“Use caution when cleaning up cemeteries and graves!”

That was the message from Patti Whitten, a local authority on the cemeteries, to those in attendance at the April 14 meeting of the Pemaquid Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) at the Lincoln Home in Newcastle.

Ms. Whitten gave a very interesting presentation about the cemeteries in Damariscotta and veteran graves in the area. Her talk with a slide show was packed full of good information. Did you know that it is illegal in Maine to go into a cemetery after dark? Did you know there are 34 cemeteries of record in Damariscotta but only 28 have been found? Did you know that the only things that are recommended for use to clean gravestones are water and a product called, D/2 Biological Solution? It contains no acids, salts or chlorine, is pH neutral, biodegradable and requires no special handling or protection. The Damariscotta Historical Society has this product available if you need to purchase it. There are 147 documented veterans in Damariscotta cemeteries alone and there are two more cemeteries to document which could yield again as many more veterans. It is a state requirement that towns maintain every veteran grave.

Granite is the preferred stone for gravestones. Making the lettering on the stones deeply engraved in the stone will make them easier to read 50 years from now. Do not use a flat stone because over time they can sink into the ground and be covered up and hard to find. Learning about “cemetery etiquette” is best taught to the younger generations by taking them to the cemeteries and sharing family stories about the people that are represented by the gravestones.

Ms. Whitten brought two DAR grave markers that need parts or repairs. The Chapter will take responsibility for getting these two markers fixed and back to Patti to put at their rightful graves.

Melba R. Gunnison of Boothbay Harbor, was sworn in as a new member of the Chapter by Shirley Peverly. Members in attendance included: Diane Spofford Randlett, Jean Hoyenski, treasurer, Sue Hochstein, secretary, Miriam Buckley, registrar, Clara Wentworth, conservation chairwoman, Audrey Leeds Miller, regent, and Sara Crespi, a new member who has transferred from the Captain Josiah Crosby Chapter in New Hampshire and now lives in Topsham. Associate members in attendance were Shirley Peverly and Flora Hewitt. Guests included Carolyn Harris, Elizabeth Printy, Sarah Fahnley and Virginia Stanley. The Chapter would like to acknowledge and thank Craig Peverly who was on hand to assist in any way needed with setup, take down and equipment handling. His help is greatly appreciated.

Regent Miller and Clara Wentworth showed off the Vietnam Veteran Commemorative Flag the Chapter purchased to give local towns to fly on March 29. This flag flew at the Wiscasset Municipal Building this year. Any town that wants one to fly should contact the Chapter Regent.

A delicious potluck luncheon followed Ms. Whitten’s program. The Chapter is making plans to hold a bake sale in front of Maine Street Market (formerly Yellowfront Grocery) on Saturday, May 19. The next meeting of the Chapter will be on May 8 (the second Tuesday of the month).

The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is a women’s service organization dedicated to promoting historic preservation, education, patriotism and honoring the patriots of the Revolutionary War. DAR members come from a variety of backgrounds and interests, but all share a common bond of having an ancestor who helped contribute to the securing of the independence of the United States of America. 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. If you would like to become a member and join us in service to our communities in Lincoln County, please contact Audrey Miller, 207-633-7089.