This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Edwards, Dempsey, Fowler Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/UeB.2ACI/3171 Message Board Post: I have came across a wonderful solution to those dirty, hard to read old tombstones. It is absolutely non harmful to the environment and will NOT damage the tombstone whatsover. I took a large round piece of colored sidewalk chalk (2inX6in) that I bought for $2.50 a bucket at Kmart and rubbed it over the face of the tombstone. I have you know...every single letter and number came immediately into focus. The chalk washes away after it rains or you can take a bottle of water and run it over the stone to get rid of it. No more putting paper over the stone and rubbing a pencil to get an etching. It also does wonderful for when you want to take pictures of the stone. Anyone else have any wonderful ideas they can share? I also recommend wearing an old pair of gardening gloves when you do the chalk. It tends to come of on your hands and clothes.