This is the Cemetery Mystery series to be developed in the same format as BRASS MYSTERY.
Black and White https://coord.info/GC95PC9 /
PERMISSION … 1/29/21 Father David … larocheud@westpa.net St Michael’s Byzantine Church Address: 407 School St, Sheffield, PA 16347 Phone: (814) 968-5478
arocheud@westpa.net Fri, Jan 29, 12:59 PM (3 days ago) Dear Elaine: I have received it. Thank you. Sincerely, Fr. David A. Bosnich
ANSWERS
1. COLORATION … George mostly white / Nine mostly black / Perhaps there was a flaw in the internal composition at the time of creation of the monuments causing one monument to be more susceptible to weathering. / Perhaps Nine (#2) was laying on the ground resulting in increased moisture from ground and thus increased weathering.
2. SIZE … George taller and base one piece / Nine shorter and base two pieces / It appears her base was broken somehow and repair resulted in the monument being shorter.
3. POSITION … George no slanting / Nine slanting / Perhaps there are stones within the soil beneath one and not the other causing a difference in freeze-thaw resulting in movement.
4. The date of passing is on one, and not the other. Perhaps there were no family members remaining to give the information.
NOTE: It will be interesting to see what answers are given – all will be accepted. I really do not know why the same stones in the same location both show such a difference. They are side by side, so I would think freeze-thaw would affect them both. I would also think weathering would be similar rather than one showing so little and the other nearly covered by black.
Nice review. I like it much better. Included the similarities in the write-up. Differences are pointed out with explanation required.
Black on Tan https://coord.info/GC8YA23 /
WAS TITLED ,,, EarthCache Trail – Elk County Kane Historical Society (814) 837-8752 DONATED BY Ed Kojancik PLACED by Steve Dyne LOCAL QUARRY Dick Bly MATT 814-598-6753
PERMISSION None needed as it is viewed from the sidewalk.
ANSWERS
1. Black 30% – Tan 70%
2. About 14″
3. Difference in when they were excavated (time) and where they were piled (exposure).
4. Father of the Endangered Species movement. He saved the Lobo Wolves from extinction.
Black on Tan https://coord.info/GC8Y1YR /
BRONZ http://gurneyjourney.blogspot.com/2008/02/bronze-weathering.html
ZINC https://www.rheinzink.us/technical-info/weathering-characteristics/#:~:text=When%20exposed%20to%20wetting%20and,patina%20comprised%20of%20zinc%20carbonate.&text=In%20this%20case%2C%20the%20zinc,a%20powdery%20white%20surface%20deposit.
PERMISSION
Alan Scott – owner – 368-8575
ANSWERS
1. Only in the corners where moisture enhances the growth of biological organisms.
2. Front has black sparkles indicating embedded mica.
-Rant by RN … https://coord.info/GL144ZKF3
Boulder https://coord.info/GC8V45G /
Warren Historical Society
Oakland – Who Will Be the Next to Cross the River
PERMISSION – Jim McDunn 814-730-6375
ANSWERS
1. Actually all types of weathering are evident. Answers vary and all are acceptable. What is interesting is this is the only place where we found an animal making one of the large pits its home.
2. Looks like a combination of mechanical and biological.
Black Streaks https://coord.info/GC8T6KR /
FTF) … Love visiting cemeteries and looking at headstones. Answers given and pictures shown to CO.
PERMISSION On cache page
ANSWERS The black streaks on these graves are predominantly from acid rain.
1. LAWRENCE – 80% mostly on front / two large troughs on top (mechanical) directing the water
2. ORCUTT – 40% mostly on front / two smaller troughs on top (mechanical) directing the water
3. HEVNER – 1% / Only a small black spot on top. This looks the same as the Lawrence and Orcutt stone. However, it is in an open space and not near trees like the other two are. This may account for the lack of black streaks.
4. NAYLOR – Stone is smooth with no mechanical weathering evident. / Black streaks are only on the base and originate from plants growing in the crack between base and stone. The gravestone is similar to the other three. However, the smooth surface may account for the lack of black streaks on this stone.
5. Probably due to small variations in internal structure/minerals. Also, proximity to trees providing additional moisture. … Secretions from plant life is acidic and cause the discoloration when transported to the stone by water.
