Please, we
need transcriptions for these Cemeteries For This Site!
A
special thanks to
Deborah
Watford for her many Transcriptions and Contributions!
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Henry County Cemeteries
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Henry County Cemeteries
Gravestone
Rubbings Dos and Don'ts
From "Gravestone Rubbing
for Beginners," a leaflet available from the Association for Gravestone
Studies
Gravestone rubbing is
fun. It is possible to collect some beautiful artwork that can be framed
and displayed. A carver's skill can be preserved, or an ancestor's stone
recorded and appreciated through this craft. However, gravestone rubbing
is also controversial. Especially in cemeteries where a restoration project
is in progress, rubbing is often banned. This is to enable the restorers
to have an opportunity to preserve all the stones possible before more
damage occurs. Even if a restoration project is not in progress, if the
those who care for the cemetery have determined there are very fragile
stones there which may be damaged if pressure is applied to the surface
as happens in rubbing, there may be prohibitions in place. So be sure to
check.
Below are some Do's and
Don'ts that will make your experience in the cemetery a good one.
Please Do
Check (with cemetery superintendent,
cemetery commissioners, town clerk, historical society, whoever is in charge)
to see if rubbing is allowed in the cemetery.
Get permission and/or
a permit as required.
Rub only solid stones
in good condition. Check for any cracks, evidence of previous breaks and
adhesive repairs, defoliating stone with air pockets behind the face of
the stone that will collapse under pressure of rubbing, etc
Become educated; learn
how to rub responsibly.
Use a soft brush and
plain water to do any necessary stone cleaning.
Make certain that your
paper covers the entire face of the stone; secure with masking tape.
Use the correct combination
of paper and waxes or inks; avoid magic marker-type pens or other permanent
color materials.
Test paper and color
before working on stone to be certain that no color bleeds through.
Rub gently, carefully.
Leave the stone in better
condition than you found it.
Take all trash with you;
replace any grave site materials that you may have disturbed.
Please Don't
Don't attempt to rub deteriorating
marble or sandstone, or any unsound or weakened stone (for example, a stone
that sounds hollow when gently tapped or a stone that is flaking, splitting,
blistered, cracked, or unstable on its base).
Don't use detergents,
soaps, vinegar, bleach, or any other cleaning solutions on the stone, no
matter how mild!
Don't use shaving cream,
chalk, graphite, dirt, or other concoctions in an attempt to read worn
inscriptions. Using a large mirror to direct bright sunlight diagonally
across the face of a grave marker casts shadows in indentations and makes
inscriptions more visible.
Don't use stiff-bristled
or wire brushes, putty knives, nail files, or any metal object to clean
or to remove lichen from the stone; Soft natural bristled brushes, whisk
brooms, or wooden sticks are usually OK if used gently and carefully
Don't attempt to remove
stubborn lichen. Soft lichen may be thoroughly soaked with plain water
and then loosened with a gum eraser or a wooden popsicle stick. Be gentle.
Stop if lichen does not come off easily.
Don't use spray adhesives,
scotch tape, or duct tape. Use masking tape.
Don't use any rubbing
method that you have not actually practiced under supervision.
Don't leave masking tape,
wastepaper, colors, etc., at the grave site
Source: Some Gravestone
Rubbings Dos and Don'ts
From "Gravestone Rubbing
for Beginners," a leaflet available from the Association for Gravestone
Studies
The Association for Gravestone
Studies
Cleaning Hints and Cleaners
Discussed on the above site. |
