Bill McCumber, Maine Old Cemetery Association - October 27

Jan Campbell introduced Bill McCumber, Maine Old Cemetery Association.

 

Presented about Hope Grove Cemetery

Lives in Blanchard Township – population of 101

 

Tools

Nothing out of the ordinary for cleaning

If you want to clean stones, please feel free and people would really appreciate it.

 

Cleaning/repairing stones – all depends on the quality of the stone. 

First look at how good of shape that it is in. 

Most of the stones in the Hope are from the 1820’s – 1913.

 

Hope Grove – mostly granite stones – some slate and marble.

 

Pack for cleaning:

A lot of water – must keep hydrated.

Certain times of year there are lots of mosquitoes, black flies & ground wasps – make sure you take bug repellent,wasp killer, sunscreen and plenty of water.

 

Small sprayers are good for cleaning stones – not very expensive, but perfect for these smaller jobs.

 

Tools – different brushes including small toothbrushes for the letters.

Non metallic hand spade for digging around the stone.

Larger shovel once away from the stone.

 

Brings a smaller brush to remove the dirt from the bottom of the stone.

 

Uses a 300 gallon water tank – uses the water supply at the fire department for Hope Grove.

Wooden sticks for digging around in intricate patterns in stones – plastic cards (hotel keys) for cleaning off moss.

 

Repairing broken stones – uses epoxy

 

Different attitudes about using pressure washer – how will it impact the stone? 

 

The reason you use a fiberglass pins – because they don’t rust/corrode which further damage the stones.

 

Uses a tripod to life the stones – it is important that there are no chains or wire rope touching the stone.

 

Local Engravers – Cobb & Matthews in Rockland

Do you use anything besides water?  Do not use bleach – pool cleaner – doesn’t destroy your clothes.

 

Why not Clorox – sodium hypo-chloride – Clorox will discolor it.  D2 – made by SimpleGreen

 

Buckets on the table – New Hope for Women

November/December – Hospitality House

 

Polio Walk – Camden, Rockland, Interact – about 40 people with a post gathering at SeaDog.

 

Community Service Update

Repairs on toboggan chute – repairing picnic tables

 

Hospitality House – campaign (yellow Heart) – we are installing a sign.

Banner at Hospitality House to promote the partnership

 

Road Rally – resuscitated it after 10 years.  No one got really lost or really mad.

 

November 16 – Best of the Best - Samoset

November 17 – Club Runner Sign up day.