Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Warrenton Cemetery
Warrenton, Va.
Prepared for:
Town of Warrenton
360 Falmouth Street
Warrenton, Virginia 20186
Prepared by:
May 2017
Warrenton Cemetery 2017 Vandalism Assessment Report
Table of Contents
Abstract Page 3
Introduction. Page 3
MethodologyPage 3
General Findings Page 3
Survey Findings. Page 3-4
Survey SummaryPage 4
Assessment Findings Page 4
Explanation of General Findings. Page 5-6
Types of Stones Page 5
Styles of Stones Page 5-6
Conditions Identified. Page 6
Methodology of Damage.. Page 7-12
Explanation of Assessment Findings. Page 13-15
Calculated Cost of Damage. Page 15
Recommendations. Page 16-21
Estimated Cost to Address the Damage Page 22
Total Cost Summary.. Page 23
Scope of Project Summary...Page 24
Selecting the Right One for the Project... Page 24
Notes... Page 25
Abstract
Mosko Cemetery Monument Services was contacted by town of officials as well as the Historical
Society of Warrenton regarding vandalism that the towns cemetery had sustained the night of April 12-
13, 2017. A consultation was conducted and a full assessment of the damage was conducted
approximately two weeks after.
Introduction
A total of ninety one (91) graves stones were assessed to be involved and directly affected by
van delouse activity.
All ninety-one gravestones involved was thoroughly assessed individually and documented in
accordance to the condition that it was currently found to be in.
The stones involved had been wrapped with yellow caution tape in order to better identify them.
The town of Warrenton had honored the request of Mosko Cemetery Monument services to remove the
tape and to mark the stones with wooden staked as to avoid any staining from the entrapment of
moisture between the thin plastic and the masonry surface.
Methodology
The assessment was initiated at the far west side of the cemetery. Southwest to where the last
stones appeared have been pushed over.
The assessment followed at south to north pattern in an eastward direction and transversed to
each and every visibly staked gravestone.
The type and style of stones was identified and assessed along with the inscription and epitaph
as legibility would allow. The gravestones current condition was assessed as well as its prior condition
identified. All information was manually recorded with digital photos taken.
General Findings
Survey Findings
48 Granite
41 upright
4 tablets upon a tier of a base
4 tablets upon a base
Survey Summary
91 gravestones total
48 uprights
7 marble
41 granite
1 beveled block upon a base
4 have no issue
13 tablets upon a tier of a base
9 marble
4 granite
14 tablets upon a tier of a base
9 marble
4 granite
4 columns
Marble
2 obelisks
Marble
9 crosses
Marble
1 Sarcophagus
Granite
Assessment Findings
Types of Stone
Marble is the common stone found within a cemetery and the one most associated with
gravestones due to color and ease of carving. Classified as a metamorphic rock, it is created when
existing rock is physically or chemically modified through intense pressure, heat, or both.
Marble is a carbonate stone and is classified into three categories based upon the amount of
magnesium carbonate its comprised of.
Magnesium carbonate (MgCO3) is a white solid mineral. The most common form is anhydrous
salt. (Anhydrous meaning without water.)
Marble can weigh between 160 168 lbs/ft3 depending upon porosity.
Granite is considered the earths oldest building material. Classified as an igneous rock, it is
formed when magma cools and solidifies. The rate at which it cools as well as the depth that it cools
has bearing as to what type of stone will result.
Granite was introduced to cemeteries in the mid 1800s to replace marble as more durable
material for gravestones.2
Style of Stones
Conditions Identified
Though 92 gravestones had been vandalized by being knocked over, 62 had been either set
back up or partially set back up leaving 30 remaining or partially remaining on the ground.
Methodology of Damage
Mosko Cemetery Monument Services is a third generation conservator has more than 18 years
of experience as a cemetery conservator and has successfully conserved more than 78 cemeteries and
7,000 gravestones and monuments.
Mosko Cemetery Monument Services is recognized and respected by Pennsylvania, Maryland,
and Virginia Historical Commissions and is also recognized as a cemetery expert by numerous
Historical Societies, Preservation Commissions, and Museum and Historical Commissions.
