Headstone Repairs
Save the Graves works with local headstone repair specialists to fix broken historic tombstones in El Dorado County cemeteries.
In 2022, Save the Graves sponsored 16 headstone repairs in Placerville Union Cemetery. Additional information on a few of these repairs is featured below.
Throughout 2023 and 2024, headstone repair specialists continued to fix broken historic tombstones at Placerville Union, Placerville Old City, El Dorado and Mormon Island Cemeteries using VA-approved best practices and Save the Graves’ supplied conservation grade epoxies and mortars.
John Kemp's tombstone sat at a skewed angle, likely the result of vandalism. Sister Rachel is buried next to him. Both of their tombstones were broken in the past and repaired. Her repair held. His did not.
John Roy’s marble tablet, Masonic compass and square emblazoned at its crest, has not fared well. It was on the ground, subject to damaging moisture from above and below. The Roy headstone was one of 16 repairs sponsored by Save the Graves in 2022.
Frederick’s tombstone fragments were never carried off and have now risen from their grave to once again stand proudly over Frederick. Custom metal brackets carefully fit the marker and are held in place with dabs of special epoxy. The cracks remain visible.
In 2022 Leifeld’s marker was chosen as one of 16 broken headstones deemed threatened and was included in the Save the Graves Headstone Repair project. The broken headstone was reattached to the original base which was found buried in the ground.