Brass Mystery https://coord.info/GC93XWV /
PERMISSION
Lake View Cemetery / General Manager / 716-665-3206
ANSWERS
1. N 42° 06. A6 B9 C0 W 079° 14. D2 E1 F5
6ABBOTT – 9AHRENS – 0BRADSHAW –2 HUMPHREY – 1PRESTON – 5SHELDON
2. Brass Elk Statue / The end stage protective patina covers 80% of the statue. / Mid-stage blackish areas found in crevices, horns, underbelly / Minor corrosion evident on inside front legs
3. Waypoint 7 – FENTON – There are two wide bases protecting the structure from weathering due to contact with the ground / Only one that looks like a church / At the time of our visit only one that had a red bow attached to the door
It appears all were purchased (not locally sourced) for placement in the cemetery.
FINAL … The bronze elk statue was made in Salem, Ohio, by the Mullens Body Corporation. It was attached to a granite base, which remains in place. The statue is hollow, and weighs about 200 to 300 pounds.
Carved Lettering https://coord.info/GC8EER9 /
ANSWERS
1. 1910-2 / 1909-2 / 1909-1 / 1909-2 / 1909-3 / 1909-3 / 1908-3 / 1907-3 / 1907-3 / 1907-3 /
No date – 6 / 1921-2 / 1902-2 / 1901-2 / 1901-2 / 1900-1 / 1900-1 / 1900-2 / 1900-4 / 1900-4 /
1899-5 / 1899-5 / 1898-3 / 1899-5 / 1898-5 / 1898-5 / 1898-5 / 1889-5
1. 2 2 1 2 3 / 3 3 3 3 3 / 6 2 2 2 2 / 1 1 2 4 4 / 5 5 3 5 5 / 5 5 5
2. The visual classification gives a great assessment of individual gravestones, but would not give an accurate comparative assessment.
3. There doesn’t appear to be a correlation. Of course, all the stones are from relatively the same date.
4. All the sandstone graves were not cut from the same rock. Thus, there is a difference in
structure, texture and porosity of the gravestone.
Cemetery Rarities https://coord.info/GC8KQDY /
PERMISSION
Russell Swanson (814-778-5148)
ANSWERS
1. JAMES granite / pits (wind) – nonvascular plants (chemical) / Only natural rock (doesn’t look like a tombstone) in this cemetery – Name engraved on a concrete base
2. DIPPO FAMILY conglomerate / corners removed – letters no longer crisp (sand-blasting) / this type of rock is not commonly used for gravestones
WAYPOINT 1 – Only one in this cemetery
WAYPOINT 2 – Not usually used for gravestones
Cracked Up https://coord.info/GC8Y2DF /
PERMISSION
John Platko … 814-368-7016ANSWERS
1. Front is narrow and has a large crack separating the two sides. Back is solid rock with no evidence of a fissure. / Backside is wider than the frontside and has a large tree predominantly growing there.
2. Freeze-thaw – continually widening the crack. / Root wedging – A large tree growing on the rock – Roots growing in the crack and extending nearly the entire length and width of the crack / Dynamite caused the original split in the rock
3. No. It has been about 70 years since the rock originally split – The back is solid with no evidence of any fissures.
Fieldstone https://coord.info/GC8V65V /
MARSHTOWN – Fieldstones – N 41° 58.128 W 079° 12.055
Flaking / https://www.101corpuschristi.com/3330
Warren County Historical Society (814) 723-1795
PERMISSION
Veterans Office 814-728-3477 … Delores Stec
ANSWERS
1. Flaking covers the back. The front does not have flaking.
2. This is under a tree. Flaking is evident front, back and sides. Probably due to the increased moisture.
3. Flaking covers the back. The front does not have flaking.
4. All three stones have a significant amount of flaking. The tops are also broken off on all three stones. The stone experiencing the greatest weathering via flaking is #2 probably due to its location under the tree. / Is that because the tree drips more on the stone to bring out the salts or does the tree add additional chemicals/acids to the water to accelerate the erosion?
