I have one caveat for doing this... it may compromise the longevity of the tombstone itself. ----- Original Message ----- From: Jennifer Riddle To: KHarrison Sent: Tuesday, May 25, 2004 12:16 PM Subject: Re: [TNCOFFEE] How to read a difficult tombstone We have found a tombstone can be cleaned with bleach & water & will really clean it so a picture can be taken clear & good. Cost is so cheap & use a tire brush like cleaning wheels with. Jennifer ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ This message scanned for viruses by CoreComm

I always worry what effect the different ways of better showing the words on the old tombstones will have in the future. That said, one thing I have seen tried and that really works well is this - Children's sidewalk chalk. Lightly rub the broad side of the chalk over the words. You'll be amazed at how readable the words are. If the words are at all readable, that will work. I don't know whether to recommend that method or any of the other methods that have crossed the message list, but there it is in case that is the ONLY way you can read the tombstone. I don't know if the chalk method will compromise the stone in the future. If it will, maybe you could bring a gallon or two of water and pour it over the tombstone to wash away the chalk, as a good rain storm probably would. Lee Anne