Preservation of cemeterys antique ironwork ensures connection to past

PETERSBURG, Va. Restoring the ironwork in Blandford Cemetery, some of which was created as far back as the 1700s, requires painstaking care to ensure that these connections to the past stand for years to come. The Historic Blandford Cemetery Foundation is now on the second phase of a project to repair the ironworks that was started in the fall of 2012.

The pieces of art wrap around the plots of the Petersburg cemetery in fences of spear points, medallions, chains and tassels. More ornate pieces portray the gartridge boxes and muskets and sabres of wars past. Figures of kneeling and mourning children are set in the center of gates that open to the plots.

Almost every plot is unique.

Pat Rowland, spokeswoman for the Historic Blandford Cemetery Foundation, emphasized the importance of the cemeterys ironworks not falling victim to time.

We are in danger of losing our heritage and history, she said. You cant find anyone to do cast iron like this. This is a lost art.

Rowland said that much of the nations historic ironwork was lost during the world wars when it was melted down for use in weaponry.

While many have said that the work should be protected, continuing the project to preserve the ironwork requires more funding.

The first phase of the project was completed a year ago and the second phase should be completed this month. Both phases were funded through a $100,000 bequest from the estate of Patrick Henry Booth, a life-long resident of Petersburg. The Cockade City Garden Club also funds the project annually and has given about $5,000 in all. Booths bequest is the largest individual donation in the history of the foundation and came with the request that the money be spent on the restoration and preservation of the ironworks.

Jay Freeman, president of the Historic Blandford Cemetery Foundation, said that $50,000 more was needed to restore the rest of the ironwork. The project prioritizes ironwork that is most visible to the visiting public.

Most of the ironwork dates back to the 19th century, just before the Civil War, with some dating back to the 18th century.

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Preservation of cemeterys antique ironwork ensures connection to past