Description

Section:  37           Name: L.E. Thaw         Age of burial plot: 132 years

Family plot or single?  Single (as known)

Coping wall or stone border?   Yes, fieldstone

Monument stone make:  Marble

Size: 19X12X2

Upright slab, upright or horizontal conical, block, obelisk, multi level, specialty, statue, other

Base make: Red Limestone/slotted

Size: 21X3X4

Condition of monument and base: Monument slab is worn but intact. It currently lies flat and script faces up. The base is broken at the top (slotted area) and is sunken to ground level.        

Description of location: Area of the burial plot of L.E. Thaw is on a slope on the southwest side of section 37. The area shows shifting of sands downward to and past this plot from areas above. The plot appears to be alone in the area and established evergreen trees are its only nearby vegetation. A thick bed of pine needles cover the grave and stone wall. A line of medium rounded fieldstones are easily observed on the plots west side and appears to continue along the south side to form an “L”. No other visible monuments or bases.

Resources

Tools needed: camera (to document before and after), rake, trowel and spade, small broom, shovel, bucket with clean water, soft bristled brush

Number of volunteers needed: small project…can be done with 2 or 3 volunteers

Plan

1.      Photograph the entire grave plot area before any work is done from all angles as the area currently exists. (See above)

2.      Lift and set monument on to a slightly elevated platform and document its original location.

3.      Clean stone with clean water and soft bristled brush. Let dry

4.      Carefully rake away leaves and pine needles that sit on the surface of the area surrounding the base and monument approx. the width and depth of the visible wall. The visible wall is approx. 6’X6’ on the west and south side.

5.      Determine the true border of the plot by carefully moving away dirt and debris from the rock border and then attempt to determine by careful excavation if there is a rock border along the east and north sides.

6.      Any loose red limestone found around the base will likely be a part of the broken top slot portion. Store carefully if they are determined to be viable.

7.      Carefully excavate around the base to determine its depth. Is it whole? Check its level. Does it need to be reset or cleared? If the answer is “Yes” to reset, determine slope. Carefully pick up base after the area around it has been carefully cleared for no less than 1” around all sides and set on another elevated platform. This may require a block and tackle type assistance. If it is too heavy, have a professional assist in its removal. Document it original location.

8.      Level out the area of the plot carefully. There may be other grave markers or footstones just below ground. A shovel may scar a sunken stone marker. In some cases the ground may need to be disturbed with a small trowel and gloves.

9.      Level the base area and make sure the ground is compact. Add water  and press the area for the base to make it firm. Add sand and pea gravel and check its level. Replace base to its original location and check level.

10.  Determine what might be used to secure the monument to the base and how this can be done without causing further deterioration of the monument or the base. This may require a separate plan.

11.  Finish with completing a complimentary border on the north and east side of the plot, if no other fieldstones are located. This will help prevent any further shift of sands and soils from above and add mulch to the interior of the border.

12.  Photograph finished project

Description of location: Area of the burial plot of L.E. Thaw is on a slope on the southwest side of section 37. The area shows shifting of sands downward to and past this plot from areas above. The plot appears to be alone in the area and established evergreen trees are its only nearby vegetation. A thick bed of pine needles cover the grave and stone wall. A line of medium rounded fieldstones are easily observed on the plots west side and appears to continue along the south side to form an “L”. No other visible monuments or bases.

Resources

Tools needed: camera (to document before and after), rake, trowel and spade, small broom, shovel, bucket with clean water, soft bristled brush

Number of volunteers needed: small project…can be done with 2 or 3 volunteers

Plan

1.      Photograph the entire grave plot area before any work is done from all angles as the area currently exists. (See above)

2.      Lift and set monument on to a slightly elevated platform and document its original location.

3.      Clean stone with clean water and soft bristled brush. Let dry

4.      Carefully rake away leaves and pine needles that sit on the surface of the area surrounding the base and monument approx. the width and depth of the visible wall. The visible wall is approx. 6’X6’ on the west and south side.

5.      Determine the true border of the plot by carefully moving away dirt and debris from the rock border and then attempt to determine by careful excavation if there is a rock border along the east and north sides.

6.      Any loose red limestone found around the base will likely be a part of the broken top slot portion. Store carefully if they are determined to be viable.

7.      Carefully excavate around the base to determine its depth. Is it whole? Check its level. Does it need to be reset or cleared? If the answer is “Yes” to reset, determine slope. Carefully pick up base after the area around it has been carefully cleared for no less than 1” around all sides and set on another elevated platform. This may require a block and tackle type assistance. If it is too heavy, have a professional assist in its removal. Document it original location.

8.      Level out the area of the plot carefully. There may be other grave markers or footstones just below ground. A shovel may scar a sunken stone marker. In some cases the ground may need to be disturbed with a small trowel and gloves.

9.      Level the base area and make sure the ground is compact. Add water  and press the area for the base to make it firm. Add sand and pea gravel and check its level. Replace base to its original location and check level.

10.  Determine what might be used to secure the monument to the base and how this can be done without causing further deterioration of the monument or the base. This may require a separate plan.

11.  Finish with completing a complimentary border on the north and east side of the plot, if no other fieldstones are located. This will help prevent any further shift of sands and soils from above and add mulch to the interior of the border.

12.  Photograph finished project