NORTH SALEM, N.Y. - Why do they put fences around cemeteries?
Because people are dying to get in!
That’s a classic joke about burial grounds, but caring for centuries-old grave markers is no laughing matter.
It’s a way of preserving history, honoring the past, and protecting a community’s legacy, says the North Salem Historical Society.
On Saturday, Oct. 3, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., North Salem residents and historical society members are invited to descend on June Cemetery to do just that.
(Rain date is Saturday, Oct. 17, at the same time.)
The cleaning efforts will be led by John Griffin, a professional conservationist whose motto is “Preserving history one stone at a time.”
And this particular graveyard—located at 68 June Road—has history in spades.
It was begun as a private burial ground and later deeded to the town as a public cemetery in 1806.
The Junes were a big deal in North Salem, having descended from John J. June, a 19th-century farmer and trustee of the North Salem Academy who later became famous as one of the pioneers of the American circus and menagerie business.
He and his partners, Lewis Brown Titus and Caleb Sutton Angevine, imported the first rhinoceros seen in the United States.
June died in 1884 at the age of 82. He, Titus, and Angevine are buried at the cemetery, along with at least 17 other June relatives.
His magnificent Greek Revival mansion, with its columns and wraparound porches, still sits on June Road and is hailed as a fine example of American architecture.
Donations of land in 1851 allowed the cemetery to expand. There are still plots available for purchase today.
American Revolutionary soldiers—primarily from the New York Militia’s 4th Regiment—are buried there, as well as—local lore has it—the legendary “hermitress” Sarah Bishop.
(Bishop’s final resting place—if it is indeed in June Cemetery—is unmarked. Some say she was a former female pirate who lived in a cave—either between North Salem and South Salem or in the area of West Mountain in Connecticut—for about 30 years before she froze to death.)
GRAVE MATTERS
Cleaning old gravestones is important because it preserves the structural integrity of the stone, improves the readability of fading inscriptions, and honors the memory of the deceased.
Stones deteriorate for a number of reasons, including erosion caused by air pollution and acid rain.
Other culprits, such as moss, lichen, mold, and algae, trap moisture and release acids that eat away at porous stone surfaces such as marble and limestone. This causes cracks and permanent weathering.
Removing these biological growths extends the physical life of monuments.
Exorcising other ghosts, such as dirt and organic stains, helps reveal obscure carved names, dates, and epitaphs. Legible inscriptions are a boon for family members, genealogists, and historians.
Lastly, but just as importantly, regular upkeep is a way of showing care and respect for ancestors and local history.
DO NO HARM
Gravestone cleaning has to be done in a very specific way. You can’t just have at it with a scrub brush and a bucket of soapy water.
Purists refer to it as conserving or preserving because, they point out, you can’t “restore” stone.
The first rule? Always ask cemetery authorities or the property owner for permission before starting.
The next step is to inspect the stone for severe cracks, sugar-like crumbling, flaking, or wobbling. Don’t clean fragile or very eroded stones because scrubbing can hasten their demise.
Lastly, check the weather. Cleaning should be done only when temperatures are reliably above 40°F.
Clean, distilled, or fresh water is tops in the toolkit. Use D/2 Biological Solution for organic growth such as moss, lichen, or algae, or a very mild dilution of a neutral soap such as plain Dawn dish soap.
Only soft-bristled natural-fiber brushes (Tampico, a tough, natural plant material extracted from the leaves of the Agave lechuguilla cactus, or horsehair) or soft nylon brushes should be used. A soft toothbrush or wooden craft stick can be used to gently clear out tight carved lettering.
NEVER, EVER use bleach, acid-based cleaners, pressure washers, metal scrapers, or wire brushes. They will permanently etch, chip, and destroy historic stone.
(For step-by-step instructions, check out the National Park Service’s website.)
QUEUE UP FOR CREW
The workshop is open to North Salem residents and members of the North Salem Historical Society.
Registration is required. To sign up, contact Town Historian Susie Thompson at sthompson@northsalemny.gov.
No prior experience is required.
Cleaning materials will be provided.
Participants should bring water, snacks, or lunch, a chair or blanket, and work gloves. They should wear comfortable clothing and appropriate footwear.
There will be a break at midday.
Parking is at the North Salem Town Court, 66 June Road, North Salem, N.Y. Its entrance is located near the intersection of Titicus Road (Route 116) and June Road.
No pets, please.
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