GRAVE SITES OF CANADIAN PRIME MINISTERS MONITORING REPORT

THE HONOUROBLE SIR MACKENZIE BOWELL

SUBJECT:

The Hon. Sir Mackenzie Bowell Grave Site Grave Sites of Canadian Prime Ministers Monitoring Report Belleville Cemetery Belleville, Ontario

TO:

Madame Julie Dompierre, Director Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada (HSMBC) Secretariat Les Terrasses de la Chaudire 25, Eddy Street, Gatineau, 5th floor Quebec K1A 0M5

FOR:

National Program for the Grave Sites of Canadian Prime Ministers

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PREPARED BY: Shelley Bruce Conservation Certification Advisor Heritage Programs Branch Parks Canada Vancouver, BC February 15, 2012

DATE:

1.0 GENERAL INFORMATION DATE OF INSPECTION: PC FIELD UNIT CONTACT: September 14, 2011 Jennifer Duquette National Historic Sites Program Manager Eastern Ontario 613.449.4702 Sunny, 20oC

CLIMATIC CONDITIONS:

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE GRAVE ENVIRONMENT: Located on the western edge of Belleville, Ontario along the north shore of the Bay of Quinte, is the Belleville Cemetery. The 65 acre cemetery was established in 1872 when overcrowding in the local church yards became a concern. The older portion is at the south end of the cemetery and is characterized by a Picturesque and intricate network of curved roadways and very mature trees of various species. North of this area is still relatively undeveloped and is largely flat lawn with trees only planted along the road ways. Several individuals of note are buried in the Belleville Cemetery including Susanna Moodie and her husband Dunbar Moodie, and the Honourable Sir Mackenzie Bowell. Heading south towards the Bay of Quinte, one will find the Bowell grave site in one of the cemetery's older sections. It consists of a single red granite obelisk on a granite base that marks the Bowell family plot. The obelisk is surrounded by an area of grass that slopes towards the water, and further away, by plantings of mature specimen trees and large shrubs. This single monument recognizes Sir Mackenzie Bowell and his wife, Harriet Louisa Moore on the west side of the obelisk. Other family members are memorialized on the other sides. Just at the steep bank leading down to the bay, there is a single wood bench that is not associated with the grave site.

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2.0 COMPONENTS OBSERVATION AND RECOMMENDED ACTIONS 1. Awareness Panel

Description: In 1999, the presentation elements, the flag pole and the awareness panel were moved away from the Prime Ministers grave site in order to better respect the character of the cemetery in that immediate area. These elements are now located on the right hand side of the cemetery's main entry road and are surrounded by a few trees and a large field of grass. A gravel lay next to the elements allows for cars to easily stop and pull over. A rectangular area of grey concrete unit pavers delineates the installation. The awareness panel and the flag pole are placed beside one another on matching square concrete bases. Since this installation is separate from the grave site, the awareness panel contains a secondary rectangular panel that was added just below the panel. Installed along the bottom edge of the awareness panel and hanging perpendicular to the ground, this smaller panel identifies the section within the cemetery where the grave can be found.

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Observation: The front of the awareness is panel is in good condition except for the face of the border on the lower edge which is starting to exhibit some signs of wear. As noted in 2005, the fittings that hold the lower directional panel are rusting. Recommended Action: Medium Priority: Replace the existing hardware with a stainless steel version.

Observation: The overall finish of the black stand is starting to weather and become patchy. Some areas of rust are now visible on the black stand especially towards the base. Behind the panel there is general garden and insect debris that has accumulated. Recommended Action: Medium Priority: The panel should be disassembled when the hardware is replaced. This will allow for the back of the panel and the stand to be sanded and repainted to match. The debris can be removed by hand when the maintenance staff cut the adjacent grass.

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Observation: The finish on the lower half edge of the portrait cameo is starting to deteriorate as is the gasket. Recommended Action: Medium Priority: Before replacing the gasket, the edge of the cameo should be sanded to remove the early stages of rust and painted black to match.

