Narrowing it Down

     As I near the beginning of my historical cemetery analyses, I have been thinking of the different features I will be comparing between historical African American and historical Caucasian cemeteries. Besides analyzing cemeteries that fall within the same historical time frame, it is important that I examine the same features in both African American and Caucasian cemeteries. Consistency is, after all, the only way to reach an accurate conclusion. With that said, I decided to focus on four features in each cemetery: marker types, marker material, maintenance of the cemetery, and threats.

     There are a variety of marker types that are used in historical cemeteries. I am sure that the traditional upright tombstone is what comes to mind first when thinking of markers, but what about foot stones, which lay flat on the ground? Plaque markers? Vaulted graves? There are many different markers that can be used at a grave site.

Examples of different marker types

     As if that isn't enough of a variety, there is a large assortment of materials from which grave markers are made. There are traditional granite and marble markers and beautiful zinc markers. I have even seen markers made of concrete, slate and coquina, which is a type of rock that is made of shell fragments. These different materials vary in price, so it will be interesting to see how this ties in.

     The level of maintenance is going to be a significant feature, as it is the first thing one usually notices upon entering a cemetery. I will be focusing on the grounds maintenance, which includes things such as proper landscaping, presence of debris or pests, condition of grave offerings and markers, and any safety hazards. I have set my paradigms according to that of CHICORA, a great non-profit heritage preservation organization for the Southeastern United States. They provide many resources for those interested in preserving historical sites. The overall level of maintenance for each cemetery will be gauged as follows:

Excellent: site has no discrepancies and is clean, well maintained and the monuments are in good overall condition

Good: site has minor discrepancies; however, it is clean and well maintained

Fair: site requires repairs or maintenance

Abandoned: site requires extensive preservation efforts

This will be a great way to provide an overall assessment that will help determine the severity of a maintenance issue, if one is present at all.

These photos from CHICORA’s website indicate the hazards and damages caused by improper maintenance. In the top photo, we see a fire ant infestation next to a grave. The lower photos demonstrate how improperly planted trees can damage or impede headstones.

     Finally, I will also be looking at the different threats that the cemeteries may be facing. As I mentioned in a previous blog posting, there are many threats that affect cemeteries, from natural and biological issues to vandalism, abandonment and improper care. The paradigm for the threat level will be similar to that of site maintenance (see above). For more information on CHICORA and their wonderful conservation efforts, please visit http://www.chicora.org/cemetery-preservation.html.

Until next week,

Lareyne