Granite https://coord.info/GC8YFAZ /
PERMISSION
Russell Swanson (814-778-5148)
ANSWERS
1. ECKSTROM – gray rough surface / Feldspar
2. QUIST – red rough deep / Potassium Feldspar
3. KARDES – gray polished surface / Feldspar
4. WARREN – dark gray polished surface / Biotite
5. HOWARD – black polished midway / Biotite
6. SCHRECENGOST – black rough midway / Biotite
7. TROUTMAN – red polished deep / Potassium Feldspar
8. JOHNSON – dark red rough deep / Potassium Feldspar
9. ZAR – light pink rough surface / Potassium Feldspar
10. Only a little lichen on one of the stones and a little moss between base and gravestone on another one. Granite is the most resistant to weathering of all the stones observed in this cemetery.
Gravestone Creepers https://coord.info/GC8Y9JB /
PERMISSION – Father Raymond Gramata … 814–362-6825
St Bernard Church … Wendy … 814–362-6825
ANSWERS
1. Lyons tipped and tilted / slope is significant (42″)
2. a. Sullivan tipped / b. Eagan top off base / c. Mother half sunk in ground / d. Anonymous no top only base
3. 70% – hilly terraced terrain
4. 10% / slope is minimal (4″)
5. Older gravestones on a hill and more time for movement / newer gravestones on relatively flat terrain and less time for movement
-For this cache, you are going to use more of a qualitative determination rather than a quantitative measurement. Select a measurement that is at least 6′. Secure one end of your tape/string Then walk at least 6′ downslope. Keeping a straight line using a level or sighting along the tape/string, measure the height. This is the answer to slope for questions 1 and 4.
Gravestone Geology https://coord.info/GC8XXGY /
PERMISSION
Wellsboro Cemetery Caretaker / Daryl Sherman / 570-724-4622
ANSWERS
1. Log Cabin / sandstone / logs are red sandstone – roof and foundation are gray sandstone
2. Obelisk / shale-pebble conglomerate / left side is thin and spire-like – right side is more uniform – rounded on bottom
3. Boulder / sandstone / tafoni on front – staining and lichens on both sides
Gravestone Weathering I https://coord.info/GC6TRMG /
East side of Jefferson St. between Martha St. & Aspen Dr. … 42°16′13″N 78°40′07″W
ELLICOTTVILLE HISTORICAL MUSEUM
Highlights history of Ellicottville, Town Historian Mary Dunbar – 716-699-2162, Open June -September, Saturday & Sunday 1-4 pm
ELLICOTTVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
P.O. Box 456 / 9 W. Washington St. – Ellicottville, New York 14731
Phone: (800) 349-9099 / 716-699-5046 – Email: info@ellicottvilleny.com
OAK HILL CEMETERY … Address: 212 E Main St, Bradford, PA 16701 … Phone: (814) 368-3037
PERMISSION
John Watson / 814-362-6123 / steelerjohn425@atlanticbb.net
President Oak Hill Cemetery Association / 30 acres / 7,000 markers / 13,000 internments
$5000 each mowing
ANSWERS
1. Granite … Y N N N Y N Y
2. Marble … N N N N Y N Y
3. Marble … N N N N Y N Y
4. Granite … Y N N N Y Y Y
5. Granite looked more weathered with the writing not as crisp.
Checklist shows granite 7 marble 4.
Granite stone … N 41 57.538 W 078 38.108
Gravestone Weathering II https://coord.info/GC8FFM4 /
PERMISSION
On cache page
ANSWERS
1. Organic forms only
2. Only biological weathering with non-vascular plants on less than 10% of the stones
3. All 7 forms are present – These are the only gravestones we have encountered that show flaking, blistering, and contour weathering.
4. Mechanical weathering – pits due to wind and water – cracks due to freeze thaw mechanism / Chemical weathering – Flaking due to water, oxygen, acids eroding the cracks until a sheet of sandstone is removed / Biological Weathering – all three gravestones are encased in non-vascular plants, mostly mosses
5. Granite is more resistant to weathering than sandstone. The granite graves are much newer with dates of passing 1915 and 1964. The dates on the three sandstone graves is gone. It is possible these graves could be as old as 1833 per transfer from Littleton Burial Grounds.
Just Ducky https://coord.info/GC8YF12 /
PERMISSION
John Platko … 814-368-7016
ANSWERS
1. Upstream the bridge and walls are flush. Downstream the walls are separated from the bridge by around 1/2″. There is a slight slope causing separation due to freeze-thaw.
