WRITTEN in S T O N E FRIENDS
OF
THE
WARRENTON
CEMETERY
O
n the morning of April 13, 2017 disaster struck; nearly one hundred headstones were discovered knocked over and seriously damaged in the Warrenton Cemetery. The shock of this crime quickly shifted into a call for action. Concerned citizens came together and raised nearly 20,000 dollars for the restoration of the damaged tombstones. The vandalized headstones were documented, assessed, and a monument restorationist was contacted. Out of these efforts, under the recommendation of the Town Manager, The Friends of the Warrenton Cemetery foundation was officially established on July 12, 2017. One year later, The Friends of the Warrenton Cemetery board has a lot to show for their efforts, but it’s just the beginning. In October 2017, Robert Mosko of the Pennsylvania-based Mosko Monument Services spent two days meticulously repairing 10 of the most severely damaged headstones. Over 30 other headstones still require repairs; caused by the March wind storm, the natural aging process, as well last year’s vandalism, and older damage. Warrenton Cemetery board members, Wendy Wheatcraft and Tony Padden presented the nonprofit’s first lecture in November. Over 30 guests attended “The Symbolism & Culture of the American Graveyard” lecture at the Visitor Center to learn not only about the iconography in graveyards across America, but also about safe cleaning practices for tombstones. Wheatcraft explained the Warrenton Cemetery has a large number of Celtic cross tombstones, as well as other common designs indicating organizations that the deceased belonged to in life (Odd Fellows, Freemasons, etc),
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{ JUNE 2018 |
Friends of the Warrenton Cemetery board member, Maggie Lovitt. Photo by Kara Thorpe
WARRENTON LIFESTYLE
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BY MAGGIE LOVITT