Unfortunately, last week I was not
able to go into work on Wednesday due to fulfilling my part as an active member
of society by attending jury duty. Friday as usual, was field day and led to
interesting finds, but also caused to me reflect on the act of cemetery
preservation as well.
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A weathered handmade marker |
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Mr. Jacksons (left) & Commissioner Engele (Right) |
The group
of us went out to the Oak Hill area, which is not far from Edgewater or New
Smyrna Beach, and we visited four cemeteries. The first two were the Saints and
Sinners Cemeteries, then Oak Hill Cemetery, and ending at the Clinton family
cemetery. The Saints and Sinners Cemeteries are two different African American
cemeteries that are located out in the middle of a forested area away from the
regular hustle and bustle of the town. Since we were unsure of the location and
also since there is a locked gate, we were escorted by two incredibly helpful
men, City Commissioner Ron Engele and Abraham Jackson. Ron Engele became fascinated by the idea of
preserving the cemeteries a few years ago after its status was brought to his
attention and he realized that due to the location on private property the city
couldn’t intervene in preservation. Therefore, he and Abraham Jackson have
gathered a group of men who have dedicated their free time to clearing out the
overgrowth and preserving the remaining headstones while also keeping one as an
active cemetery.
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A fallen concrete cross that was most likely part of the headstone originally |
The
cemeteries showcase a great example of how different materials for headstones
or as markers react differently to weather and aging. For the most part in the
Sinners Cemetery, all of the markers were constructed from concrete, which is
an incredibly porous material and is affected by the elements very easily.
Besides wood, this is a preservationist’s nightmare for the inscriptions could
be completely weather-beaten or have eroded away entirely. I’m always saddened
when I see eroded, broken, or just decrepit headstones/obelisks/markers. For
that item once held a small peek into the history of whoever is interred there,
it was a glimpse into their life and it has become lost to time now.
If only more people could become educated
about the proper techniques in preserving different materials, even concrete,
it could create a lasting impact in regards to the future of historic
cemeteries.
If anyone is interested in
the beginning of June, the CRPT Alliance is hosting a conference, which will
include educating attendees proper techniques in regards to preserving historic
headstones. If you are interested in learning more about this conference you
can check it out here (
x)!
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A headstone destroyed buy a bullet I found |
While I am
on the topic of creating awareness in cemetery preservation there is a sensation
in reality television that is encouraging vandalism more than promoting
understanding of the past and those who are potentially buried there. I discovered
this through an
online petition to stop this sensationalized act. On three
different channels, there are televisions shows that focus and inevitably
glorify the pursuit of discovering artifacts and jewelry at battlefields,
parks, and private property. These shows do get permission for their searches,
but how many people are watching the shows and do their own hunting without
receiving permission or thinking about their actions? What concerns me is the
audience reaction and if this will begin a fad of treasure hunters. For when
not properly done it can lead to the loss of historical and archeological
context or the act of grave robbing could become a phenomenon again because there
could be a priceless artifact there they just have to get. Noticeably, I am
very passionate about this issue and I find this to be a prime example of why
proper awareness of the importance of preserving cemeteries (and historic sites)
is vital now more than ever. I’m getting off my soapbox now… Clearly, this
internship has led me to think about how one’s actions can cause a ripple
effect with preservation. The more educated people become about preserving
cemeteries and other overlooked sites the greater a chance of it truly
happening in a massive way and allowing for a more historically minded society
as well.