Understanding the behavior of cemetery gravestones and monuments, and the cleavage of
various natural stone found within cemeteries, along with the cemeterys design and layout in
conjunction with the pattern in which the stones were found to lay, the methodology of the vandalism
was able to be ascertained.
Based upon the damage patterns, the vandalism can be narrowed down to four individuals. This
does not mean that there only four individuals within the cemetery on the night the damage occurred,
but it can be stated with certainty that four individuals are responsible for the damage.
It has be deduced that first individual (#1) had knocked over a total of fifteen (15) gravestones
via their route of travel.
The second individual (#2) is surmised to have actually knocked over the stone of Rev. George
Nelson and followed a path of travel due west prior to turning south.
at the west side of the cemetery. It can be deduced that they had knocked over thirty of more
gravestones.
The fourth person (#4) started at the same point where the other three had started and was
most likely the one who knocked over the granite upright of Mary Nelson Decker. From there, it appears
that they had swung out towards the north right along the outside of the access way and curved around
westward and proceeded to the bottom of the hill with the other three.
It appears that #4 had knocked over the most number of gravestones, the count on their path of
travel is thirty-two (32). Though it is very easy to conclude that the all ended up at the bottom of the hill
at the west side of the cemetery, it is difficult to discern who arrived their first and just who knocked
over what stones since they all appeared to be heading south at that point.
They may have exited the cemetery at the south west corner or if they were a resident of any of
the houses that border the cemetery along the west side, they may have entered one of them through a
rear exterior gate that may be accessible via the cemetery.
It appears that some stones had been kicked over where as some were actually pushed. Those
that had been kicked over displayed
evidence of shoe/boot print tread
upon certain gravestone surfaces
through the buildup of soiling and
biological growth that had
accumulated upon their surfaces.
Dangerously Unstable
Five (5) stones remain down and unable to be set up due to being broken. Two (2) are broken
Type II. This type of break involves a gravestone that is simply broken cleanly into two fragments.
One (1) is broken Type IV, which means that it is broken into multiple fragments with portions
shattered so severely that it absolutely cannot not be mended other than to fill in the resulting void
from the shattered fragment.
In accordance to a 1902 monument catalogue, the average cost for a gravestones was $1.88 to
$47.47 plus 2 to 6 per letter.3
Converted to the dollar value of 1880 which was the average death date on each stones the,
average cost per stone would be the same as in 1902.4
Today, the average cost of an average modern, granite, upright, gravestone would cost the
consumer $2,600. In 1880 the monetary equivalent for $47.47 would be $1,111.83 in todays monetary
standard.
Based upon these calculations, the average monetary value of all ninety-two stones that were
vandalized is $102,288.36. This figure by no means reflects the cost to undo/repair the damage.
Recommendations
Introduction
Dry Set
Recommendations Continued
Introduction Continued
Mechanical Pinning
Assessment Findings
For stones that have ferrous pins to aid in supporting them, the ferrous pins should be removed
and replaced with non-ferrous ones, aluminum is preferred.
This is can be a delicate, tedious, task that may or may not require specialized tools in order to
prevent collateral damage to the stones. The pins can be custom cut to fit and anchored to assure
stability.
Even with pins replaced, the stone should be set with mortar or lime putty between the setting
joints to insure stability and hinder the penetration
of high concentrations of water and moisture which
could freeze and dislodge or displace the stone and
causing it to become unstable.
Broken stones will require the most time and attention to repair. With proper skill and
experience, broken cemetery stones can be made to appear as if they were never broken.
Broken stones should be repaired mechanically, or with synthetic epoxies or lime and clay
based adhesives that have compatible modulus elasticity to the physical characteristics of the mineral
substrate that it is to be applied to and mended.12 A thin set mortar or a combination of synthetic epoxy
that is masked with a lime based grout, thin setting mortar, or restoration grade mortar should be used
in conjunction to seal any voids or joints that may result.
Some of the mortars that are necessary to be used can only be acquired by those who are
certified to purchase them. They are and should be lime based and match the same mineral
characteristics as the specific stone that they are being applied to and can be mixed to receive
additional filling materials to adjust density as well as viscosity and be pigmented to color match.
