Cemetery Update -- Cleaning Stones

I have had a busy week, mostly putting the final touches on the first leg of my "Boones in Oregon" project. I am looking at a variety of solutions for putting this up on a web page. But more about that project another day.

Last weekend we went to Portland to attend a morning class at Lone Fir Pioneer Cemetery in how to clean grave markers. Since it is summer in Oregon, the day was overcast, breezy and none to warm. We also had a group of young adults from Central Catholic High School -- almost 40 of them. Becky and Steve (from Friends of Lone Fir) were giving the class, and I don't think they expected all of them, but they graciously carried on, and the students appeared to be enjoying themselves.

First of all, do no harm! That means that if the stone is badly cracked or stone is flaking off, don't touch it! You will need to consult someone more knowledgeable about stone preservation. However, if the stone is in reasonably good condition and just dirty, you can proceed.

You will need

• LOTS of water. If a hose isn't available, you will need several buckets of water.
• Brushes -- natural bristles are best, although soft nylon ones are OK. A large one for large areas, toothbrushes for small areas
• Wooden utensils such as chopsticks, paint sticks, and so on. Never use metal of any kind around the stones
• For stones badly stained with lichens, you will need an non-ionic solution such as Photo-flo. Basically, an ionic solution (such as salt and water) conducts electricity, a non-ionic solution (sugar and water) does not. It makes water "wetter", but doesn't harm the stones.
• Miscellaneous small things like cotton puffs, Q-Tips, clean rags.

To begin, wet the stone and your tools. Never, ever work on a dry stone. You want to really soak the area you will be working on, giving the stone a few minutes to absorb the water.

Next, using your wooden tools, remove any accumulations of moss and dirt, working slowly and very carefully. If stone seems to be flaking, STOP! and get professional advice before proceeding.

Then, using a wet brush, continue cleaning the stone. Make sure you keep the stone continuously wet.

When you have removed all the dirt you can, you can work on the lichens with Photo-flo. Mix up a solution of 1 or 2 teaspoons of Photo-flo to a gallon of water. Using a cotton ball or Q-tip, apply the solution sparingly to stained areas that are already wet. Wait for 5 minutes or so, and rinse thoroughly. You may have to repeat this several times.

The reward is a clean marker. The old white marble markers begin to look brand new very quickly. We uncovered a truly unique marker under layers of moss, dirt and grime: the grave of a 5 year old girl, it was the shape of a child-sized coffin with a very ornate cross in raised stone on the top, and an inscription running all around the edges. No one had seen the pattern in years, and now it will be a very special place again.

So, go carefully. And remember, unless it is the grave of a family member, it doesn't belong to you. Always get permission from the cemetery staff or the family before working on a stone.