GAR/SUVCW Flag Holders

[David Ireland]

Did the SUVCW replace flag holders with ones that said GAR, or are all these rusty GAR stars I've been straightening and replanting the originals? I sort of assumed they were replacements, but if they aren't, I'll get chills knowing I touched something the vets touched and feel apprehensive that I've been tampering with history. Does anyone think I shouldn't touch them or that it would be damaging to do so? I feel like the cemetery caretakers don't care, and that it is our responsibility to care for the memories so that they don't fall down and get forgotten. But I don't want to contribute to the deterioration of the GAR stars..

 

[redbob]

The SUVCW still has a number of active chapters and perhaps you could Google their Headquarters and their historian may be able to answer your question.

 

[2rivcob73]

Did the SUVCW replace flag holders with ones that said GAR, or are all these rusty GAR stars I've been straightening and replanting the originals? I sort of assumed they were replacements, but if they aren't, I'll get chills knowing I touched something the vets touched and feel apprehensive that I've been tampering with history. Does anyone think I shouldn't touch them or that it would be damaging to do so? I feel like the cemetery caretakers don't care, and that it is our responsibility to care for the memories so that they don't fall down and get forgotten. But I don't want to contribute to the deterioration of the GAR stars..

DId you have any luck with this and talking to a local SUVCW Camp to help? If you need help getting in touch with them let me know and i can find their contact info for you.
Ben

 

[63rdOVI]

Did the SUVCW replace flag holders with ones that said GAR, or are all these rusty GAR stars I've been straightening and replanting the originals? I sort of assumed they were replacements, but if they aren't, I'll get chills knowing I touched something the vets touched and feel apprehensive that I've been tampering with history. Does anyone think I shouldn't touch them or that it would be damaging to do so? I feel like the cemetery caretakers don't care, and that it is our responsibility to care for the memories so that they don't fall down and get forgotten. But I don't want to contribute to the deterioration of the GAR stars..

I am a past department commander and current graves registration officer for the Department of Texas, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.

I'm pretty sure that many of the GAR grave markers are original, since the GAR was in existence until 1956. If you have any questions regarding maintenance of the grave please contact the local SUVCW camp or department who should be able to assist you. Reproduction GAR grave markers are available for placement at members' graves. We do sincerely appreciate you taking the time to clean up and maintain our forebears' resting places. If you have encountered any graves which you have reason to believe have been forgotten by the cemetery sexton or family, please do not hesitate to contact us for registration of the grave. Our national database might be of help.

http://www.suvcw.org/?page_id=272

 

[David Ireland]

I am a past department commander and current graves registration officer for the Department of Texas, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.

I'm pretty sure that many of the GAR grave markers are original, since the GAR was in existence until 1956. If you have any questions regarding maintenance of the grave please contact the local SUVCW camp or department who should be able to assist you. Reproduction GAR grave markers are available for placement at members' graves. We do sincerely appreciate you taking the time to clean up and maintain our forebears' resting places. If you have encountered any graves which you have reason to believe have been forgotten by the cemetery sexton or family, please do not hesitate to contact us for registration of the grave. Our national database might be of help.

http://www.suvcw.org/?page_id=272

I spoke with Bruce who manages the graves database. He said that they likely are original and to be careful. I plan to join SUVCW when I can afford it, but one of my life goals is to report all the local graves here in the Finger Lakes region of NY which are unknown and try to preserve the ones which are in bad shape. That'll come later though because I'm working on getting into law school first.

Does anyone know if SUVCW replaces damaged stones or if there's a way to safely clean mossy or dirty stones?

 

[63rdOVI]

I spoke with Bruce who manages the graves database. He said that they likely are original and to be careful. I plan to join SUVCW when I can afford it, but one of my life goals is to report all the local graves here in the Finger Lakes region of NY which are unknown and try to preserve the ones which are in bad shape. That'll come later though because I'm working on getting into law school first.

Does anyone know if SUVCW replaces damaged stones or if there's a way to safely clean mossy or dirty stones?

We do order them and in most cases can install them. My camp has done this for many Union veterans' graves over the years.

For safe ways to clean current headstones this site appears to prescribe No Harm methods: https://cemeteryconservatorsunitedstandards.org/standards/cleaning/

 

[Crazy Delawares]

I spoke with Bruce who manages the graves database. He said that they likely are original and to be careful. I plan to join SUVCW when I can afford it, but one of my life goals is to report all the local graves here in the Finger Lakes region of NY which are unknown and try to preserve the ones which are in bad shape. That'll come later though because I'm working on getting into law school first.

Does anyone know if SUVCW replaces damaged stones or if there's a way to safely clean mossy or dirty stones?

There is a biological cleaning agent known as Polyandrium. I believe it is made in Texas and is sprayed onto the stone. It only "eats" the moss that dirties the stone. It does not affect the stone at all. In most cases you don't even need to lightly brush the stone. IF you must do so, do so with a very soft brush. You should notice a difference within a week to three weeks. Be patient.

 

[David Ireland]

There is a biological cleaning agent known as Polyandrium. I believe it is made in Texas and is sprayed onto the stone. It only "eats" the moss that dirties the stone. It does not affect the stone at all. In most cases you don't even need to lightly brush the stone. IF you must do so, do so with a very soft brush. You should notice a difference within a week to three weeks. Be patient.

Where do you buy that?

 

[Crazy Delawares]

Where do you buy that?

I'll have to get back to you on that one. Know it's in Texas. But that is all I know. I'll post back.