Have you queried the Association of Gravestone studies?  They've been the
most knowledgeable group for more than 25 years.  They're a terrific resource.

Terry Lehr

At 11:43 PM 2/7/02 -0500, you wrote:
> > A group of us are interested in resetting fallen and leaning tombstones in
> > some of the local abandoned family cemeteries... Is there an accepted
> > way to display them lying on the ground on gravel or a cement pad?
>
>If there are incised inscriptions on the stones, lying them face up with
>no protection from the elements will hasten the eventual loss of those
>inscriptions.  Standing vertically, they at least had the advantage of not
>getting such direct pelting by rain, sleet, etc.  If water rests in the
>grooves and is subject to freezing and thawing, that also works against
>preservation.  McLuhan's words were never especially true in a cemetary:
>the medium is the message.
>
>Nick.
>
> > From: Harold H. Miller [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> > Sent: Saturday, February 02, 2002 7:48 AM
> > To: [log in to unmask]
> > Subject: Resetting tombstones
> >
> >
> >
> >