Cemetery Conservation requires the practice of multiple disciplines. All treatments and methods
should be in compliance to the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the American Institute for
Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works and to the standards of the Secretary of the Interior, and
The National Park Services Standards for Preservation.13
Broken gravestones should be repaired to be as permanent as possible with repairs made to
appear as inconspicuous as possible as evident in the preceding photos.
Training
Though the cemetery is municipally maintained and managed, based upon what has been
observed and conversations had with grounds crews, knowledge of maintaining and handling
gravestones is extremely limited. Based upon this assessment, it would be in the best interest of
cemetery management and ground crews to invest not only in training but in special equipment that
would better enable them to manage and deal with the hardscape. This would not only empower them
to deal with basic low level problems but also be cost effective in preventing further damage whenever
a stone would fall over gain as well as increase safety awareness, lower liability issues and risks.
Mosko Cemetery Monument Services offers and teaches a 40 hour Basic Cemetery
Conservation Course which usually can be taught in three to four days as well as able to provide a list
of basic tools and equipment necessary to reset, stabilize, and handle antiquated gravestones and
monuments with a $3,000 budget.
Though Mosko Cemetery Monument Services does not participate in the request for bid
process which is common with most municipalities, the following cost quote is provided as a reference
and guide in the event that the municipality posts a Request for Bids.
The cost is based upon what was physically seen without physically handling any of the stones.
A low end quote is provided based upon what was actually physically observed without physically
handing any of the damaged gravestones and an high end quote based upon what experience has
shown. It has been proven to produce far more positive results to approach a client with news that the
project is going to cost less than expected as opposed to approaching the with request for more money.
Mosko Cemetery Monument Services has experienced that this approach has produced far better
budget results while accommodating the unpredictability and many unforeseen conditions that can be
encountered with in historical cemeteries.
For the 74 stones that have been set back up, the Dis will need to be lifted and/or raised
separating the setting surfaces. This can be achieved with non-motorized, specialized, portable,
overhead lifting equipment.
All setting surfaces will need to be carefully and meticulously cleaned with any and all previous
setting residue and materials removed. Pressure washers should not be used.
Once cleaned of debris, the appropriate setting treatment will then be applied, whether it be
modern monument setting compound for granite uprights, lead tape, mortar or lime putty.
The setting surfaces to be rejoined and the stone confirmed and checked for stability.
The cost to perform the pre-described procedure would be $120 - $220 per stone depending
upon any other damage to the setting surfaces that would need to be addressed.
Total cost for these 74 stones would be $8,880 - $16,280.
For the 5 that that have been partially set back up with broken portions, the same procedure as
previously described will need to utilized only this time the stone will need to disassembled in order to
properly and adequately repair the broken pieces.
The cost to repair these stones would be between $450 - $800 depending upon the severity of
break. Total cost would be between $2,250 - $4,000.
For the 4 that remain on the ground, the reason as to why that they could not be up righted will
need to be assessed. Some appear to have been previously repaired while some couldnt be reset due
to the way they were constructed, designed and set which should not be altered.
The cause will have to be identified and treated accordingly.
The cost to address these four conditions would be between $475 - $1,525 depending if they
were previously repaired or not and how difficult it would be to remove whatever material was used so
that the appropriate material can be utilized in its place. This process could take in upwards of several
days.
The total cost would be $1,900 - $6,100 depending upon the amount of time required to undo
the previous repair.
For the 5 broken stones, Mosko Cemetery Monument Services categorizes broken gravestones
into five (5) types in accordance to severity. Type I being the simplest with Type V being the most
complicated and time consuming.
The cost to repair broken stones by Mosko Cemetery Monument Services will range between
$300 - $800. The 2 Type II will be $475 a piece total of $950.
The 1 Type IV will be $625 and the one that is cracked will be between $300 - $475.
Total cost would be $1,875 - $2,050.
Mosko Cemetery Monument Services thoroughly documents the work that is performed and
warrantees their work for seven years.