2. A sluice pipe preventing erosion under the bridge. A tree wedged slows down the water reducing erosion.
3. Vegetation is planted along the entire streambank. There are both natural stones and concrete blocks lining the outside of the meanders.
Layers https://coord.info/GC91Y6E /
Town of Busti / 125 Chautauqua Avenue / Lakewood, NY 14750
PERMISSION
Darlene Nygren / 716-763-8561 / clerk@townofbusti.com
ANSWERS
1. Bottom rough black / Second Layer rough brown streaks / Third Layer polished black only on corner and where layers meet / Top rough fluted black within the flutes / All appear to be caused by chemical weathering either due to reactions with water or decaying plants.
2. The differences lie in the texture (polished/rough) and in the surface area (fluted/flat).
LVC Gravestone Geology https://coord.info/GC8XZJT /
PERMISSION
Lake View Cemetery / General Manager / 716-665-3206
ANSWERS
1. Newman sandstone yes / Top of rock has a peak and brass name plate almost entirely black
2. Livingston conglomerate yes / Sculpted into scallops and Block letters of name engraved into the stone
3. Shell from Battleship Main destroyed in 1898 sandstone yes / Shell atop the rock
4. Burnell sandstone yes / Blue green streak from the weathering of brass name plate
LVC Gravestone Weathering https://coord.info/GC8XW33 /
PERMISSION
Lake View Cemetery / General Manager / 716-665-3206
ANSWERS
1 Crane / chemical / large black stripe front-top-back / Due to acids either from environment or from non-vascular plant decay
2 Case / chemical / series of black streaks both front and back / Due to acids either from environment or from non-vascular plant decay
3 Jensen / chemical and biological / black and green in carvings / black due to acids either from environment or from non-vascular plant decay / green due to non-vascular lichens
4 Lindquist / chemical / small black stripes front-back / Due to acids either from environment or from non-vascular plant decay
5 Name obscured / red yellow green black white / This area is where we observed the greatest variety of biological weathering due to non-vascular plants.
6 Dasher / chemical and biological / black crust outlined with white lichen – moss at base growing where gravestone connects with base / Due to acids either from environment or from non-vascular plant decay / moisture providing environment for growth of moss
7. Case – Crane – Lindquist – Jensen – Dasher – No name / Biological
LVC Green Mantle https://coord.info/GC8Y2E3 /
PERMISSION
Lake View Cemetery / General Manager / 716-665-3206
ANSWERS
1. velvety / doesn’t appear to have any damage
2. A few black streaks on the far left both front and back / Probably black algae
3. Appears to be about 80% due to the tree cover providing both moisture and shade
4. There is some green throughout the cemetery, but greatest concentration is at/near the posted coordinates.
2. MESSAGE …. Examine both front and back of the William Maddox wall. … a. In addition to the green algal covering, what else is evident on the wall? / b. What is it? / c. Where is it located?
3. MESSAGE …. What is the estimated percentage of green covering the stones in this area? / Why is there so much green at this location?
4. MESSAGE …. Travel 1/4-1/2 mile through the cemetery. Compare the amount of green covering the gravestones to the area at the posted coordinates.
5. LOG …. Post a picture at another gravesite (1/4-1/2 mile from posted coordinates) showing green. This picture is your log signature.
ANSWERS
1. Granite – velvety / doesn’t appear to have any damage
2. Marble – mostly indentations caused by plant and environmental acids
3. Sandstone – pitting
ERROR – spelling in #2
LVC Marbelous https://coord.info/GC93XV1 /
PERMISSION
Lake View Cemetery / General Manager / 716-665-3206
ANSWERS
1. Only some yellowing in the crevices of her dress. Encased in glass and made of Italian Marble.
2. Both are white. Galloway is pure white whereas Bowen is an eggshell white. Galloway is made of Italian marble and is pure calcite.
