Not all broken stones are vadals!

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This likely wasn’t vandalism. ANY OF THEM! These all have one thing in common though, they are very old.

I would like to talk about some of the broken stones I see. I post them not to bring negative attention, these cemeteries are all very clean and well kept, but rather help bring awareness that our cemeteries are precious. Seeing repairs is lovely, but time will always win. It is worth the effort, If the repairer knows how. Trying without knowing what you are doing could be devastating. Even the best kept cemeteries will lose stones to ground shift, wildlife knocking them over, weather and the many things that can change and shape stones over time. 

Though sometimes it can be vandalism, I believe these are not. These are probably the product of time, water, wildlife and wind. These things are often culprits in this happening.

This stone in the first photo was stood back up long ago by the looks of it. This stone looks to have been possibly repaired before. I watched a video once that said the best way to prepare a stone and repair it is to allow it to fail again. This way the repair breaks where there was already damage and doesn’t cause a new crack. Repair lightly so that it breaks in the same place. 

The second photo shows one that is likely best left as is. BUT, I’m no expert on the subject, nor will I claim to be. It was likely buried by time and recently exposed again. There may not be anything that can be done with the second one. The crumbling was severe. I would imagine that lifting this stone would cause it to disintegrate. This is in another very well kept and beautiful cemetery. This cemetery does not deserve any negativity on their efforts. Any comments revealing the locations will be removed. 

The third was obviously a very beautiful handcrafted stone that crumbled with time. There are stunning stones used in this monument that will eventually become a pile of stones as the cement fails. The use of crystal quartz and other precious stones are indicative of it’s once beauty. This one has a probability of vandalism aiding in the failure, or not. This cemetery in particular had some vandalism that was very obvious in the past. Humans suck sometimes, this cemetery has been a victim of past terribleness. 

The fourth on is sandstone and the engraving has likely faded with time and the stone itself has crumbled from weather and time. The cross was likely on top and the maker took great care in making this stone. Or they simply placed a single stone, with a cross in front of it, no markers otherwise. This was common, and this stone, in my opinon should be left alone. This valley has fierce weather and this location would be impossible to keep up with, unless doing so daily. Volunteers are working on this location, but it’s only volunteers and families taking care of this one. 

The last is unknown. The hole through the center could have been an insert that eroded, or perhaps photo attachment that eroded. Perhaps a marble that was set in it. Time and weather have also made the grottos in sandstone in the southern part of the state. This is likely the same thing, It starts with a little imperfection and wind and water make a cave. This one will be referred to as the natural arch in my vocabulary. 

I have seen a few that put them on new cement blocks and lay the old stones on the grave as they are in many pieces. But time, erosion and weather will still get them eventually. Nothing is permanent. We can only hope that cemeteries will preserve what they can, when they can. Funding is a huge block on this. Did you know that most cemeteries only rely on volunteers to help take care of them? Not all cemeteries are owned by the government. 

I do not alter any of the graves I visit, not do I clean up anything more than twigs and obvious trash. I may eventually learn to care for graves, but my level of knowledge on what’s best for them is non-existent. Serious damage can be done by cleaning a grave without knowledge of the best things for the material the stone consists of. Power washing is a sure way to end the future of any of these stones and from what I’ve seen should never be practiced. 

If you’re interested in helping with a cemetery, contact the city near by and ask how to get in touch with the caretakers or committees. They almost always could use more help. There are also websites asking for assistance with inventory, photos, and more.