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Archiver > CEMETERY > 1998-09 > 0905001642


From: Robert Young <>
Subject: Re: [CEMETERY-L] Conservation/Preservation project
Date: Sat, 05 Sep 1998 09:20:42 -0400


Tod Davis wrote:

> In a couple of weeks, we are going to begin a conservation and
> preservation project on a
> 19th century cemetery in Trenton, MI. Documenting and mapping will be
> our first step.
> Can anyone suggest the proper tools to do probing for buried headstones?
> Any
> suggestions on probing and mapping techniques will be greatly
> appreciated. Thank you
> for your attention to my request.
>
> Very kind regards,
>
> Tod Davis
> Trenton, MI
>

Tod,

What I've found works best for searching for buried stones is a sharpened
metal stake. I was able to get a 5 foot length metal rod from a local
construction wholesaler. A friend with a power sander and emery disk
sharpened one end in a long taper (over about 2-3 inches). A stubby point
won't do.

The rod should be able to enter the ground with mild to moderate pressure.
You only need to probe about 3-4 inches deep in most cases.

Hopefully, you will have some idea of where these buried stones might lie.
Everything that you find with a probe is not going to be a headstone or
footstone.

Bob Young
Danbury, CT, Gravestone
Preservation Project

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