Wow, I had hoped that by clearly explaining the positions of both sides this argument would subside and we could get on to more constructive comments and an exchange of ideas? The poster below; however, seems bent on continuing along the original lines. I will try to explain again. The act of restoration by definition is to "bring back to an original state". This is what folks here are obviously dedicated to accomplishing. While this certainly isn't feasible in all cases, it is nevertheless one of the goals of this group. You continue to refer to your work as restoration. The original state of the monuments you are altering surely did not include PVC, stainless steel, aluminum or concrete? What you are really accomplishing then is a repair. This fundamental difference of restoration vs. repair should adequately explain the problem that the people on this list have with the methods of repair you have described. From the standpoint of established INPCRP restoration practices, your repairs will very probably have consequences that are irreversible and restoration may therefore never be possible. In short, I think it should be obvious that you shouldn't expect accolades for a work product that is contrary to one of the basic premises on which a group was founded. Rather than listening to voices of reason, you prefer to assume a defensive posture and continue to promote a somewhat awkward position. I would respectfully suggest to you again, that it would be more appropriate to think along more positive lines and to start or participate in discussions that at least have a chance of resulting in a better understanding of cemetery monument restoration. Regards, Rich Green Historic Archaeological Research 4338 Hadley Court West Lafayette, IN 47906 Office: (765) 464-8735 Mobile: (765) 427-4082 www.har-indy.com ----- Original Message ----- From: Tom Hull To: INPCRP-L@rootsweb.com Sent: Friday, September 09, 2005 1:06 PM Subject: Re: [INPCRP] summary Well, Kyle, I started this mess by naively thinking that members of a pioneer cemetery restoration list would enjoying seeing that we'd saved the Cottrell from extinction. Since we'd been asked to move to a different topic, I wanted to finish what I started. I thought I'd bring the subject "full circle" as we say in the literary world. Your negative, critical comments as to the timeliness of the closure gives me the opportunity to add that the Cottrell Cemetery is preserved and those stones in cement will be standing for a good long time just like their predecessors in other Madison County cemeteries. That is what cemetery restoration is about and that is the bottom line, so to speak. Melody At 10:39 AM 9/9/2005, you wrote: >Melody: > >The whole point to all of this discussion has been regarding your methods, >not your intentions. I congratulate you on all of your hard work and >dedication...it's just that many on here believe there to be more >effective and proper >ways that would look even better than what you can accomplish. I would guess >that many of those you cite who are pleased with your work base that on the >condition before your work and after. That's not to say they understand >what you >are doing or how you are doing it...and quite possibly don't care as long as >you are doing something. But if the facts were known to all of them, and >they >saw what other options were available and what other end results could be >had, then maybe they would agree that there are better ways. It is >unfortunate >that from everything I have read from the Madison Co posts on this list that >these same people may never be exposed to these techniques unless they travel >outside of your county to compare the other options that have been proposed. >And while I will agree your Green Twp. trustee has expressed his >appreciation, >he is also on record as saying that you may not be doing the work exactly >correct. The fact that he is OK with that is as troubling to me as the >work being >done. Again, I think this topic is at an impasse with regards to Madison >County, so the best we can hope for is to have others that read these >posts do >their diligent research before undertaking any work. > >Kyle D. Conrad > > >==== INPCRP Mailing List ==== >To UNSUBSCRIBE, send message consisting only of >"UNSUBSCRIBE" to INPCRP-L-REQUEST@rootsweb.com > or to INPCRP-D-REQUEST@rootsweb.com (for DIGEST version) ==== INPCRP Mailing List ==== Quote from William Gladstone (1809-1897), three-time Prime Minister of England and Victorian contemporary of Benjamin Disraeli: "Show me the manner in which a nation or community cares for its dead and I will measure with mathematical exactness the tender mercies of its people, their respect for the laws of the land, and their loyalty to high ideals."