Grave Concerns

GRAVE CONCERNS Oak Cemetery, Fort Smith, Sebastian County A PRESERVATION MANUAL FOR HISTORIC CEMETERIES IN ARKANSAS This preservation manual was researched and written by Tammie Trippe-Dillon Trippe-Holly Grove Cemetery, Desha County Published by the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program 1500 Tower Building, 323 Center Street Little Rock, AR 72201 (501) 324-9880 An agency of the Department of Arkansas Heritage TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction CHAPTER ONE: Getting organized CHAPTER TWO: Conducting a survey CHAPTER THREE: Research and documentation CHAPTER FOUR: Cleaning basics CHAPTER FIVE: Funding CHAPTER SIX: Awareness APPENDIX Acknowledgement The Arkansas Historic Preservation Program is an agency of the Department of Arkansas Heritage which seeks to identify a sense of time and place for Arkansans and enhance their quality of life through the documentation, interpretation, preservation and presentation of the state’s natural, cultural and historic resources. One such place that incorporates both natural and manmade elements is the historic cemetery. Although we are interested in prehistoric burial grounds that can be found throughout Arkansas, it is the places that were created by various cultural groups that settled and shaped the state from the early nineteenth through the mid-twentieth century that is the focus of this handbook. Almost every day the AHPP receives a call about an issue that concerns a historic cemetery. From inquiries as simple as, is the property on the National Register to more complex issues of what to do with broken monuments, each call has propelled the office to create a manual that addresses the most frequently asked questions. Site visits to cemeteries from the Delta to the Highlands defined the types of problems found in our historic burial grounds. Questions during programs presented to Arkansas historical societies and others helped determine the most common, as well as unique, problems that face residents in efforts to preserve state cemeteries. Numerous authors, conservators, workshops, and organizations associated with cemetery preservation were consulted during the research phase for this manual. Other state cemetery preservation programs were studied to assist in the development of a realistic program that could be implemented within our state. The following pages contain a guide to assist individuals and organizations in the basic steps toward the preservation of historic graveyards and cemeteries in Arkansas. Although many may feel that the content described in the following pages is more than they needed to stabilize their site, if long-term preservation is your goal, it will be necessary to complete each step described in this manual. To supplement this text, we have developed other materials that focus on cemeteries. The Tales of the Crypt binder is a step by step guide to assist cemetery associations, schools and communities in producing a living history program that will generate funds and awareness of your cemetery. Grave Knowledge, an educational unit that utilizes cemeteries as outdoor classroom, was devised for state teachers and provides information and activities to assist in scholarly pursuits. A slide program on cemetery types and typical site features is available for public viewing. A number of programs and services are also available to the public. Staff members can perform site visits to discuss preservation concerns you may have about a particular cemetery. Educators will perform presentations for groups on issues connected to historic burial grounds. Finally, the AHPP will offer public workshops that focus on issues, concerns and methods to preserve state historic cemeteries. Introduction Historic cemeteries are irreplaceable landscapes. Many of the historic cemeteries in our state have been neglected for decades. Some are more endangered than others. Those that have suffered the most disintegration are the rural community and family sites. For every known rural burial ground, there are at least five that have been forgotten from our collective consciousness. The plight of these sites can be contributed to a number of factors such as abandonment, apathy, encroachment, environmental factors, vandalism and theft. Perhaps the most influential factor is the change in the rituals associated with burying our dead. Not so long ago, it was the family, friends and members of the community that would perform the activities associated with death. From building the coffin to digging the grave, death was dealt with on a personal basis. The deceased were acknowledged long after they had passed from this earth through events such as Decoration Day and cleanup day, a time when family reunited to remember the past and honor their dead. As the funeral industry developed, the role of the family changed from being all encompassing to becoming mere visitors at the final rites. Once the body is in the ground, many family members and friends will say their final good-byes, only to return when it is time to bury another loved one. As we moved away from a personal role in the care of our deceased loved ones, hired personnel have been in charge of cleaning cemeteries. Instead of the individual caring for the family plot with the use of hand tools and manual labor weedeaters, insecticides and lawnmowers have taken their place. These modern machines and chemicals have caused stone damage and the removal of footstones and fencing, all in the name of saving time. Technological advancements have left rural cemeteries in dire straits. Improved transportation and changes in economic pursuits have accelerated the decline and loss of many burial grounds from our small communities. Today, with the transient nature of Americans and the lack of economic opportunities for the young in rural areas, many have moved far away from their home. With no one left to look after the resting places of the dead, nature has reclaimed her ground or farmers and developers have decided that the land is better suited for the living. Left abandoned and uncared for, the living have begun to encroach upon these sites for present day needs. Pollution has led to the deterioration of many monuments and markers in our urban cemeteries causing stones to blacken and decay. In an effort to erase the effects of time and pollution, some well-meaning people used improper cleaning techniques, such as the use of bleach to whiten the marble markers, which in turn will hasten the decline of the stone. The living have also seen the economic advantage of stealing and selling for profit many decorative features found in these early burial grounds. With the increased popularity of the “Garden Style” or “Cemetery Chic” in the decorating field, many of the statues and cast iron fences have found their way into the hands of antique dealers who knowingly or unknowingly sell them to the public as home decorations. Some of the living, especially the young people of our state, have found cemeteries interesting playgrounds, where knocking over monuments and breaking markers are fun activities for a Saturday night. Not taught to respect these sites and with little personal knowledge of the value they hold to our history, the young will continue to cause reversible damage. To mention just one site that displays any or all of the detrimental effects would be unfair for the problem is widespread and can be found from the highlands to the lowlands and all points in-between. Pick up the newspaper and you will see story after story of historic burial grounds in the state that have been altered or lost. Before we lose any more of these valuable historic documents from our memory, we must do what we can to preserve our historic burial grounds. This manual provides information to assist individuals and groups in developing a preservation program for both urban and rural historic cemeteries. From creating a plan of action to implementation, it will take the effort of local citizens to save our cemeteries. Beyond individual involvement, local, regional and state cemetery preservation societies are needed to seek a broader base of support for their efforts. GETTING ORGANIZED Before any work can begin in a historic cemetery, it will be necessary to develop a plan of action, define a workforce, become familiar with the site and learn laws that may help or hamper your work. A number of activities and issues will need to be addressed to ensure that your efforts are worth the time invested. Your site may be in such disrepair that you instinctively want to grab a chainsaw and pail of water to erase years of neglect. STOP! The following steps should be taken before any work is initiated in the cemetery. 1. LOCATE THE OWNER You will need to locate the owner of the cemetery or petition the quorum court before any work is performed at the site. Finding the person that holds the deed on a cemetery can sometimes be difficult. A government entity, a corporation, a cemetery association, a church, or a family may hold ownership. Possession often can be determined with a visit to the site. If the cemetery is located in a rural area and seems to be maintained on a regular basis, there will often be a plaque or sign that provides points of contact. If the cemetery is found near a church, the pastor should be able to provide you with ownership information. If the site is located within city limits, local or county officials should be able to furnish you with leads to locate the person or entity that holds the deed. It is important that the correct site name is used to seek out the owner. If you cannot find a name for the abandoned site, look at a United States Geological Survey map. Cemeteries are denoted with a cross and name. You will need to know what quadrant the property is located within, and you can find this by requesting an index from the U.

Load more