Due to the age of the cemetery, some gravestones have become dislodged or have deteriorated through decades or centuries of exposure to the elements. Through exposure, particularly through the winter and spring months, stones tend to move from their original location. Over the years many stones have fallen over or have broken into several pieces. Another common form of deterioration is contaminants building on the stone over the years. These consists mostly of biologic material either rotting or growing on the surface to the stone. This make the stone appear black or green.
Recently an effort has been put into the removal of this biological build up. This was been done with the assistance of a pressure washer. Before a stone is cleaned, it is thoroughly inspected to insure that it is stable and will not be damaged as the result of the cleaning. The stone is washed several times at medium pressure to avoid damage and streaking.
Following are a before and after pictures:
Recently an effort has been put into the removal of this biological build up. This was been done with the assistance of a pressure washer. Before a stone is cleaned, it is thoroughly inspected to insure that it is stable and will not be damaged as the result of the cleaning. The stone is washed several times at medium pressure to avoid damage and streaking.
Following are a before and after pictures:
Every summer, the trustees hold a volunteer day to renovate the South Shenango Cemetery. Jobs consist of repairing damaged headstones, resetting leaning or fallen headstones, and pruning overgrown plants. Volunteer day is held in mid-August, but the date will not be set until the last week of July.
Check out pictures from the 2013 Volunteer Day in the gallery below:
Check out pictures from the 2013 Volunteer Day in the gallery below: