CO-CEMETERIES-L Archives

From: "Gail Meyer Kilgore" <>
Subject: [CO-CEMETERIES] ~ Marking Surveyed Graves More Ideas
Date: Mon, 11 Sep 2000 02:11:04 -0700

Depending on the size of the cemetery.......here are some quick
tips.....

Begin at what seems to be to be the front of the cemetery, you
will get a feeling as to where that is at you enter the property, but
really you do as you please there.

These are the items to carry in your car in a box for use if needed:
gloves
spray bottle with water
small hedge clippers
sunglasses
clip board
pencils and sharpeners
bottled water
outdoor disposable camera
cemetery list forms
bug spray
hi-lite pens
change of clothes
small cloth bags full of beans.
trash bags
extra shoes or boots

have a particular set of clothes that you always wear when transcribing.
overalls, boots, comfy shirt etc......
lots of times you will use old shoe strings to tie your pants close at the
ankles. it keep the sticker burrs from attaching themselves to your socks.
use your clipboard with the cemetery forms and pencil and note where in the
cemetery you are standing ie. corner of beach and maple street, n.e. n.w.
right of xxx etc.

be sure to date your work.

begin transcribing everything on a stone birth, age death, inscription etc.
if you are having trouble reading
it use spray bottle with water to wet stone for better visual.
if you have a question about a particular stone or feel you need to go back
to it at a later time, hi-light this
on your sheet.

usually take pictures of unusual stones or oddities found in the cemetery.
use the clippers to clear debris from a stone if needed to transcribe it.
when you are done for the day, note what stone was your last, and the next
stone to do when you return.
put a cloth bag of dried beans at this spot so you can find it with ease
when you return
brightly colored bags make it easier to spot.

rules for your self
only two hours a day spent transcribing, although this doesnt sound like
much, it is very tiring work especially, more if you feel up to it.
if it is hot, most cemeteries don't have much shade from the elements.
two hours usually is the equivalent of 100 transcriptions.
bring and drink lots of water!!! sugar drinks tend to attracts
ants.....water is better for you anyway : )
if the ground sinks or is soft......move quick! probably a fire ant
pile.....
keep a close eye on your surroundings, if you get too far from the safety of
your car, move it closer to your area.
if at all possible, bring a friend to help you. if not, please let a friend
or family member know where you are going, and what time you expect to
return.
the same day, while it is fresh in my mind, copy all info you have from
paper to excel or word spread sheet on the computer.

most of all.....have fun!!!!

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• [CO-CEMETERIES] ~ Marking Surveyed Graves More Ideas by "Gail Meyer Kilgore" <>