2. Flagpole

Description: In 1999, the presentation elements, the flag pole and the awareness panel were moved away from the Prime Ministers grave site in order to better respect the character of the cemetery in that immediate area. These elements are now located on the right hand side of the cemetery's main entry road. A rectangular area of grey concrete unit pavers delineates the installation. The flag pole is located next to the awareness panel on its southern side. The flag pole has been installed on a square concrete base that matches the one used for the awareness panel.
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Observation: The plastic lining for the flag ring has now started to deteriorate. There are several areas of wear along the height of the flag pole where the anodized black finish has been worn away. The edge of the flag is tattered and torn. Recommended Action: Ongoing Priority: Contact the flagpole manufacturer to determine what implications the loss of the black coating has on the life of the flagpole. If required, replace the flag ring. High Priority: A replacement Canadian flag must be provided. 3. 125th Confederation Anniversary Plaque

Description: The grave site is located at the southern end of the cemetery in section L. Just off the roadway is a simple installation for the 125th plaque. Sitting on a black metal post, it is set within a concrete base that is level with the surrounding grass. This particular 125th
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plaque has been modified with the addition of a simple metal rectangular directional sign that hangs from its bottom edge. Observation: The 125th plaque is in generally good condition. It was looking dusty and grimy at the time of the site visit. Recommended Action: Ongoing Priority: Ensure the face of the plaque is clear of any debris by periodically washing with fresh water and a soft brush.

Observation: On the underside of the plaque, lawn and insect debris collects. At its base, there was a significant amount of back splash from the adjacent grass. Spots of rust are staring to appear especially in the cut out of the direction arrow. Recommended Action: Ongoing Priority: As maintenance staff complete their routine, debris can be removed by hand. Fresh water and a gentle scrubbing with a soft brush should remove signs of back splash. As suggested in 2005, the plaque stand should be repainted.

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4. Former Prime Ministers Grave Marker

Description: Sitting on a stepped grey limestone base, the grave marker is a tall pink granite obelisk. An extensive list of family members is memorialized on each side of the obelisk with the Prime Minister and his wife memorialized west face. Their inscription is: The Honourable Sir Mackenzie Bowell, K.C. Born Icklinghall, Suffolk Eng. Dec. 27, 1823 Died Dec. 10, 1917 Harriet Louisa Moore Wife of Mackenzie Bowell Born May 11th 1828 Died April 2nd 1884

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Observation: The obelisk remains in good condition. However, the top almost horizontal surfaces of the two-tiered limestone base stones are spalling and lichen has started to grow. Recommended Action: Ongoing Priority: The condition of the limestone should be monitored with photographs every year to determine if the loss of surface is accelerating.

Observation: A lower corner of the limestone base was broken off and reported in the 2005 condition assessment. Recommended Action: Ongoing Priority: As with other memorials in the cemetery, maintenance staff need to be careful when operating lawn mowers or other equipment close to the monument.

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Observation: Previous joints were repaired and as was noted in 2005, they are starting to discolour. There may be early stages of lichen along the joints as well. Recommended Action: Medium Priority: A masonry conservator should be retained to assess the condition, determine acceptable remedial measures and perhaps carry out the work.

Observation: On the north side of the obelisk, the Prime Minister's inscription continues to look worn and is becoming difficult to read. The lettering is less crisp than the other inscriptions on the obelisk. Recommended Action: High Priority: The 2005 condition assessment recommended recording the inscription with laser scanning technology with a follow-up recording at three year intervals to determine the rate of acceleration.

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Observation: On the east side of the obelisk, the inscription for the prime minister's descendents is wearing in a very unusual fashion with the top half almost now illegible. Recommended Action: High Priority: Perhaps laser recording of this face should also be completed. A masonry conservator should be retained to assess the condition, determine the cause and propose any acceptable remedial measures.

