Honoring Memories with Care

​ABOUT US

Before moving to Salem Oregon in 1993, we (Amy and Matt) lived in Massachusetts, in rural South Lancaster. Before long, I (Matt) became aware of the local “Indian Cemetery.” This cemetery had no native Americans, but was primarily graves from the 1600's, especially from the time of “King Phillip's War,” (a major, bloody period of warfare between the English colonists and the native Americans and their chief, with the nickname “King Phillip). The headstones were over 300 years old, covered with hex signs, lichen, and moss...and vandalism. People used them for target practice, kicked them over, spray painted them.

When I finally left that area, I wished I had some way to care for that place. Someone had taken a lot of care with the making and carving of the headstones, and they were laid out neatly (though now in the forest). The people and their lives were being forgotten.

Once in Oregon, we began seeing small, rural cemeteries. We remember seeing one that was like a very successful moss farm, but the headstones were being swallowed up, and were unreadable. At others, stones were broken off and piled up. One stone was very weathered and the only legible line said “Indian Wars.”  We have raised our five children in Salem, and have done business here since 1995, as Scenic Enterprises, Inc.

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Causes of damage to headstones: 

Paraphrase from National Park Service “cleaning grave markers”​

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• Dirt often gets splashed by rain onto the headstone surface. Dirt can lead to staining on the surface or an overall dingy appearance. It can penetrate into the pores of the stone and be difficult to remove. Minerals containing iron can leach into the marble surface and leave rust-colored stains behind. If the headstone has sunk into the ground over time then was raised and realigned, a distinct line of soiling can be seen. Dirt can retain moisture after a rain and lead to the growth of mold or mildew on the stone surface.

• Air pollution can deposit on the surface of marble. Factories or industrial activities can generate pollutants that can change the appearance of the stone or chemically interact with the stone over time. For example, sulfur dioxide produced through manufacturing processes and vehicle exhaust can interact with marble surfaces to cause gypsum crusts. These crusts can capture soil and pollution particles to create rough, gray surfaces.

• Biological organisms, such as bacteria, mold, mildew, algae, mosses, or lichen can adhere to the headstone and result in appearance changes. Microorganisms are capable of establishing a film on the surface of the stone. These films are hard to remove through standard cleaning practices and provide food for regrowth of organisms. Bacteria can take in air pollutants, and produce acids that can attack the stone. Fungi can penetrate the pore system of stone and carry bacteria further into the stone.

• Vandalism

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We believe that graves and grave markers are important for remembering and honoring those who are no longer with us.  We are committed to honoring these resting places.