DAR cleans gravestones from 1800s

Members of the Grinnell Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) gathered Aug. 24 at Chester Cemetery north of Grinnell to clean cemetery stones. Ten gravestones from the 1800s were cleaned using D/2 Biological Solution, a biodegradable liquid that removes stains from mold, algae, mildew, lichens and air pollutants and is effective on stone. D/2 has been used to clean monuments and buildings such as the White House, the Alamo, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Iowa Soldiers and Sailors Monument. DAR members applied the solution to gravestones, waited 10 to 15 minutes, and then scrubbed the stones with a soft nylon brush. Photos of the gravestones with GPS coordinates were taken to upload to BillionGraves and FindaGrave.

The Daughters of the American Revolution is a society founded on service in the areas of historic preservation, education and patriotism. The year Daughters are being asked to support Historic Preservation by cleaning headstones and undertaking restoration and beautification projects in local cemeteries.

DAR members are descended from the patriots who won American independence during the Revolutionary War. Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution is eligible to join. The Grinnell Chapter is named after Josiah B. Grinnell, the founder of the city of Grinnell. Members come from Grinnell, Newton, Montezuma and surrounding communities.

For information about membership in DAR, contact Nancy Bender, registrar, at 641-236-7065.