In a message dated 09/01/2005 9:00:04 AM Central Standard Time, thull@iquest.net writes: As to the purpose of the Indiana Pioneer Cemetery Restoration Project, is it not to support the preservation of pioneer cemeteries or does it only foster one method of restoration--that endorsed by Mark Davis? Is this a broad spectrum, politically pro-active coalition or is it a myopic "my-way-or-no-way" social club? Somebody clarify this issue for me. Melody Madison County Melody: You will probably receive a myriad of responses to your question, but let me make a couple of comments since I am not and have never claimed to be a tombstone restorationist, even though I wholeheartedly support such endeavors. I haven't the talent nor equipment to do such work, but I greatly respect those that do.... With that in mind, there is no doubt more than one 'method' of restoration of pioneer grave markers. This is evident by discussions on this list and by traversing the state's cemeteries. However, there are certain methods that, when practiced, can cause irreparable harm to these tombstones, thus defeating the purpose of what the members of this list have set out to do. The goals of this list are many. Not only do members work to identify cemeteries that are in danger of being obliterated from the face of the earth, but once identified they work to try and save and restore them to an acceptable state. Those that understand the dynamics of the various types and materials of grave stones in existence in Indiana also try to share that knowledge and experience with everyone who frequents this list (and previously the web site) to ensure that any and all restoration is done in a way that it does not cause more harm to the stones. And it does get frustrating when, with all of the information available through this and other sources, incorrect restoration continues to be practiced. Different cleaning methods and repair methods have been discussed on this list for many years. Those that truly want to do a proper job of restoration will research and ask questions of those who have the expertise and experience to know the answers. As Rich Green so eloquently stated earlier today in a response to another post... "There are no leaders, no followers...just a diverse group of folks getting together to share information or to ask for assistance." It's not the ones who come here to ask questions and gain knowledge that we are concerned about. It's the ones who don't but that proceed to do unacceptable restoration that should worry us all. In some cases, doing nothing will cause less damage over time. As for those methods endorsed by Mark Davis...I think it's safe to say that those same methods, and others very similar in nature, have been endorsed by most of the participants on this list for many years. It just gets frustrating when people don't take advantage of the resources that are available to them... And on a personal note...I can speak to this very issue as just a few years ago some very well meaning distant cousins of mine restored my great great great great grandfather's stone in the Messick Cemetery in Henry County by sinking it in concrete and painting it white. While their short range results were good, I also know that this work could be the death knell for this 100+ year old stone. All we're trying to do is promote the proper method of preserving our state's pioneer cemeteries. Hopefully you can understand and appreciate the intent and the frustration that is shared by many. Kyle