This is what improper cleaning can do to a headstone. So before anyone clean a headstone please do a little research first.
Located at Salem Cemetery in Cedarville, AR.
Mary L. Riddle
Tedwell
Aug 9, 1902
Nov 17, 1924
Note: I believe her last name should be Tidwell. She was next to a number of other markers with the last name of Tidwell.
Here is a good article about cleaning from The Association of Gravestone Studies.
"Review and Evaluation of Selected Brand Name Materials for Cleaning Gravestones" by Tracy C. Walther- Architectural Conservator.
Warning: Personal opinion up ahead---
ReplyDeleteAnd I'd like to add for those of us that photograph many stones and cemeteries that you really shouldn't attempt to clean a stone that doesn't belong to your family. Would you want someone scrubbing or even putting chalk or shaving cream on the headstone of your family?
I agree 100% Gale.
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