Great! I'm sure you'll find that there have indeed been use wear, thermal shock, vibration and many other studies of materials manufactured using similar stone types. It should be interesting research. I think this is a topic that will spark interest in this list since cemetery preservation folks are attempting to stabilize grave markers and are often involved in the restoration of damaged stones. However, please don't hesitate to contact me off-list if there doesn't seem to be much interest here. Regards, - Rich Green Historic Archaeological Research 4338 Hadley Court West Lafayette, IN 47906 Office: (765) 464-8735 Home: (765) 464-8095 http://www.har-indy.com ----- Original Message ----- From: <Heather.Wallace@med.va.gov> To: <INPCRP-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Friday, April 05, 2002 8:51 AM Subject: RE: [INPCRP] Effects of cemetery burning > rich- > > I am new to this list, so please let me know If I need to respond in a > different way. > > I have become quite good at comprehensive literature reviews, and spend a > lot of time in the library. It would be no problem to begin looking for > lit., on this matter. I actually think it would be very interesting. > > I've worked on headstone restoration and epitaph preservation projects in > the Anth,. dept., here at IUPUI. I think several people on faculty could be > helpful. > > I know that cemetery burnings are controversial in many regards. However, I > am a firm believer in preserving the environmental integrity of the > landscape. Often, the landscape/geography of the cemetery is as > contextually important as the markers and plots themselves. in many cases, > burning is absolutely necessary to the regeneration of native grasses and > flora. Smith cemetery is a perfect example. The fire(s) should be planned > and supervised by qualified individuals, as to ensure that the fire is quick > and safe. usually, the vegetation is low and not too thick. This prevents > prolonged and extremely high temperature burns (which would increase the > likelihood of damage). > > I'll begin to explore the literature on this topic and will share whatever I > learn. > > Sincerely, > > Heather Wallace > > -----Original Message----- > From: Rich Green [mailto:rgreen@nlci.com] > Sent: Friday, April 05, 2002 8:21 AM > To: INPCRP-L@rootsweb.com > Subject: [INPCRP] Effects of cemetery burning > > > Hi Heather, > > I would also be interested in information pertaining to the effects of > cemetery burning. It would seem logical to me that the long term effect > of burning in cemeteries may ultimately adversely impact the headstones. > > The variety of stone materials are already weathering at different rates > as a result of normal climate changes. It follows then that > artificially induced severe temperatures and the accelerated rate of > temperature change coupled with any chemical residues of burned material > may hasten deterioration. Or is there some evidence that the results of > burning tend to inhibit headstone weathering? This is an interesting > topic and one worthy of discussion by the members of this cemetery > preservation list. > > I recall once reading the cautionary statements on the use of cleaning > chemicals on marble and granite floor materials. I believe the > manufacturer advised against the use of any harsh cleaning fluids and > even heavily chlorinated waters? Surely there have been intensive > studies of similar materials utilized in the building or other > industries that could be utilized to compare and possibly predict the > long term effect burning activity may have on the stone materials found > in 19th century pioneer cemeteries? > > In this wacky world of ISO standards and extensive testing of > construction materials, I am confident that there have been copious > thermal tests conducted on these types of stone done by someone. > Indiana University is located right in the heart of "stone country" and > would be a good place to start an inquiry. > > I was hoping someone on the list would broach this subject from the > perspective of the possible effects on the headstone inscriptions. In > many cases, the stones in these early cemeteries offer a peek into the > pioneer history of the region not recorded elsewhere. If the carvings > are allowed to deteriorate beyond recognition (or if this process is > actually accelerated), we may be inadvertently increasing the loss of > valuable historical and genealogical information not found elsewhere. > > Thanks in advance for forwarding your information on this important > topic. > > Regards, > - > Rich Green > Historic Archaeological Research > 4338 Hadley Court > West Lafayette, IN 47906 > Office: (765) 464-8735 > Home: (765) 464-8095 > http://www.har-indy.com > > > > ==== INPCRP Mailing List ==== > Blessed are the Elderly, for they remember what we will never know. > > > ==== INPCRP Mailing List ==== > This list is for discussion of topics related to the Indiana Pioneer > Cemeteries Restoration Project only. >