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Archiver > MO-CW > 2001-06 > 0993797431


From: "Desoto Joe" <>
Subject: [MO-CW] Re: Headstone rubbings, etc...
Date: Fri, 29 Jun 2001 01:50:31 -0500



----- Original Message -----
From: "Gregory Brown" <>
To: <>
Sent: Thursday, June 28, 2001 9:40 AM
Subject: [MO-CW] Re: Headstone rubbings, etc...


> I haven't done any specific study of shaving cream on headstones, nor
> can I site any in the literature. However, I am trained in the
> conservation of geological materials, and have read numerous papers on
> the conservation of architectural stone. I would strongly discourage
> people from applying ANYTHING directly to headstones. Any material,
> especially one containing soaps, surfactants, emulsifiers, alcohols
> and oils (shaving cream) applied to the stone *may* rapidly accelerate
> it's deterioration. Or it may not. The truth is, no one knows for
> sure what the long- (or even short-) term effects are. Is it worth
> the risk just for a good picture?
>
> Obviously, headstones exposed to the elements are continuously
> deteriorating. Often, however, the rate of deterioration is slow
> because the minerals in the surface of the stone have reached a sort
> of equilibrium with their environment. Altering this delicate
> chemical equilibrium can be disastrous. Just because shaving cream
> appears to "wash off" easily doesn't mean it is safe. At the chemical
> level, be assured that it does NOT "wash off" the stone.
>
> I viewed the headstone pictures taken with shaving cream and they are
> indeed remarkable. But at what cost? The least damaging way to
> capture photos of stone inscriptions is to take pictures at night
> using a raking (low angle) light to illuminate the stone. Yes, it's
> inconvenient, and no, the results (though quite nice) are not equal to
> shaving cream, but you'll be helping to preserve the stone for future
> genealogists. At the very least, consult with a trained conservator
> before doing this.
>
> Thanks,
> Gregory Brown
> (Chief Preparator, Vertebrate Paleontology, University of Nebraska
> State Museum)
>


For starters, I reiterate that I personally do not use anything on
headstones. I have seen members of historical societies use wire brushes to
clean surfaces, do paper rubs, use shaving cream. I have heard of others
using mixtures of baking soda to clean stones. The bottom line is that they
are out there documenting these stones for future generations to know
about. If no one goes out looking for them, they become lost to mankind for
ever.

The elements weather these stones & deteriorate them drastically, depending
on the location of the stones in respect to the direct contact the elements
have in relation to them. I have seen tree sap totally destroy stones, as
well as the acidic content of the rain that hits them. Direct exposure to
wind has eroded stones, but the greatest threat to the destruction of
headstones, is vandalism.

The only way to preserve a headstone for future generations to view, is to
remove them & have them sealed behind a glass to view. This of course is
impractical & detracts from the original purpose of placing a stone there in
the first place. Everything eventually erodes & ceases to exist, this is a
fact. There are methods of retarding the process, but eventually, anything
that is exposed to the weather, will need to be replaced. The great
monuments placed at Gettysburg have to be restored at times because nothing
man-made lasts forever.

Perhaps more study needs to be made about the long term eroding effects that
shaving cream has on certain elements combined in a headstone. The people
who do the field work, feel that getting to the stones & documenting the
remaining ones are the most important endeavor at present. Taking these
photos by using *any* method available to them, to better preserve
documented evidence of their existence, is critical. Why? Because there are
many who simply do not care & destroy the stones to further progress.
Cemeteries are being destroyed to provide people with better highways, or
subdivisions, or airports.

Property owners destroy the stones to give them more room to build, or plant
crops. I have seen it happen & there are very little laws that are directed
to the preservation of these burial plots. So I do not condemn anyone who is
trying to document headstones, but in the same breath, I do not condone the
use of solvents that may deteriorate the stone.

The Veterans administration will replace stones of Civil War participants
whose stones are badly damaged or eroded. Still in doubt?

Take a look at these articles & decide for yourselves.

Shaving Cream: Right or Wrong?
http://www.savinggraves.com/shavingcream.htm

Diggin' up the dead
http://www.hoosiertimes.com/stories/2001/02/24/TM.new.19119.sto?PREVURI=%2Fs
earch

A VISIT TO THE CEMETERY
http://www.ole.net/~maggie/macomb/cemvisit.htm

Desoto Joe/The Record Man



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