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found this side for anyone researching Colarado, and these hints for reading and photographing gravestones
http://www.ghostseekers.com/Index.htm
GRAVESTONE IMPRESSIONS
There are various ways of taking an impression of a gravestone. First you will need to clean the gravestone.... CAREFULLY! Take a jug of water, a spray bottle, and a soft plastic (Not wire!) brush. After wetting the stone with water, carefully wipe any dirt or lichen off of it with the brush.
Photographing the stone
Chalk Method - take white sidewalk chalk and lightly rub the stone. This will leave the lettering unchalked and easier to photograph.
Mirror Method - Use a mirror to reflect light onto the stone, in order to bring out shadows that will contrast with the lettering.
Shaving Cream Method - Place some shaving cream on the stone. Run a squeegee across the stone so that the shaving cream remains imbedded in the lettering. Photograph. Using your water bottle and spray bottle, clean the stone thoroughly and wipe gently with a soft clean rag.
Black Light Method - If the writing is too faded to read, use a 75 watt black light bulb in any lamp that casts light directly on the written message. The writing will miraculously appear.
Gravestone Rubbings - Take a medium-weight piece of fabric interfacing. Wrap around the stone and tape firmly in place. Using a wide child's crayon, rub across the fabric until the lettering shows to your satisfaction. After removing interfacing from stone, place a piece of white paper on your ironing board. Place rubbing face down on top of white paper and iron on low setting in order to set impression. You can also do this with paper, but fabric interfacing is more durable and easier to frame or store.
Plaster Casts - Tape a piece of aluminum foil to the stone. Using a pencil eraser, carefully work the foil into the stone's lettering and design motifs. When complete, remove the foil and store flat. When ready to make cast, take the foil out and REVERSE it. Fold edges up neatly, so that you will end up with a shallow tray. Mix Plaster of Paris according to package instructions. Pour 1/2 inch wet plaster into the mold and let it set up. Although it seems like the plaster will flatten out the foil impressions, it won't. Remove plaster from mold. You can leave it plain, but it looks better if you paint it with a "granite look" speckle paint, which you can obtain at most craft stores. What to do with it? Frame it, hang it on the wall, turn several into room dividers, use it as a conversation piece!
Don't know about the last bit though !!!!! Val
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Good point Michael. I read them quickly and thought it said Back light.
My oh says black light is an ultra violet light.
I did wonder myself how to get power to a cemetry though, perhaps you have to carry a car battery with you LOL............................... val
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