Observation: A few imperfections are still noticeable on the column of the obelisk. Recommended Action: High Priority: As suggested in the 2005 condition assessment, as a way of monitoring their stability, the areas could be scanned using laser scanning technology and rerecorded every three years for comparison.

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5. Vegetation (trees, shrubs, plant material, lawn)

A view looking south of the national program elements at the entrance to the cemetery.

A view of the grave site looking north from the bank of the bay.

Description: Given that the national program elements have been separated from the grave site, both areas must be assessed from different perspectives. The national program elements sit very much on their own with no associated landscaping. At the grave site, the landscaping is limited to the adjacent lawn.

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Observation: The planting bed and signage panel along the cemetery's main road is in very good condition. It was not noted on the design drawings for the installation of the flag pole and awareness panel and are not part of the national program's presentation elements. However, due to their close proximity, they appear to be part of one arrangement of elements in the cemetery's landscape. Recommended Action: Low Priority: Staff should discuss if there is a design or branding issue with these two arrangements and their impact on one another.

Observation: There are several extensive patches of bare earth at the 125th plaque and around the obelisk. The patches are very rough yet the weeds still seem to thrive. Closer to the grave marker, tire tracks remain visible as this is a grassed service lane for the cemetery's maintenance crew. Recommended Action: High Priority: The bare areas should be top dressed and reseeded.

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6. Landscape features (pavement, benches and others)

A view looking south of the national program elements at the entrance to the cemetery.

A view of the grave site looking south towards the grassed service lane and the bank of the bay.

Description: There is a simple palette of standard materials at the installation of the national program elements just in from the cemetery's main entrance. At the grave marker there are no built elements associated with the site. The simple wood bench at the bank of the bay is part of the cemetery's furnishings. Observation: I The grey concrete pavers directly in front of the flag pole's concrete base have sunk significantly. Weeds have started to settle within the joints between the pavers. Recommended Action: Medium Priority: These pavers must be pulled up and reset at the same level as the rest of the paved area. As maintenance staff are cutting the adjacent grass, it would be a convenient time to pull up the weeds.

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Observation: At the flag pole and awareness panel, a contemporary yet very generic garbage can has been placed on a concrete pad. It was not noted on the design drawings. Recommended Action: High Priority: The garbage could be moved to another location so that is not seen as part of this arrangement and is also still convenient to the cemetery's front gates.

3.0 PREVIOUS CONSERVATION INTERVENTIONS 1994 The Canada 125 plaque was erected beside the cemetery driveway closest to the grave site. The plaque was part of an initiative to celebrate the one hundred and twenty-fifth anniversary of Confederation by recognizing the grave sites of former Prime Ministers of Canada. Original unveiling of all the Canada 125 plaques took place on Parliament Hill, October 1993. A flag pole and awareness panel were installed as part of the National Program for the Graves Sites of Canadian Prime Ministers. Because of a concern to protect the character of the Bowell grave site, these elements were installed away from the grave near the entrance to the cemetery. The Obelisk was dismantled and a new concrete support base poured. The Obelisk was re-assembled with new stainless steel pins and sealant. Some site cleaning and weed pulling were carried out.

1999

2004

2004-2011

4.0 SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS Awareness Panel Medium Priority: Replace the existing hardware with a stainless steel version. Medium Priority: The panel should be disassembled when the hardware is replaced. This will allow for the back of the panel and the stand to be sanded and
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repainted to match. The debris can be removed by hand when the maintenance staff cut the adjacent grass. Medium Priority: Before replacing the gasket, the edge of the cameo should be sanded to remove the early stages of rust and painted black to match.

Flag Pole Ongoing Priority: Contact the flagpole manufacturer to determine what implications the loss of the black coating has on the life of the flagpole. If required, replace the flag ring. High Priority: A replacement Canadian flag must be provided.

