The preservation & repair of cast zinc grave markers
Loading...
Date
2002
Authors
Fagin, Elizabeth
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
Cast zinc grave markers were only produced by one company: The
Monumental Bronze Co. and its subsidiary foundries established throughout the
U.S. and Canada. They were produced for a limited time from, 1874 to 1939, and
tablets and small monuments could be purchased into the early 1940s. They were
invented with the intention of replacing fragile marble tombstones and so,
preventing the deterioration to which these stones are prone. Now, 100 years later,
the zinc monuments are experiencing their own kind of deterioration. The intent of this terminal project is to add to the small body of knowledge
on Monumental Bronze grave markers, to raise awareness and appreciation of
these unique cultural resources, to show cemetery aficionados that these
monuments require a different kind of preventative maintenance than their stone
cousins, and to empower people to initiate the repair of missing and broken tablets
before their neglect inspires more vandalism, theft or damage. Zinc grave markers are amazing representations of funeral art whose
commercialization resulted in an international popular culture that spread from the
American east coast to the west coast and Canada. Despite their mass production
and international marketing, their infinite combinations of styles, emblems and
epitaphs make each one unique.
Description
264 pages