3. Bowen is white and Swanson is reddish brown so has several other minerals besides calcite.
4. There is minimal weathering of the marble as compared with other gravestones.
5. gravesite of Lucille Ball
LVC Spheres and Angles https://coord.info/GC93VEY /
PERMISSION
Lake View Cemetery / General Manager / 716-665-3206
ANSWERS
1. Spheres Sandstone / Posted shows massive weathering with pieces flaking off probably due to pollution via acid rain. Not made of granite (Looks to be made of sandstone). / Waypoint shows minimum weathering. Is made of granite.
NOTE – The sphere at the posted coords is the only sphere like this that we have observed in all the cemeteries we visited.
2. Cube Granite / There is only minor biological weathering at the place where the cube meets the base.
3. Marble / Angular base and Rounded lamb on top. Mostly biological weathering.
4. There are numerous examples to choose from.
LVC Zinc You Much https://coord.info/GC93XVY /
PERMISSION
Lake View Cemetery / General Manager / 716-665-3206
ANSWERS
1-4. Crane … hollow / pre based on color and texture / blackish discoloration on name plate – greenish discoloration where base meets metal / yes – slight slant indicating minimal creeping
5-8. Worthington … hollow / post based on color and texture / blackish discoloration on name plate and extending slightly below – dark green/black where base meets metal / yes – slant indicating minimal creeping
9. Crane has just a bit less weathering evident than Worthington.
10. Both zinc monuments are holding up as well or better than the surrounding monuments.
Marble https://coord.info/GC8V5R6 /
Warren Historical Society
Oakland – Who Will Be the Next to Cross the River
PERMISSION – Jim McDunn 814-730-6375
ANSWERS
1. granular
2. a. 1861 / b. 50% / c. 75%
3. Downtown Warren (industrialized) is just across the river.
Sandstone Comparison https://coord.info/GC8MNWG /
PERMISSION – roadside
ANSWERS
1. Both left and right stones have similar size sand grains. The middle stone has embedded pebbles.
2. LEFT – There are cracks indicating freeze-thaw mechanical weathering. Red and yellow non-vascular plants are present indicating biological weathering.
3. MIDDLE – There are small pits indicating wind and water abrasion. There are two whitish streaks indicating possible chemical weathering. The entire back is 90% covered in black streaks indicating chemical weathering. Small patches of greenish non-vascular plants are present indicating biological weathering.
4. RIGHT – There are two small vertical indications indicating mechanical weathering by water abrasion. There are several red streaks indicating chemical weathering. There are several small round patches of lichen growing on the rock indicating biological weathering.
5. The back of the middle stone is covered in black indicating chemical weathering. The other two stones do not show these black streaks. This may be due to the fact that it is different than the other two. Also, the back seems closer to the foliage.
Seeing Red https://coord.info/GC8V63H /
EAST RANDOLPH – Seeing Red – N 42° 10.305 W 078° 57.371
PERMISSION
Cathy Sickles – Randolph Town Hall – (716) 358-9701
ANSWERS
1. Staining present predominantly on the front at the base. Probably due to more shaded at the back and less exposure to weathering.
2. Feldspar in granite. This is the only granite stone in this section. The other stones are much older and made of sandstone. This stone is more recent and is more resistant to weathering.
3. Nonvascular plants. Only 10% is seen in the crevices between stone and base. The other two stones have little or no biological weathering.
4. Staining over 90% front and back of both stones.
5. This area is predominantly sandstone and the red is mostly caused by staining of iron oxide.
GUIDELINES
This is the most red we have encountered at any of the cemeteries we visited.
Tidal Rhythmites https://coord.info/GC7DKGW /
PERMISSION
No permission needed as it is a historical roadside site open to the public. See links.
Searched but did not find the name of a caretaker to contact.
ANSWERS
1. Deposition of silt due to coastal tides.
2. Answers vary, but bands average under 12 thick-thin layers.
3. Precise measurements can determine the phase of the moon during the time the layers were deposited.
Traffic Lights https://coord.info/GC9G2V8 /
PERMISSION
roadside – none needed
ANSWERS
1. There are reddish streaks within some of the blocks located on all four sides of the monument. This is due to the presence of iron oxide within the stone.
2. There are yellow bands located predominantly under the blocks supporting the planters. The yellow indicates the presence of feldspar.
3. The green is located in vertical streaks underneath the sign – “In honor and memory of the men and women of Penfield Community who served in World War II”. The color is due to the chemical weathering of the metal plate.
