One I cleaned today

[John Winn]

I've retired from cemetery preservation but yesterday I got a message from the manager of our oldest city cemetery (who I know) saying that a man from Colorado had contacted her about a military stone that belongs to one of his relatives (long story). She had some questions and I told her I'd be happy to go over and clean it as it truly needed it. She said "great" and I did. So, here's the before and after photos (sorry, can't get the after photo to orient correctly):

Henry was in Company G and served as drummer, drum Major, and fife Major. He saw combat at Shiloh, in the Atlanta campaign, and in Sherman's march (and some other smaller shootouts). He was present when Gen. Johnston surrendered in North Carolina.

 

[Michael W.]

I've retired from cemetery preservation but yesterday I got a message from the manager of our oldest city cemetery (who I know) saying that a man from Colorado had contacted her about a military stone that belongs to one of his relatives (long story). She had some questions and I told her I'd be happy to go over and clean it as it truly needed it. She said "great" and I did. So, here's the before and after photos (sorry, can't get the after photo to orient correctly):

View attachment 492932View attachment 492933

Henry was in Company G and served as drummer, drum Major, and fife Major. He saw combat at Shiloh, the Atlanta campaign, and in Sherman's march (and some other smaller shootouts). He was present when Gen. Johnston surrendered in North Carolina.

What do you use to clean the stone?

 

[John Winn]

What do you use to clean the stone?

First I just use water. Then I use a product called D/2 which is what is used in all the national cemeteries. It's the standard in cemetery work (and stone monument restoration in general). Some folks use Wet and Forget but I don't although now it's approved for use in national cemeteries, too (wasn't for a long time; D/2 has been around a lot longer and has been thoroughly tested). That's it. Nothing else should ever be used other than water, D/2 or Wet and Forget (but I prefer D/2).

 

[Sheltowee]

That is an outstanding job. A kind-hearted deed. Thank you.

 

[bdtex]

Well done sir and it will look even better before long.

 

[John Winn]

Today I got an email from the great grandson of Henry who thanked me and was very pleased to know the stone was in good condition. He's in his eighties and wanted to make sure the stone was taken care of (or replaced) while he could manage such. He provided a little more information about his great grandfather and is obviously very proud of his service. It was a nice Christmas present to get such an email. I've had a number of these types of encounters over the years and they always made me feel good about what I was doing. Sort of a last tag for me I suppose.

 

[rebel brit]

Very commendable, you did an amazing job on the gravestone. It must have made your Christmas to get that email.
Kudos to you.

 

[scooter748driver]

That's fantastic! Thank you for doing that.


Do you have a tutorial or instructions for novices should others want to emulate you and pay tribute to our fallen veterans?

 

[John Winn]

That's fantastic! Thank you for doing that.


Do you have a tutorial or instructions for novices should others want to emulate you and pay tribute to our fallen veterans?

I can provide instructions on how to clean markers but haven't written anything up. If you want to learn how to do it send me a PM and and maybe an email address and I can help you out. It's not rocket science but there are do's and don'ts and you'll want to assemble a kit.

 

[Ed Zeppelin]

I've retired from cemetery preservation but yesterday I got a message from the manager of our oldest city cemetery (who I know) saying that a man from Colorado had contacted her about a military stone that belongs to one of his relatives (long story). She had some questions and I told her I'd be happy to go over and clean it as it truly needed it. She said "great" and I did. So, here's the before and after photos (sorry, can't get the after photo to orient correctly):

View attachment 492932View attachment 492933

Henry was in Company G and served as drummer, drum Major, and fife Major. He saw combat at Shiloh, in the Atlanta campaign, and in Sherman's march (and some other smaller shootouts). He was present when Gen. Johnston surrendered in North Carolina.

Here ya go. Nice job on the restoration.

Sent from my Commodore 64 running Windows 95

 

[Patrick H]

Nice!

 

[John Winn]

Here ya go. Nice job on the restoration.
View attachment 493480
Sent from my Commodore 64 running Windows 95

Thank you very much !

 

[scooter748driver]

I can provide instructions on how to clean markers but haven't written anything up. If you want to learn how to do it send me a PM and and maybe an email address and I can help you out. It's not rocket science but there are do's and don'ts and you'll want to assemble a kit.

PM sent

 

[donna]

Nice job.

 

[Virginia Dave]

What a difference. Thanks again for the tip.