Sunset Hill 2023 Gravestone Preservation Workshop

09/04/2023

These gravestones are cleaning up nicely!

07/18/2023

A cleaning demonstration was performed on the gravestone of Mary Ellen Kendall, wife of the Rev W. W. Kendall. She passed in June of 1890 at age 47 after traveling to this area from Oklahoma for surgical removal of a tumor.
The D2 biological solution was applied to the entire stone but only the front face was scrubbed (with a soft natural bristle brush). The D2, sunlight and rain will continue to clear the biological growth from the stone. (Progress pictures will be posted.)

07/18/2023

* If you participated in the workshop and did not provide contact information (collected at the end of the day), please message this page!

Locations that participants traveled from included:
Overland Park - 137 mi
Partridge - 103 mi
Nickerson - 96 mi
Paxico - 64 mi
Peabody - 43 mi
Abilene - 33 mi
Council Grove - 25
Hope - 10 mi
Herington

07/17/2023

 The gravestone of Charles Field stands proudly once again.  Charles was 27 when he passed in 1885.  Little is known about Charles but he may have been a carpenter, working to build our fledgling community.  The limestone base was raised several inches,  the Georgia marble monument cleaned, raised and secured, and the finial repaired with the pieces that could be located.

07/17/2023

The gravestone of Cyrus Chase, aged 11 months, who died in November 1886 stands once again.  The stone must’ve broken long ago as the broken edges are very weather worn, yet it was repairable. The base was mostly intact with just a corner broken away and the keyway was still intact, although eroded.  The base was raised, the lower portion of the stone fixed into the base with mortar and the upper part of the stone attached with epoxy.  An impending storm prevented additional infill of the eroded sections.

07/14/2023

Couldn’t come out this morning? you can still learn a lot! There is a nice breeze!

07/14/2023

See posts below for other info. Here is the preliminary parking map. Please park far enough from other vehicles that they can get out but close enough not to waste space. Avoid parking on graves - the designated roads have enough room to park 1/2 - 2/3 on the grass with one set of wheels on the roadway. Parking on the grass around the GAR canon is OK. Most of the preservation work is expected to occur in the south west area of the Original Cemetery. Parking on the furthest west road - designated with orange line - should be used only by those with limited mobility. The initial gathering point is designated on the map - a blue topped canopy will be set up there (barring any problems with that!)

07/12/2023

Water! We will have a couple cases of water on ice but as we don't know how many people will be attending, please ensure you have some drinking water and/or a bottle with you. There are hydrants throughout the cemetery.
The cemetery is situated to get any breezes there may be and there are shady areas. We also have a few battery-powered fans to share and some sunscreen and bug spray in case you forget yours!
Check other posts for lunch info and parking info will be posted on Thursday.

07/06/2023

07/06/2023

Lunch options:
A sheet with phone numbers and locations will be available at the Sunset Hill 2023 Gravestone Preservation Workshop

* Bring your own!
Pick up something locally:
* Cenex Ampride - gas station & convenience store
* Barnes Heartland Foods - grocery store with deli
* Sweet Creations bakery - sandwiches, pastries, soft serve ice cream (open early & all day)
* Broadway Station - sit down restaurant, take out (open @11, all afternoon & evening)
* The Spot & Dining Car - sit down bar/restaurant, take out w/ drive up window (kitchen open 11 - 1:30, 5-9 pm)
* La Isla Mexican Restuarant - sit down restaurant, take out (open all day)
* Uncle Bob's Bowling Center & Pin Up Cafe' - breakfast all day, burgers, hand dipped ice cream, etc., sit down or take out (7am - 9pm)
* Subway
* Pizza Hut