Turtle Shell https://coord.info/GC69B94 /
N 42° 31.162 W 079° 00.023 … EMHGT2 – Chapman
1. Septarian Nodule … multiple mineral centers each surrounded with clay
2. Brought here to add to the landscaping
They vary in size and some show a lot of distortion due to erosion (130 years)
blsmith@cattco.org … Becky and Jackie … 800-331-0543
HISTORIAN Jody Shaw 12591 Wardtown Road Perrysburg, NY 14129 (716) 532-1558 (H) jodylee3030@gmail.com
Contact Jody by EMAIL or visit Perryburg Museum on last Saturday of Month 10am to noon
Monday, 02 July 2018 … RT loves earthcaches so enjoyed developing this. LN loves cemeteries so enjoyed visiting this. Thus far have discovered three types of concretions – septarian nodules, calcium carbonate disks, and rose rocks. The varied wonders of Earth Mother are always a joy to see and makes my heart smile.
Weathering Mystery https://coord.info/GC8FNH6
PERMISSION
THANK YOU Denny Baker for permission to share this learning adventure.
(president) 814-544-7313 cardcreekwines@gmail.com
ANSWERS
Final Coordinates are … N 41° 47.045 W 078° 11.407
1. A4 granite – HARRY Army Korea 1932-2012 80
2. B7 marble – RAYMOND Army WWII 1921-2002 81
3. C0 granite – JOHN Navy WWII 1923-2011 88
4. D4 earth – SARA Army Nurse Corps WWI 1889-1985 96
5. E5 cross – JESSE Army WWI 1899-1973 74
6. F1 red granite within – DOMINIC Army Vietnam 1939-2017 78
7. G1 gray granite surface – BOYD Army WWII 1925-2004 79
8. H4 earth – JAMES Air Force Korea 1936-1987 51
9. I0 yes – PHILLIP Army Vietnam 1942-1996 54 / MICHAEL Navy WWII 1921-2010 89
10. J7 purple heart 11-4 – LESLIE Army WWII 1926-1993 67 Purple Heart
11. Biological Weathering by non-vascular plants.
12. The two stones rest beneath a large tree providing the shade and moisture needed for growth.
HINT – Ella M. Clark -and- George L. Clark
FINAL N 41° 47.045′ W 78° 11.407′
BIOLOGICAL WEATHERING
Flaking of the surface of a sandstone gravestone can produce large and small coherent flakes which become detached. Often the flake can remain attached to the surface for so long that organisms begin to live in the gap between the flake and the gravestone, possibly causing biological weathering of the surface.
-For future EarthCaches of this type, please consider local origins of materials used at the side to provide local relevance. Otherwise, the lesson content is generic.
WEATHERING OF BRASS
OXIDATION … Oxidation is a chemical reaction that occurs when brass, a copper alloy, comes into contact with the air resulting in a tarnish or patina on the surface of the brass that keeps it from looking shiny. Oxidized brass is typically blackish, green or blue, and hardens like a thick crust over the surface of the brass. This coating typically flakes off and can be removed to reveal the shiny brass surface. Oxidation has no effect on the integrity of the brass the way corrosion does.
DEZINCIFICATION … Brass also contains a significant amount of the element zinc, and is therefore susceptible to a process known as “dezincification.” This occurs when zinc erodes and the copper retains its shape but not its strength, and results in copper crumbling and falling apart. Generally, brass corrodes when the zinc, copper and tin components of brass alloy are exposed to water. Corrosion in brass is easily identifiable by reddish or pink splotches on the surface of the object.
OXIDATION – https://www.hunker.com/13411145/about-brass-oxidation
WEATHERING – https://i.pinimg.com/originals/bf/6a/8e/bf6a8e65101b27de184c2317f1e11188.jpg
a. For each name, indicate the amount of oxidation. (0% – 100%) / b. Is there any evidence of corrosion on any of the brass plates?
Organize the names based on the degree of weathering of the brass plates.
Now organize the names based on their date of death.
Compare your information from #2 and #3. Is brass a good indicator of weathering? Explain.
BRASS
Brass is a metal alloy that is always made with a combination of copper and zinc. By varying the amount of copper and zinc, brass can be made harder or softer.