August 26 , 2021 The Beacon • 7
Clean headstones to preserve details
Just recently after attending our local genealogical board meeting , we discussed the importance of preserving the invaluable information gleaned from headstones . Because nature often destroys all identification , our society over the years has been actively documenting cemeteries in Coshocton County , where a variety of stones often present a variety of problems .
Often people used what was available at the time . Field stones , for example , were common in rural areas . Inscriptions could be incised using a metal awl . In addition to birth and death date , field stones might include a motif like a lamb or angel .
Here are a few guidelines to consider when cleaning monuments . Each stone should start with an evaluation . Don ’ t assume one procedure is effective for all stones or markers . Some samples are soiling , grime , algae , lichens , moss and salts .
Carole Etchells Cross
Between the Bookends
A variety of household cleaners are meant for household use . Do not use Clorox , TSP or power washers . Lime Away and Navel Jelly contain acids , a byproduct of processing steel that will cause iron staining . Fantastic and Spic and Span contain abrasive cleaners .
Here are some additional hints . Don ’ t use Ivory soap for masonry . It has insoluble ions of calcium found in stone and hard water . Don ’ t use shaving cream , chalk or graphite to read worn inscriptions . Use a large mirror to direct sunlight diagonally to cast a shadow in indentations to make the writing more visible . Don ’ t use wire brushes , Brillo pads or any metal object to remove lichen . Don ’ t use detergents , no matter how mild .
Here are some Do ’ s . Wet the stone thoroughly . Use a soft white bristle brush and a toothbrush for gentle cleaning . Clean from the bottom to the top to avoid streak staining of the stone . Never allow any cleaner to stand too long . Rinse with lots of water .
Slice a lemon in half , remove the seeds , spread table salt over the fruit , and rub lemon and salt over a brass marker . Clean with water and wipe dry . Shine with a cloth or apply mineral oil using a dry cloth . Rub the oil into the marker for several minutes . Rinse and shine with a soft cloth .
Here ’ s one I haven ’ t tried . Mix equal parts of ketchup and Worcestershire sauce . Use a damp cloth to apply the mixture . Wash off , then dry the brass with a clean cloth . Shine with another clean cloth .
Lastly , house ammonia can be used if it doesn ’ t contain anything like suds . Here ’ s a site you might try — www .
Miller announces the transformative project
State Rep . Kevin Miller ( R-Newark ) announced a transformative project through the Vibrant Community Grant Program for the City of Coshocton . The initiative is part of a JobsOhio investment . Miller applauded the effort .
“ I ’ m very happy to see millions of dollars coming to downtown Coshocton for the purpose of jobs ,” Miller said . “ I ’ m optimistic this investment will bring economic growth and job creation to the community .”
The project will occur at a downtown vacant building to serve the purpose as a coworking space .
In total , the competitive grant will be $ 2 million for the downtown Coshocton area . Specifically , the Coshocton County Port Authority will be centrally
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Enjoying a safe and clean facility ?
Thank a school custodian !
warschauer . org Paid for by Warschauer for Education
located at the facility and plans to work directly with private-sector businesses looking to utilize the space .
Other partners providing services and programming include the Small Business Development Center at Kent State Tuscarawas and Our Town Coshocton .
gravestonestudies . org — for the removal of biological growth . One cup of ammonia to a gallon of water is recommended . Wear eye protection .
Don ’ t forget early markers were often made of wood . Wood decays through natural decomposition . Remember to use the least aggressive method or , better yet , purchase a cemetery book where you have all the stones read for you by the dedicated members of the Coshocton Genealogical Society .
Cemetery books can be purchased , as well as land and tax records , birth records 1867-1909 , death records , plat maps , Bible records , and many documents not mentioned here . The address is Coshocton County Chapter of OGS , P . O . Box 128 , Coshocton , OH 43812 .
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Cale McGuire
Cale McGuire
Happy
50 th Anniversary ROGER & CHERYL SEITZ !
Help celebrate the couple with a Card Shower & Drive-By Celebration !
Please send all Cards to : Roger and Cheryl Seitz 20021 Township Road 306 , Coshocton , OH 43812
Drive-By Celebration September 4th from 5-7PM 20021 Township Road 306 , Coshocton , OH 43812
Love Your Family
Jason Massie
Eastern Ohio AG for buying my pen of three Market Poultry at Hartford County Fair !
Lance Weaver Seed Consultants for buying my pen of three Market Poultry at Hartford County Fair !
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