It must be understood that the approach of a conservator verses the approach of a monument
company is very different. I conservator takes into consideration the object to be worked on, its design
and construction and the longevity of the treatment selected.
A monument company, though specializes in monuments, is limited in their knowledge of
natural, lime based mortars and UV stable adhesives and materials. Their objective is to immediately
fix or correct the issue as opposed to how long the repair will, its appearance and the effects the
material used will have on the substrate of the gravestone. Thus they are naturally going to be cheaper.
Careful consideration must be given in regards to the cheapest bidder. Cemetery
administrators must consider the long term aspects of the cemetery and to make decisions that will not
become the problem of the next generation of cemetery administrators.
Social media as made the world so much smaller. Consumers and enabled with immediate
gratification through instantaneous responses and receipt of information and products.
Since Mosko Cemetery Monument Services began practice in 1998, there were all but 58
qualified conservators recognized by the Association of Gravestone Studies, with the advent if social
media, there are now hundreds. Most who consider themselves qualified through a few week long
workshops and desktop research. Then there are those affiliated with firms and actual conservation,
preservation consultants that subcontract the work and/or create vast bureaucracies of Landscape
Architects, Historical Horticulturists and Structural Engineers that rapidly absorb budgets just on
consultation alone. With this being said, how is one to find, chose, and select the best qualified, cost
effective, and experienced conservator or conservancy?
Experience
To level the playing field, consider a company that has more than eight years of experience
working in or on cemeteries. Not just documenting, consulting, or teaching, but eight years physically,
cleaning, resetting, and repairing gravestones as well as replanting and refurbishing the landscape,
physically getting their hands and knees dirty.
Education
One should consider a company that is educated not only in the latest and greatest methods
and techniques, but also in academics as well. At least an Associates Degree in historical
preservation or four years of experience under a reputable conservator.
References
Any well respected historical preservationist or conservator will document their work and be
quite skilled in writing assessment and treatment reports. Look for a company that can show you
examples of their work through documentations and are known by Historical and/or Museum
Commissions on either the state or local levels.
You should also be able to visit actual project sites and or consult with previous clients and or
administrators of previous projects.
Being that specialized cemetery conservation schools do not actually exist. Those with
experience in cemetery conservation that is going to assure success of your cemetery project. One who
possesses an understanding of what a cemetery is, why and how it is laid out in the way that it is, its
history, landscape, hardscape and how it is administered, is going to the ideal choice in assuring that
the cost of the project will be most effective.
Notes
1 Grave Concerns, A preservation manual for historic cemeteries in Arkansas; Tammie Tripp-Dillon pp. 123
2 Grave Concerns, A preservation manual for historic cemeteries in Arkansas; Tammie Tripp-Dillon pp. 123
Garrison, Ervan G; Hertz, Norman (1998) Geological methods of archeology. New York, Oxford University Press.
pp. 205
3 Tombstones and Monuments; Sears Roebuck & Co. Chicago, IL. 1902
4 https://futureboy.us
Historicalstatistics.org
6 Grave Concerns, A preservation manual for historic cemeteries in Arkansas; Tammie Tripp-Dillon pp. 124
7 Maintaining Leadworks or Cemetery Monuments and Mausolea NCPTT October 22, 2014
8 AGS Quarterly / Vol. 34, No. 2 / Spring 2010; Conservation Talk, Michael Trinkley, Chicora Foundation Inc.
10 Ankersmit, Bart; Griesser-Stemscheg, Martina; Selwyn, Lyndsie; Sutherland, Susanne. Rust Never Sleeps:
Recognizing Metals and Their Corrosion Products
(http://www.depotwitzer.de/sites/default/files/files/rust_never_sleeps) (pdf) depotwitzer. Parks Canada
Retrieved July 23, 2016
12 TUPAC, Compendium of Chemical Terminology 2nd Ed. (The Gold Book) (1997) Online corrected version (2006)
Modulus of Elasticity (Youngs Modulus), E http://goldbookimpac.org/M03966.html
Elastic Properties and Young Modulus for some Materials The Engineering Tool Box Retrieved 1/06/2012
Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works
National Park Service Services Standards for Preservation; National Park Service.gov