125thConfederation Anniversary Plaque Ongoing Priority: Ensure the face of the plaque is clear of any debris by periodically washing with fresh water and a soft brush. Ongoing Priority: As maintenance staff complete their routine, debris can be removed by hand. Fresh water and a gentle scrubbing with a soft brush should remove signs of back splash. As suggested in 2005, the plaque stand should be repainted.

Former Prime Minister's Grave Marker Ongoing Priority: The condition of the limestone should be monitored with photographs every year to determine if the loss of surface is accelerating. Ongoing Priority: As with other memorials in the cemetery, maintenance staff need to be careful when operating lawn mowers or other equipment close to the monument. Medium Priority: A masonry conservator should be retained to assess the condition, determine acceptable remedial measures and perhaps carry out the work. High Priority: The 2005 condition assessment recommended recording the inscription with laser scanning technology with a follow-up recording at three year intervals to determine the rate of acceleration. High Priority: Perhaps laser recording of this face should also be completed. A masonry conservator should be retained to assess the condition, determine the cause and propose any acceptable remedial measures.
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High Priority: As suggested in the 2005 condition assessment, as a way of monitoring their stability, the areas could be scanned using laser scanning technology and rerecorded every three years for comparison.

Vegetation (trees, shrubs, plant material, lawn) Low Priority: Staff should discuss if there is a design or branding issue with these two arrangements and their impact on one another. High Priority: The bare areas should be top dressed and reseeded.

Landscape features (pavement, benches and others) Medium Priority: These pavers must be pulled up and reset at the same level as the rest of the paved area. As maintenance staff are cutting the adjacent grass, it would be a convenient time to pull up the weeds. High Priority: The garbage could be moved to another location so that is not seen as part of this arrangement and is also still convenient to the cemetery's front gates.

Here is a summary of the recommended actions over the next five coming years: Recommendations Awareness Panel 2012 2013 2014 Replace the existing hardware with a stainless steel version. The panel should be disassembled when the hardware is replaced. This will allow for the back of the panel and the stand to be sanded and repainted 2015 2016

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to match. The debris can be removed by hand when the maintenance staff cut the adjacent grass. Before replacing the gasket, the edge of the cameo should be sanded to remove the early stages of rust and painted black to match. Contact the flagpole manufacturer to determine what implications the loss of the black coating has on the life of the flagpole. If required, replace the flag ring. A replacement Canadian flag must be provided. Ensure the face of the plaque is clear of any debris by periodically washing with fresh water and a soft brush. As maintenance staff complete their routine, debris can be removed by hand. Fresh water and a gentle scrubbing with a soft brush should remove signs of back splash. As suggested in 2005, the plaque stand should be repainted. The condition of the limestone should be monitored with photographs every year to determine if the loss of surface is accelerating As with other memorials in the cemetery, maintenance staff need to be careful when operating lawn mowers or other equipment close to the monument. A masonry
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Flagpole

125th Confederation Anniversary Plaque

Former Prime Ministers Grave Marker

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conservator should be retained to assess the condition, determine acceptable remedial measures and perhaps carry out the work. The 2005 condition assessment recommended recording the inscription with laser scanning technology with a followup recording at three year intervals to determine the rate of acceleration. Perhaps laser recording of this face should also be completed. A masonry conservator should be retained to assess the condition, determine the
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cause and propose any acceptable remedial measures. As suggested in the 2005 condition assessment, as a way of monitoring their stability, the areas could be scanned using laser scanning technology and rerecorded every three years for comparison. Vegetation (trees, shrubs, plant material, lawn) Staff should discuss if there is a design or branding issue with these two arrangements and their impact on one another. The bare areas should be top dressed and reseeded. Landscape These pavers
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features (pavement, benches and others) must be pulled up and reset at the same level as the rest of the paved area. As maintenance staff are cutting the adjacent grass, it would be a convenient time to pull up the weeds. The garbage could be moved to another location so that is not seen as part of this arrangement and is also still convenient to the cemetery's front gates.

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