many of our oldest markers show signs of aging and disrepair. In an effort to preserve our history, and to honor those who have gone before us, the Cavendish Historical Society (CHS) will be holding its first annual Cemetery Grave Marker Cleaning Day on May 29 (Saturday) from 9-noon at the Hillcrest Cemetery in Proctorsville.
While CHS will have volunteers on hand to teach the proper way to clean the gravestones, the following simple tips can be followed by anyone interested in cleaning a gravestone.
- Do no harm. Don’t do anything that will remove or damage the original surface of the stone.
- Start from the bottom up and work up, as this avoids streaking.
- Keep the stone very wet.
- Use a soft brush (nylon or natural)-do not use wire brushes. Brush in a random circular motion. Clean with fresh water as you go. Test a small patch at the bottom of the stone to make sure you wont damage the stone.
- For lichen-soak with water and scrape with a wooden or plastic scraper (no metal)
- Lots and lots of water. Hoses are fine, but no power washing.
- NO BLEACH Stones are composed of minerals and salts. Adding bleach or other corrosive solvents may make the stone look white, but will shorten the life of the marker considerably. You can get a lot done with just water. If you want to use a cleaner, use a non-ionic one.
- If you are cleaning a modern stone, check with the company for cleaning instructions.
CHS’s “Monument Cleaning” handout is available at the Cavendish Library, the Cavendish Historical Society Museum in Cavendish, and at the Cavendish Town Office. Copies will be distributed on May 29. While CHS will have sprayers and brushes on site, it’s recommended that you bring a clean brush. For more information, please call 802-226-7807 or e-mail [email protected].