Alan Crawford

I had another article already in the queue, but postponed it for a week after being overwhelmed with the response at the Rossville Cemetery on the NYS State Division of Cemeteries Caring for Your Cemetery Day. The Rossville Cemetery Association cannot thank everyone enough for their contributions on Saturday, April 27.

We started out, with a tour of the inside of the Rossville Church, explaining the blessing we had been given last year with Warner Brothers MAX filming a number of scenes for their series “Pretty Little Liars – Summer School” there.

Individual cleaning kits, for those wanting to learn how to properly clean grave markers, were provided for the workshop and to be taken home by those who participated. Each kit provided a bucket, wooden chop sticks (to clean out lichen-filled lettering without damaging the stone), a small spray bottle of Biological D 2 cleaning solution, rubber gloves, and a small, soft bristle scrub brush. The instructions and recommendations for the use of Biological D 2 were also provided in each kit as well. A brief overview of the process was given, with a question and answer session to ensure everyone’s safety. Then the fun began!

There are a number of markers which are being proposed for grant money to repair and are designated by orange markers. As these were not stable, we alerted everyone these were not eligible for cleaning. Most of the group did not have ancestors resting in the cemetery. The intent of the workshop was to provide the tools and skill set to everyone. With all this said and done, everyone was allowed to choose a marker, or markers, on which to hone their technique.

We were not prepared for the enthusiasm, the camaraderie and work ethic of these volunteers! They began tackling some challenging markers which were unreadable with fierce tenacity. The individual spray bottles for the D 2 were refilled as they kept looking for another stone to spruce up. The single 2 gallon water sprayer used to rinse the stones was being shared between everyone and, in hindsight, we should have had at least one more. Within an hour and a half, we were out of D 2! We began with about one and a half gallons! But, we have some greatly improved grave markers now!

Other people gathered up sticks and branches and put together quite a pile, which we’ll remove this coming week. Others ventured across the highway and cleaned up more fallen branches. It’s really coming together!

A true gentleman and friend, Bud Stillwell, arrived and assisted and coached people in their efforts! Always a man of action, he had brought tools and began tackling the overgrown Aderton Family Plot!

The next surprise was when a representative from the NYS State Division of Cemeteries arrived! This was a great moment, as some of the volunteers had questions about other cemeteries they are involved with. Bud was able to proudly share the book he has compiled on the Old Gardnertown Cemetery, which I’ve previously written of, as well as posted a copy on the Rossville Association’s website. We have to compliment the representative’s commitment to pitch in and help Bud with clearing the Aderton Plot. It shows he’s not into spectator sports and really loves the action.

So, the Rossville Cemetery Association wishes to express their sincere gratitude to each and every person who gave their time and sweat equity to accomplish so much in a few hours’ time. It’s spirit like this which is the adhesive which binds a group together to achieve great things. Thank you!